Flying with kit

CrazeUK

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CrazeUK
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Hey guys.
So I have fallen out of love with photography for the past few years, although I have kept my kit.

I may need to travel to India in an emergency in the next 2 weeks, so thought I would see if I can get my flair back.

I guess I have 3 questions:
1. What kit would you take.

I have:
D7000, 16-85mm, 35mm and 75-200mm lenses.
2 speed light flashes. (Although I hate using them as the batteries die, I am considering modding the yongnuo to take a lithium pack.).
I also have a tripod and gimbal head.

2. Would you keep most of the kit in suitcase?
3. Would you take the tripod?

P.s any advice on a decent insurance company for the kit?

Thanks
 
Can you carry the tripod with hand luggage?

If it fits within the airline's size restrictions and isn't fitted with sharp spikes as feet, probably yes, although I'm not sure I'd bother taking one unless I was sure I'd need it.

From your kit list, I'd take the body and 16-85. Your house/contents insurance may well already cover your camera kit while on holiday/trips abroad.
 
Most house content insurers should cover you. I contacted mine and specifically listed my equipment and their value. I can't even recall if they increased my premium. If they did it was pennies. I once insured via a specialist insurer which cost a fortune and was actually no better than the cover provided by my existing house contents insurance. Give them a call and see what they say. You might be pleasantly surprised.
 
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I don’t know your photography style or whether you are going somewhere urban or country, but if you are travelling for an emergency then will you have much time for photography?

Camera and 16-85 in carry on baggage. Anything else optional.

flashes (if you really need them) would the only thing I’d risk in hold luggage - batteries removed.

Hope you get you mojo back.
 
Insurance wise I have it with Eversure, they paid out without any hassle on a claim I made.
As for equipment obviously the camera
AS for which lens to take on the youtube channels they all quote the 24-70mm lens and the 50mm lens both of which I have. So with what you have I would go for the closest to that.
Forget tripods the get in the way and the gimbal head ,I have never used one in all my foreign travel .
I also pack a camcorder not only as a backup camera but for better video work. Not forgetting batteries memory cards and charger.
All this fits nicely into a Tamrac system6 camera bag and not heave you carry about
 
I usually carry the *equivalent* of the 16-85 and the 35 as carry-on hand luggage, probably with a 13" laptop in the same bag. I'd leave the rest unless I KNEW I would need a long zoom, although I might see if I could find space for a mini-tripod for very occasional use, plus a blower and a couple of filters (polariser and ND10). I also often take a 135 f2.8 (barely used last 2 trips, will leave next time) and an ultra-wide zoom (12-24 on FX - got used a bit more on the last 2 trips).

I don't have super-expensive gear right now, and usually take out travel insurance that includes gadget cover to the value of my camera & lenses.
 
Pack your tripod in your hold bag, and just wrap it in a towel / pack it away from the edges. I do this on every trip.

Camera and lenses, cabin bag only... (the only exception being if you use pelicans etc, that are designed to take the impact of a hold environment).

You shouldn’t need any extra insurance, dependent on your home contents policy it will all be covered - but best to check before you fly.
 
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