Tripod - Check Luggage?

[dodphotography]

I have a RRS TVC 33 tripod... love it, however, I’ve never flown with it. I don’t see being able to store it inside a carry on bag, it’s just too big. Risk storing it (sans head) in my checked bag? Headed to France. First time LF overseas


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[MrFujicaman]

Okay,...figure out what diameter PVC sewer pipe will hold it. If 4" will work, buy a length of it and a glue on end cap and a rubber "Fernco" cap that's held in place with a hose clamp. You have a tripod case. PVC comes in sizes to 14"

[dodphotography]

Okay,...figure out what diameter PVC sewer pipe will hold it. If 4" will work, buy a length of it and a glue on end cap and a rubber "Fernco" cap that's held in place with a hose clamp. You have a tripod case. PVC comes in sizes to 14"

That’s killer! So you’d check that?


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[Gary Beasley]

Ive carried smaller tripods in checked baggage with the head rotated down to fit the bag, never had a problem.

[jp]

Only time I've sent a tripod in checked baggage, it didn't make a connecting flight and it arrived at my destination about the time I'd returned home. If you can send it ahead and travel light I think that's ideal.

[dodphotography]

Only time I've sent a tripod in checked baggage, it didn't make a connecting flight and it arrived at my destination about the time I'd returned home. If you can send it ahead and travel light I think that's ideal.

Luckily it’s direct (Boston to Paris)


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[Peter De Smidt]

While I like the idea of the protection PVC would provide, wouldn't that be a bit suspicious? I've packed my Gitzo 1227 in my checked luggage many times.

[Chester McCheeserton]

If you unscrew the rubber feet and remove the head and round plate from the top how long is it?

My gitzo T3530S tripod is 23.5 inches and I've carried it on at least 20 times without issue, using an old cheap bogen tripod bag, (which I just looked up and apparently is no longer made)

[HMG]

PVC pipe comes in a solid or cellular wall versions. The cellular wall version is much lighter. If constructing a tripod case, I would use the rubber end caps for plumbing. But, based on a quick look at online photos, I question whether a 4" pipe would do it, so you'd have to go bigger.

Personally, I'd wrap the tripod really well in bubble wrap and put in a duffel bag.

[Vaughn]

About two weeks ago my unprotected Gitzo Studex (in a duffel bag) got bumped and dented one of the legs. I'll drill out the dent to make it useful again.