Transporting an Ikelite Rig

Hey guy I am traveling by air to Bonaire. Taking my Ikelite Nikon D80 housing two ports, two strobes DS 125, camera body and 3 lenses. I want to hear from all who can give me advice. After reading some of the postings I rather go carry on. Any one out there have used a large photo backpack? Or any other suggestions.

Thanks lot guys!

After using pro camera cases, I've switched to a lightweight wheel-on I got at CostCo. Stick camera & lens in housing with 1 port. Should be lots of room for rest. Can wrap lenses in t-shirts, etc. Ports and strobes are pretty solid. I do this with Nikon D2x in Subal housing, which is a much bigger package. No problems, and easier on back anyway. Actually, I put the lenses in a smallish camera backpack, along with a spare camera. Not had any problems, but if anyone asks, say expensive & fragile camera equipment, not suitable for check-in, and ask for their indulgence. Smaller is better, and carry everything as though it weighs almost nothing.

Hey guys I am traveling by air to Bonaire. Taking my Ikelite Nikon D80 housing two ports, two strobes DS 125, camera body and 3 lenses. I want to hear from all who can give me advice. After reading some of the postings I rather go carry on. Any one out there have used a large photo backpack? Or any other suggestions.

Thanks lot guys!

After using pro camera cases, I've switched to a lightweight wheel-on I got at CostCo. Stick camera & lens in housing with 1 port. Should be lots of room for rest. Can wrap lenses in t-shirts, etc. Ports and strobes are pretty solid. I do this with Nikon D2x in Subal housing, which is a much bigger package. No problems, and easier on back anyway. Actually, I put the lenses in a smallish camera backpack, along with a spare camera. Not had any problems, but if anyone asks, say expensive & fragile camera equipment, not suitable for check-in, and ask for their indulgence. Smaller is better, and carry everything as though it weighs almost nothing.

Thanks a lot Ken! I was heading toward direction. Could share some pictures and dimensions. Also is a carry on size?

Thanks a lot Ken! I was heading toward direction. Could share some pictures and dimensions. Also is a carry on size?

It is carry-on size, 8.8 lb [seems lighter if you say 4 kilo], about 8x14x23. Hard sides, solid back because of roller frame. Front is two big pockets that could puff out another inch, and has expansion zipper, when open would add another 2" of depth within. This kind of front structure is great for me, the D2x is a big camera. I stick the camera in the housing with a 105 mm lens and appropriate port, and it all nestles in nicely, with room for two strobes, a dome, lots of batteries and whatever else that happens to fit. Got it at CostCo, and it's a Tumi. Before, I used a LowePro roller, which is a bit more rigid, but had to break down the camera system to get it to fit, not quite deep enough. LowePros are great gear, but I like this setup much better. Loaded, the total weight is 40 lbs or so and this bag is sturdy enough to take it in stride. Depending on your setup, you might look for maybe a lighter weight and cheaper bag [think I paid about $200], though for this size bag 8.8 lb seems about the norm.

It is carry-on size, 8.8 lb [seems lighter if you say 4 kilo], about 8x14x23.

That seems a tad long large for carry-on if it's rigid. Every time I've read about this, I've seen 9 x 14 x 22 as the limit.

- Gus