Motorcycling with Camera Equipment

River6822 · 06-29-2011, 12:24 PM

I'm wasn't sure if this was applicable to the Pics, Pics, Pics thread but if the mod thinks it is please move it.... and my apologies.

I'm new to DSLR photography, up until recently I've been a cheapo point and shoot kinda guy. I never really worried about throwing the camera in a tank bag and going on my way. I've broken two this way, based on dirt and vibration.

I just picked up a DSLR and I'm worried about damaging it in the same way. Does anyone else carry this kind of equipment and how?

I figured I'll just get a camera / padded back pack but soon thought if I crash I could end up seriously hurting myself if the camera gets forced into my spine.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks

SF_Rider · 06-29-2011, 12:58 PM

I use my 990 with top and side cases all the time to get to and from jobs with a lot of photo equipment. I have the gobi top case and bought the bag that goes inside of it. I have a high density foam insert from an old camera bag that fit it really well and I use that as my shoulder bag. Or, sometimes I stuff my normal camera bag into the top case. There is some debate about the vibrations from a motorcycle damaging camera equipment. I've traveled a lot with these methods and it's all fine.

Another option is to buy a pelican case with foam insert and mount that to your bike. This is a solid way of carrying gear but unless you have a good quick release system for the case you have to either leave your gear on your bike at night while on a trip, or take all the individual pieces inside with you. Not ideal.

I personally think it's a bad idea to wear a hip/back pack. Annoying and potentially dangerous. Also, you will use your gear more if it's super quick and easy to get too. I can get in and out of my top case with gloves and helmet on and even take a few quick shots like this. A pack on your body usually means to take off your gloves and maybe helmet each and every time.

kirb · 06-29-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by River6822

I'm wasn't sure if this was applicable to the Pics, Pics, Pics thread but if the mod thinks it is please move it.... and my apologies.

I'm new to DSLR photography, up until recently I've been a cheapo point and shoot kinda guy. I never really worried about throwing the camera in a tank bag and going on my way. I've broken two this way, based on dirt and vibration.

I just picked up a DSLR and I'm worried about damaging it in the same way. Does anyone else carry this kind of equipment and how?

I figured I'll just get a camera / padded back pack but soon thought if I crash I could end up seriously hurting myself if the camera gets forced into my spine.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks

Some guys are using Pelican cases at top-boxes (thick foam that you can pick-n-pluck comes with them). Some guys say a back pack is ideal.

I just use a go-pro and settle for the shitty fish-eye view.

River6822 · 06-29-2011, 01:50 PM

I don't have, nor do I want to deal with a top box or hard luggage on my SE. I do have a tank bag that I thought of filling with foam to accomodate the camera with a zoom lens attached.

I haven't begun to research what kind of foam I could use to do it, but it was a thought.

Gizmo · 06-29-2011, 01:50 PM

I have a good padded shoulder bag that will easily fit in my top case, which I surround with high density foam. The Pelican case mounted to the bike (with a quick release system) previously mentioned is an excellent idea if carrying a lot of gear.

crashmaster · 06-29-2011, 02:28 PM

I just finished a 2 year trip through the Americas with a DSLR in my tank bag. Canon 40D with a 17-55 F2.8 EFS lens. The camera withstood much abuse getting beat up in the tank bag over tens of thousands of miles of rough dirt roads but is otherwise unharmed. The camera and lens are both in good working condition albeit a little full of dirt and sand. Going to send it off to Canon for a good cleaning.

If you want good quality photos, you pretty much have to take a DSLR.

Bolivia

Guyana

French Guiana

Brazilian Amazon

Colombia

Bolivia

River6822 · 06-29-2011, 02:30 PM

Mine is a Canon T1i. Hopefully I'll get nice shots like yours. No foam or anything? Just in the tank bag?

crashmaster · 06-29-2011, 02:39 PM

I was a pretty tight fit in the tank bag so it didnt move around much. Padded it with a towel underneath the camera, thats it. It did get pretty scratched up, but I brought it to use it.

