In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

My too heavy, too big, too spiky feet for carry one tripod has always gone in my checked luggage. It's always there on the other end. Sometimes I wrap the head with bubble wrap to protect my cloths. And if it's heavy, cloths stay home.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Well that does make it easier for TSA and everyone else to see what you're packing!

cthahn

You are not much of a photographer if you do not like bending over.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I doubt you meant that as a joke, but it sure made me laugh

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Check out the Induro line. As good and cheaper than Gitzo.

jimnilsen

Hello,

I did not follow this whole thread and did not see if you mentioned what equipment you are using......mainly what is your biggest lens? I am a travel photographer/tour leader and have made many trips to Europe. I always carry on my camera gear but also always pack my tripod with head removed in my checked luggage. Never any problems and it has been over 20 years now. I am also 6'2" and the longest lens that I use is a Canon 100-400. My main tripod for travel has been the Gitzo GT 3541LS with a RRS BH40 ballhead. Great combo. This Gitzo is discontinued but there is a close replacement. I just barely have to bend to use it. The legs weigh 3.9 lbs.

As one commenter mentioned, you may want to consider the Induro legs. Better value than the RRS and Gitzo and they have been getting good reviews. In the spirit of saving weight on my next trip, I will be traveling with the Induro CLT 103. It is a pound lighter. I will have to use the center column to raise it to the level I was getting with the Gitzo.

I have also tested and used a few of the Feisols. Was not too impressed. They are higher per pound than other tripods but this is because the leg angle when in use is less. Seemed unstable to me compared to the splayed leg angle of the Gitzo and Induro legs.

Hope this helps.

James Van Ells

I take my camera everywhere and fly with an Induro 440. This tripod is carbon fiber, has sealed legs so it survives salt water, extends to 6 feet without the center column and will support 50#. Cost was $450 and I checked out the smaller one (Induro 340) and felt the larger one had better support for the 6# lens and 3# camera. It comes with a case and tools and I take it to AK every year. If I'm taking the 600, I use a smaller much less stable Slik which I regret buying. I really like the Induro line much better and they are affordable for us non-pros.

robbiedoug Loc: Cuero, Texas

I drive.Don't like to fly. If international, I don't take a tripod.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

Ditto. Place your tripod in your check in luggage and do not worry about your clothes being hurt. I have been carrying my tripods in my checked luggage for some time without incident. Another reason to carry your tripod in your checked luggage is that some most US airlines are eventually going to charge for carry on items.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Like yourself, I'm tall (6'4") and wanted a tripod that I could use when fully standing and without extending a center column. I went with the RRS Versa TVC-34L. I have never even remotely regretted that decision. When I travel, I carry my equipment in a camera backpack which goes in the overhead. I take my bullhead off and have it in the backpack as well. My tripod is packed in my checked suitcase. On at least three occasions I have gotten home to find that note from TSA saying my bag had been opened and checked, but the tripod and everything else has always been there. I just don't worry about theft anymore. I do carry replacement insurance on all of my gear in the slim chance my entire bag were to go missing and never found and returned.

Buy the tripod that you will be the most satisfied with in its use. Don't let the fear of what would be a rather rare loss influence you too much.

aardq

All above is good advice. Remember that you can shorten the OAL a few inches by removing the center post. Just make sure the post gets packed with the rest of the tripod.

Good luck and enjoy your trip

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Only if the tripod has a center post. For many of this type it can be an optional extra...

rda545

I have done several international photo trips. I take my camera and lenses in a backpack that I know will fit in the overhead or under the seat. Check with the Airline to make sure you know the overhead dimensions. I check a bag with my clothes and put the tripod in the checked bag. To avoid the potential you may have a problem with the back pack fitting in all the overheads on your trip, put some of the lenses in a shoulder bag and put that bag inside the backpack. If you run into a problem at the airport then you can just pull out the shoulder bag with the lenses and reload the backpack so it will fit. This last bit may seem overkill, but it saved me having to check camera equipment in a small South American airport.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Good advice.

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

ship FEDEX.... i have relatives that ship their luggage that way all the time... it's there when they get there... ... that's what they tell me, i have not tried it