No way would I trust an airline or cruse company with checked equipment. Carry on baggage and ware a a photographic jacket with gear in it is considered clothing and not baggage.
I carry four 16's and 32's which I use depends on what I am shooting that day, along with three batteries.
Everyone has a bad day. I feel for you been there done it. Glad you saved the day that is the only thing that counts.
I used 47th Street back in the 70's and early 80's they were great to deal with. I have a lot of Minolta lenses and gear from them. All of a sudden they seemed to disappear.
We have them all year here around Gettysburg, PA. and southern PA.
Pocket day timer and a pencil. Day timer is with me at all times. Tried the modern equipment but found it took longer to enter the info than a quick note in the pocket day timer.
My go to lens for an outside event would be an Nikor 28-300 would cover day light and 50 mm 1.4 for indoor shots.
Great shot. I love it and I could use one.
I have purchased lenses and other gear from them no problems.
I do not see the savings buying gray market. I send my camera bodies to Nikon every 2 years for cleaning and firmware up dating.
I have been dealing with KEH four years and have always had great service. Their grading is excellent.
I also use the Kenko 1.4 on my Nikon 70-300 and 200-500 lenses and can see no loss of sharpness. I purchased it for use with my 70-300 at the time.
And there is your sign!!!!!!!!!!! It's the web.
I sent my 200-500 lens for recall. It was returned repaired to me in a week. I send my cameras in for cleaning and firmware up dates every two years. I cannot get my computers to down load the firmware up dates.