How to SAFELY Fly With A Big Prime Lens Like the SONY 600mm F4

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Bag links: bhpho.to/3OLsLhi Help support me and what I do by joining this channel : kzbin.info/door/yGYUrC2IvaHWoX6dwEsrMAjoin Photography Workshops: photoworkshopsandtours.com/ Sony A1 Bird In Flight BIF - Wildlife Autofocus Camera Menu System Setup Guide Downloadable PDF: photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/sony-a1-quick-start-guide-for-bird-and-wildlife-photography/ Grab a copy of my new Osprey book. Osprey: The Glorious Pursuit of Unbridled Determination: photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/osprey-the-glorious-pursuit-of-unbridled-determination/ Gear I Use: bhpho.to/2QcycHH DISCLAIMERS: My B&H gear link does have have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@edwardcrawford4180]

A useful video, thanks Mark. I took a trip to Costa Rica this year and used a Mindshift 30 liter and it was a good choice, but first a couple of points. They are very hard to find. None of the big stores such a B & H had them in stock and I finally found one (1) on Ebay advertised by a camera store in Peoria, Ill. For the trip, I packed a Canon RF 600mm, R5 and R6, RF 100-500, smaller landscape lens, and a Dell 13 inch laptop. You can put a lot of stuff into one of these and I should have taken less because fully packed, it was HEAVY. They will hold more than you can carry and realize that these backpacks are back ordered everywhere.

[@anthonylujan]

Mark, your bags are not on your B&H recommendations. Did I miss something? And where is your new lens hood link? I have the 600 and interested in what you bought. PS found your bag link.

[@MrRakevich]

Thanks Mark, great video. My Sony 600 F4 lens perfectly fits into the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II backpack. It easily fits in any overhead bin on even small airplanes. I didn't have any problems with TSA. I just got back from Yellowstone & Grand Teton national parks where I was carrying my 600 F4 lens, my Sony A1 camera and couple other small Sony lenses & accessories in the Lowepro backpack with no issues. I lost my lens hood somewhere in Yellowstone and used the microfiber towel instead of the hood for the rest of my trip. Can't wait to see your video about your cool lens hood. :)

[@edmarsh5708]

Thanks Mark!!! Now I can visit more of your workshops!

[@karlbrummel]

Hi Mark, i travelled with the Firstlight 40L as handbag several times from Frankfurt/Germany to Miami and back. Neither in Frankfurt nor Miami i had any complains from ground staff about the size ob the bag. It fits perfectly in the bowls at the airport security check.

[@DavidSchamis]

Perfect timing - I just ordered a 600 and was thinking about how to travel with it this summer!

[@sandys6730]

Wow, its like you read my mind! I’ve been looking for a bag to hold my Sony wildlife gear with my 400mm prime. This was awesome, Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Awesome!!! Glad to help.

[@ginafriend1690]

Invaluable info, Mark! 🙌

[@markjensen663]

I love my Mindshift Backlight 26 liter packs. I actually have two in different colors, one setup with my landscape gear and one for wildlife and I just grab whichever one I need. Like you said they hold a ton of gear and they are really comfortable to hike with.

[@AvianImagery]

Thanks Mark, I've got the Mindshift 36L and agree they're fantastic bags.

[@dougcooper4917]

Excellent Video Mark. Thank You.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@Rob_Beynon]

Thanks for this. I'l look at these Mindshift cases. Also, thanks to those who commented with other ideas. A few questions: What do you do with the carbon fibre hood. Mine always goes with checked luggage, full of socks and tees! Have you considered swapping the Sony foot for the ARCA foot? One residual issue for me is less the weight when out and about but in large airports. I have considered a wheeled case for that reason, but it seems as though clip on wheels miht work.

[@miapowphotography5206]

Great video thank you!

[@MustafaExplore]

Nice realistic video, try to put the small lenses and the charger in small bags, so they don't scratch the big lens

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Great idea

[@teridashfield9852]

Thanks for showing us how you pack your bag. I NEVER check my bag and have had TSA get into my bag once. I have a Tenba 20L with one A1 and a 200-600 lens and probably the 16-35.

[@geethadhina9460]

Hi Mark, helpful clip👍🏼. What lens hood do you use ? You had mentioned using a different hood while travelling. Thanks

[@timdriman4253]

Awesome: Wishing you a great trip... Remembr what I said about being "Your first visit to Africa, but not your last visit" ... Best regards Tim 😉

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes sir! I'm excited.

[@dr.ericchen9490]

Great! Just ordered mine. Wish there’s a light colored option. Thanks!

[@edwardperry4416]

I had those exact two bags for the last 3 years.. they are awesome bags! no problems at all and I use them both every week. the 30L has been to Africa, Madagascar, Nepal, on a zodiac chasing whales not to mention all the travel within the US.. Love them!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Great to know!

