Tripod packing
Jan 23, 2012 08:12:00 #
I am planning a trip and taking my tripod, any suggestions on how to pack it to prevent damage? Should I wrap the ball head separately?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Jan 23, 2012 08:14:07 #
Many companies make a padded case for your tripod, they allow you to leave the head on and have carrying straps. Ebay usually has a nice selection at reasonable prices.
Jan 23, 2012 08:25:24 #
I was planning on packing it in my suitcase in order to keep from having another bag to check.
Jan 23, 2012 08:35:45 #
jcsnell wrote:
I was planning on packing it in my suitcase in order to keep from having another bag to check.
By all means ...pack it in your suitcase, while some TSA's let a tripod go thru,others do not let it go as carry on luggage.Pack it with your clothes ,the clothes will prevent any damage and you will have a smooth transition thru security
Jan 23, 2012 10:11:39 #
Jan 23, 2012 10:38:19 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
I would, and be sure you have a lock on your luggage, the kind that the TSA approves.
Jan 23, 2012 15:49:58 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
photocat wrote:
I would, and be sure you have a lock on your luggage, the kind that the TSA approves.
Seconded. That way, at least you exclude the non-TSA-approved thieves.
Though if there's room in the case, I leave the head on. Why not?
Cheers,
R.
Jan 23, 2012 15:56:11 #
I am worried about the knobs and ball/mounting plate being broken if mishandled. I have been told when we were in Hawaii that you cannot have a lock on your baggage.
Jan 23, 2012 16:02:27 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
jcsnell wrote:
I am worried about the knobs and ball/mounting plate being broken if mishandled.
If they're that flimsy, they're not strong enough for normal use.
Cheers,
R.
Jan 23, 2012 16:04:43 #
You might try shipping it ahead of your trip that way you control the packing and won't have to worry about being labeled a terror threat with a tripod. :lol:
Jan 23, 2012 16:05:26 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
well, for years i never had a lock on my luggage either, and always carried a tripod. Two years ago I had a $1300 tripod stolen from my luggage and at that time found out that there are now locks available.
The users have a combination and the TSA people have a key.
The users have a combination and the TSA people have a key.
Jan 23, 2012 16:20:03 #
I had a fluid head destroyed in luggage while attached to a carbon fiber tripod on an international flight, and since that episode, I separately pack the head and have had no issues.
As to carrying equipment making you suspect to the airlines, I was once detained for several hours because of a bag of light stands, lights, tripod, Steadicam, Video Cameras, and what not. It was about three or four bags chock full of tech.
Had I not had an acquaintance who had Washington, D.C. contacts, I would likely not be typing this now. It is amazing how confused untrained and unworldly airline security folk get at seeing ordinary stills and video production stuff. Especially in the semi-third world.
As to carrying equipment making you suspect to the airlines, I was once detained for several hours because of a bag of light stands, lights, tripod, Steadicam, Video Cameras, and what not. It was about three or four bags chock full of tech.
Had I not had an acquaintance who had Washington, D.C. contacts, I would likely not be typing this now. It is amazing how confused untrained and unworldly airline security folk get at seeing ordinary stills and video production stuff. Especially in the semi-third world.
Jan 23, 2012 17:22:30 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
PhotoArtsLA wrote:
I had a fluid head destroyed in luggage while attached to a carbon fiber tripod on an international flight, and since that episode, I separately pack the head and have had no issues.
For a big movie fluid head, I can just about imagine that. But for a stills tripod, well packed in a suitcase? I'm not saying you're wrong, because I'd NEVER underestimate the ingenuity of baggage handlers at wrecking things. I'm just surprised.
Cheers,
R.
Jan 24, 2012 01:17:15 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
For a big movie fluid head, I can just about imagine that. But for a stills tripod, well packed in a suitcase? I'm not saying you're wrong, because I'd NEVER underestimate the ingenuity of baggage handlers at wrecking things. I'm just surprised.
Cheers,
R.
PhotoArtsLA wrote:
I had a fluid head destroyed in luggage while attached to a carbon fiber tripod on an international flight, and since that episode, I separately pack the head and have had no issues.
For a big movie fluid head, I can just about imagine that. But for a stills tripod, well packed in a suitcase? I'm not saying you're wrong, because I'd NEVER underestimate the ingenuity of baggage handlers at wrecking things. I'm just surprised.
Cheers,
R.
If the tripod is one of those wee little things, and has at least 5-7 inches of stuff packed around it in all directions, it would likely survive. There are scanning machines used in some airports which eject the piece of luggage at about 30mph into a steel plate AFTER the scan. I have seen this thing in operation on my Halliburton case, and all I can say is, thank goodness for Halliburton. A wooden equipment case with metal edges and hardware, like is used a LOT in the film industry, would likely, at least, get some of its plywood split. The energy of the rapid stop against an immovable object (did I mention the three foot drop to solid ground AFTER the collision?) is stomach turning.
Jan 24, 2012 07:38:43 #
DFHdez
Loc: Brooklyn
If you've made the investment in the tripod and head then make the investment in a good padded case for it. If you are going through the trouble of bringing a tripod on a vacation then go to the trouble of carrying on. I usually carry on my photo gear. I have not had an issue with getting a tripod through TSA. As far as packing anything valuable in luggage goes, don't if you don't absolutely have to. here is a link to TSA PROHIBITED items: (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm) Photo gear is not on the list.
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