I often go on business trips as a photographer. Either it's within the city limits or out of state, first thing I need is to think about how to protect my photo gear. There are tons of traveling tips for photographers but mostly it's a common knowledge of dos and don'ts. Don't get me wrong it's important too but at the end I did learn from my own mistakes.
Choosing the right camera bag to fit your photography equipment is crucial. Protect expensive gear is the top priority.
Photography industry has a huge range of options to offer: rolling cases, trunks, backpacks, messenger's bags, carry-ons, etc. I tried to use some of them from time to time.
And here comes my first tip: Exploring different types of photography bags before buying anything. Please consider your own style as well as your photography style. Don't be like me who's bought almost all types of those cases, backpacks and messenger bag based on products description and (I must admit it) wish to look more professional. Well, when you just embark into photography industry a little thing called ambitious played major role in decision.
Not a surprise that none of those options worked for me. It's not the fault of all those carriers, they did deliver gears protection as promised. I guess, I wanted something
cool, maybe non-traditional photography bag, more girly like. At some point of my frustration flipping the pages of Rangefinder magazine I saw a cool modern leather messenger bag with a lot of space for all accessories and equipment. I thought this was exactly what I wanted and even looked like women's handbag. Finally, I'm not going to look like I'm going to North Pole for expedition! Didn't buy it immediately as I used to do it before (hence waste of money) but instead I went to Photo expo and tried that on me...ouch! That messenger bag full of gear was extremely heavy! I'm sure not me or anybody else at this matter would be frolicking around with heavy bag like that across your body as it was shown in the magazine advertisement! I didn’t separate my shoulder that time, but it was a closed call. Happened to me once when I worked 12 hours with two cameras hanging on my shoulder.
As you may know or maybe guessed, all equipment is pretty heavy!
Just for those who's curious, let's see some weights characters for equipment that I'm carrying with me most of the time. I work with two cameras: my workhorse - Nikon D5 (body only- 3.12 lb) and backup - Nikon D800 (body only- 2 lb). Now Lenses - I mostly work with AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm f/2.8 (weight approx. 2 lb), another AF-S Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8 (weight 3.4 lb), Nikkor Micro AF-S 105 mm. f/2.8 (weight approx. 1 lb) and just in case I need a wide shot Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8, plus monopod (any tripod is too overwhelmingly bulky and heavy for me) and another treasure is universally perfect Ice Light aka Lightsaber (created by Jerry Ghionis). It does look like Jedi Lightsaber and I've been asked a lot about that on the road. Sometimes saying Jedi Lightsaber for cosplay is an easy answer.
Check out this cool and fun Jerry Ghionis comercial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJUdJnOPN7o
It's just essential I must have! I don't count all chargers, wires, laptop, iPad, etc. As you understand that none of this equipment could be checked in, it's too delicate to be thrown around. So, it should be with you in your carry-on or in handbag.
Considering that you are allowed to take with you on board one carry-on and one handbag, there is not much space left for your own stuff. Let's say you put equipment in rolling case, you realize that unfortunately handbag doesn't have enough space for all of your clothes and accessories and I don't even mention shoes.
At some point I decided not to use rolling cases anymore and put cameras and lenses in a regular carry-on just carefully placed between clothes. Yes, of course it wasn't safe enough and after another frustrating brain storm called “How can I make my life on the road easier?!” (in this case literally), I found Apes cases Cubeze on Amazon, and I immediately thought this was it! This is what I need. So camera (body only) goes into one Cubeze and lense goes in to another.
And those Apes Cubeze could fit virtually anywhere: bags, backpacks or regular carry-on. Traveling with all my important photo gear in Cubeze is simplify my life, yet it makes me feel comfortable to know it's safely stored in my stylish carry-on or backpack!
Suggesting using this cameras inserts doesn't make me an expert, I simply sharing my experience. If it helps you to save money on unnecessary purchases, I'll be happy to know that. After all, wise people learn from mistakes of others.
Cheers.
Where to:
B & H Photo https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Ice Light https://www.fjwestcott.com/catalog/product/view/id/10146/s/ice-light-2
Ape Insert Cases https://www.amazon.com/Ape-Case-Interior-Cameras-ACQB33/dp/B009GA6D2Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1533735335&sr=8-8&keywords=ape+case+lens+case
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