Tripod for air travel at DVinfo.net

Pete Cofrancesco · December 19th, 2011, 12:25 AM

I have a project coming up that I will have to fly to film interviews and a festival. My Manfrotto 504HD Head w/546B is just too big and heavy. I'm looking at Manfrotto 701 head on 055cx3 sticks to put my Sony Z1U on. I know its not the best for video but its got to be light and compact enough to fit carry on or my suitcase.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/556159-REG/Manfrotto_701HDV_701HDV_Pro_Fluid_Video.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584476-REG/Manfrotto_055CXPRO3_055CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

Any thoughts?

Allan Black · December 19th, 2011, 01:18 AM

Pete, if your rig weighs under 8.8lbs, check out the reviews for the new Sachtler Ace.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822102-REG/Sachtler_1001_Ace_Fluid_Head_with.html

And I believe it folds down to fit in your carry-on suitcase.

Cheers.

Pete Cofrancesco · December 19th, 2011, 03:10 AM

I was thinking of that tripod but I leave Dec 29, it won't be in stock until January. In addition I read its up to the discretion the TSA to allow it as carry on. 30" folded might be too long for carry on. If I'm going to check it, I might as well save the money and take mine.

I didn't think of this but I could just check in the tripod padded bag it comes in. Then I wouldn't need buy a new tripod.

Fragile And Bulky Baggage tips and restrictions from Delta.com

Media Bags
Camera, film, video tape, lighting and sound equipment that is tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies or commercial film-making companies will be accepted as baggage at the fees noted below (Standard check bag fee).

Les Wilson · December 19th, 2011, 06:54 AM

Yes. SIze matters traveling. There's a Gitzo Traveler that I heard mentioned on various blogs but it's pretty expensive.

I used a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 tripod and 701HDV head with a camera similar in size weight (EX1R) to yours. Those legs get quite small bit more importantly, it's rated for 11lbs when most of the others in that size range were 4-5lbs. The 190CXPRO4 fit diagonally in my slightly undersized 24" checked bag. The center column pulls out to remove the head quickly and shorten things for other options for packing. It worked fine for locked down interviews. Pans had the wind up you'd expect.

December 19th, 2011, 12:25 AM	#1
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Tripod for air travel I have a project coming up that I will have to fly to film interviews and a festival. My Manfrotto 504HD Head w/546B is just too big and heavy. I'm looking at Manfrotto 701 head on 055cx3 sticks to put my Sony Z1U on. I know its not the best for video but its got to be light and compact enough to fit carry on or my suitcase. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/556159-REG/Manfrotto_701HDV_701HDV_Pro_Fluid_Video.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584476-REG/Manfrotto_055CXPRO3_055CXPRO3_3_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html Any thoughts?

December 19th, 2011, 01:18 AM	#2
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,931	Re: Tripod for air travel Pete, if your rig weighs under 8.8lbs, check out the reviews for the new Sachtler Ace. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822102-REG/Sachtler_1001_Ace_Fluid_Head_with.html And I believe it folds down to fit in your carry-on suitcase. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

December 19th, 2011, 03:10 AM	#3
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Re: Tripod for air travel I was thinking of that tripod but I leave Dec 29, it won't be in stock until January. In addition I read its up to the discretion the TSA to allow it as carry on. 30" folded might be too long for carry on. If I'm going to check it, I might as well save the money and take mine. I didn't think of this but I could just check in the tripod padded bag it comes in. Then I wouldn't need buy a new tripod. Fragile And Bulky Baggage tips and restrictions from Delta.com Media Bags Camera, film, video tape, lighting and sound equipment that is tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies or commercial film-making companies will be accepted as baggage at the fees noted below (Standard check bag fee).

December 19th, 2011, 06:54 AM	#4
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: Tripod for air travel Yes. SIze matters traveling. There's a Gitzo Traveler that I heard mentioned on various blogs but it's pretty expensive. I used a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 tripod and 701HDV head with a camera similar in size weight (EX1R) to yours. Those legs get quite small bit more importantly, it's rated for 11lbs when most of the others in that size range were 4-5lbs. The 190CXPRO4 fit diagonally in my slightly undersized 24" checked bag. The center column pulls out to remove the head quickly and shorten things for other options for packing. It worked fine for locked down interviews. Pans had the wind up you'd expect.