Ping: Roger and Bill Hilton

Bill Hilton wrote:
>> "Mark" wrote:
>>
>> I'll be in Swaziland, Mozambique and S. Africa... My first purpose
>> for this trip isn't photography, so some of my opportunities will be
>> far more limited that yours were, I'm afraid.
>
> I would just skip taking the 500 to these countries and almost all of
> these weight problems go away ...
>
>> I'm concerned about a flight that connects through Paris, as I
>> suspect they may be pickier than other ports regarding carry-on
>> weight.
>
> I'll be flying to Paris in a few weeks so will check out their policy
> first-hand. You can usually find the airlines' policy on carry-on
> allowances on their web sites. Usually they are
> not as tight-assed as the Brits ...
>
>> I may choose to leave the 500 at home ...
>
> That's what I'd do ... I'll be in France for several weeks with just a
> 24-105 and 70-200, maybe splitting a 100 macro with my wife ...

You might...but I've never been to Africa, and don't know when I'll be
back...
In fact, it had a lot to do with why I'm buying the 500 at this particular
time (ordered it today).

>> At this point my concern is getting through Paris with the carry
>> on...
>
> Buzz me around the end of June when we get back and I'll know for
> certain ...

Wow! -Made-to-order backage confirmation!
Your timing is good.

I'll be itching for a trip to Alaska now that I won't be merely wishing for
the 500+.
Thanks again, Bill.

-Mark
--
Images (Plus Snaps & Grabs) by Mark² at:
www.pbase.com/markuson

On May 22, 11:06 pm, "Mark²" <mjmorgan(lowest even number
here)@cox..net> wrote:

> I have a question for you regarding over-seas airline travel with the Canon
> 500 f4.
>
> What carry-on do you use for this lens?
> I'm hoping to find a bag that will accomodate this lens along with a number
> of other kit items (2 bodies, multiple lenses, etc.), but I know size is
> limited for international carry-ons.

Seriously consider the Kinesis stuff. Not only is it excellent carry-
on, but it's just excellent in the field.

http://kgear.com/

I use their large lens pouch for the 500/4, and have various side
pouches for the body and some smaller lenses. The entire setup can be
quickly taken apart and individual items jammed -- even the 500/4 --
into even the tiny overheads on commuter jets or turbo-props. It's
even taken a ride on a twin-otter.

> 1D3 (if it arrives...if not, another body)
> 500 f4 (of course)
> 5D (with or without grip if necessary)
> 70-200 2.8 IS
> 16-35 2.8
> 24-105 IS
> 1.4x and 2x
> Two 580EXs
> 100 2.8 macro
> Batteries, chargers, etc.
> 50 1.4 (optional)
> Epson P5000
> Several small hard drives (small, laptop size)
> Laptop

I'm similar, except I don't bother with the computer, or a 24-105.
The smaller lenses are checked with the tripod etc. When I enter the
plane, on my back and hips are:

500/4 (large pouch, on back)
300/4 (hip)
180/3.5 (hip)
17-35/2.8 (pouch attached to 500/4 pouch)
1D2 (about to become a 1D3) (ditto)
1.4x and 2x (ditto)
Canon 15x50 IS binoculars

I have the backup HDD's and other items (e.g., flashes) in my vest.
The rest is checked in a nondescript duffel, with optics inside lens
pouches and carefully wrapped and re-wrapped. The above are also
carefully packed, with the 500/4's hood in the "stowed" position so to
speak (this gives lots of room for the binoculars). When you arrive,
you simply unpack the 500/4, flip hood around and go into "working
mode": the Kinesis large-lens pouch can hold the 500/4 with the hood
in the "shooting position".

So far I've had no problem, as the entire rig isn't much larger than a
daypack. The added flexibility has proven useful on one occasion when
dealing with airline personnel: had I been using a monolithic bag
then, it would probably have been checked against my wishes. But
note: I've never been to Europe nor Africa. And reading some of the
hassles you have to endure, I doubt I ever will...