Help, too much big glass to take

[buddy4344]

I will be going to Botswana (Chobe) in July with a group of South African friends. I did this same trip year before last. This year, i have a few larger lenses. My son and I will be taking 3 bodies, a 100-400, a 400 DO and a 500 f4 as well as misc. 24-105 sizes. I had figured a way to pack for hand carry in two backpack camera bags ... and then last night, my buddy in S. Africa sent an email asking if I could pick up TWO new Nikon 200-400 zooms for some of the others going with us. In the past, I have helped by purchasing a body since prices are cheaper here, but these two big chunks a glass will create a travel challenge.

Any ideas on how to pack all of the above in international carry on for 2 (my son and me)? Seems like I need one of those Pelican roll aboards.

[jhom]

Take a look at a pair of Think Tank Airport Internationals.

[MDJAK]

Here ya go.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/kiboko.shtml

[condyk]

I think you should be prepared to have them refused as carry on and so not use soft cases. I'd use Peli cases and be careful you don't also have to pay additional baggage allowance.

[MDJAK]

I know you have tons of travel experience, but kindly explain why you say that. If they are using something like the Kiboko or the TT which is made for travel, as long as they are not on small regional jets, will it still be a problem?

[condyk]

Of course, because there are strict weight limits as well as size limits ... strict only in the sense of if they notice at check in they may weigh the case/s and then say shove them in cargo. My Peli conforms to airline limits size wise but for my last trip they decided to weight it and then refused me taking it as carry on. Different airlines are different in the degree to which they care about this stuff. Therefore, if there is a risk (and there often/always is on the kinda gear we carry on these big trips) then best prepare for the worst. My Peli can go in the hold with all my gear and all is protected. A soft case can too but no way would I trust that gear won't get damaged. You know the weight and size of the Nikon big boys ... and given the cost and that it's someone else's money then be stupid IMO to risk anything but a Peli type case.

[MDJAK]

Gotcha. Hope the OP is listening loud and clear.

Besides, I'v like to have a friend like him whom I could ask to pick up ten LARGE in glass for me. That's awesome.

me

[buddy4344]

Thanks for the thoughts. Ironically, on the Gura Gear Kiboko bag, I actually bought my big glass from Andy Biggs, who owns that company.

I have considered the Pelican in the past, but it seems that case almost shouts - check me in the hold. I thought something soft sided may have the check in folks feel for my need. This will be a challenge up until departure day.

Regarding floating the cost for my friends, my South African buddies always take very good care of me, putting me up a few weeks each year in their home, so i don't mind the cost - this year. :)

[condyk]

I have an image in my mind of a soft case with a couple of 200-400's in the hold and then they throw in my Peli on top and the corner lands bang on the centre of the soft case ... what's the chance of damage to items in either case? I pleaded last time for carry on and really once they decide they can't back down. You can take stuff out and distribute 'on your person' but not practical with the Nikon stuff IMO.

Anyway MDJackie stud, when are we gonna get you over to Africa? You must be bored all that girly zoo shooting by now!! If our ginger-skinned pal CyberD can survive over there then I'm sure you can with your swarthy Mediterranean style complexion!

[buddy4344]

If one ever gets to Bots/SA, they can never go back to a zoo ... they are ruined.

BTW, I think, at minimum, I will add these lenses to my insurance rider while they are in my possession. Condyk, your points are well taken. I haven't checked yet, but at f4 through the range, I think the Nikon glass will be pretty heavy.

Edit: 7.3 pounds each. Not as bad as I expected.

[ed rader]

If one ever gets to Bots/SA, they can never go back to a zoo ... they are ruined.

BTW, I think, at minimum, I will add these lenses to my insurance rider while they are in my possession. Condyk, your points are well taken. I haven't checked yet, but at f4 through the range, I think the Nikon glass will be pretty heavy.

