Tripods and airports - SV650.org

07-01-13, 04:42 PM

Afternoon all,
I've got another work's trip to Gent next week and the place is so stunning I want to take my camera this time, I also need a tripod.

iPhone pic from last time:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BAAH1onCMAEfwWY.jpg:large
I've got a very nice tripod but I'm not sure how airport security will react to it, has anyone done this?
Or does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives? I've looked at Gorillapods and I'm just not convinced by their strength, I've seen the beanbag ones too, but I'd like someone thats actually used them to recommend.

Any thoughts/comments greatly appreciated as always

tigersaw · 07-01-13, 04:49 PM

It should be fine as hold luggage.
Hand luggage, it may depend on both the airports and airlines policies. I can ask regarding the airport bit if you like.

Littlepeahead · 07-01-13, 05:07 PM

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002...7578222&sr=8-1

I took one of these to Thailand as hand luggage. I needed a stick to walk so it was handy taking low light pictures.

Sir Trev · 08-01-13, 08:25 AM

I've use the flexi-leg-type mini tripods to good effect but only on a compact. You also need to be lucky with something of a suitable height to stand it on unless you're going for a near-the-ground shot.

08-01-13, 09:26 AM

Hmm, thanks for the input everyone, I'm stuck with either put it in the hold (£30 return I think) or get a mini tripod/gorillapod and take my chances with something to perch it on.

LPH: I've got a monopod but I suspect they will still take umbrance at the fact its a pole shaped object that I can access at any time (or others could, more to the point I think) plus I'm wanting to take nighttime HDR which will likely need 30sec exposures for the lighter exposure so I'd need to brace it against something so I'd still be stuck with a work around

Getting through security unmolested seems to be hit and miss even without anything contentious. Knowing my luck I'd get someone on the end of the shift after a bad day. I'm travelling with a group too so I don't wanna get too much hassle/delay.

I'd even considered this:

but with the length of exposures I'd still get movement which would ruin it.

given my constraints I guess my only option is to check it in if I don't want to change what I want to shoot.

Littlepeahead · 08-01-13, 12:04 PM

The great thing about that monopod is that it's a walking stick so they don't seem to question it - maybe walk with a limp s you arrive at check in!

The alternative as you say is a gorillapod. I have a titchy one I use for my compact but they now make several heavy duty versions for DSLR and Pro DSLR with zoom and they look the business, you just have to find a suitable bar or flat surface. I used my little one to take this pic at Windsor the other day wrapping it around a crash barrier and then setting the timer. Even the pro one would fit easily in hand luggage. They are pretty good.

Might be cheaper just to buy a cheap and cheerful tripod out there and then see if you can sneak it back and if not then bin it at the airport.

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-j...fxhltaodtvoa5w

09-01-13, 09:39 AM

I've taken the plunge and booked a bag in, I'll take it through that way. do the trip properly, if I was going to be going to many other places I'd likely invest in a portable solution but it is likely just to be this trip for the foreseeable future so I'm taking the proper job.
I just hope my shooting skills do justice to my expectations.
Also the weather, hope that holds nice!

Richie · 09-01-13, 10:56 PM

that string, washer & bolt steady trick looks quite good.
Cheers for the tip matey boy

19-01-13, 09:38 AM

Morning all, I don't want to start a new thread for this as I spam you guys enough already when I get photographically enthused.

Here is the gallery of pics I took on this trip:

Probably the best view for each:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...2996/lightbox/

List view:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...272996/detail/

On a map:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...556272996/map/

IMHO well worth the €15 to book the bag in (only had to pay one way as it was included in the Brussels air ticket)

07-01-13, 04:42 PM	#1
Brettus Guest Posts: n/a	Tripods and airports Afternoon all, I've got another work's trip to Gent next week and the place is so stunning I want to take my camera this time, I also need a tripod. iPhone pic from last time: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BAAH1onCMAEfwWY.jpg:large I've got a very nice tripod but I'm not sure how airport security will react to it, has anyone done this? Or does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives? I've looked at Gorillapods and I'm just not convinced by their strength, I've seen the beanbag ones too, but I'd like someone thats actually used them to recommend. Any thoughts/comments greatly appreciated as always

07-01-13, 04:49 PM	#2
tigersaw Member Mega Poster Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Llanwrtyd Wells Powys Posts: 1,146	Re: Tripods and airports It should be fine as hold luggage. Hand luggage, it may depend on both the airports and airlines policies. I can ask regarding the airport bit if you like.

07-01-13, 05:07 PM	#3
Littlepeahead Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Saaarrrfff Posts: 2,908	Re: Tripods and airports http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002...7578222&sr=8-1 I took one of these to Thailand as hand luggage. I needed a stick to walk so it was handy taking low light pictures. __________________ Tender is the day, The demons go away, Lord I need to find, Someone who can heal my mind... Last edited by Littlepeahead; 07-01-13 at 05:10 PM.

08-01-13, 08:25 AM	#4
Sir Trev Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: High Wycombe, where the chair factories used to be Posts: 1,479	Re: Tripods and airports I've use the flexi-leg-type mini tripods to good effect but only on a compact. You also need to be lucky with something of a suitable height to stand it on unless you're going for a near-the-ground shot. __________________ We are the Goon Squad and we're coming to town, BEEP BEEP!

08-01-13, 12:04 PM	#6
Littlepeahead Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Saaarrrfff Posts: 2,908	Re: Tripods and airports The great thing about that monopod is that it's a walking stick so they don't seem to question it - maybe walk with a limp s you arrive at check in! The alternative as you say is a gorillapod. I have a titchy one I use for my compact but they now make several heavy duty versions for DSLR and Pro DSLR with zoom and they look the business, you just have to find a suitable bar or flat surface. I used my little one to take this pic at Windsor the other day wrapping it around a crash barrier and then setting the timer. Even the pro one would fit easily in hand luggage. They are pretty good. Might be cheaper just to buy a cheap and cheerful tripod out there and then see if you can sneak it back and if not then bin it at the airport. http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-j...fxhltaodtvoa5w __________________ Tender is the day, The demons go away, Lord I need to find, Someone who can heal my mind... Last edited by Littlepeahead; 08-01-13 at 12:06 PM.

09-01-13, 09:39 AM	#7
Brettus Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tripods and airports I've taken the plunge and booked a bag in, I'll take it through that way. do the trip properly, if I was going to be going to many other places I'd likely invest in a portable solution but it is likely just to be this trip for the foreseeable future so I'm taking the proper job. I just hope my shooting skills do justice to my expectations. Also the weather, hope that holds nice!

09-01-13, 10:56 PM	#8
Richie fantabulas Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nr Durham Posts: 4,940	Re: Tripods and airports that string, washer & bolt steady trick looks quite good. Cheers for the tip matey boy __________________ My Flickr photos

19-01-13, 09:38 AM	#9
Brettus Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tripods and airports Morning all, I don't want to start a new thread for this as I spam you guys enough already when I get photographically enthused. Here is the gallery of pics I took on this trip: Probably the best view for each: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...2996/lightbox/ List view: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...272996/detail/ On a map: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brettne...556272996/map/ IMHO well worth the €15 to book the bag in (only had to pay one way as it was included in the Brussels air ticket)