Flying with big glass (400 2.8)

[swanny338]

Well this weekend, I am being flown to little rock to shoot the marathon there for an online sales company.

Anyways, the company asked me to rent and bring along the 400 2.8.. Now I am just trying to figure out how I am going to get it there and back...

I am planning to put it in a second bag... Either in a shoulder bag while carrying my lowepro compu trekker backpack or I will put the 400 in my normal backpack and carry my lowepro stealth reporter 650... Any thoughts? I am flying with continental...

I am thinking I should be fine... but I dunno I guess if they give me trouble and tell me I need to check one of the bags, I will take the 400 out of the bag and put the bag in my other bag and carry on the 400

[Gordon]

At least when I went through Austin airport at the weekend, the latest TSA regulations say
1 bag + 1 personal item, but exlude working photographers/ photographic equipment from the restriction.

Best thing is to contact the airline and get their official stance - then print that out and have it with you to help, along with a smile if anyone gives you a hard time.

[LoungeLizard]

...and don't forget insurance. If you don't have insurance, anything that happens to that rented lens is YOURS!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

That lens should come in a hard case, ask for one when renting it.

[swanny338]

Lighttec doesn't offer insurance...

and DEM, reason why I leaning away from taking it with the hardcase is because it might look to be to heavy to the person at the gate and they may want me to gate check it... I dunno though

[NoLight]

Why not rent it in Little Rock?

[swanny338]

cause then i have to figure out a way to get to the rental place... I won't have any of my own transportation and plus, I arrive in little rock the day before the marathon at about 7... so I should be out of the airport by 8ish, and by then the rental place will probably be closed and then the marathon starts bright and early the next day so thats kinda out of the questing

[dminton]

First off nobody should ever trust the freaking grey plastic hard cases that Canon has stuck the newer IS Super Telephotos in. They suck. Period. Especialy the one for the 400 2.8. The older tan MK I & MK II trunk cases are a little better, but I still would be hesitant to drag it around for eny extended amount of time. I know the guys at Light Tec up here in Dallas will will ya like a Lightware head case for strobe heads etc. See if they have anything. Ask a favor from somebody with a long glass bag. (if you wanna be a scheister) buy a Super Trekker from the Exchange and return it Monday.

[Chimper]

I use a Lowe Pro Roller. Its airline carryon regulation size and the 400 f2.8 fit in it. It will even fit the 600 f4 in to it... barely.

[NoLight]

I would call a place in Little Rock and see if they can deliver it to your room or to your motel and pick it up for you. It will cost more sure but you wouldnt have to travel with the lens!! Worth a shot I would think. Just me tho :)

[eurotrash]

swanson. you should just buy the damn thing already!!! haha