Edit: 7.3 pounds each. Not as bad as I expected.

do the lenses also come with cases. that would add to the weight....and size.

it took me six months after safari to go back to a zoo, which does sort of ruin you for the mundane :D.

ed rader

[buddy4344]

Not sure on the cases {at that price, they must), but if there are cases, I will pack those with my other checked goods (probably fill them with shirts and socks to use their volume

[siriusdogstar]

another option is to ship the lenses

[condyk]

The issue is then Duty and VAT on import ... plus possibility of theft on arrival in South Africa.

[Wilt]

I will be going to Botswana (Chobe) in July with a group of South African friends. I did this same trip year before last. This year, i have a few larger lenses. My son and I will be taking 3 bodies, a 100-400, a 400 DO and a 500 f4 as well as misc. 24-105 sizes. I had figured a way to pack for hand carry in two backpack camera bags ... and then last night, my buddy in S. Africa sent an email asking if I could pick up TWO new Nikon 200-400 zooms for some of the others going with us. In the past, I have helped by purchasing a body since prices are cheaper here, but these two big chunks a glass will create a travel challenge.

Any ideas on how to pack all of the above in international carry on for 2 (my son and me)? Seems like I need one of those Pelican roll aboards.

And in view of the lenses you already were planning to carry, I would be forewarded that you may be stopped at Customs upon entry, and made to pay some duties to bring those obviously new items into the borders. Governments are expert at dinging the incoming about goods being brought in via alternative channels

[buddy4344]

I would be forewarded that you may be stopped at Customs upon entry
Point taken. One would probably slide by. Two makes it more obvious. I am hoping that the fact the 2 of us are traveling minimizes the chance.

[Jon]

Especially if you don't have a couple of Nikon bodies to use them on . . .

[Wilt]

Point taken. One would probably slide by. Two makes it more obvious. I am hoping that the fact the 2 of us are traveling minimizes the chance.


And being obvious only changes the probability of being stopped...most Customs agents also conduct RANDOM selection of travellers, even those who look innocent!

[condyk]

Especially if you don't have a couple of Nikon bodies to use them on . . .

Upgrade time :lol::lol:

[mikekelley]

just buy a 12 dollar adapter ring for nikon-canon and throw them on for the flight, if god forbid they ask why you dont have nikon bodies.

[condyk]

That's a good idea.

I can't help feel there is quite a big risk and a huge amount of hassle in doing your friends this favour. Hope it all works well Buddy!

[Wilt]

That's a good idea.

I can't help feel there is quite a big risk and a huge amount of hassle in doing your friends this favour. Hope it all works well Buddy!

Agreed. Before buying anything, I would contact your friend and validate (in writing) that they fully agree to reimburse you for all money collected by Customs, should they require payment of duty before permitting goods in the country!

[fishfoto]

For the gear you'll be packing and the likely flights you'll be flying into Botswana, the Pelican 1514 will most likely be scrutinized for weight at the gate and gate checked. The two most common airports to connect for the flights you're likely flying at JNB and NBO, neither of which don't have the best security record when it comes to theft from checked baggage.

I'd strongly suggest looking into the GuraGear Kiboko bag (http://www.guragear.com), designed by wildlife photographer Andy Biggs (www.andybiggs.com). Andy designed the bag specifically for flying from his home, in Texas, to African safari's with big-glass for carry on.

I have been using a stuffed GuraGear bag for the past six months as my bodies, lenses, location lighting kit bag (including hauling my light stands).

The GuraGear is ultra light weight and extremely slim in profile. I have managed to stuff my loadd GuraGear Kiboko under the seat of a Dash-8 Turbo Prop (really small commuter airline plane).

You can read my initial write up on the GuraGear here:
11/11/2008 – Gura Gear Kiboko Photo Backpack : A First Look At A Fantastic Bag (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2008/11/11/gura-gear-kiboko-photo-backpack-a-first-look-at-a-fantastic-bag/)

[condyk]

I'd strongly suggest looking into the GuraGear Kiboko bag (http://www.guragear.com), designed by wildlife photographer Andy Biggs (http://www.andybiggs.com). Andy designed the bag specifically for flying from his home, in Texas, to African safari's with big-glass for carry on.


