600mm Air Travel
What is the best bag for transporting a Canon 600mm f/4 IS on both domestic and international flights? Is there even a bag out there that will fit this lens for international requirements? I understand that each carrier has slightly different carry-on size rules, but if anyone has traveled with a 600 and could state the bag that they used and if they had any trouble, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
The Kiboko will take the 600 and it confirms to international carry-on rules (for most airlines).
I agree, will pass most airlines. Problem with the Kiboko, if you must check it, you gear is not well protected. Even if required to gate check, it is not well protected.Originally Posted by Aravind Krishnaswamy
I have the think tank airport security bag, I carry the 600mm and 200-400mm with camera and accessories in this bag. I am seldom ever asked to gate check and when that happens, I am able to show the expensive camera equipment. In all cases except one, I have been allowed to pass with the bag. In Paris, they stated the bag was to heavy; I had to put the cameras around my neck so the bag weighed less then I was allowed to board. The flight attendant then allowed me to put my cameras and lenses back into the bag and put in overhead.
You will have the biggest problem with the puddle jumpers, they want to check anything larger than a wallet. Once I convince them I can fit under the seat of even the smallest planes (CRJ) they allow it on or put it in the area reserved for pilot bags.
Hi,
I have a 500 f4 that I have flown with in a Kinesis www.kinesisgear.com bag. The bag will accomodate the 500 with camera mounted, and converts with straps to a backpack. They might have a bag specifically sized for a 600. Ditto the comment that, in this bag, it is not sufficiently protected for checking in any form. It's small enough to fit in the overhead compartments of even the puddle jumpers.
transporting 600mm lens
I use the Think Tank Airport Security v 2.0, which works in North America, but might be too large internationally. The Airport International 2.0 will only hold up to 500 mm lens.
Lowepro makes the Lens Trekker 600AW II specifically for 600 mm lenses (with attached body), which I believe can be carried as a backpack in the field. It is a soft case, however, and not good to gate check, if this is necessary at the last minute.
Jory
Thanks for all the info everyone. Has anyone been *forced* to check their big lens? Good/Bad experience?
Twice I have been asked, both times I put the cameras and lens around my neck and in pockets; then boarded the plane with the blessings of the staff. One time they allowed the bag as carry on with the cameras on my neck-issue was weight of the bag (Paris). Second time was a CRJ plane (Salt Lake to Bozeman), was not able to convince them the bag would fit under the seat. Bag went in the belly, cameras and lenses went with me on the plane.
I fly extensively internationally; USA to Europe and Asia (multiple countries). I use the TT Airport Security 2.0. Also fly a bit within North America.
My equipment is insured but my trips are not; if my equipment is damaged, I loose the trip (time, expense, etc). Therefore, I do everything legal to be able to carry on my fragile equipment.
I put both my f/4 600 and f/4 500 together in a Pelican 1510 hard-sided case and don't worry if required to check it. The case, dimension-wise, conforms to international carry-on requirements although it will be a bit heavy.
You have boarded with a 500/600 hanging off your neck? And the staff is OK with this? What do you do with it once you get it on board without a bag?
Here's a live suggestion: I am literally in the DFW airport typing this after being in Panama for 5 days and I can tell you that I have the Tamrac 8x expedition pack and it fits my 600mm just fine and is very comfortable. I also have a kinesis and it's terribly uncomfortable compared to the Tamrac. It's not even in the same class as far as I am concerned. I lugged my 600mm, a 1D Mk3 body, 50D body, a 580exII (strapped to bag), 2 TCs, one 25mm ET, my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS (strapped to the bag), Wimberley flash bracket, and my gitzo with Wimberly II. Try that with a kensis hiking through the jungle! You would stop after 500 yards wincing in pain. :) I packed my 70-200mm and my flash in my regular suitcase and then used the accessory bags system from Tamrac to attach when I was in the field. Seriously, I am very impressed with that bag and it fits nicely into the overhead storage on a 737 on up. Not sure about small planes (probably an issue). If you are planning on taking smaller planes, you would then need to go with a hard case like a Pelican for sure. The only down side is it isn't the best way to attach and carry a tripod. Kind of flops around a bit.
Last edited by Bryan Hix; 01-24-2010 at 05:31 PM.
i have a kinesis L525 w/ the foam insert and harness. i don't find it too uncomfortable and i am planning on taking the bag and lens w/ me to alaska. Everything else will be going into thinktank airport international.
I have boarded with a 600mm attached to D2X/D3s held by the 600mm foot and a D300/D300s with 200-400mm plus 1.4 converter on a neck strap.
On one occasion, I was allowed to take the bag on the plane (Paris, France-bag was not allowed because it was to heavy-it was within specs without the lenses). Once I got to my seat, the flight attendant allowed me to reload the bag.
On second occasion, the bag was gate checked on a CRJ commuter and I carried on the lenses. Lenses were repacked in bag upon landing.
Last week, I flew on another CRJ commuter and the bag fits under the seat.
This link is a useful guide, but always check on your airlines website.
http://www.dpsoftware.co.uk/airlines/
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