Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 02, 2013, 11:03:42 am

Title: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 02, 2013, 11:03:42 am
This is a two pronged question....I'm going to be traveling to Costa Rica in a few weeks and plan on taking my Mamiya 500mm f/4.5 APO and 300mm f/2.8 APO lenses with me. The only time so far that I have "travelled" with the 300mm f/2.8 APO is when I brought it back from Hong Kong with me after that trip when I found it there. Then it was packaged in its original box and everything and it qualified as a carry-on item so there was no issue. However, now I am carrying two and they are both on the large side.....

so....

1) How do you deal with airlines when traveling with your super-telephoto lenses? obviously I don't want to check these through, especially the (heavier) 500mm APO since it is so damn rare.... ??

2) How do you physically carry the lenses, bag? case? I'm looking for some suggestions here too. I have a rolling Pelican 1510 which is an attractive option, though I am not sure it will fit both lenses in it....I suppose I could fit one lenses in there and pack some other lenses and accessories around it, and then find a backpack that could hold the 300 2.8 and then throw my laptop headphones charger and whatever else I need in there..... thoughts on how you would do this are welcome,

Other then these two lenses I plan on probably taking the 80LS / 120 f4 Macro / 105-210mm ULD / some sort of wide / and the 80 1.9N, I'll also carry the D4 with 50mm f/1.4 my 15inch laptop chargers and cables and thats about it. Thanks,

oh, and the 645DF body with grp..
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: ErikKaffehr on March 02, 2013, 11:09:24 am
Hi,

I am using a Gura Gear Kiboko backpack. It's just about 2.5 kg. Then I try to find a carrier with a good weight limit. I also have a Domke Photo Togs west which takes a lot of stuff in the pockets. Past weight controls everything goes back in the bag.

I sort of tend to put valuable/critical stuff in the cabin luggage and some in checked luggage.

Best regards
Erik


This is a two pronged question....I'm going to be traveling to Costa Rica in a few weeks and plan on taking my Mamiya 500mm f/4.5 APO and 300mm f/2.8 APO lenses with me. The only time so far that I have "travelled" with the 300mm f/2.8 APO is when I brought it back from Hong Kong with me after that trip when I found it there. Then it was packaged in its original box and everything and it qualified as a carry-on item so there was no issue. However, now I am carrying two and they are both on the large side.....

so....

1) How do you deal with airlines when traveling with your super-telephoto lenses? obviously I don't want to check these through, especially the (heavier) 500mm APO since it is so damn rare.... ??

2) How do you physically carry the lenses, bag? case? I'm looking for some suggestions here too. I have a rolling Pelican 1510 which is an attractive option, though I am not sure it will fit both lenses in it....I suppose I could fit one lenses in there and pack some other lenses and accessories around it, and then find a backpack that could hold the 300 2.8 and then throw my laptop headphones charger and whatever else I need in there..... thoughts on how you would do this are welcome,

Other then these two lenses I plan on probably taking the 80LS / 120 f4 Macro / 105-210mm ULD / some sort of wide / and the 80 1.9N, I'll also carry the D4 with 50mm f/1.4 my 15inch laptop chargers and cables and thats about it. Thanks,

oh, and the 645DF body with grp..
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Alan Smallbone on March 02, 2013, 11:11:57 am
I second the Gura Gear Kiboko for traveling. It works well for that. You may have a problem with weight limits, some of the Central America airlines have strict weight limits. Carry all the essential gear as carry on and everything else in checked luggage.

Alan
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 02, 2013, 12:48:03 pm
That certainly looks like it may work! thanks,

Anyone with any suggestions for an option that might have wheels? I will see if they make one or something but that backpack certainly looks like it will fit!
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Ellis Vener on March 02, 2013, 05:33:00 pm
That certainly looks like it may work! thanks,

Anyone with any suggestions for an option that might have wheels? I will see if they make one or something but that backpack certainly looks like it will fit!
You'll find what you need here: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/rolling-camera-bags/airport-series.aspx
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 02, 2013, 05:59:08 pm
Thanks, the Airport TakeOff Camera Backpack / bah looks like it might be able to fit both lenses in it....
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Stan A on March 04, 2013, 04:14:47 am
While I can't speak to your specific lens carrying issue, I can say the I have a Thinktank rolling airporter bag that have used for several years. I really like their quality and versatility.... For me anyways :)
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: Publius on March 06, 2013, 02:15:45 am
Watch airlines size limitations. International flights sometimes are more restrictive than domestic flights.

I cannot fit both a Canon 500mm f/4L and a 300mm f/2.8L in a the Pelican 1510. But I can fit the 500mm with a70-200mm f/2.8L, two bodies, and a shorter lens, plus batteries and CF. Tight enough to go without dividers as nothing moves about. Then your 300mm can fit in many backpacks.

The Gura Gear Kiboko backpack will hold both lenses, but I believe it exceeds the dimensions if an airline challenges you. The 30L does not hold a 500mm f/4L with extender and camera mounted. Must remove the body. Seems they have a 32L now that probably allows the body on the lens, but do check the airline restrictions or you'll be checking the bag.
Title: Re: Traveling with Super-Telephoto lenses
Post by: ErikKaffehr on March 06, 2013, 02:29:24 am
Hi,

I don't think Kiboko has problems with size limits. It fits in overhead bins on Canadair Regional Jets. I remove everything from the inside pocket to assert it is flat.

My main concern is the weight limit.

Best regards
Erik

Watch airlines size limitations. International flights sometimes are more restrictive than domestic flights.

I cannot fit both a Canon 500mm f/4L and a 300mm f/2.8L in a the Pelican 1510. But I can fit the 500mm with a70-200mm f/2.8L, two bodies, and a shorter lens, plus batteries and CF. Tight enough to go without dividers as nothing moves about. Then your 300mm can fit in many backpacks.

The Gura Gear Kiboko backpack will hold both lenses, but I believe it exceeds the dimensions if an airline challenges you. The 30L does not hold a 500mm f/4L with extender and camera mounted. Must remove the body. Seems they have a 32L now that probably allows the body on the lens, but do check the airline restrictions or you'll be checking the bag.