Carrying SLR cameras on the bike - how do you protect them?

[keith_d]

Really a question for the photographers on the forum.

I'm thinking of taking my dSLR and a couple of lenses along on the bike and was wondering how people protect their cameras. My main concerns are:

1) Rain - water doesn't mix well with electronic cameras
2) Vibration - lots of moving parts and precision lenses mean vibration isn't good.
3) Minor offs - if it happens I'd like to have a working camera to take photos

My current thoughts are that I'll convert my tank bag by adding a foam liner and some velcro straps to restrain the camera. But, I'd be interested to hear how other people protect their cameras (or don't).

Ta,

Keith.

[admin]

I'd go for a rucksack and lot's of plastic bags. Vibration killed one of my Ricoh's many years ago (it was in a camera bag strapped to the back seat). Having said that I have carried a digital compact in my tankbag but I make sure it's sitting on something padded.

[keith_d]

My only issue with the rucksack option is that if I have a serious off I could end up with a camera shaped dent in my back.

[jambo]

I use a camera bag that I got thrown in with the DSLR when I bought it:
http://products.lowepro.com/product/...-AW,2034,4.htm

Good points: Sits happily on my back all day, or I can squish it up and fit it in my tank bag to get out when needed. You can fit a body and a couple of lenses in easily.

Bad points: When it's in the tank bag It's a bit slow / fiddley to get the camera out very quickly, I was going to look at a smaller bag for this. When it's on my back I've considered it may not be ideal if i come off, though if you leave the 2nd strap off it can rotate freely to front or back whic should mean it's OK.

As for protection from impact / vibes, I had this camera bag squished into my oxford tank bag when I lost the front at ~30ish going into corner on holiday. The bike slid, the tank bag ended up under the bike and the camera hasn't missed a beat. So I'd say it's pretty good. I must have done several tousand miles with the camera like this and it's fine (on the bike, not several thousand miles of crashing).

Jambo

+1.000.000 on the lowepro 100% ticks all your boxes and works a dream

I use a Kata 3n1-10 as a sling bag (can convert as left or right sling bag with side opening on both sides or as a normal rucksack). Mine is the smallest model and there are 2 more in the same style. If it looks a bit like rain i use the waterproof cover. In regards to protection in event of a crash....i pay about 70 quid for 2800 quid worth of insurance on my camera gear or you could maybe add to home policy? A good back protector is something you should have to protect your back anyway.

Digital cameras i just shove anywhere as it is the slr gear i worry about due to all those moving parts as you said.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp...&Version=Photo

[Paul the 6th]

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/cate...spx?cat03=3018

I've got a lowerpro recommended

Originally Posted by keith_d

3) Minor offs - if it happens I'd like to have a working camera to take photos

Keith.

pretend that if you crash your bike you may hurt yourself as well as damaging your DLSR and I'm sure you will be less likely to break it

get a pelle case. they are drop it out an airplane good

Lowepro stuff is good as people have said - i have one of their rucksacks and its ace. It's the mini trekker AW and has a waterproof cover that folds out and the tripod straps to the outside if you have one.

If I am going far and don't want it on my back I take a bare bones kit and put it in my tail bag inside another smaller padded camera case.

(Also, if your camera bag isn't waterproof maybe consider putting it in something like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT )