Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

Hello all,

Need some alternative of shipping a 3-light LED kit to Europe for a shoot. My airline wants to charge an additional $600 each way for the shipping. Any thoughts?

Micheal

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

Have been in similar situation and found it worked out cheaper to arrange rental on location - also means no power/adaptor issues. Is that an option for you?

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

Yeah, rental would be the easiest and cheapest option, where in Europe are you shooting? Then you might be able to get addresses to contact and rent.

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

yeah that's my fall back position... just need to do the research to rent gear overseas :)

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

Micheal, for the rest of your gear, keep in mind it's 110 volts over there.

When you book the gear in advance, have backup rentals in mind.

Cheers.

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

If you end up going with rentals, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to arrange it - there can be a lot of back-and-forth, faxing insurance, passports, etc before you can hire anything. There was for me between Ireland/Canada/USA in any case.

Like Noa said, I'm sure if you post up what locations you're covering people would recommend local, reliable places.

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

It ain't 110 volts in Britain (or Ireland I think). 240 so no putting fingers in the sockets!

Ron

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

If you need to rent gear in Germany, I can assist you.

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

Where is "over there"? Over here it's 220 volt :)

Re: Best transpo for getting gear to Europe
 

$600? Now that's a profit center! At that price you could almost buy new ones there.

Another option might be to ship the lights but rent the tripods.

Check with DHL and UPS as they ship between the US and Europe. When returning to the US it would be a good idea to have a form "Certificate of Registration" OMB 1651-0010, CBP Form 4457 http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/cbp_form_4457.pdf (check the expiration date on the form)

The rental idea really sounds like the least expensive way to go.

Maybe team up with another videographer who has lights?

You got us wondering - where are you going???