My wife and I are going to Italy at the end of this week. I'm planning on taking the tripod at the following link in my bag.
I'm worried that TSA will make me check my bag as the tripods legs are somewhat sharp. Has anyone carried a tripod like this onto the plane?
I take a gorilla pod now and hang it on my daypack and shwo the TSA when it goes through and they dont mind once i tell them. Its all plastic anyways. Id check out the smaller 11-12 inch tripods like SLIK or Manfroto - small enough but still 5 feet or so when expanded. And rubber feet. Go check at your local pro camera shop. 3' lbs is a bit heavy anyways. Alumninum or carbon is lighter usually. Also maybe take off the ball/head.
I've got a gorillapod as well. I think I may just leave the larger one at home and take just the gorillapod.
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Be aware that you will not be able to use a tripod in Rome. You must have a permit to use it on the streets and the museums won't allow you to use them inside. I'm not sure of the regulations in other cities but this might be something for you to check into.
Donna
Yes, and furthermore, most museums in Europe, not just Italy, don't allow photos to be taken with tripods.
Yeah, I knew the museums don't allow tripods. I do a lot of night photography and use tripods for that. I'll just have to get creative with the gorillapod.
My husband tried to take a collapsable tripod in his carryon from the San Jose Int'l Airport and was stopped. They said it could be a dangerous weapon. Since we had time, they allowed him to take it back and put it in our checked bags, then expedited his getting through security the second time. He's putting it in the checked luggage this time.
Get a GorillaPod.
I carry a tiny plastic tripod, similar to the small Gorillapod, with a velcro strap for attaching to trees, fences, poles. I've never had a problem. The large one you're looking at won't be allowed in carry on.
I have a tiny REI tripod. It's amazingly sturdy except with my good telephoto/zoom lense. It is plastic, has the three legs that fold into each other, and a velcro strap that can be used in very creative ways!!!
Safe Travels
