If you’ve ever stared at your fully packed camera bag the night before a long-haul flight—knowing there’s no way it’ll make the airline’s weight limit—you’re not alone.
I’ve been there more times than I can count. And if you’re traveling with big telephoto lenses—think 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, 600mm f/4—things get even trickier.
Over the past decade, I’ve flown dozens of international routes with expensive gear. I’ve dealt with every airline mood imaginable. Some couldn’t care less if I had 22kg on my back. Others wanted to weigh my cables.
But one thing’s always been true: if you check your camera gear, you’re taking a risk.
Here’s how I carry my heavy gear—including massive lenses—without ever checking it in and without losing a single item (knock on wood).
The Golden Rule: Never Check Your Expensive Lenses
Let’s get this out of the way first.
If you value your gear—and you should—never check in telephoto lenses, especially if you’re passing through airports like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi.
I’ve heard horror stories from fellow photographers. One had a checked 500mm f/4 disappear at O.R. Tambo. Another had an entire bag of gear show up in Cape Town with a broken lock and a camera body missing.
Here’s my rule: If I can’t afford to lose it, it goes in the cabin with me.
What I Travel With (Yes, It’s a Lot)
Here’s what a typical setup looks like for me on safari assignments or personal photography trips:
Canon R3 (primary body for action and low light)
Canon R5 (high-res second body)
RF 600mm f/4
RF 100–300mm f/2.8
RF 24–70 f/2.8
Canon V1 (dash cam + POV)
GoPro Hero 9
Atomos Ninja V (for screen recording)
Laptop + 2 Lacie SSDs, card readers, batteries, chargers, and a ton of accessories
Total weight? Easily 17–20kg, before even factoring in any extra accessories.
Yet somehow, it all comes with me in the cabin.
My Carry-On System: What Bags I Use
I use a two-bag system that’s been battle-tested:
🎒 Bag 1: f-stop Tilopa 50L (main carry-on backpack)
Internal ICU (Large or XL depending on the trip)
Holds my 600mm, 100–300mm, both bodies, and GoPro/Atomos
Side pouches for filters, cards, headlamp
Stays on my back at all times—no exceptions
💼 Bag 2: Large ICU used as small shoulder camera bag (personal item)
Holds laptop, hard drives, chargers, and usually my 24–105 or dash cam
Looks casual and non-threatening
Slips under the seat in front of me
💡 Pro tip: Most international airlines let you take a cabin bag AND a personal item. I make the most of that rule.
At the Check-In Counter: How to Handle Airline Weight Limits
Let’s talk about the real stress: weigh-ins.
Every photographer has had that moment. You’re in line at check-in, beads of sweat forming, wondering if this will be the airline that finally weighs your bag.
Here’s what I do:
✅ Be early but confident
Show up early. Be polite. Don’t act nervous. Airline staff are human—they’re more likely to give you a pass if you seem composed.
✅ Mention the value
If they do ask to weigh your bag, I calmly say something like:
“I’m carrying professional camera gear worth over €30,000. It can’t be checked in due to insurance reasons and risk of damage. I’m happy to show you what’s inside.”
I’ve used this line dozens of times—and every single time, they’ve let me board. Sometimes they slap a “HEAVY” sticker on it. Sometimes they don’t even flinch. But I’ve never had to leave anything behind.
Don’t Use Roller Bags for Safari Gear
You might be tempted to use a roller—like a Think Tank Airport series—but I find them impractical for Africa trips, especially safari-focused ones. Why?
They scream “heavy tech,” drawing attention at check-in
They’re harder to carry over rough terrain or load into vehicles
They often don’t look small enough for overhead compartments
Instead, a rugged hiking-style backpack like the f-stop Tilopa blends in and is easier to carry across gravel airstrips, 4x4s, and remote camps.
Tactical Tips to Shave Weight (and Stress)
If you’re still getting flagged at the counter, try these:
🪶 Wear your heaviest gear
Yes, it’s awkward. But putting some lenses or cameras in a your pockets or strapped across your shoulder magically makes your bag “lighter.” Airline staff cannot weigh what’s on you.
🧥 Use a photo vest or jacket with large pockets
You can stash chargers, hard drives, even a small lens in there. It buys you extra few kg without raising eyebrows.
🔌 Consolidate accessories
Don’t carry 3 chargers when 1 will do. Remove unnecessary battery chargers, filters, or mounting plates. All my cameras can be charged directly via USB-C so when I really need to go light I only bring a multi port usb-c charger that does it all - laptop, phone, cameras, accessories.
Flying on a small plan across the Namib desert.
What About Domestic Flights in Africa?
This is where it gets more complicated.
If you’re flying bush planes the limit drops even more, sometimes including your personal item. Here we cannot cheat and get some extra weight on board as these small planes would actually be too heavy to flight - we don’t want to put our (and others) safety at risk to carry a few extra lenses.
Here’s how I deal with it:
Book an extra seat if I absolutely have to (some photographers do this, especially for expensive charter routes)
Split gear with travel companions if flying together
Ship gear ahead to lodges if you’re working with trusted operators (rare, but possible)
Go minimal: Swap your 600mm for a 100–500mm or 200–600mm zoom if you’re just doing it for fun
Once You Land: Keeping Your Gear Safe on the Ground
Getting there is only half the battle. Once you arrive in-country, protect your gear from:
Heat: Store lenses flat in the shade. Don’t leave them in the sun.
Dust: Use drybags, neoprene covers, and avoid lens changes in open wind.
Moisture: Keep silica gel packets in your lens case and camera bag.
Theft: Lock your gear in the car if you leave it and make sure it’s not visible through windows , and never let it out of sight at gas stations.
What If You Have to Check a Bag?
Sometimes you just can’t avoid checking something—maybe it’s your tripod, gimbal, or even lens hood. In that case:
Use a Pelican case or similar with a lock
Tape over random logos and labels so it seems less serious and doesn’t scream “expensive gear inside”
Put an Apple AirTag (or similar tracker) inside
Photograph everything for insurance before you hand it over
But again: never check your camera bodies or telephoto lenses.
On location in Cape Town, SA.
Don’t Let Gear Stress Steal the Joy
I get it—traveling with big, expensive gear is nerve-wracking. You worry about weight. You worry about theft. You worry about being that guy holding up the security line. But over the years, I’ve realized this: with the right plan and attitude, you can carry everything you need—safely, confidently, and without drama. So don’t let fear stop you from bringing the lens that helps you capture magic. Just pack smart, walk tall, and know your rights.
And hey—if you see someone in a bush airport juggling a 600mm and a vlogging camera, it might be me.
Say hi. =)