Heading to South Africa

[Blitzkraig]

Hello all,

I would be very appreciative of any advice and tips that anyone could share with me that has travelled to Africa with their camera equipment.

This is my first trip since I have upgraded all of my equipment. I will be taking (in a Pelican 1514) hard case. My Canon 5DMKII, 24-70mm f2.8, 16-35mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 and 85mmf1.2 along with various filters, a single flash gun and accesories such as chargers, epson P6000 for storage and backup etc. I will be checking my tripod in with main luggage (large backpack) so all in all everything else fits nicely into the Pelican but it's the weight I am worried about.

Has anyone ever had any issues with carrying their equipment on a flight? I am VERY reluctant to check this gear in even though it is a lockable, (virtually) unbreakable case with all contents insured.....I would be devastated to arrive to my destination to find it missing. The Pelican case I own says it conforms to most airline carry on regulation sizes but as I said...the weight worries me. I would be very grateful for any tips or stories from other people's travels that might help ease the building concerns I have about travelling with my VERY hard earned and much loved equipment.

Thanks in advance

Craig

www.craigspittlesphotography.com (http://www.craigspittlesphotography.com)

[bjannsen]

Craig:

I've not been to South Africa yet, but I do a lot of flying and ALWAYS take my whole kit with me. Fortunately, it's not a ton of stuff, but I can't stand leaving any of it behind. I've also never had to check any of my gear as luggage - it's always been carry-on. I have a bag for my tripod (and check it), but the rest of the gear is carry-on.

As to your case; every airline has a slightly different policy - and they are constantly changing them. Most limit carry-on baggage weight at around 10-12kg. Be sure to check with your airline and see what their limits are. Weigh your pelican fully loaded and see where you stand. The weight adds up pretty quick.

I also check to see what kind of plane I will be on - the overhead space is very different from plane to plane. I find that a soft case (backpack type) is easier to squeeze into tight spaces as the edges 'give' a little. Just be careful to not crush anything. They also tend to be lighter than Pelican cases and are easier to carry around once you're in the field. I can also squeeze it under the seat in front of me (if I have to).

The only time I would use a hard case would be when someone else is handling my gear. For me, that never happens.

I would suggest renting an ef 500 f4 if you're going to be doing any safari shooting.

Sounds like a fun trip coming up - hope you have a great time!

[Grayman]

Craig..don't even consider having your camera stuff put in the hold..South Africa has the reputation as one of the worst places for luggage pilfering..as a South African (an ex-cop) I know..and have experienced it. No matter what take your camer equipment on carry-on. I can't speak for the weight of the pelican case, but I would suggest leaving lens at home if that means you can carry your equipment on board with you. Why don't you phone the airline and ask them about their weight limits? Lastly, on leaving SA you can have your bags 'shrink-wrapped' at the airport. I would suggest making use of that service.

[Blitzkraig]

Thankyou both for your advice - Bjaansen - I do indeed intend to rent the 500mm f4 for wildlife safari's. Looking forward to using this beast! You sound like me - I can't stand to leave anything behind either - my 85mm f1.2 is quite new and I am excited about using this one for travel portraiture - reportage, especially when I am in Mozambique. I might not use it THAT much but I know if I leave it behind I will be kicking myself once I am there. My passion is landscape photography but I see this trip as an opportunity to sink my teeth into something different including wildlife and reportage - hence the need to travel with the majority of my gear. I do have a Tamrac explorer 7 I can fit all of it in but again with the weight issue. I felt that if I arrived at check in with my gear and they would not let me carry my equipment on then at the very least it would be safe (from damage) inside the Pelican if it was in the hold, but it would be a sweaty journey wondering the whole time if it was going to appear on the luggage carousel at the other end........

I think I will take your advice and phone the airline - I know for sure I will need more than 12kg of carry-on but without the Pelican it might help. I might just arrive at the airport with my gear in the Tamrac and bring the Pelican along and check it in empty with my backpack. If they don't let me on with all of it I will transfer some of the gear over into the Pelican and keep at least my body and 2 lenses in the backpack to conform to weight and hope like hell the rest comes through the other end...if it doesn't at least I am insured and can hire lenses once there. I know it's a risk but I am not going to let the fear of my stuff being stolen prevent me taking what could be some of the best images of my life - usually the best pics come from taking the biggest risks. I just hope good luck and good karma are on my side!

Grayman - can you elaborate on the shrink wrap service? Thankyou both again.

Craig

www.craigspittlesphotography.com

[Grayman]

Craig...the 'shrink-wrap' service normally is provided just outside the departures terminal. The bag is covered in a tight fitting almost cling film plastic which is used to deter individuals trying to get into the bag. Granted it looks a bit strange, but you will immediately know whether your bag has been entered. It is also accepted through customs..well here in UK anyway. We had our bags done and there were no problems..and no entry into our bags neither!

[billycan]

My son returned to the UK from Cape Town last night and had his slr and a laptop stolen from his luggage. The lock was picked. As a minimum precation I would suggest having your bags shrink-wrapped. Better still, take valuable items as hand luggage otherwise you will almost certainly have your valuables stolen. The people operating the x-ray scanners know what is inside every item of luggage and they obviously have enough time to divert selected bags for their nefariuos activities. It happens all too frequently.