It has been years since I have checked a bag on trips. Typically I take one carry-on, 19inches long, 11 tall, 8 wide. I have never had any trouble stowing it under a airplane seat. This trip -- 15 day Eastern Europe -- I would like to take a camera back-pack also with slightly smaller measurements. Weight wise these two would be 20 pounds maximum. Understanding that less is better, but also wanting to take a small tripod and one of my bigger cameras would this combination be acceptable / prudent. All feedback appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23240 posts
If it would work provide the airline permits two carry-ons. Some of the discount carries only allow one carry on and they mean one. Not one and a personal item -- One!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6503 posts
Check with the airline, especially about the tripod, as they all seem to have different rules regarding carry-on bags. Some say 1 bag, but then you may see someone with 2, or 2 and a computer. Hard to figure out at times.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Tripods are generally allowed as hand luggage. You need to check with whichever airlines you are using, as the number of bags and the weight limits differ.
You must have a small camera, as my husband’s camera bag with his laptop but no tripod, weighs around 25lbs! He previously had a much heavier Cannon with far more lenses that was pushing 30 lbs each trip.
Posted by
OP
86 posts
Thanks for the replies. As stated check the induvial airline restrictions and if still in doubt -- check one and carry one. I may be making more of this then I should. It would not be the first time.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
If you are planning to check a bag on a flight within Europe, note that many airlines have one price if you book this in advance online, and another much higher price if you pay at the airport. If you're even thinking you may have to check a bag, it's a lot cheaper to buy this in advance.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Years ago, I packed a camera case including an SLR, multiple lenses and filters, as well as a tripod for a trip through Asia with a friend. This was back before digital when you had to pack undeveloped film and didn't know much about your photos until you had them developed. My friend brought a small auto-focus 35mm Canon.
When I got my photos back I was really happy, they turned out great. So did my friend's. My photos weren't worth lugging around all the junk I carried.
The best photos IMO aren't those you line up for minutes that require specific equipment, they are quick snaps that allow you to catch a moment. Pulling out a big camera changes the moment from candid to posed. My first photo instructor used to say, "90 percent of the shot isn't equipment, it's the eye of the photographer." He also said, "If you want good pictures, take lots of pictures." Thank God for digital.
After that I went to the smallest good quality camera I could bring (kept getting smaller). I also packed a tiny tripod (about 6 inches long) to use with it. I decided I wasn't using the tripod enough and stopped packing it. When phones finally had decent cameras, I stopped packing a camera. Now I pack about half a normal carry on for a three week trip (with one phone/one charger as my only electronics), I couldn't be happier and always get compliments on my photos.
Posted by
OP
86 posts
Thanks all for the comments. What I think I know -- but I have no idea of what I don't. Do have a Canon with interchangeable lenses and a lighter travel tripod. Not taking --seems excessive. May be justified if I actually marketed my photos. Do have a Sony with 24-600 fixed lens -- going with. I like to edit, enlarge, frame pictures for myself and others. May also take a pocket size -- excellent in low light (great in museums) and some find it less intimidating which was mentioned. While I understand the "shoot more and delete at will," I am trying to be more discerning, pay more attention to what I shoot and the settings. Also, I feel I often miss the experience of being there by taking 100 pictures of the same thing. Once more , I do appreciate all comments and if you see a bald headed old man stumbling around like he is lost -- chances are I am.
Posted by
Columbus, USA
331 posts
Here are my 2 cents so take them for what they are worth. Every time we go to Germany, I take my DSLR. By the time we are done I am so over my camera as it is heavy. I want to throw it. My shoulders are tired and I am grouchy. I can only imagine how much more grumpy I would be if I added in a tripod. I might lose my mind.
Now, am I going to leave my DSLR at home? No way. I love the quality of pictures that I get from it. I take a zoom lens (75-200) and my 40mm (I love macro shots I know it is a strange choice) Most of the time I don't use the zoom lens.
When I am on vacation, I set my camera to auto and just go with it (I know, bad Susan, I can hear the gasps from here). That way I don't have to worry about missing the shot. Unless there is something really special I want to shoot with special settings.
Now I do have a fancy new iPhone, but I don't completely trust it yet to deliver the quality of pictures. I may mess around with it a bit before our next trip (aka ordering prints to confirm the prints don't look strange)
Backpacks make me a bit nervous, as I don't have eyes behind my head and I am fearful of pickpockets. I had a point and shoot camera stolen once in a church of all places. So I am trying to find a good cross body bag.