Can I trust the luggage monkeys with a tripod?

Wyvern971

Wyvern971

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I am off to Japan in July, whilst there I intend to take pics (lots of) including some night photography.

For this a tripod I would say is essential.

Unfortunately my tripod would not be allowed on as hand luggage (my camera will be so at least that will be safe).

The question is do i risk taking the tripod, or just buy a cheap one out there (which I will either dispose of out there or just sling in the checked in luggage on return), or pack my Manfrotto 55 MF4 (wrapped in copious amounts of bubble wrap) in the checked in luggage?

getting a lens while there as well :D (well maybe 2...........)
 
I dont see why not. Although I've not personally put a tripod in the baggage I have put some valueble stuff in the hold and as long as its protected in a good bag (or bubble wrap in your case) you'll be unlucky if it gets damaged. Although I would suggest good travel insurance in case it goes walkies.

(sorry if I've given you something else to worry about now)
 
I'm hoping to bring a tripod with me to Thailand in August but am fortunate that my folks own these samsonite hard suitcases so it should be okay! If you don't have these then as stated here just pack it with inbetween all your clothes. Well thats what I would do....

I've seen them load/unload suitcases onto planes, I think it depends what airline you go with tbh...

Ed :)
 
Do you really really really need to take it? I bought a monopod for holiday use and have taken it with me on the last three hols but have still to use it in anger. Wanna buy a monopod?
 
quite a few replies with the general consensus being I take it.

I think it'll be wrapped any protective stuff I can lay my hands on as I don't have any hard cases (would love to have a large peli :p but i can't afford it atm)

2Blue4u, I've also got a monopod, and as for using the tripod, I think it'll be worth it at night (I tried to use my camera handheld at night last year when i was in Paris, and ended up going back to the hotel to get the tripod).
I don't think I'll try and handhold 5+ second exposures.............

Oh and thanks all :)
 
Rule of thumb - never trust to the monkeys what you can't afford to lose. Why not buy an ultra cheap travel pod and use if specifically for holidays? Thats what i do - £10 from 7dayshop. Sure - i wouldn't stick a long lens on it, but you only need something for your 5D and 24-70 weight combined?
 
If your going to Japan there are bound to be tripods out there a lot cheaper than you'll get here either made in japan or from neighbouring china. buy one there use it and then sell it on ebay when you get back, if it gets bropke in transit on the way back then you've not paid an arm and leg for it :thumbs:
 
I strapped my tripod to the front of my rucksack when I went away. No protective packaging. I just tied it on real tight and secured it with plastic tags. I wasn't worried about it getting damaged. I'm pretty sure I could drop it out of my bedroom window and it would survive.

It got a bit scuffed, but that's all. I would have put it inside the bag but there was no room.
 
My tripods all fly in the hold, either in a light canvas bag or loose with the legs tied. Never had one damaged yet but I do sometimes wonder what they might be inflicting on everything else.

I would say that if your precious about the appearance of your kit though, it should be wrapped in something as mine are all severely battle scarred. :D
 
I went away about 3 weeks ago, and the tripod was packed in the middle of a case with no problem. :) I took the head off and had it in my rucksack, only because the tripod wouldn't fit in the case with it on, and the tripod was packed when I chose which head to take.

I wouldn't bother with bubble rap, just pack the clothes around it. And make sure you pack above and below it in the case, rather than just around it.

If you can afford to buy one there, then go ahead, but if you buy a good one, you may want to bring it back, and so the same problem arises, with the added difficulty of having to put a tripod into an already packed case.;) :lol:
 
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