Most of the time I’m travelling I pack as light as possible. It’s not just about the ease of travel with carrying the gear around but many other aspects too. It’s no fun loosing check in luggage, you might not get it back for a few days or maybe weeks, or even completely lost. Don’t rely on insurance but more on that later. By having as much gear in carry on, it can limit your lose.
There’s a good chance your carry on baggage will be over or close to the limit. Here’s some tips:
-remove your lens hoods to save weight, most of the time you wont use them, I love flare but if I dont like it i shade it with my hand. Mirrorless is much easier to see the exact image unlike DSLR.
-carry your laptop or in the trolley, most airlines is one laptop and one carry on.
-wear your heaviest lens and camera over your shoulder hidden behind the laptop.
-carry extra lenses in your jacket pocket.
-When waiting in line for checking, have you bag on the trolley or ground. Pick it up when you’re close to the front, it will feel lighter than waiting half an hour on your shoulder. You will look fresher and less likely to be weighed.
-wear your bag on one shoulder and loose the straps so it hangs like its much lighter than it is.
-Talk to the check out person, ask how they are, what time they started. Travel can be very stressful and people forget to be kind. If you’re kind to them, they will be kind to you.
-Some budget airlines weigh as your board so have that in mind if you need to do the same
Hopefully those simple and easy tips help, as its saved me multiple times if it’s maxed out 25kg carry on for bigger jobs or only 8kg. Ideally less is best.
Insurance is a big problem, if you look in your terms and conditions, it’s very hard to find a company that doesn’t say max $1500 for lens and camera combo or max total. Specifying items also have a common limit of $3000. Also if its delayed on your return leg of your trip, most insurance companies wont copy the delays of your trip. If it’s vitally needed gear, beware.