Gear


Electronics Ban? Be Prepared with Bags That Can Stay Strong During Tough Travel

June 27, 2017

By Theano Nikitas

The electronics ban from certain points of departure in the Middle East and North Africa may not affect you, but with the (so-far quelled) rumors about expanding the ban to Europe, perhaps it’s time to start thinking ahead just to be safe. According to the ban, other than cell phones and medical devices, no electronics will be allowed as carry-on, and that includes cameras, as well as laptops and other essential gear (we’re not sure about lenses, though).

That increases the likelihood that, at some point, you may need to check your gear when flying. If you’re already in the habit of putting your gear in the underbelly of a plane, then you’re ahead of the game. But unless, or until, the ban affects you, you may be happiest bringing your gear on board with you. Either way, Think Tank Photo has you covered.

Although the company’s partnership with SKB was announced a while back, Think Tank Photo is now shipping the hard cases that are a result of this collaboration. These hard cases benefit from Think Tank’s soft, customizable interiors and they all fit airline carry-on requirements (as always, check with your particular airline, especially if you’re flying on a small plane).

Available in a range of sizes and configurations, the SKB iSeries is watertight, dust-proof and can withstand the rigors of checked baggage with the kind of high-quality, customizable interior one expects from Think Tank.

Prices start at around $110 for a case that fits a Nikon D750 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, a Nikon SB-910 flash, a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 ART lens and a battery charger. The most expensive case, the SKB iSeries 31-2011-7BP rolling case, runs about $330 and includes a backpack and lid organizer. This larger case can accommodate up to two camera bodies, with attached lenses, two flash guns, a couple of extra lenses and a detached vertical battery grip, as well as multiple accessories such as filters, extra batteries and remote triggers.

The cases are versatile and made to fit all budgets and multiple still or video gear configurations. Hopefully we won’t be forced to check our precious equipment but, if we do, these cases—which come with a lifetime warranty—may provide as much peace of mind as one can have when handing over thousands of dollars worth of gear to airline baggage handlers.

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