Tripod choice for international workshops--carryon vs checked baggage
Mar 2, 2017 15:45:43 #
I have a dilemma. I am 6'2" and want a tripod I can use without bending over. I'm looking at Gitzo and Really Right Stuff. These are expensive tripods, so, ideally, I'd like to carry it on when I fly. But with all my camera gear and other things to carry on, I may not have room. And the smallest tripod when folded (19.6"), a 6 leg section from Gitzo (5562LTS) is 6.5 pounds--rather heavy to lug around. Lighter ones are longer when folded and won't fit in carry on luggage. So what is all of your experiences with checking an expensive tripod? Any incidents of theft? Breakage? I've thought of getting one of those GPS tracking devices to make sure it gets loaded onto the plane and not removed from my luggage when it goes through screening. Am I being paranoid? Spending the money to go on a 7-10 day or longer photography workshop and getting there without a tripod is scary. Thanks for any suggestions.
Mar 2, 2017 15:52:56 #
jblazar wrote:
I have a dilemma. I am 6'2" and want a tripo... (show quote)
Get a decent bag for it. Insure it. It's no different to flying with golf clubs or skis. Talk to the airline.
Mar 2, 2017 16:25:06 #
I once traveled in state with a 3 in. diameter refracting telescope and its tripod. Could not find a case for it. What I ended up doing is buying a case for fishing rods at a sporting goods store. Used tons of bubble wrap. At the time it was $50 extra to be checked. Coming back it was easier to ship it UPS.
Mar 2, 2017 20:54:32 #
jblazar wrote:
I have a dilemma. I am 6'2" and want a tripod I can use without bending over. I'm looking at Gitzo and Really Right Stuff.
The RRS Travel Tripod, the TQC-14 in carbon fiber is a very stable and lightweight tripod. Max extended length with center column extended is 58½", so you're still going to bend a bit. It collapses to 18" (less head), so it could fit in a suitcase. Consider a 3-Legged Thing for a really compact tripod. The Brian Evolution 3 (which I just sold to a Hogger) has a 78" max extended length including center column.
These days, unless you travel Firsts Class, you are limited to 50 lbs and 1 piece of checked luggage. If you have an additional travel case for your tripod, you'll pay a $50+ penalty for the additional checked piece.
Mar 2, 2017 21:02:38 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I have a hard cased suitcase that my tripods will fit in with the head attached. I just wrap it in a towel and then add my clothing. If it get too full – I reduce the clothing.
Mar 2, 2017 21:03:50 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
The RRS Travel Tripod, the TQC-14 in carbon fiber ... (show quote)
Can depend on frequent flyer status, credit cards, how many people are flying. It's the details that matter.
Mar 2, 2017 21:07:11 #
jblazar wrote:
I have a dilemma. I am 6'2" and want a tripo... (show quote)
Not trying to sell you, but here's an option: the Feisol & Sirui ball head I use weighs in at 3.6 lbs and fits my 5-11 height. The next larger Feisol, CT 3472 is 4" higher and with a Sirui ball head weighs in at 5.4 lbs. with the ballhead removed, mine folds to 18.9" and the larger one is 20.5". Both have carry cases. The 3472 + ball head should fit your height and will run around $570.00 + $160.00 for the BH. Both are well made. For what it's worth, I don't find these weights to be heavy eve on long hikes. Good luck.
Mar 2, 2017 21:40:49 #
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I want it to fit my height without extending any center column, for stability. I think packing it in a hard sided checked bag in its soft case with clothes around it sounds good, except for the worry about theft. Checking it separately is probably safer but more expensive. I guess those are my two best options.
Mar 2, 2017 22:23:29 #
Try the Gitzo 3542LS model. It weighs 4.3 lb and is 22 inches closed. With legs fully extended the tripod base is 56.25" from the ground, the top of the ball head I use is 60.5", and the viewfinder of a Panasonic GX8 is 63". Gitzo calls it "Long - eye level 4 section carbon fibre". It has a payload of 55 lb.
Mar 2, 2017 23:40:24 #
Mar 3, 2017 00:12:14 #
mcveed wrote:
Try the Gitzo 3542LS model. It weighs 4.3 lb and is 22 inches closed. With legs fully extended the tripod base is 56.25" from the ground, the top of the ball head I use is 60.5", and the viewfinder of a Panasonic GX8 is 63". Gitzo calls it "Long - eye level 4 section carbon fibre". It has a payload of 55 lb.
That is one I have been considering, mcveed. Thanks.
Mar 3, 2017 07:18:34 #
Jwshelton
Loc: Denver,CO
I have a Gitzo carbon fiber with a RRS head. My cheched duffel is long enough to hold the tripod and head when closed. Both have been to Africa, NZ, Australia, and multiple times to Europe. In November they will be headed to Antarctica.
Never a problem. The are packed towards the bottom of the bag with shoes and clothes.
Never a problem. The are packed towards the bottom of the bag with shoes and clothes.
Mar 3, 2017 07:25:17 #
I have packed my tripods in checked luggage without a problem. I use an extra large duffle bag with rollers from LLBean. Nice part when the first bag developed a hole in it LLBean replaced it free
Mar 3, 2017 08:41:49 #
I am sure there are many tripods that will fit your needs. Many tripods are designed for people around 5.8 and 6 feet tall. Bending over to look through the camera viewfinder will not hurt you.
My experience carrying the tripod in a checked luggage was not very good. The luggage was checked and although the tripod did not suffer my clothing did. I lost some of my shirts during the incident and the rest of my belongings was delivered as a mess. I guess it could have been even worse.
If you can carry the tripod with you into the plane I would say that would be the best way to go. If Home Security feels that they better talk to you because of the contains of your luggage you could even miss the plane.
We are living in difficult times and we never know what could happen next.
My experience carrying the tripod in a checked luggage was not very good. The luggage was checked and although the tripod did not suffer my clothing did. I lost some of my shirts during the incident and the rest of my belongings was delivered as a mess. I guess it could have been even worse.
If you can carry the tripod with you into the plane I would say that would be the best way to go. If Home Security feels that they better talk to you because of the contains of your luggage you could even miss the plane.
We are living in difficult times and we never know what could happen next.
Mar 3, 2017 08:48:05 #
I have been hassled in too many countries over my carry on tripod. If you can get it to fit in your checked bag do it. Anything over 17 will require checking. They include head in that measurement. The hex wrench was confiscated in another country. The metal spikes were problematic in another. Check it IN your luggage otherwise it will walk away at some point.
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