Travelling with gear - DPChallenge Forums

08/12/2005 12:38:46 PM · #1

For those of you who fly with your gear (say 20+lbs worth) how do you like to ship it? Do you check it or pack it in a carry-on?

I'm going to call Air Canada and see what their new policy is but figured I should get some first-hand stories from you guys, too. Just wondering how much they hassle and man-handle your gear.

Thanks!
Lori

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

08/12/2005 12:41:26 PM · #2

I sure don't have the poundage of stuff but I carry my camera. I will not let it be checked in that hold area, it may not be a DSLR or something expensive but it's all I have. The other stuff such as tripod etc can go in the old as far as I'm concerned.

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

08/12/2005 12:47:14 PM · #3

I'm more wondering about DSLR's and accessories...I know they take some stuff apart and really really don't want them poking about in my camera body or trying to jimmy open my flash.

ralph

Nikon Z9

08/12/2005 12:51:18 PM · #4

never never check it

if you have to change planes mid trip
(you are in Edm. right ? cant nearly get anywere without a change..)
never never never check it -- mre people who touch your stuff - higher chances of damage or thieft

granted my experiance has been from last year (air canada & WestJet)
(though i flew a dozen or more times then)
wear your camera & the heavest lens
( are exempt from weight restictions) and carry on everything ..
i pack everything (including a laptop) into a large bag for carry on
& pack in luggage a day trip camera bag

nsbca7

08/12/2005 12:55:22 PM · #5

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

I'm more wondering about DSLR's and accessories...I know they take some stuff apart and really really don't want them poking about in my camera body or trying to jimmy open my flash.

Get a good camera bag that will meet carry-on regulations and hold all your gear and don't let it out of your sight. If you have any mis-givings about this advice simply look out you window after boarding the next time you fly and watch the guys loading the luggage onto the plane. They are not called throwers for nothing.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/12/2005 12:56:37 PM · #6

what do you mean wear my camera? You mean walk through security with a camera around my neck?

I'm in Calgary, but close enough. :-) I'm stopping over for an afternoon in Montreal - and yea, I agree, I don't even like checking my clothes let alone gear. But I know they took apart my uncle's SLR last year..even popped the film out.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

08/12/2005 12:58:13 PM · #7

Mostly carry on, if it goes over the weight limit, wrap it up in clothes in a suitcase.

Flash

Nikon D700

08/12/2005 01:00:08 PM · #8

Tripod and monopod go in the checked baggage. Camera bag (2-3 bodies with all lenses (17-35,24-85,50 1.8, 50-500), both speedlights, flash cards/film, batteries with chargers, portable storage device and manuals) stays with me. I use a Delsey Pro camera bag.

nsbca7

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

08/12/2005 01:00:10 PM · #9

Give us an idea. What are you taking with you?

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/12/2005 01:08:31 PM · #10

- Canon 10D body
- all my cards (of course)
- large flash bracket (can't remember the make)
- Canon 550EX flash
- Quantum T4D flash (huge)
- Quantum turbo pack (high voltage)
- Quantum QB1+ pack (high voltage)
- 70-200 F2.8 lens
- 28-105 lens
- then all my chargers amd misc. cables

jellyoooo

Canon EOS-60D

08/12/2005 01:13:27 PM · #11

i got something different i think..

i got an ipod.. which is always good for travelling. and along with that a CARD READER.

so when i finish my 1 giga card i just move it all to the ipod who has like unlimited storage..
]

so my tip:
"Ipod" for Music+Storage..

ralph

Nikon Z9

08/12/2005 01:18:23 PM · #12

yes- wear the camera ;)
-- might have to pack the quantums --
but if they fit in your bag carry them ...

offer to take their picture & show it to them
I've never had to open my camera - they had tended to just look & grunt
(though they get real excited about my crappy laptop ;)
think it would be easier to pack a "nasty thing" into
an empty 80-200mm f2.8 than a laptop

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

08/12/2005 01:21:28 PM · #13

Originally posted by jellyoooo:

so when i finish my 1 giga card i just move it all to the ipod who has like unlimited storage..

Wow! That's different!

On a serious note, I pack all of my stuff minus the tripod in the backpack. It is heavy, but I would rather suffer the inconvenience of carrying my gear near my heart (or kidneys), then look at the 'throwers' improve their free throw percentage with my bags.

There is another aspect - the checked bags do get open and people go through the stuff. Now I have nothing against that, it increases the security etc. and I'm fine with it. There have been known instances of TSA workers 'borrowing' stuff from people's luggage.

All of my more expensive stuff is insured, but I still would rather not have to deal with the insurance...

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/12/2005 01:22:19 PM · #14

I don't think I want to wear my camera and zoom lens for 10 hours, though. But so far that's the best idea :-)

I remember I bought this really expensive china tea pot for my mom and was bringing it personally home to her for christmas. I carried it on my lap in a small box the entire time and I STILL broke it.

Typical me.

I'm flying business class this time so do you think they'll hassle me less?

Message edited by author 2005-08-12 13:25:05.

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

08/12/2005 01:32:37 PM · #15

I just went to Mexico with laptop, 20D, 300D, 28-135, 70-300, 50, 18-55, all cards, chargers, and accessories. Carry it all in a Pelican bag, fits under the seat or in the overhead. The only thing that comes out of the bag at security is the laptop. The rest goes through the security machine. It weighs about 30 lbs. (This is what I carry everyday with me.)

melking

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

08/13/2005 06:52:58 PM · #16

Where are you going, home for a trip?

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/13/2005 07:04:15 PM · #17

Thisis what you want. Bombproof, waterproof, carry-on size, has wheels so you don't have to carry it, just roll it. You can also get it with foam inside that you can custom fit to your gear, but the dividers are more flexible.