Flying with a set of lenses

Erik Naso

Erik Naso

Veteran
I have a shoot in March that is starting out in Florida so I have to fly from San Diego to Florida and back. The flight isn’t a non-stop so that means more rough baggage handlers.

I just spent a good some of cash on three lenses. Red 17-50, Duclos 11-16 and Zeiss 85 cp.2. These three are going with me but I’m concerned how to transport them. Please any suggestions for safe transporting will be very much appreciated.
 
Pelican or Anvil case with custom cut foam. I get foam locally from mattress suppliers and cut the lens cavities with a sharp Exacto (replace the blades often, sharpness is key).
 
I have Pelican cases with custom cut foam for all my lenses. The price is really very small when you consider what you are protecting.
 
If you have to check:I got a storm case with this foam insert from Zacutto .. it will not fit in an overhead binhttp://store.zacuto.com/Lens-Foam-Insert.htmlcase is : https://store.zacuto.com/product.php?productid=7&cat=2&page=1fIt's waterproof and very very sturdy.If you wanna carry them on with a laptop, we have the Tamrac Evolution . it's a greatbag: http://www.tamrac.com/5789.htmHas an internal frame and is easy to wear as well.It's about $200, very sturdy, and has an optional rain coverjeff
 
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I got one of those TSA approved Pelican 1560 (I think) cases. I bring my camera and lenses on me every flight. I have a 2nd case with accessories that half the time they end up asking me to gate check.
 
I just flew today with my f3 and 5 lens of cp.2 set. Both f3 and cp2's have their own pelican hardcases but they ain't cabin baggage. So what i do is, i put them all in a samsonite flight case which they fit perfectly, wrap each lens with t-shirts and took them with me to plane. No problems at all, And i do this almost every second month since i bought them over any Europe destination. After i thought about todays journey(172kg in 15 pieces) yours should be defo fine:) you are talking about 3 lenses mate, just chuck them in your bagpack, thats it, you are done:)
 
I bought a CineBags CB23 backpack and carried an Arri Alura 18-80mm Cine Zoom, 5)Primes, Follow Focus, TV Logic 5.6", MacBook Pro. AF100 went under in a Storm case. This was on a CRJ aircraft, where the overhead is small, but the backpack fit under the seat. Worked great!
 
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In the uk we have maplin electronics (does us have radio shack or similar) £40 for a large storm case ripoff. It has a purge which I think is for flying. Great product at a real world price.
 
Great suggestions! I like the idea of using carry on backpack or luggage. I'm going to try to get the AF-100 and the lenses in one case that I can take on the plane. My only worry is if they run out of space and make me check the bag after i'm already on the plane. That has happened to me before.
 
And of course arrive and board as early as possible to ensure you get an overhead bin- even select a seat that gets you on the plane ASAP... and be 100% positive your carryon fits the airline's specified dimensions... bon voyage!
 
Think Tank has worked well for me. Added avantage is that it looks like a regular piece of luggage not a case containing expensive photo gear. I can carry 3 lens plus one on the camera, Nexto and other support gear. Ask gate agent for early check in. Unless their having a bad day most cooperate.
 
Depends on what plane it is, but some modren ones keep the cabin humidified (watered).

So pack fresh sachets of Silicagel with your lens, talk to them, tell 'em where you're taking them.

Cheers.
 
The Think Tank international v2. looks really nice. I have a backpack from them that I like a lot. You all are super!!! Thanks.
 
If I have time I send my cameras and lenses by FedEx next day air. The airline baggage handlers have to load and unload each individual bag, and if you have to change planes so does your luggage. Plus it’s another chance to misplace your stuff. FedEx uses large containers so that cuts down the amount of handling each bag gets.
If you send it next day they tend to keep better track of the shipment. Yes FedEx will have a stop todo a "sort" but they are in the business of moving packages not people. I worked for a airline and have seen first hand how baggage is treated.
 
scottmd80 said:
If I have time I send my cameras and lenses by FedEx next day air. The airline baggage handlers have to load and unload each individual bag, and if you have to change planes so does your luggage. Plus it’s another chance to misplace your stuff. FedEx uses large containers so that cuts down the amount of handling each bag gets.
If you send it next day they tend to keep better track of the shipment. Yes FedEx will have a stop todo a "sort" but they are in the business of moving packages not people. I worked for a airline and have seen first hand how baggage is treated.
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I like this idea however when I get to Florida I have to get to another location and I don’t think I’m spending the night. If I was staying the night at a hotel then leaving the next day that might work but the window is to short. Again great idea if I was getting to the location a couple days early. Thanks!
 
robmneilson said:
I got one of those TSA approved Pelican 1560 (I think) cases. I bring my camera and lenses on me every flight. I have a 2nd case with accessories that half the time they end up asking me to gate check.
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I have a 1510 but don’t think its deep enough to protect the camera and lenses. I know I was only talking lenses but now think the whole kit should be with me onboard.
 
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