Relocating - What to do with my kit?

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

09/14/2010 10:54:19 PM · #1

I'm going to be relocating from my current location of Sydney Australia, back home to Scotland where I'm from in November this year. I'm wondering what the best thing to do with my equipment is and am looking for advice from those of you who have done something similar or regularly travel with large amounts of kit.

We're going to be shipping most of our stuff surface, but we'll be doing a bit of travelling on the way back going via South Korea and Portugal, and I would like to take my camera and probably 1 or 2 lenses with me.

I have an HPRC hard case which my camera and all my lenses fit into, though together they weigh quite a bit and that would knock a significant amount off my luggage allowance if I took the whole lot on the plane, so here's my dilema:

Do I take the camera and lenses on the plane with me as carry on and ship the rest surface in the HPRC case, do I take the whole lot in the case and check it as luggage using up probably 10+ kilos of my 20K allowence, or do I do some combination of the two, maybe take the camera and some lenses as carry on and check the case? Does anyone have experience with these cases, will the kit stand up to the bumps and bashes it will get put through at the airport?

Also, however I decide to transport them, I'm going to want to insure them. I already have camera insurance here in Australia which covers me for travelling, but I don't know if it will cover me for relocating (I'm going to check with them) and I know insurance companies will use any excuse not to pay out. Does anyone know of any specific insurance I can take out?

Any advice anyone has to offer will be appreciated!

spiritualspatula

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

09/14/2010 11:02:31 PM · #2

I've always taken my camera gear as carry-on when traveling (international or domestic), and have a kit that is similar to what you're talking about (D300 w/ grip + 28-70, 10-20, 18-200 and maybe 85 1.8). Typically I'll put it in a backpack. What type of backpack depends upon what type of trip I'm going on. Might be my photobackpack, might be in a hiking backpack. This works well for me and gives me some peace of mind that my gear is under my watch.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

09/14/2010 11:20:18 PM · #3

I would figure out a way to carry one for sure. Just this evening, on the local news (won't pertain to you, but just for thought) an 11 year employee of AA was charged with theft from traveler's luggage. Computer was the MO for this one, but I don't trust anyone anymore when it comes to my expensive toys. I'm w/Derek...keep my stuff under my watchful eye! It's all about peace of mind, my friend! ;)
Best of luck in your move! (Would love to see Scotland someday!)

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

09/15/2010 12:45:31 AM · #4

Might do that then, put the lenses in their respective cases and carry the whole lot in a backpack.

I have a lowepro camera backpack but the problem is it's really large and I think it might not be allowed as carry on with the London / Lisbon flight. Perpahs I'll get one of those carry on luggage pieces and just use that for the camera + laptop.

Cheers!

spiritualspatula

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

09/15/2010 05:40:53 AM · #5

FWIW, I've used my Primus AW on flights before. The other backpacks I've used are about this size too. Not sure on size requirements for your specific flights, but I've never even been asked/questioned about size.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

09/15/2010 11:15:45 PM · #6

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

... but I've never even been asked/questioned about size.

BITES TONGUE! :P

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

09/16/2010 12:22:15 AM · #7

Just take it in your carryon.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/16/2010 01:36:10 AM · #8

Originally posted by Spork99:

Just take it in your carryon.

That's what I'm thinking now, but the whole lot together is heavy and I was just thinking it would be nice not to trail it all about with me. Still, better that than hav it arrive at the other end in pieces!

Abra

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/16/2010 01:42:54 AM · #9

Surely the answer is obvious! Don't leave Sydney!!

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

09/16/2010 06:54:46 AM · #10

Originally posted by Abra:

Surely the answer is obvious! Don't leave Sydney!!

You wouldn't believe the number of people who have asked with incredulity, "But Why?".

cmcphee

Fujifilm X-T3

09/16/2010 12:19:12 PM · #11

I've heard so many stories of people putting camera kit in their baggage and then finding it gone at the other end. Take it as carry on if at all possible, or if you must pack it, then be sure to check your travel insurance very, very carefully. Many travel policies specifically exclude camera equipment, but it's hidden in the fine print.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

09/16/2010 01:00:40 PM · #12

I have a camera bag that I load up with 6 lens, Camera, Passport (external HD) and Computer plus all the wiring stuff...it's a bit heavy but I endure it for the greater cause (rolling eyes), it works great for me as carry on and my camera is always with me no matter what...then I have a smaller sling backpack that I use when I'm out and about...easier to access my stuff with that....

Ozzie

Nikon D90

09/16/2010 01:41:48 PM · #13

I took a recent trip to Europe with my soft camera bag with 3 lens etc., along with a backpack with laptop on the plane with no problems.

I believe most airlines allow a camera bag as extra carry on, with a personal bag, as long as the size fits the usual regulation sizes.

Here is a note from //www.tsa.gov

Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.