[@RobJorg]

for my youtube channel. not sure if i should go for the 30 or 26 L for my A1 with 200-600 lens and a packed lunch. cant get the brand in my country or city of Amsterdam. Love the video's Mark, keep them coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@richardwood1212]

I have used the Think Tank Photo Airport Security V 2.0 Rolling Camera Bag (Black). As large as you can go for domestic carry on and can fit the Canon EF 600 f4 , a couple of bodies and a lot of other stuff. I have gone international with it and no problem for the baggage bin of a Boeing 747 or 777. Never had issues with security with it. Its wheels glide along as it is pulled and this has worked for me. Not a back pack styled bag.

[@moisnhcrnr]

For international flights, do you trust checking the soft bags with such delicate equipment?

[@peggysuegiggles9383]

thanks for sharing. would love a viedo on were you do filming on Eagles your photos are amazing.

[@jbaswoll3221]

Mark, just curious about your lens foot. I noticed you have an adapter arca-swiss foot on the Sony original. Why not use something like the Kirk Enterprises that replaces the Sony lens foot? Might save you a little space as well.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

It’s more about the length. I use it anchor the lens and help steady it. The shorter ones don’t provide that.

[@BlackThunderRC]

Recently look my Nikon 200-500 and other larger lenses in the overhead compartment of the 737. Was no problem at all

[@MOJOVATOR]

Thanks!

[@aarong2374]

Thanks for the ideas! What insurance are you using for your gear?

[@redauwg911]

Gura Gear Kiboko 2.0 30L Backpack

[@wrmarhoffer]

I second the Gura Gear Kiboko 2 30L expedition pack. I used it for wildlife trips to Wyoming and Costa Rica. Easily swallows me Sony 200-600, two bodies, and mutliple other lenses.

[@Dibidoit]

Where do you get the lens hood for the Sony 600? I am leaving for Alaska in a few weeks and would love to get one.

[@nightknight_OM1]

Also, please advise where to get the lens cover (shown in video) as I don't want to carry with the original lens hood and planning to get a foldable one. So, the lens need some protections when putting in the backpack. Thanks

[@geethadhina9460]

Don’t airlines have a restriction on the weight of the carryon? The back packs and the camera gear must weight over 20 lbs!

[@DavidSchamis]

This may sound like a ridiculous question but do you guys think that this bag can handle the 400f2.8 and the 600f4 lens, along with a couple of Sony bodies?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Both together? No

[@smilsmff]

Carry on, and tripod goes into Checked along with the gimbal head

[@gerhardwiesinger]

Thnx, which airlines don't allow hard side bags, frames and no wheels?

[@portiaShao]

just wondering, if this counts as your carry-on or personal item, and if you still have to check a luggage for non-camera stuff like clothes?

[@Methodical2]

Nice. I am nearing retirement and will be able to get in more trips. I've used the Think Tank International roller bag for domestic flights, which is great because I can roll it and store it above my seat on any flight and can get the 600 (w/stock hood), another lens, 2x bodies and lots of other stuff. But, I see they no longer allowing rollers flying to Africa, which is in on my bucket list. The 40 L seems to be equivalent to the TT International. I planned to get one of those Lenscoat hoods, but will check out this lenshood. Do they have a Canon version?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Currently only Sony for the hood.

[@Methodical2]

@@MarkSmithphotography Ok. Thanks

[@cameraprepper7938]

Looks like a good Camera rucksack, BUT it opens at the front which not are good for hiking when you need to put it down on the ground to open it !

[@gautam54362]

Hey Mark I have sony 7m4 with 200-600 and a 70-200mm f2.8 Also have sony alpha1 with 400mm f2.8 Is vanguard 59 visera T Is ok to accommodate these stuff?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

@@gautam54362 not familiar with that bag.

[@Stefan1968ful]

I use the Gitzo Adventury Backpack (45L), it perfectly take the Sony 600mm 4.0 GM together with cameras and all what I need. And it fits into the overhead compartment what is key for me. Never check in your camera gear. Big mistake.

[@Mglaiel]

How do you secure your gear in the hotel or where ever you stay when traveling ? Do you have insurance on your gear ? Thanks

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes and I take it with me.

[@Mglaiel]

@@MarkSmithphotography What company do you have insurance for the gear with. I have looked at a bunch of different ones and the coverage is just as confusing as health insurance !

[@rfssport]

How about adding an RRS TVC-34L 3 mk tripod and a heavy gimbel? Possible

[@EdwardKilner]

Link says out of stock. This is happening a lot, of course, and not your fault. Nice bag though.

[@rafaelafernandes863]

Is it safe to put your laptop in there ? I have had my laptop screen break once even with a proper case so I’m kind of scared

[@dianaf1669]

Inquiring minds want to know.....have you and Tracey tied the knot yet? 😊

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Not yet!

[@unitedpower7607]

What about the tripod?