What's in Andy's camera bag?

I get many email inquiries regarding what my equipment bag looks like. Well, here it is. I don't normally take all of this on safari with me, but most of it usually finds its way to Africa at some point or another.

Since September 11, 2001, travel restrictions on carry-ons and checked luggage have caused quite a bit of stir in the photographic community. I carry all of my camera gear with me onto the airplane, and check my clothing and camera accessories underneath. Am I crazy? Perhaps. But I don't think so. I would rather have a sore back from carrying everything than have my gear stolen or broken. Since we no longer enjoy the luxury of locking our luggage, I have no other options other than carrying my equipment with me. I remove all unnecessary weight, such as my camera batteries and chargers. I fit all but my 500mm lens inside of my backpack, which weighs around 30 pounds. Since I normally fly on KLM airlines to Tanzania, their carry-on weight limit is around 22 pounds. Prior to check-in I remove my 1-series camera and 24-70mm combo, along with my 16-35mm lens and other heavy items and tuck them in my photo vest. Suddenly I am close to within limit. I check-in, and put back my gear in the bag once out of sight of the ticketing agents. Voila.

I find hand carrying the 500mm on a plane has its advantages and disadvantages. First, I seriously doubt that any airline employee with require me to check the lens by itself, because of obvious damage that will occur. This is considered my 'personal item', which is allowed. I suspect that hand carrying this lens over my shoulder is the least risky of all methods, but is no doubt a burden.

Canon EOS 1DsMkIII

Canon EOS 1DMkIII

Canon EOS Digita Rebel XTi 400D (converted to infrared)

24-105mm f/4 L IS

100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

500mm f/4 L IS

1.4x and 2x teleconverters

Sony HC3 high definition video camera (Great for web video)