HELP! Can I bring my camera gear on a plane?

[Brendan7]

I'd rent a 800mm


http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-800mm-f5.6-l-is/for-canon


a wimberley head:


http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/tripod-head-wimberley-type-ii


a mounting plate:


http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/arca-swiss-type-plate


and a heavy duty tripod:


http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/tripod-heavy-duty-carbon-fiber


roughly $460 for 7 days without shipping/insurance. Probably another $200 for that...

I wish! My budget unfortunately is WAAAYYY less than that. Maybe $130.

[alexniedra]

1. Will my camera gear trip security at customs? Anything I should do to prevent this?

From my experience, no. All you need to do is get the bag cleared by X-ray (along with all carry-on items, watches, etc.). Just be sure of what you pack in your camera bag.

2. Is it possible for my gear to be confiscated for a specific reason?

As long as you don't break any rules/laws, no. Just be kind to airport staff, and be considerate of others if you plan to shoot images while you are in the airport or on the plane - I recently shot some pictures out of the window of our plane on a vacation last summer without any problems.

3. What precautions should I take to make sure everything's "hunky dory"?

All I think you should do is make sure your camera bag contains no restricted items - Be careful with camera cleaners/sprays, and pay good attention to TSA Rules and Regulations.


So in general, make sure your bag contains no cleaners or sprays that may be restricted. Be kind and considerate of others with which you travel. And most importantly, enjoy your trip! []


PS:

4. Am I just being overcautious?

Not at all - I think this advance planning will save you lots of time and unecessary frustration at the airport.

[neuroanatomist]

Hi Brendan,


Just to confirm, you should have not problems - just put the bag through the X-ray machine with everything else, and don't have any liquid lens cleaner, etc., in there. On my last trip, TSA didn't bat an eye as my Lowepro Flipside 400AW went through, with body, flash, mini-tripod, and 4 lenses.


Have a great trip!

[calmars]

bburns: since you mostly shoot birds/wildlife, I would reccomend getting something longer than your 300. If you want versatality, then get the 100-400. You will enjoy the extra length once you get down there! Have fun!!

[Alan]

Brendan, I sure hope that you're not planning on taking pictures of "snowbirds!!!" There's an awful lot of them in Florida!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowbird_%28people%29