The only issue I see with the T1i is that it has a plastic housing so you might want to protect it with some foam. The magnesium housing of the 40D is tough as nails, so I didnt worry about it.

motolocopat · 06-29-2011, 03:18 PM

WHile guiding on tours I would allways just get a small camera pouch that strapped onto my belt/fannypack. When it is real rough and standing up then this is probably one of the smoothest areas on the bike. Body pretty well dampens out any higher frequencies (I think) and camera is just subjected to a steady jostling around. Ca dedicated little case will fit the camer a well and many come with a little rain condom to slip over them.
I just picked on up for my DSLR as a matter of fact that has a short zoom are and my camera with 25-250mm zoom and a mini tripod attached fit in it. Just done about 100 mile with ot on the side of me on a street bike but hardly noticed it.

I like that it is ALLWAYS right there with you and I have quick access to take a photo

Rockwell · 06-29-2011, 03:27 PM

I've got the Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm lens. Just picked up the Canon 14mm lens. I plan on keeping mine in my tank bag on top of something soft, like a sweater and maybe some folded up t-shirts. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Orangecicle · 06-30-2011, 04:37 AM

An ADVer has this blog: http://motojournalism.blogspot.com/

Go there and have a look at Anthony's eBooks. He details his gear, how he travels with his gear, and how to improve your photography. I've bought both and recommend the eBooks to many people -- even non-bikers.

crashmaster · 06-30-2011, 10:50 AM

+1 Besides that Anton is a great photographer. After seeing the photos on his RR you just want to throw your camera in the trash and not even bother with taking photos.

viola-tor · 06-30-2011, 01:58 PM

I put my Canon 7D in the tank bag and don't think much about it. I pad it a little with clothes or whatever, but not too much. As others have said, I bought it to use. I occasionally have strapped on a camera bag across my body messenger style, but def prefer the tank bag.

However, I DO have it well insured so if I dunk it during a stream crossing or drop it off a cliff I'm covered. I have no sentimental feelings towards this particular camera or lens, they are identically replaceable.

The Bigfella · 06-30-2011, 05:45 PM

My Nikon rode in the green bag around Vietnam - along with a laptop and other lenses.... and now rides in my tank bag on the 950se. I just put a couple of pieces of Armaflex foam in the bottom of the bag. I did manage to bust a filter on my Nikkor 80-400 zoom earlier in the trip, in Cambodia. It isn't a nice feeling to have glass falling out, but it didn't happen on the bike.

sombreroisland · 07-01-2011, 05:26 AM

I had a friend put his canon g10 on a small tail bag. By the time he picked it up after a 4 hour ride, he found screws come lose! :) ...maybe he should have loctite'd the camera before he left

I bought a small military sling bag over my shoulder where I put my leica rangefinder. I figured the body had less vibration then putting the camera directly on any part of the bike.

I have a small pouch velcro'd to my kriega backpack for my point and shoot.

My next project is actually hooking up a 5x7 viewfinder camera on the bike inside a pelican case ala caribou style. That is what I'm worried about...

06-29-2011, 12:24 PM	#1
River6822 ^OP Fat kid on a 950 SE Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Catskill, NY Oddometer: 333	Motorcycling with Camera Equipment I'm wasn't sure if this was applicable to the Pics, Pics, Pics thread but if the mod thinks it is please move it.... and my apologies. I'm new to DSLR photography, up until recently I've been a cheapo point and shoot kinda guy. I never really worried about throwing the camera in a tank bag and going on my way. I've broken two this way, based on dirt and vibration. I just picked up a DSLR and I'm worried about damaging it in the same way. Does anyone else carry this kind of equipment and how? I figured I'll just get a camera / padded back pack but soon thought if I crash I could end up seriously hurting myself if the camera gets forced into my spine. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks __________________ 2007 KTM 950 SE 2004 KTM 450 EXC 1979 Suzuki GS850 1993 Harley Café Project

