Gitzo GE13P Tripod Bag, G1348 legs, and air travel

Salamander wrote on 11/7/2007, 4:46 PM

I have the Gitzo GE13P Foam Padded Tripod Bag. I have the Gitzo G1348 MK2 tripod legs with the G2380 head. The bag is too big to meet carryon regs. Would anyone recommend checking the tripod bag (with the tripod, of course)? Or would I be asking for trouble (something getting broke or "lost")?

Comments

JackW wrote on 11/7/2007, 4:59 PM

I wouldn't think of shipping it with the airlines. UPS, perhaps.

Better idea would be to rent a tripod when you arrive. We've got a shoot in Houston -- we're in Seattle -- in January and are renting tripods when we get there. Cameras, of course, are going as carry on.

Jack

TeetimeNC wrote on 11/7/2007, 5:45 PM

With a closed length of only 24 inches, can't you just put the G1348 in your carry on luggage? I asked this because I am considering purchasing a similar tripod and want to be able to carry it on the plane.

Jerry

farss wrote on 11/7/2007, 6:11 PM

If you cannot carry it on do not check it in. Your chances of not getting it broken are slim to none. The leg locks or pan handle will catch on something and the handlers solution is to give the pesky bit of baggage a good kick or worse.

We've made up a number of cheap tripod cases out of PVC sewer pipe and screw on caps. Even these get regularly smashed but are cheap to fix. If you want something better and more robust Miller have a very good range of tripod cases made of a plastic that doesn't crack or smash. Unfortunately they cost several hundred dollars.

Bob.