annah58

September 17th my husband and I will be leaving for Kenya. We are not the most experienced travelers and not familiar with carry on baggage requirements(outside of liquids, firearms, etc.). I have gone to the KLM/Delta website and found most of the answers to my questions but haven't been able to find any info on carrying a monopod in our carry on baggage. Does anyone out there know if we can carry the monopod in our carry on luggage or will it have to be checked?
Thanks for any info.
Anna

spassvogel

Monopod in carry on asks for trouble! I don't think you will be allowed to carry that on to the aircraft!

Put it into your checked luggage!

Happy landings!

Enjoy your safari!

sandi

What's a monopod?

annah58

It's like a tripod (3 legs) stand for cameras except it only has one leg, hence the name monopod. I didn't know what one was until a couple of weeks ago!

spassvogel, Thanks for the info, my husband was afraid it would be an issue. How well would a beanbag Work?

kimburu

I would check the monopod too - they are pretty sturdy in their "resting" positions and unlikely to be damaged. If he has has a very expensive head, soft luggage and is a worrier, maybe put the head in the carry on. I didn't, but then worried about it.

A good bean bag will work just as well (or better) in most cases anyway. You need to see what kind of vehicle you will be in.... if it has "normal" doors and/or a "pop-up" roof, a good beanbag is definitely best. I have only seen a couple of vehicles in Kenya that a beanbag wouldn't work as well in.

rossmtbiker

Hi Annah58,
I have not yet been to Africa, we are going in Oct. From what I've read everywhere, most (if not all) safari vehs will have beanbags. They are great for resting your camera in roof-tops and probably door sills too. I too am wondering if I am going to bring my monopod because my long telephoto is quite large and heavy.
I have brought it in checked luggage before, but on this trip I'll be packing a backpack so I'm not sure I want to put it in there. I know you can bring a cane on-board aircraft, so why not a monopod? Maybe you should ask CATSA/TSA? If you do, I'd be interested in their response please.
Have fun!

Otis72

I used a monopod for trip to TZ/Kenya in 2008, I think it was in checked bag, but can't imagine it would be a problem in carry-on. If you are checking a bag, why hassle with the extra weight?

As for using a monopod, it works great in the vehicle. I have a ProMaster 1600, cheap and easy to use. Its not as stable as a tripod, but its very easy to adjust and move around with inside the landcruiser. Especially handy (if you have video in your camera) for panning during shots.

Purists will badmouth monopods, but if you aren't shooting for National Geographic, a monopod works very well. It's in the "take me box" for our trip back to TZ next February.

sandi

Ok, now understand. Thought it had something to do with cameras, but wasn't certain. And, since I don't use, had to ask. Asante.

TigerPhotog

Annah 58,

Beanbags are *critical* to keep you highly mobile and steady, monopods restrict movement from small windows in enclosed vehicles. Stay mobile..say mobile, when action happens, it's too fast (be ready to hand-hold the setup)

Unlike Southern Africa, the vehicles in Kenya/TZ will most likely have a hard-top roof and windows could be smaller. Shoot from the window sills for lower/flattering angles. That means you might have to sit down in the foot-well of the vehicle, can get tiring.

Check-in the monopod for any birding (during afternoon breaks) while you are walking etc and use the safari-operator provided beanbags during safari rounds OR take your favorite empty beanbags, buy filler material once you land (grains,beans).

TP