06-29-2011, 12:58 PM	#2
SF_Rider Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2011 Oddometer: 443	A few options I use my 990 with top and side cases all the time to get to and from jobs with a lot of photo equipment. I have the gobi top case and bought the bag that goes inside of it. I have a high density foam insert from an old camera bag that fit it really well and I use that as my shoulder bag. Or, sometimes I stuff my normal camera bag into the top case. There is some debate about the vibrations from a motorcycle damaging camera equipment. I've traveled a lot with these methods and it's all fine. Another option is to buy a pelican case with foam insert and mount that to your bike. This is a solid way of carrying gear but unless you have a good quick release system for the case you have to either leave your gear on your bike at night while on a trip, or take all the individual pieces inside with you. Not ideal. I personally think it's a bad idea to wear a hip/back pack. Annoying and potentially dangerous. Also, you will use your gear more if it's super quick and easy to get too. I can get in and out of my top case with gloves and helmet on and even take a few quick shots like this. A pack on your body usually means to take off your gloves and maybe helmet each and every time.

06-29-2011, 01:50 PM	#4
River6822 ^OP Fat kid on a 950 SE Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Catskill, NY Oddometer: 333	Top Boxes I don't have, nor do I want to deal with a top box or hard luggage on my SE. I do have a tank bag that I thought of filling with foam to accomodate the camera with a zoom lens attached. I haven't begun to research what kind of foam I could use to do it, but it was a thought. __________________ 2007 KTM 950 SE 2004 KTM 450 EXC 1979 Suzuki GS850 1993 Harley Café Project

06-29-2011, 01:50 PM	#5
Gizmo Hermes Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Oddometer: 1,668	I have a good padded shoulder bag that will easily fit in my top case, which I surround with high density foam. The Pelican case mounted to the bike (with a quick release system) previously mentioned is an excellent idea if carrying a lot of gear. __________________ Regards & Ride Safe! Bruce 4-Wheels moves the body, 2-wheels moves the soul 09' BMW K1200 LT IBA # 8547

06-29-2011, 02:28 PM	#6
crashmaster ow, my balls! Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Girdweed, AK Oddometer: 4,604	I just finished a 2 year trip through the Americas with a DSLR in my tank bag. Canon 40D with a 17-55 F2.8 EFS lens. The camera withstood much abuse getting beat up in the tank bag over tens of thousands of miles of rough dirt roads but is otherwise unharmed. The camera and lens are both in good working condition albeit a little full of dirt and sand. Going to send it off to Canon for a good cleaning. If you want good quality photos, you pretty much have to take a DSLR. Bolivia Guyana French Guiana Brazilian Amazon Colombia Bolivia __________________ Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español - Terminado. _____________________________________________ crashmaster screwed with this post 06-29-2011 at 02:41 PM

06-29-2011, 02:30 PM	#7
River6822 ^OP Fat kid on a 950 SE Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Catskill, NY Oddometer: 333	The new Camera Mine is a Canon T1i. Hopefully I'll get nice shots like yours. No foam or anything? Just in the tank bag? __________________ 2007 KTM 950 SE 2004 KTM 450 EXC 1979 Suzuki GS850 1993 Harley Café Project

06-29-2011, 02:39 PM	#8
crashmaster ow, my balls! Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Girdweed, AK Oddometer: 4,604	I was a pretty tight fit in the tank bag so it didnt move around much. Padded it with a towel underneath the camera, thats it. It did get pretty scratched up, but I brought it to use it. The only issue I see with the T1i is that it has a plastic housing so you might want to protect it with some foam. The magnesium housing of the 40D is tough as nails, so I didnt worry about it. __________________ Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español - Terminado. _____________________________________________ crashmaster screwed with this post 06-29-2011 at 03:08 PM

