Tripod Question...

[ddbowdoin]

Not a rookie, know the rules and common decency issues... I do a lot of long exposure work and a tripod is coming. That isn't the question.

The question: I don't really use photo backpacks so I'm either using a pelican case (as I am a pro) or a small shoulder messenger bag style bag.

The rules on Disney's website says they have to be able to fit inside a backpack. However, I typically pack my camera inside the bag below, then lay the tripod on top and secure the top and lash it. I have about the smallest tripod that meets the needs of my camera. https://flmusa.com/product/flm-cp30-s4-ii-carbon-fiber-tripod/

What do you think? Risk laying the tripod on and having it stick out the sides just a few inches or sacrafice camera protection and use my run of the mill REI Backpack. I do have some camera wraps etc to add some protection. The biggest issue is that I have camera cubes for if I do need a crappy backpack, but then the tripod won't fit inside the backpack.

 

[ddbowdoin]

This is how far it would extend.

 

[donsullivan]

I believe technically, Disney’s rule is that the tripod must collapse to a size that could fit into a backpack, not that it must be in the backpack. I have brought my tripod attached to the outside of my camera backpack into the parks hundreds of times with no issue. As long as you are conscious of those around you in tight queues (think queue for Mexican Boat Ride), you’ll be totally fine slipping the tripod into that top of a messenger style bag like that.

Edit: Based on the image you added I wouldn’t worry about it at all.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Thanks, definitely bringing the messenger style bag. My shoulder will pay the price but I need the added protection for the camera.

Using the GFX 100s these days so can't mess around.

 

[drizgirl]

I have never had issue at WDW bringing my tripod, and it's in its own carrying bag (but it's really pretty small at 16" long and could easily fit in my backpack if I wanted to put it there).

I did get stopped at DLR this year with lots of questions about it. I thought for a minute they might say no. Eventually they asked me how far it extended. I can't recall, I think they were asking for it to be less than 5 feet. It actually goes a little higher but I said it didn't and they let me through.

I think ultimately it comes down every single time to the CM you have at the gate. Mostly they will get through but there's no guarantee you won't get "that guard" who wants to make an issue that day.

 

[ddbowdoin]

I have never had issue at WDW bringing my tripod, and it's in its own carrying bag (but it's really pretty small at 16" long and could easily fit in my backpack if I wanted to put it there).

I did get stopped at DLR this year with lots of questions about it. I thought for a minute they might say no. Eventually they asked me how far it extended. I can't recall, I think they were asking for it to be less than 5 feet. It actually goes a little higher but I said it didn't and they let me through.

I think ultimately it comes down every single time to the CM you have at the gate. Mostly they will get through but there's no guarantee you won't get "that guard" who wants to make an issue that day.

Size shouldn't be an issue... I'm 5'7 and doesn't even come to my chin at its full extension.

 

[senor_jorge]

Depending on the CM you get to interact with I think you'll be fine. My wife has taken a travel tripod in, strapped to the top of a Tenba messenger bag, without issue. The ball head or feet barely extended beyond the edge of the bag.

 

[ddbowdoin]

No issues this morning at MGM.

It’s BUSY! New England February break, a whole slew of MA folks down here.