I think the risk is way too great if that kinda bag ends up in the hold on a long haul flight. Sure, if you can guarentee to keep it with you then fine. But it can't be guarenteed if it's over weight.

Insurance also isn't much use when you land and find your long lens and main camera body are smashed and within 24 hours you are hitting the road on safari with the rest of your group. We nearly had this kind of problem on the first POTN safari when 2-3 people out the group of 6 had baggage lost at JHB ... luckily it arrived after 36 hours during the night a matter of hours before we were all due to leave. Having gone that far and spent so much it would be a real sickener to end up with no useful safari gear.

[fishfoto]

I think the risk is way too great if that kinda bag ends up in the hold on a long haul flight. Sure, if you can guarentee to keep it with you then fine. But it can't be guarenteed if it's over weight.


I was suggesting the GuraGear Kiboko Bag for carry-on, not checked baggage. Carry-on weights are not heavily enforced on many Euro-Africa/North America-Africa routes, however Pelican's stand out. Its also hard to move with a Pelican, while the GuraGear is very easily worn on your back even when fully loaded. Its low profile does not stand out to gate agents, making it ideal for these routes.

[c2thew]

to get around the weight limit, diversify the weight. use your suitcase to hold a couple of lenses, and put some clothes in the pelican case. that way, they shouldn't surcharge you too much. make sure you read the tsa guidelines and the weight limits for carry ons.

have fun

[condyk]

I was suggesting the GuraGear Kiboko Bag for carry-on, not checked baggage. Carry-on weights are not heavily enforced on many Euro-Africa/North America-Africa routes, however Pelican's stand out. Its also hard to move with a Pelican, while the GuraGear is very easily worn on your back even when fully loaded. Its low profile does not stand out to gate agents, making it ideal for these routes.

I understand you recommend it for carry on, of course, but my point is you take a risk. You may be happy to ... I wouldn't. Neither of us is 'right'. But what is certain is your gear is gonna be much more vulnerable to damage than mine if we both have stuff placed in the hold. It's that simple.

But really it is up to the OP to decide his willingness to risk his own big glass and the big glass he buys for his friends to a soft bag or hard case and the degree to which he feels carry on weight will be 'heavily-enforced' or not the day he travels.

[buddy4344]

I will be adding up my (and my son's) total weight for carry-on soon. I continue to play with soft/light vs. sturdy/can be checked. Last time we packed clothes, inverters, etc. that put me near checked limit. This time, I will pack much fewer clothes and not take the inverter I took last time, so may be well under on checked limit this time.

I also contacted my SA friend and confirmed that, if checked, I will declare his lenses and he will reimburse me for fees.

thanks for the on-going feedback.

[tvphotog]

I know two guys in SA who do all their camera buying at B&H. One is a safari guide with Singita.

It's fast, duties are the duties and you'll probably be asked to pay them on your arrival anyway, and everything is insured.

I don't know why your friends don't do the same.

[ed rader]

I will be adding up my (and my son's) total weight for carry-on soon. I continue to play with soft/light vs. sturdy/can be checked. Last time we packed clothes, inverters, etc. that put me near checked limit. This time, I will pack much fewer clothes and not take the inverter I took last time, so may be well under on checked limit this time.

I also contacted my SA friend and confirmed that, if checked, I will declare his lenses and he will reimburse me for fees.

thanks for the on-going feedback.


so how does this save him from having the lens sent to him?

ed rader

[buddy4344]

Ed, the plan is not to be asked by customs. My comment is that I am not going to get into trouble over another guy's glass. I will try and bring it in, but , if appraoched and quizzed, I am not going to lie to officials over this.