06-29-2011, 03:18 PM	#9
motolocopat When in doubt gas it! Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Glen Rose TX, Northern Hill Country Oddometer: 512	Fanny Pack or Belt WHile guiding on tours I would allways just get a small camera pouch that strapped onto my belt/fannypack. When it is real rough and standing up then this is probably one of the smoothest areas on the bike. Body pretty well dampens out any higher frequencies (I think) and camera is just subjected to a steady jostling around. Ca dedicated little case will fit the camer a well and many come with a little rain condom to slip over them. I just picked on up for my DSLR as a matter of fact that has a short zoom are and my camera with 25-250mm zoom and a mini tripod attached fit in it. Just done about 100 mile with ot on the side of me on a street bike but hardly noticed it. I like that it is ALLWAYS right there with you and I have quick access to take a photo __________________ Steaks Medium Rare, Red Wine, V-Twin Road-Bikes, 4-Stroke Dirbikes, V8 RWD Cars, American 4X4 Trucks...Endless Roads with Motoing Amigos Un Moto Abrazo Keep the Shiny Side Up www.moto-loco.com

06-29-2011, 03:27 PM	#10
Rockwell Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Ontario Oddometer: 460	I've got the Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-105mm lens. Just picked up the Canon 14mm lens. I plan on keeping mine in my tank bag on top of something soft, like a sweater and maybe some folded up t-shirts. I'm sure it'll be fine. __________________ not all those who wander are lost \| two earthlings ride around the world Home \| Photo Blog \| The Route \| The Bike \| About Us \| Participate!

06-30-2011, 04:37 AM	#11
Orangecicle Beastly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2007 Location: West Des Moines, IA Oddometer: 1,060	Motojournalism An ADVer has this blog: http://motojournalism.blogspot.com/ Go there and have a look at Anthony's eBooks. He details his gear, how he travels with his gear, and how to improve your photography. I've bought both and recommend the eBooks to many people -- even non-bikers. __________________ "I'd like to meet the joker who had the nerve to call this a road!" -- Walter Sigmann

06-30-2011, 10:50 AM	#12
crashmaster ow, my balls! Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Girdweed, AK Oddometer: 4,604	+1 Besides that Anton is a great photographer. After seeing the photos on his RR you just want to throw your camera in the trash and not even bother with taking photos. __________________ Riding the Americas: No Fumar Español - Terminado. _____________________________________________

06-30-2011, 01:58 PM	#13
viola-tor Needs to ride! Joined: Feb 2008 Location: The Alamo Oddometer: 2,065	I put my Canon 7D in the tank bag and don't think much about it. I pad it a little with clothes or whatever, but not too much. As others have said, I bought it to use. I occasionally have strapped on a camera bag across my body messenger style, but def prefer the tank bag. However, I DO have it well insured so if I dunk it during a stream crossing or drop it off a cliff I'm covered. I have no sentimental feelings towards this particular camera or lens, they are identically replaceable. __________________ WHHHAAAAT!?!?! 5 Star RR: VIOLA-TING AMERICA - Chasing the dream of music and motos

06-30-2011, 05:45 PM	#14
The Bigfella Big Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Dooral Dooral, Eastern Oz Oddometer: 1,777	My Nikon rode in the green bag around Vietnam - along with a laptop and other lenses.... and now rides in my tank bag on the 950se. I just put a couple of pieces of Armaflex foam in the bottom of the bag. I did manage to bust a filter on my Nikkor 80-400 zoom earlier in the trip, in Cambodia. It isn't a nice feeling to have glass falling out, but it didn't happen on the bike. __________________ A man should only do the work that is required of him. To do more is a form of greed.

07-01-2011, 05:26 AM	#15
sombreroisland Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2011 Oddometer: 115	I had a friend put his canon g10 on a small tail bag. By the time he picked it up after a 4 hour ride, he found screws come lose! :) ...maybe he should have loctite'd the camera before he left I bought a small military sling bag over my shoulder where I put my leica rangefinder. I figured the body had less vibration then putting the camera directly on any part of the bike. I have a small pouch velcro'd to my kriega backpack for my point and shoot. My next project is actually hooking up a 5x7 viewfinder camera on the bike inside a pelican case ala caribou style. That is what I'm worried about...

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