Case technology for transporting lighting really hasn’t really changed that much. Lights have gotten smaller and lighter, but this hasn’t change the cases. It’s just a matter of getting the right size and padding. Many newer cases come with wheels and that’s a noteworthy addition.

The four biggest manufactures are Lightware, Tenba, Pelican, and Haliburton.

Size matters: Getting the right size and weight for air travel is tricky. Sometimes it’s just best to rent gear near your destination when you travel by air. I like to hire local assistants who own lights or can get their hands on some. I’ll pay big bucks for someone who knows the location, can get the lighting, and can pick me up at the airport. What I save on rental cars, taxis, and baggage charges can pay for an assistant.

What has changed about transporting lighting gear is the carts. There are many innovative cart designs; these are my favorites:

The Rock-N-Roller or Multi Cart R-12 All Terrain with the Retrofit Shelf Kit.

The Safco Convertable Hand Truck.

The Clipper 1000

The Two In One Ladder Hand Truck.

The Haul Master 400Lb model.

Let me know if there’s a lighting hand truck or cart that I should add to my collection. I find that you can never have too many different sizes of cases or carts.

The right method of traveling your gear is essential. Careful consideration of the way the gear is transported is often overlooked. Camera gear has changed, so the bags and cases have changed as well. Some of the new bag technology is really innovative and can make a big difference in the way you work with the equipment. Backpacks, slings, and holsters are in are replacing shoulder bags. My back welcomes these changes! Really nice Modular Systems are also coming onto the market.

Depending on the amount of gear you own, and what you do with it, I recommend owning at least three camera bags:
#1.) The largest bag that will still fit the domestic travel carry on regulation: I use the Tenba Shootout backpack shown above for this bag. It just barely fit’s into the overhead of larger planes. The shootout is a really well thought out backpack and I highly recommend it.

#2.) A medium bag that will carry just one camera body, a flash and a couple of lenses: I use the Tamrac Velocity 9 shown below which is a sling style. I love the sling style and find the Velocity 9 to be an comfortable and accessible.

#3.) A holster bag that carries only one camera and one lens: It’s nice to be able to take just the bare essentials on some shoots. The holsters below are made by Think Tank Photo.

A Boda Lens Bag (shown below)works well in conjunction with a camera holster. One on each side your shooting from the hip.

Recently more modular systems have come on the market: I like this approach a lot; each component has its own little pouch, which can be attached to a belt or harness. You still need a bag or case to carry all the pouches, but you can attach just what you want to your belt while you’re shooting.

Carefully consider how you carry everything including your laptop and tripod. Carbon fiber tripods are lighter, so they can be attached onto a backpack without making it too heavy. I also like a tripod bag that has a shoulder strap. Manfrotto makes a complete line of excellent tripod bags.

I usually work with an assistant. I often wear a modular system, while the assistant mans the main bag and tripod. Don’t be afraid to ask your girlfriend or wife to carry your tripod bag, if she complains, consider an upgrade!