 nicole shockley |
Traveling with Camera Gear I am new to the photo world, and have a Canon t2i. We are going to be traveling to California to go to San Diego, zoo, aquarium all that. But how do I fly with the camera? Do most just take it on board with you? And, any tips when shooting at the zoo and such? Thanks in advance :)
|
|
|
|
||
|
Randy A. Myers |
If you want a camera when you get to California, you better take it on board as a personal item. If you check it in baggage, there is a good chance you will never see it again. Better safe than sorry.
|
|
|
|
||
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I agree with Randy: Take it as your personal carry-on. Find out what your airline's carry-on limits are, and, depending on how much camera gear you have, pack a bag just for the gear, as your carry-on allowance. I found a soft-sided duffel bag that fits within most carry-on dimensions - but being soft, there's some "iggle room: ;) I can get my camera and a few lens (inside a dedicated camera backpack-style bag) and the tripod (head removed) into the duffel, at just a pound under the weight limit for carry-on. I take nothing else onboard as carry-on that won't fit in my pockets - coat pockets come in handy ;) If you're accustomed to traveling with a big purse/bag, you may need to rethink what goes in checked luggage, and what goes in carry-on, as your new camera gear priorities dictate.
|
|
|
|
||
|
nicole shockley |
Thanks for the advice. I will probably have my husband carry a camera bag then, and I have also heard just to wear the camera, to avoid anyone tampering. We have two kids, so of course they need bags too!!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Michael McCook |
I recommend that you "Do Not" put your camera in checked bags. In fact, do not check any expensive items. Airlines do not cover electronics, cameras, etc. if the bag is lost or stolen. For example here is Delta's policy... "Delta is not responsible or liable for cash, camera equipment, commercial effects, computer software and equipment, electronic equipment, fragile articles, jewelry, lifesaving medication, negotiable papers, irreplaceable business documents, works of art or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage. These items should be carried by the passenger." You can, however, pay extra to cover them...but why take the chance? Buy a good camera bag and carry it on. I've carried cameras on with me for many, many years. I use a quality bag to carry my camera equipment, computer, etc. and other essentials on-board and pack a small "crush-able" camera bag in my checked bag to use while shooting at my destination.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Dan W. Dooley |
I travel frequently for business and on many of my business trips I take my camera equipment with me. On occassion I will even take my tripod. When I do that is packed in my suitcase which is checked baggage. So far I've never had a problem doing that. My camera, lenses and accessories are carried in a Lowepro backpack camera case and I carry it on board with me. I also carry a wheeled computer case which is sort of my "briefcase". Both items go on board with me. Going through security, laptops must be removed from their case and put through the x-ray machine separately. I have never removed anything from my camera bag. Just put the whole thing through the machine and I've never even had them take a second look at it in spite of the fact that I have several long and heavy lenses in the bag along with the camera. On board, storage can be an issue. My computer case is a little too large to fit under the seat in front of me so it goes in the overhead. Most of the time the camera bag will go under the seat in front of me. I don't want to hog the limited overhead space so I won't put the camera bag there unless there is a lot of unused space. Dan,
|
|
|
|
||
|
Simon A. Stone |
I have always traveled with my camera gear in a padded carry-on suitcase, and then carry my canon powershot g9 in a coat pocket. one time I did go to europe with a portable printer and laptop, that had to be checked so I went to my camera store and asked for some defective stickers and defective labeled tape. although my luggage was subjected to "random Luggage checks" on every one of the 6 flights I made on the trip, and the zippers on 2 of the suitcases broken, my laptop and printer were left unharmed, it seems no one wants to steal a broken or deffective laptop. just an idea. but deffinatley carry the camera with you.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Allen M. Aisenstein |
I ALWAYS take my photo gear on board. In cluding my tripod which collapses to fit in my cary-on lugage. Also, pack large lenses. Do the Photo-Safari at the San Diego Wild Animal Park if you can. Make reservations NOW!!! Have a great time. :-)
|
|
|
|
||
|
Sherry King |
My husband and I like to travel and the camera equipment ALWAYS go with us as carry-on. We use our usual camera bags for the camera equipment and I use a small duffel bag as my second carry-on. The duffel bag carries my "purse" items and a large manila envelope with all our trip papers. We have never had a problem going through security and leave all the camera gear in the camera bags... pretty much the same as Dan D. and other have stated. We have been to the San Diego Zoo some years back (maybe 15 yrs)... wonderful place for photographing the animals. Have fun!
|
|
|
|
||
| Log in to respond or ask your own question. | ||