The SpeedRoller 2

I've been recently asked about a bag to carry your gear for traveling. I thought this would be a great post to talk about. Let me preface, that this is my setup if I'm doing low profile travel work. If I am shooting at travel job that requires a production crew, I would carry a different set up.

I swear by the roller suitcase bags for transporting all your gear. Trust me, I learned the hard way of carrying a shoulder bag through 8 countries in Latin America through airports that rollers are the way to go. I had a backpack roller case which may work for some people, but I had one for over a year, and never used the backpack feature. Last year, I decided to pick up the Tamrac SpeedRoller 2. It's fantastic, and "Carry on compatable" as they claim. That is the key: To carry on all your expensive stuff. The gear that you cannot work without"

The great thing about the SpeedRoller is that it fits 2 pro bodies, 5-6 lenses, a charger, and extra batteries. I've snapped a shot with everything in it.

Another great thing, is you can sling your laptop bag on top to carry all your other travel gadgets (another post to come)

Keep in mind, this is just for transporting and not what I use when I'm actually shooting. (more to come on that)

If you're traveling internationally, you'll want to get a Carnet for your gear. That means you register your gear with US customs so you don't get hassled coming back into the states. Or in other countries. I've been hassled in India and coming back to the US from Mexico City. They weren't too nice. Carnets are good to have! You can get one here. or at the customs office at your local airport.

Comments

[Krista Guenin Photography]

I love the tip about getting a Carnet! That would have been helpful in Zimbabwe last year...

I always carry my equipment in a Pelican Carry-On Case. It's just the right size for an over-head compartment, and even if they force me to put it under the plane at the gate, at least I know it's completely safe (from anything except theft at least)! I wouldn't go anywhere without it!

http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1510

[Mike Viray]

Great suggestion, Nick. Is the frame around the bag pretty sturdy? I'm assuming your laptop isn't held in that bag. Also, which lenses are you carrying in this particular shot of your setup? The only one I can recognize is the 70-200 hiding behind your blower and light meter.

[Nick Onken]

@Krista - Carnet's are key. I have a friend who shot a big production in Morroco and the production company out of Italy didn't get a carnet. Took them $6000 and 3 days to get their gear out of customs. Kudos to you for lugging a Pelican without rollers (from what I can see) case around. Those things are heavy!

@Mike - Yeah the bag is sturdy. I've lugged these bags around the world, from all over the US, to Asia to Europe. The rollers save your life. (or at least your back) Here's the packing list:
1Ds MKII
1D MKII(being replaced today by the 1Ds MKIII!)
20mm f2.8
35mm f1.4L
50mm f1.2L
85mm f1.2L
70-200mm f2.8L IS
couple extra batteries, a charger, blower, Sekonic Light meter, firelight HD, Sharpies.

[jon]

So what bag do you use while shooting? Do you shoot with two bodies at 1 time or change lens often whilst shooting? Thanks!