Flying to the Workshop? Camera Gear Packing Guide

Pack smart: keep your critical gear in carry-on, stay under airline limits, and arrive ready to shoot even if your checked bag goes missing.

Australia Domestic Updated Feb 2026 DKP v1

Golden rule: Camera body + key lenses + laptop + batteries = carry-on (never check this). Tripod + extras = checked baggage. Why: If your checked bag goes missing, you can still shoot every location and complete the workshop. Everything else is replaceable.

Australian Domestic Airline Limits (As of Feb 2026)

All Economy fares unless noted. Business Class and frequent flyer status members may have higher limits—check your booking.

Airline	Carry-on Weight	Dimensions (H×W×D)	Personal Item	Notes
Qantas	7kg total	56×36×23cm (or 2 bags at 105cm total dimensions)	Yes (laptop bag, handbag)	Dash 8 aircraft: stricter limits apply
Virgin Australia	7kg total (8kg from Feb 2026)	56×36×23cm (or 2 bags at 48×34×23cm each)	Yes (max 45×33×20cm)	Feb 2026: Economy gets 1 standard bag only
Jetstar	7kg total	56×36×23cm	Included in 7kg total	+7kg option available (~$60 pre-purchase)

Important: Personal item (laptop bag, handbag) is separate on Qantas/Virgin, but counts toward 7kg total on Jetstar. Always verify limits on your specific booking confirmation.

Packing Strategy That Works

Carry-on (never check this)

Camera body + battery installed
1-2 key lenses (wide-angle priority for landscapes/astro—e.g., 14-24mm or equivalent)
Laptop (if bringing one)
2+ spare batteries (lithium batteries must be carry-on, cannot be checked)
Memory cards (all of them)
Small essentials: cable release, lens cloth, ND filter if space allows

Checked baggage

Tripod (can't carry through security anyway)
Extra lenses (telephoto, specialty glass)
Filter system (bulk filters, adapters)
Chargers, cables, accessories
Clothes, toiletries

Pro tip: Use a lightweight backpack (Lowepro, Peak Design, or budget option: padded camera insert in a light duffel) to maximize gear while staying under 7kg.

Dylan's Setup (Real-world example)

Carry-on: Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW III (~1kg empty)

Camera: Nikon D810 body + battery (~0.98kg)

Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 (~1.00kg)

Laptop: Lenovo Legion (~2.57kg)

Batteries: 2+ spares (~0.16kg)

Extras: Memory cards, lens cloth, cable release

Total weight: ~5.7-6.1kg (comfortably under 7kg limit)

Checked baggage

Gear: 70-200mm f/2.8, tripod + head, NiSi filter system, chargers, cables

Other: Clothes, toiletries

Why this works: If checked bag disappears, I can still shoot every location with the 14-24mm. Worst case, grab a cheap tripod from Kmart/BCF ($50-80) and keep going. The 70-200mm is important but not workshop-critical for landscapes/astro.

Pro Tips to Maximize Space

✓Wear your heaviest gear through security: Boots, jacket = less bag weight
✓Use a light bag: Every 100g of bag weight = 100g less gear capacity
✓Personal item trick (Qantas/Virgin): Laptop bag can hold chargers, smaller accessories, filters
✓Gate-check option: If slightly over 7kg, most domestic flights let you gate-check for free (tag at gate, collect on tarmac)—better than paying $60+ for extra baggage
✓AirTag in checked luggage: Works domestically, helps track lost bags

Jetstar flyers: Consider pre-purchasing the +7kg carry-on option (~$60) if you need laptop + camera gear. Much cheaper than checked baggage fees at the airport ($75-80).

When Checked Baggage Gets Lost

Photo your bag + luggage tag before checking it (helps with claims/tracking)
Know where the nearest camera shop is at your destination (I can point you to local options if needed)
Cheap tripod backup plan: Kmart, BCF, Anaconda all stock basic tripods ($50-80) if yours goes missing
Don't panic: As long as you have body + wide lens + batteries, you're covered for the workshop

Travel insurance check

Most standard travel policies cap camera gear at $500-1000. If you're carrying $5k+ in gear, check your policy or get separate equipment insurance before you fly.

Lithium Battery Rules (Critical - read this)

Spare batteries MUST be carry-on—you cannot check them. This includes camera batteries, power banks, laptop batteries.
Max 2 power banks per person (160Wh max capacity each). Must be accessible during flight.
Installed batteries OK: Battery in your camera/laptop can stay installed in carry-on.
Tape battery contacts: Use electrical tape or keep batteries in original packaging to prevent short circuits.

Common mistake: Leaving spare batteries in checked luggage. Airlines will reject your bag or remove them. Always pack batteries in carry-on.

Pre-Flight Checklist

✓Camera body + 1-2 key lenses in carry-on
✓All spare batteries in carry-on (never checked)
✓All memory cards in carry-on
✓Laptop + charger split between carry-on and personal item
✓Weigh your bag at home (kitchen scales work fine)
✓Photo of checked bag + luggage tag (if checking gear)
✓Confirm your specific airline limits on booking confirmation

Common Questions

Q: Can I bring my tripod as carry-on?

A: No. Tripods are considered potential weapons and must be checked. Budget for this in your checked baggage weight.

Q: What if I'm slightly over 7kg?

A: Options: (1) shift items to personal item/pockets, (2) wear heavier jacket/boots, (3) gate-check (often free), (4) pay for extra baggage. Don't risk it—check weight at home first.

Q: Can I bring ND filters in carry-on?

A: Yes, filters are fine in carry-on. Glass filters in cases won't trigger security issues. Just watch your weight limit.

Q: What about lens cleaning solution?

A: Domestic flights (within Australia) have no liquid restrictions. For international, liquids must be ≤100ml each in a clear plastic bag.

Questions? Reply to your workshop confirmation email or ask when you arrive. See you at the workshop.