Hi!
I’m not a full-on bikepacker doing multi-day trips, but I do rides (usually up to ~80–100km) and occasionally stop for street photography along the way.
My bike is an all city super pro, and a full frame camera (not small) with a pancake lens.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to carry it safely while riding without ruining handling or my back/neck on longer rides.
Right now I’m considering:
-Handlebar bag (like Swift Catalyst / similar)
-Small front rack + bag
-Sling bag on body
I’ve seen mixed opinions, some people say carrying it on the body is better for shock absorption, while others prefer bike-mounted bags for comfort.
Any advice from experience is appreciated.
by baldokosmic
9 Comments
Maybe the Two Wheel backpack pannier? Depends on how much you carry, though. But I can see it being worth if carrying different lenses.
https://twowheelgear.com/en-ch/collections/commuting-panniers
I usually use a photography backpack when I have to bring my full frame bodies. Rarely do that anymore the capabilities of the newer iPhones are just fantastic.
I got myself a MFT (Oly E-M10 MK IV) Camera instead of carrying my FF Rig around. It lives rent-free in my backpack, because of the vibrations while riding. Especially with IBIS, there is a chance that it’s not very healthy for the Camera to shake around all the time.
Also, the MFT Camera with 3 Lenses (9mm Pancake, 14-42 Pancake and 45/1.8) is smaller and lighter than my Nikon with a simple 50/1.8 .
frame mounted bags get rattled too much for me to feel comfortable with it. I have a hip pack and I feel good about it. Mine isn’t waterproof but I can get it under my raincoat. If I was looking to buy something now I would look at the wizardworks snagla. It can also be mounted to handlebars and is waterproof
I use a small Lowepro backpack to carry my dslr and a lens or two. Sometimes will use a Timbuk2 sling with a padded insert if I’m just carrying a body and a prime. If I’m just bringing my X100vi, I’ll just wear it across me.
I used to throw gear in either a pannier or something not my front rack, but now prefer to have the camera on my body. I don’t think that exposure to vibration transmitted through the panniers/rack is good for gear long term.
I cycle a lot with my Z8 and some lenses and I use an Ortlieb handlebar bag. Looks like this: [https://de.ortlieb.com/products/ultimate-plus](https://de.ortlieb.com/products/ultimate-plus) It’s easy to access but doesn’t interfere with cycling the way strapping it to myself would.
Nowhere on the bike – the rattle will break your ibis and autofocus. The only safe space is behind big vibration dumper – your body. You can either use a hip bag, a strap or just store in a jersey pocket. Each solution has its pros and cons. I use Ricoh gr3x which nicely fits in a pocket. The only concern there is sweat but so far it hasn’t been a problem.
gopro on my chest
I use a film slr and that can fit in my framebag but a fullframe dslr would not. Handlebar bag should be good for you