From my experience standards can be inconsistent at the same airport in the same country. My biggest commute is between Düsseldorf and Birmingham. I travel with the same bag, same minimal contents and the same equipment (which includes a camera and a rather large lens) on every flight. Requirements as to whether that lens should be separated from the bag have never been consistent either at BHX or DUS. I always ask. One time it's yes and another it's no, not necessary. Basically it comes down to the whim of the security person on the day.