Hi,

I have a medium sized Manfrotto tripod with a p128 head. So it's not a giant tripod. I am flying from Vancouver to Montreal with it and wonder how do I do that? I already have my two carry on's, so it's gotta be checked in. How do I pack it? Should I make a case? Like a large tube for it? Where do I find one? Do I have to worry about it getting drops, like on it's head, and thus warping/bending it?

Thanks

Ron

I have a soft case for my tripod so I can carry it strapped to my back. I start packing a suitcase, put the tripod in, then finish packing. I have never had a problem since the clothes protect it just fine.

I also packed my Manfrotto 3221/501 in my suitcase as you describe for a trip to South America. Had to buy the biggest suitcase I could find for it to fit through :-)

You can also buy a hard case if you want to check it separately:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=3934

NOt sure of the size of that particular model, but for the price of a good rolling hard plastic golf case, you can get your tripod, some light stands and other assorted gear into a container on wheels.

golf bag is a good way to pack equipment such as light stands and tripod. another way is to separate the tripod and head and pack it in a check in suit case. less damage likely to happen to the head as its not mounted.

Should I make a case? Like a large tube for it? Where do I find one?

Check with your local carpet dealer. At the center of a roll of carpet is a cardboard tube. Well, cardboard isn't the right description. This stuff is so hard you can jump on it and it won't dent.

Anyway, at least around here, these stores have to pay to get rid of these things, and are more than happy to give away as many tubes as a person is willing to take.

With a bit of packing material, I've used these for shipping a variety of long & narrow things. A real advantage is that the tube can be cut (sawed, actually) to the exact length you need. No wasted space. Then it's just a matter of taping the ends.