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

[Brendan7]

Hi all,


In a week or two I am leaving for Boca Raton, Florida on a family vacation. I am planning to bring my Camera gear (7D + 300 f/4L IS and maybe a rented lens) on the aircraft (carry-on). I am going to buy a Crumpler backpack (Whickey & Cox) to carry my gear. As I have never taken my gear on a plane, I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me:


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


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


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


4. Am I just being overcautious?


thanks to all in advance for help. much appreciated [H]


brendan

[mpphoto12]

photojournalists do it all the time your good no worries haha i have done it over ten times now as a teenager haha i sent my caera bag right through x-rays and they are aware its camera gear and nothing else if they search it its not a big deal you will be on your way shortly... no worries at all

[TheRoff]

You shouldn't have any problems. The TSA folk will probably want you to take a picture with your camera just to ensure it is a camera. I have never had any problems.





Larry

[Brendan7]

You shouldn't have any problems. The TSA folk will probably want you to take a picture with your camera just to ensure it is a camera. I have never had any problems.

*phews* Now I can take a load off. Thank goodness, I can't wait to get to those Florida birds!

[BES]

no problem whatsoever. Just pack it right so that when it goes to overhead compartment and it moves about , it does not get smashed by someone else's bag. When I go out of the country I do get special custom forms so that I have no problems clearing customs and getting my equipment back to US without paying custom duty taxes. But that is not your problem here.


Have fun and do not forget to share your pictures here[]

[Brendan7]

Have fun and do not forget to share your pictures here[img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

Thanks BES. I'll make sure to post some of me shots


OK, now, any suggestions for a lens rental from lensrentals.com?


I am looking for a lens to complement my 300 f/4 for general purpose. I was thinking maybe 70-200 f/4 IS?


thanks,


brendan

[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.

[alexniedra]

By the way, if your gear is extra impressive (lots of big lenses, big bodies, etc.), you may get the stare of glory from security personel. Trust me - It feels pretty good. []

[crosbyharbison]

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...

[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.