C300: Taking it on the plane in a bag

D

DDirector

Veteran
So, I was going to get the Think Tank Airport Accelerator, but I don't think Ill be able to at the moment.
In this I was going to pack the C300 fully assembled with the Tilta cage, handle, 1-2 lenses, memory card case, battery, and mattebox.
It JUST squeezes in there.

Well, I may not be able to get it now, so if I want to take this rig on a plane, can I just throw it all in a gym bag? Id pad it down with towels or whatever. It would be mainly on my lap as Id probably want to shoot inside the plane anyways.
It would also be assembled together.

Would this be a problem at the airport?
Not concerned so much about the camera safety with having a proper case or padding.
 
Yes, you can carry-on in anything you fancy as long as it fits the size/weight regs for your airline. Getting it out and shooting on-board is another matter though...
 
At some point during the flight your bag is going to have to fit either under the seat or in the overhead.

Are you seriously going to stuff $15K + worth of camera gear into a gym bag wrapped in towels?
 
They're not going to let you keep it on your lap for take off or landing. A TT Accelerator does not fit under a seat. So, it's got to go in an overhead bin.

I doubt your gym bag idea will fit under a seat especially with a Tilta rig attached. In the overhead bin others will be jamming their bags against yours with full-force.

You also have to be prepared for the chance that there is no overhead bin space and you'll have no choice but to check your bag.

Shooting on a plane with a C300 in a rig without permission... not going to happen.
 
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I have the TT international V2 (my main bag) and the TT security (which is a little bit bigger). They are by far the best bags for flying. But the TT security might not fit all overheads. I flew back from Hawaii and the TT security didn't fit the overhead but luckily a flight attendant offered to stow it in her bin.
The best thing about the Think Tanks is they look like regular business travel luggage to most people. They also have the best wheels I've ever had on a rolling case. I HATE pelican wheels!

You're not going to be able to put your bag in your lap. That is completely out of the question. And if it in fact does not fit the overhead, you will have to have it checked in and the ground crew is going to throw it around no matter how many fragile stickers you put on it.

BHphoto.com is open right now. I suggest you get online and order a TT or something and have it express shipped if you need it tomorrow.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847315-REG/Think_Tank_571_Airport_Security_V_2_0.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847311-REG/Think_Tank_559_Airport_International_V_2_0.html
 
Check the airline´s limits and get a bg for that dimension. It still does´t fit into the overhead every time (especially small commuter planes), but it will fit unter the seat.

Think Tanks are good. I personally use Tenba trolleys and find them very good. As others said you will not be allowed to "hold" any luggage and shooting is just another problem in a plane. I suggest using a GoPro or iPhone....
 
It would only be for the first one round trip flight.
I will get the think tank accelerator for sure, but can't right now for this flight.
So it's just temporary for the first two flights

And the rig does come apart, it probably will be though. And I do want to shoot a few things inside the plane. But it's just going to be a cage on the camera with a baseplate, so it's not large and noticeable. Shouldn't be a big deal as I've used camera on planes before like that.
 
I've had no issues shooting video on a plane.
I suction cupped a go-pro multiple times to the windows, went down the aisle interviewing students on the trip I was going on (I was hired to shoot a week-long grad trip to Cuba, so started in the airport in Toronto, continued the whole time on the plane).

Back to original question, Pelican 1510 you can bring as a carry-on. Stick it above you, you won't care if anyone else bumps crap into it.
 
These days, I don't consider my camera safe unless I can squeeze it in to a Pelican 1510, carry it on and stow it above me. And no, I haven't ever tried to break out the camera while in flight. I imagine that would depend on which side of the bed your stewardess woke up on today.
 
A GoPro is a little different than a fully built C300 kit with baseplate, cage and accessories.

Back to the OP, If you are lacking the funds for proper camera protection at this point, I sure hope you have the funds to properly insure your expensive income making camera gear before you wrap it in a towel and stuff it into a gym bag for a two way flight!
 
David W. Jones said:
A GoPro is a little different than a fully built C300 kit with baseplate, cage and accessories.

Back to the OP, If you are lacking the funds for proper camera protection at this point, I sure hope you have the funds to properly insure your expensive income making camera gear before you wrap it in a towel and stuff it into a gym bag for a two way flight!
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Your answers are always so helpful :)........

I got a case for it now. I'm fine.
 
The rules concerning use of electronics on planes just got updated, and it seems like shooting during takeoff and landing isn't an issue anymore, or at least it wasn't for me last couple weeks. Stripped down C100, not fully rigged and caged c300 FWIW.
re: the bag, I used the Tenba Roadie II and fit C100, 5D3, half dozen lenses including 70-200 2.8, a couple small lights and audio...that bag is like the Tardis! The downside is that since you can cram it all in there it can get HEAVY.
 
Andrius Simutis said:
The rules concerning use of electronics on planes just got updated, and it seems like shooting during takeoff and landing isn't an issue anymore, or at least it wasn't for me last couple weeks. Stripped down C100, not fully rigged and caged c300 FWIW.
re: the bag, I used the Tenba Roadie II and fit C100, 5D3, half dozen lenses including 70-200 2.8, a couple small lights and audio...that bag is like the Tardis! The downside is that since you can cram it all in there it can get HEAVY.
Click to expand...

Keep the C300 stripped down on board - check the rig gear. Keep it light and small and you'll have no problems. This is how I roll and so far so good.
 
Andrius Simutis said:
The rules concerning use of electronics on planes just got updated, and it seems like shooting during takeoff and landing isn't an issue anymore, or at least it wasn't for me last couple weeks.
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That's right, the rules have finally been relaxed, though the new guidance hasn't been implemented by many airlines quite yet. Also, worth noting that bulky items - like a C300 - still need stowing during take-off and landing.
 
Just shot onboard two different flights with the C300, during take-off and landing (albeit sitting in my seat, buckled in). Kindly asked the stewardesses if it was OK and had no problems - But why on earth would you need a fully rigged camera to shoot onboard a plane? I had just a basic configuration + microphone, and still had trouble getting any other angle than straight across the seat-rows or over the top of the seats. One of the chief benefits of a C300 is a small footprint when so desired. A IS lens + a taut neck-strap is steady enough for the completely smooth aisle of an airliner...
 
I didn't say I was going to have the camera fully rigged on the plane. I'm going to have my whole rig with me on the carry on, but it won't be assembled together. Only the cage will be as it's a pain to put on and take off.
 
David W. Jones said:
At some point during the flight your bag is going to have to fit either under the seat or in the overhead.

Are you seriously going to stuff $15K + worth of camera gear into a gym bag wrapped in towels?
Click to expand...

That is near enough what I do every time I take my 1DC and accessories with me. In the last 15-20 years I just stuff my gear in to whatever gym bag, rug-sac, Tote bag, shopping bag or anything that is not a proper camera bag when I go out or travel oversea (yea a normal poly-carbonate Rimowa suitcase for check-in luggage or heavier gear and tripods fill with clothing) . I never damage any gear during travel (I do drop and break them when in use though).

My gear will be in their individual neoprene/leather soft case or towel though.

It Is not that I do not own these big pelican casing or aluminum, they stay at home most of the time, they are extra weight to me, especially for check-in. Also these professional bag or case attract the attention of thieves, robbers and airport customs, telling them you are rich and are carrying 10K with you. I much prefer to stay stealthy, instead of walking around like a professional film crew.
 
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