kybob Loc: Versailles, Kentucky

Going on a trip that I will be on a regional jet the dreaded Embraer RJ145 the smallest one of these planes there is it seems. I am wanting to take my 600mm/f4 lens which is a new acquisition for me and wonder how others travel with these massive lenses on those small planes. I know once it get to a bigger plane I am good. I have seen the video where Steve Perry uses a Guru gear bag but that seems to be out of stock. I have looked at the Mind Shift bags but read where those do not fit over head or under the seat. Any suggestions?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Wow, that's twice as large as the puddle jumper I was in...
(Our carry-ons went in the cargo hold when we got to the stairs to the plane.)

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

The Embraer RJ145 generally has three seats across (2+1) in economy. There generally are overhead bins, but they are smaller than in a standard jet. (Different airlines may have different bins.) Standard-size hand luggage will not fit and will be stowed underneath--you drop it off on the jet bridge when you depart and pick it up on the jet bridge when you arrive (or on the tarmac if there is no jet bridge). However, the overhead compartment should be large enough for your lens. So I would carry the lens in its own separate pouch and take it into the cabin. In case it does not fit ask a flight attendant for assistance; they usually will find a space where it can be stowed safely.

david vt Loc: Vermont

Zig has good suggestions

The overhead bins will hold a backpack sized item, as long at is is not too thick (think 7 inches or less). Your other option is under the seat in front of yo, which can fit a much thicker backpack (up to 12 inches. My backpack lives there on theses small planes, and it fits well. I don’t know how big your lens is, but I would think it would fit it was not attached to the body. You may need to compromise a bit on how much packing is around it and just treat it gently/carefully during this part of your trip.

David

martin muller

I agree with zug55. Been on several 135/145 models. Beware if your lens does not fill the bin, other passengers will be trying to cram their items in the bin too. Unfortunately you dont own the bin. I try to get a seat in the single seat side; force my laptop bag under the seat in front of me; squeeze my feet under the laptop bag. The romance of flying died 50 years ago.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

The last time I carried a large lens on a commercial plane, this happened: I have a nicely padded case, but for extra protection, I wrapped a pair of socks around the lens. The lens shade was too close to the wall of the case so it did not have the extra protection and in transit, it sustained a slight crack. It is still fully functional and can hardly be seen but it makes me believe that in the future I will pack the shade in a small box by itself with ample padding.

kybob Loc: Versailles, Kentucky

The lens is 6.5" dia. x ~18" long, I am looking for what bag / backpack (ie brand and model) that others use to get the thing on the plane with some other gear (2 bodies and 2 other lens; 100-400, and 24-70). All the bags I have (6 at present) it will not fit except the ThinkTank Airport International (roller) which will not fit in the overhead or under the seat on said plane. I have had to 'gate' check it once and was able to talk a stewardess once to putting it in the bottom of the crew closet. So I switched to using a ThinkTank Airport Advantage, but now they are "Death to all Rollers" on said plane. My nearest camera store does not have the greatest selection of camera bags either. Reading B&H on what fits and not has been confusing. One bag the reviews are conflicting some say it will fit and others say no had to put their feet on the bag. Which for a short flight OK, but I am looking at a 2.5 hour flight might be a little stiff and need crane to get me off the plane. I thought about ordering three bags that I think might work and try them out and then keep the one I like but do not feel to good about doing that.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

It sounds like you are shooting full frame. My MindShift fits under the seat in front of me or in the overhead. It does stick out slight from under the seat, but there is still room for my feet. But I am shooting 4/3rds. It is normally carrying 5 lenses and 2 bodies, with the one lens being the 300 f4 Pro IS (which has the same angle of view as a FF 600 f4). So I know that my MindShift bag will fit under the seat with a reasonable amount of equipment in it - and room for one's feet. You should be able to find a MindShift bag that will meet your needs

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I would hand carry it and hold it on my lap. I did that with a telescope once with no problems.

Properframe Loc: US Virginia

Generally the small planes take the items that are normally carry on qualified but won't fit the smaller planes and gate check them at the stairs/jetway. They go in the hold with the checked bags and they unload them first and put them on the tarmac at the bottom of the stairs or in the jetway. Just did mine on a trip. It was a jetway and there must have been 30 bags which is a high count in my experience. The very first time I was nervous letting 15K in gear out of my sight. Now it isn't even a blip in the EKG. I do use a hard case so I don't worry as much about them chucking/fumbling it when no one is looking.