Traveling with a Lens in a suitcase??

Whenever I travel, I'm always undecided as to which lens to bring along...or leave behind!
I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience packing a lens (carefully) in a suitcase as opposed to carrying it in a camera bag?
I've never done that!
Any suggestions?

I've had to do this a couple of times - it's a bit nerve-racking. You can certainly pack it careful enough to avoid damage, but your main concern will be theft.

I'd suggest doing this only as a last resort (very last), and doing it with a lens that you could live without - because you might have to...

Wow...thanks for the quick response!
It's funny, but I told my wife that the lens I would pack, the 75-300, is quite old (over ten years) and I wouldn't mind replacing it with a newer version or the 70-200.
Nonetheless, would you say the issue is more a risk of damage or of theft?
Thanks again.

there are no issues with this. They can be very well padded in most situations. I travelled with a 17" flatscreen monitor, mini tower desktop, keyboard, mouse, cords, external hard drive, and 2 lenses all in a large suitcase padded with some clothes.

I had a couple flights like this, and transfers of baggage in between. The only real issue is theft. You can't lock a suitcase on most airlines nowadays, and i have heard people talk about thefts from luggage. They also have a right to random search your luggage, and may not "repack" your stuff as nicely as you would have. it is a chance you take for national security.

Make sure you are lucky, or insured.

Mike

Like I said, I really don't think packing and damage is your real issue. But stuff DEFINITELY gets stolen. Check with your insurance agent. Most homeowner/renter policies will cover theft - mine does.

Maybe your stolen 75-300 could become a new 70-200 - who knows...

I carry all photo equipment in a Case Logic backpack, except for my tripod which I leave in my luggage (too big to carry). The Case Logic is built like a rock and holds much more than my photo equipment. The backpack never leaves me. I also pack my smaller 6 million dollar bag in my luggage with clothes etc stuffed in it.

When I get to my destination (usually Hawaii) I then transfer my photo stuff to the 6 million dollar bag amd leave the Case Logic backpack at my sister's. At this point there are no photo equipment left in the backpack. Can't forget my tripod!

BTW, I travel with a XTi, 17-55/2.8, 70-300/DO and a 100/2.0, plus CF cards, etc. I don't bring the 430E flash (won't fit in the bad!).

I visited India recently. Had the family with me. So I packed all my camera gear in an oversized diaper bag and padded them with diapers. Thought it was a great idea until the strap broke!

I need to get myself a crumpler.

Pelican cases. I have 3 of different sizes. Cannot be beaten (actually you can beat on them without damage.)

I'm not sure why you need to pack them in a suitcase. Checking your camera equipment in is probably not a very good idea.

sml wrote in post #5245727
Whenever I travel, I'm always undecided as to which lens to bring along...or leave behind!
I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience packing a lens (carefully) in a suitcase as opposed to carrying it in a camera bag?
I've never done that!
Any suggestions?

If you're talking about putting it in your carry on luggage, no problem...

Simply wrap it in a sweatshirt or a couple of T-shirts.

BUT...

Never, Never, Never put camera gear in checked luggage unless you want it to disappear!!!

Get some cheap tube socks from Walmart or wherever...stick your lens or lenses in them (use two socks per lens). That should provide enough protection if they're in your carryon suitcase. Like others have said...don't put anything of value in your checked baggage...

I have to pretty strongly disagree with the idea that damage is not an issue. The internals of most lenses are not designed to be tossed around (padded or not) and may result in having to send the lenses in for recalibration even though they have no cosmetic damage. Add the theft element and it's just not a great idea. I've had plenty of stuff broken when I thought I had packed well...fortunately never any camera gear but that's only because I always carry it on. If I can't carry it on, I don't take it.

I wouldnt put an IS lens in baggage.
Baggage handlers are like little boys with supposed indestructable toys.
Its always a challenge.....

You must assume your luggage will be searched. And usually by someone wanting something.

CT machines see inside checked baggage. Theft rings, such as at London Heathrow, have been known to use the CT to scout out which bags have items of interest!