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Written By Katie White . 17th Feb 2023 .
As a photographer, you will know how important your camera equipment is. And if you're planning on flying somewhere, you might be wondering what type of equipment you are allowed to travel with and where it should be packed.
In this guide, we'll be explaining all you need to know about flying with camera equipment, including the best compact photography gear and tips on how to pack it safely when travelling.
Should I Put My Camera Equipment in My Suitcase or Carry-On Hand Luggage?
Some camera equipment is better suited to hold luggage, while others are best kept in your hand luggage.
Let’s start with hold luggage.
Which Camera Equipment Should Go in Hold Luggage?
Hold or checked luggage is the luggage that you check in to go in the aircraft hold, such as a suitcase or large travel bag. This is typically where your clothes and toiletries go.
Anything that isn’t too delicate can go inside the hold luggage, such as tripods and light stands. These should ideally be placed at the very bottom of your suitcase.
Next, you can add smaller items in padded protection cases, such as lenses or flashes. However, you should ensure their batteries are removed, as these will go in your hand luggage.
Finally, you can add your soft items like clothes and towels on top, which will act like an extra layer of padding to reduce the risk of damage to your equipment when being loaded onto the plane.
Which Camera Equipment Should Go in Your Hand Luggage?
When it comes to packing your hand luggage, it’s important to know what you’re allowed to take onto the plane as each airline has different rules about the type and size of items allowed either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker.
Camera
Generally, most airlines will allow you to pack a camera in your hand luggage and many airlines even recommend this over hold luggage to prevent it from being damaged in transit.
In any case, you should always make sure your camera is in a protective bag.
Camera Batteries
If you’re carrying spare lithium batteries with you, it’s always best to pack them in your hand luggage as some airlines don’t allow uninstalled lithium batteries in hold luggage.
Film
If you use film, you may be wondering how you can prevent it from being damaged during security checks and when flying.
If you use film, you may be concerned that it will be affected during security checks due to the CT scanners, which can cause film to become foggy, as well as the low levels of radiation when flying.
This is why it is recommended to keep your film in your hand luggage, as the scanners they use aren’t as strong as those used for hold luggage.
Best Cameras for Travelling
The best cameras for travelling as those that are light and compact so that they are easy to carry and quick to put away when you want a break from filming or taking photos.
Best Camera Bags for Travelling on a Plane
Camera bags for travelling should have padding to prevent damage, weatherproofing, sturdy straps and handles and be able to carry a decent amount of gear, all without adding too much weight itself.
Best Tripods for Travelling on a Plane
If you plan to take a tripod with you on your travels, it will need to be foldable or collapsable in order to be compact enough to fit in your suitcase and carry about with you on the go.
Reviews
1.
SIRUI Compact Traveler 5C Tripod 54.3 inches Lightweight Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod.
<p>The SIRUI Traveler 5C is an incredibly lightweight, extendable tripod, making it easy to carry, wherever you go.</p><p>With a solid design made from high quality fibre, you can expect maximum sturdiness while still remaining lightweight.</p><p>The extendable legs have five sections which can be adjusted with quick release twist-locks, so you can set the tripod to your desired height between 6.3” to 54.3” in a matter of seconds.</p><p>This makes it perfect for alternating between taking great photographs, sit-down tutorials and outfit try-ons, which require different camera heights.</p><p>The 360º ball-head and panoramic view features allow you rotate the tripod at any angle and direction you desire, delivering smooth pans and tilts.</p><p>One of the best features of the SIRUI Traveler 5C is its ability to fold up into a small, compact size. This makes it easy to carry or store in your backpack when on the go, which is great news for photographers and YouTubers that frequently travel with lots of equipment.</p>
Features
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Solid Construction
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Adjustable and Extendable
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360° Ball-Head and Panoramic View
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Multi-angle Shooting
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Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Expanding Backpack
<p>The Vanguard Alta Rise 48 is an excellent camera backpack for photographers who want to carry a lot of gear with them while travelling as well as other essentials, like a laptop, tablet, mobile phone and travel documents.</p><p>With space for two pro DSLRs, 3-5 lenses, a flash unit, tripod and accessories, this is the ultimate backpack for carrying everything you need to shoot fantastic photos while travelling.</p><p>There’s even a section designed to fit a 16” laptop and 9.7”, so you can still enjoy watching your favourite films on the plane and upload all your photos to your laptop whilst you’re away as a backup.</p><h3><strong><u>Features</u></strong></h3><ul><li><p>Room for two pro DSLRs, 3-5 lenses, a flash unit & accessories</p></li><li><p>Tripod carrying system with foot pocket that can be tucked away</p></li><li><p>Space for a 16” laptop and 9” tablet</p></li><li><p>Concealer pocket on back panel to secure travel documents</p></li><li><p>Quick side access in split seconds</p></li><li><p>Ergonomic Air System harness</p></li></ul><p><br></p>
Features
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Comfortable to wear, even when loaded with heavy equipment thanks to the ergonomic air system harness
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Access your equipment in seconds with the quick side access
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Brightly coloured interior which makes finding things easy, even in low light
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Concealed pocket on the back panel to keep your travel documents and passport secure but easily accessible when you need them
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Fewer interior pockets than other bags of a similar size
3.
JOBY GorillaPod 3K Kit
<p>The JOBY GorillaPod is one of the most popular tripods used by YouTubers.</p><p>It features three flexible legs that can be wrapped around objects or positioned in a variety of ways to get the perfect shot. The legs are also equipped with rubber feet that provide grip and stability on almost any surface.</p><p>One of the best things about the JOBY GorillaPod is its versatility. Whether you're shooting a sit down tutorial, vlogging on the go or trying to get a great overhead shot of your makeup collection, this tripod can help you get the perfect video.</p>
Features
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Stable and durable.
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Lightweight design.
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Flexible and incredibly versatile.
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The only drawback to this tripod is that it isn't extendable, with a maximum height of 15.2". However, with the ability to wrap it around almost any object, you can position it perfectly to your desired height.
In conclusion, the best camera equipment for travelling is compact, lightweight and robust. Investing in quality equipment is well worth it when it helps you capture stunning memories that last a lifetime.
