Tripod case recommendations

[Invicta]

I am thinking of going abroad for a holiday. My tripod is on the large size, a hangover from my DSLR usage. I would like to take my tripod in a special case I can check in with my small suitcase.

I thought it would be easy to find such a travel case for a tripod but I have drawn a blank. Anybody have any suggestions please?

[Petrochemist]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

My wife found me a bag for by Benbo clone, which I think was originally a shotgun or rifle bag! It works really well, but I do feel I have to be careful where I take it

[Wee man]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

Manfrotto have tripod bags look at the padded ones.

[alfbranch]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

Buy a smaller tripod and put in your normall case.

[benvendetta]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

Do you need a full size tripod, or a tripod at all? We are off on holiday to Switzerland on Saturday and although I have a cheapo small tripod, I may just take a beanbag or a monopod with support arm. More restrictive in usage I know but considering the opportunities I would have to use a tripod, this is likely to be a good compromise. A monopod comes in handy as a walking pole too.

[David M]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

There are lots of variables, depending on where you're going and how long you plan on staying. An option is to buy a cheap tripod when you get there and give it away when you leave. Manfrottos are cheap and if you're careful shouldn't break. I've abandoned a couple of 055 in various countries over the years.

[al_kaholik]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

I got one of these from 7dayshop. It came with a case and fits nicely in hand luggage/day bag (Lowepro passport sling)

[alfbranch]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

I have one of these and it works well enough

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-slik-sprint-mini-ii-gm-tripod/p1519850?cm_mmc=googlebase-extension-_-tripods-and-monopods-_-photography-tripods-_-slik-sprint-mini-ii-gm-tripod_1519850&utm_source=googlebase-extension&mkwid=sfhnvuyqj_dc&pcrid=72342100209&kword=&match=&plid=&gclid=cji8moztrsccfe-wtaoddeiesq

[Tordan58]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

If space (length/volume) is an issue (rather than weight) another solution is to disassemble it. This is what I do with my 055 Manfrotto (three sections leg), the legs fit perfectly in the bottom of a hard suitcase. It takes less than 10 minutes, just remember to bring the tool with you... If the suitcase is too short, next step would be to disassamble the leg sections.

(This is based on experience, I have been charged 100€+ for checking in an extra bag regardless of weight. Check airline policy before packing. And fewer bags means less risk).

[Harbrimar]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

Not sure how you intend to travel on holiday but if you are flying your full size tripod is going to impact on your weight allowance. There is some good advice in the previous posts about the potential cost involved when you have extra kilos and/or bags. If you intend to check in the tripod as hold luggage you will need a robust rigid case which will also be expensive. If you intend to take the tripod everytime you travel then investing in a strong tripod case is worthwhile. But if this is just a one off, if it was me, I would use the money to buy a decent lightweight travel tripod which would support your EM-5 and pack it in your suitcase. The Manfrotto Befree range looks pretty good.

[Invicta]

Re: Tripod case recommendations

Many thanks for all the useful replies.

I have looked at travel tripods but they all seem to be four section legs which look to be really flimsy and they also have limited height. Size is stopping me putting my current tripod into my case even after taking it to pieces. I found a hard case but it was very expensive and it would be difficult to carry multiple cases so I been on a journey and come full circle.

At the moment I think I will go for a travel tripod. Taking all things into account this looks to be the best way forward.