I would never let the camera bag out of sight, so take it onboard, for your own peace of mind. Wish I could move back to Australia now :-)

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

09/16/2010 02:09:47 PM · #14

Originally posted by Ja-9:

I travel the same way, and agree that you should keep it with you if possible. The extra smaller bag or pack is a good plan too, for when you want to go light after you get somewhere and have a place to leave the heavy stuff.
I have never had any problems with taking a backpack with camera and lenses weighing about 20 lbs/8 Kg aboard as the extra "personal" item, and no problems with security at either end.
One tip. I have a Canon backpack, and carried it on my back with the main zipper slider at the top. It can come open by itself when left that way. I almost dropped the camera out of mine in Atlanta airport because of that. Keep the zipper sliders at one end or the other of the zipper.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

09/16/2010 02:17:35 PM · #15

Originally posted by Covert_Oddity:

I have a lowepro camera backpack but the problem is it's really large and I think it might not be allowed as carry on with the London / Lisbon flight.
Cheers!

I would recommend you check carefully about the carry on situation with the airline for the London/Lisbon flight. I am a very regular traveller around Europe and have encountered some interesting situations, but it depends on the carrier. It has been known for the airline to actually weigh the carry on piece, and insist on you checking it, even if it is within the carry on dimensions. Mine was 1kg over the hand luggage allowance (this was Finnair and they are quite rigid when it comes to the "rules") and they made me check it.

09/16/2010 03:10:14 PM · #16

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by Covert_Oddity:

I have a lowepro camera backpack but the problem is it's really large and I think it might not be allowed as carry on with the London / Lisbon flight.
Cheers!

I would recommend you check carefully about the carry on situation with the airline for the London/Lisbon flight. I am a very regular traveller around Europe and have encountered some interesting situations, but it depends on the carrier. It has been known for the airline to actually weigh the carry on piece, and insist on you checking it, even if it is within the carry on dimensions. Mine was 1kg over the hand luggage allowance (this was Finnair and they are quite rigid when it comes to the "rules") and they made me check it.

this is where I (female) take and move that 1kg around to my second carry on tote

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

09/16/2010 03:40:43 PM · #17

Originally posted by Ja-9:

Originally posted by salmiakki:

I would recommend you check carefully about the carry on situation with the airline for the London/Lisbon flight. I am a very regular traveller around Europe and have encountered some interesting situations, but it depends on the carrier. It has been known for the airline to actually weigh the carry on piece, and insist on you checking it, even if it is within the carry on dimensions. Mine was 1kg over the hand luggage allowance (this was Finnair and they are quite rigid when it comes to the "rules") and they made me check it.

this is where I (female) take and move that 1kg around to my second carry on tote

My wife has very kindly offered to take a lens or two in her handbag if I run into problems so that should help if there's weight issues.

Looks like the general consensus is take it onboard with me, thanks for all the advice!

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

09/16/2010 03:56:21 PM · #18

Originally posted by Ja-9:

this is where I (female) take and move that 1kg around to my second carry on tote

That's my point about checking with the airline, as many of the European airlines don't allow a second carry on. On some, you have to put your purse inside your carry on.

Message edited by author 2010-09-16 15:56:35.

09/16/2010 04:19:14 PM · #19

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by Ja-9:

this is where I (female) take and move that 1kg around to my second carry on tote

That's my point about checking with the airline, as many of the European airlines don't allow a second carry on. On some, you have to put your purse inside your carry on.

that is what I do...here (US) I have my camera bag and a tote bag that has my "immediate needs" (LOL) in it...I'm not familiar with international flights at all...but it is good to plant that seed in my head as I am hoping we will be able to do some international travel and I'd probably croak if they took my computer and camera equipment...I'd give them my husband instead....snort

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

09/16/2010 04:24:26 PM · #20

Originally posted by Ja-9:

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by Ja-9:

this is where I (female) take and move that 1kg around to my second carry on tote

That's my point about checking with the airline, as many of the European airlines don't allow a second carry on. On some, you have to put your purse inside your carry on.

that is what I do...here (US) I have my camera bag and a tote bag that has my "immediate needs" (LOL) in it...I'm not familiar with international flights at all...but it is good to plant that seed in my head as I am hoping we will be able to do some international travel and I'd probably croak if they took my computer and camera equipment...I'd give them my husband instead....snort

They did that to me when I was on an internal flight in India, they just wouldn't let me take my carry on case onbarod, which just happened to contain my camera (D70s at the time) and laptop. I spent the whole flight imaginging me collecting it in lots of little bits at the other end, if it even turned up at all.

Fortunately on that particular occasion everything turned out ok.

spiritualspatula

09/16/2010 09:40:21 PM · #21

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by Covert_Oddity:

I have a lowepro camera backpack but the problem is it's really large and I think it might not be allowed as carry on with the London / Lisbon flight.
Cheers!

I would recommend you check carefully about the carry on situation with the airline for the London/Lisbon flight. I am a very regular traveller around Europe and have encountered some interesting situations, but it depends on the carrier. It has been known for the airline to actually weigh the carry on piece, and insist on you checking it, even if it is within the carry on dimensions. Mine was 1kg over the hand luggage allowance (this was Finnair and they are quite rigid when it comes to the "rules") and they made me check it.

Out of curiosity- were they weighing everything or just items that "looked" heavier? I ask because that's how I've seen it, and skirted the issue because my bag "looked" very small and light whereas many women had their large purses weighed.

ETA: your point about checking before is good though- I did and my bag was right around the cutoff for weight, but I wasn't even asked.

Message edited by author 2010-09-16 21:41:39.