Packing a DSLR?

[scootac]

I'm looking for different ideas on how to carry a DSLR and extra lens on the 1300. I currently have a small tank bag, not sure it would be big enough for the whole set-up. I'd like to stay away from a top box, but maybe a Pelican box of some kind? Can always put it in a side bag for day trips, but looking for the answer on a 2-3 week trip.
Let me hear what you're using and works.
Thanks,

Scootac

[EASt]

I spent some time trying to noodle my DSLR into a Pelican, but in the end, there wasn't a Pelican big enough for the DSLR and extra lens that was small enough to fit inside a pannier.

In the end, I bought a LowePro shoulder bag that fits the DSLR and one lens, and protects the DSLR enough inside the pannier.

[Blrfl]

One thing you can do is custom-fit several layers of scored foam into the inner side of a pannier and remove cubes to hold the camera and lens inserted side-first. If you don't want to take up the whole inside, you can build up enough so there are two cubes above and below the camera and stuff things on top of it to keep everything in place.

--Mark

[motomac]

I'm with EASt on this one, I have a LowePro bag for my camera with an attatched lens and my 70-300 lens. Very well padded, has room for stuff at each end of the bag, loops on the bottom for tripod, and a couple of pockets for extra SD cards. Go to LowePros website and check them out. Many different bags for many different cameras and lens.

[ST_Jim]

I've just been using my Givi tankbag. Not that great, but at least the camera is always available... :)

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/10113/2191286890059831262S600x600Q85.jpg





- Jim

[Trekker Dave]

Let's consider how you intend to use the camera. You'll need to keep it handy while on your many week ride, you'll need to keep it protected from shocks and rain, and you'll need to keep it secure.

Seems that since you do not want a top box you'll need a decent tank bag. In a tank bag it will be handy and secure (as long as you keep it with you), and a decent quality camera bag OR customized foam inside the tank bag would protect it and keep it organized. A rain cover should keep it dry.

[uptoblackwood]

I'm looking for different ideas on how to carry a DSLR and extra lens on the 1300. I currently have a small tank bag, not sure it would be big enough for the whole set-up. I'd like to stay away from a top box, but maybe a Pelican box of some kind? Can always put it in a side bag for day trips, but looking for the answer on a 2-3 week trip.
Let me hear what you're using and works.
Thanks,

Scootac
I use a the top bag from the huge triple/combo bag/magnetic tank bag version from Tour Master. Any brand bag of this size will probably work. I used "pluckable" foam, typically used for camera applicatons. I plucked out a section that would fit the tank bag. I bought high quality velour at the fabric store to cover the foam, using 3M 777 spray adheasive. It has really worked well. I can store my Canon D40 w/wide angle lens and two additional lens'. The velcro and zipper pockets in the top of the bag store batteries/memory, charger, filters and other small items. The area between the foam insert and bag wall also is good for cables, pens and other thin/small items.

The foam was about $20, the fabric $7 and the 3M $5 or so, at Home Depot.
This bag and my camera went through my bike totaling accident in May...without any damage. Camera and lens' were fine.

It's a nice way of doing this as the insert can easily be removed and the bag used in other ways. It's also very nice to have easy access to the camera while on a ride. SLR type cameras aren't going to lend themselves to use while the bike is moving...but it's great to have it "right there" when you stop.

Forest

[motomac]

I use a the top bag from the huge triple/combo bag/magnetic tank bag version from Tour Master. Any brand bag of this size will probably work. I used "pluckable" foam, typically used for camera applicatons. I plucked out a section that would fit the tank bag. I bought high quality velour at the fabric store to cover the foam, using 3M 777 spray adheasive. It has really worked well. I can store my Canon D40 w/wide angle lens and two additional lens'. The velcro and zipper pockets in the top of the bag store batteries/memory, charger, filters and other small items. The area between the foam insert and bag wall also is good for cables, pens and other thin/small items.

The foam was about $20, the fabric $7 and the 3M $5 or so, at Home Depot.
This bag and my camera went through my bike totaling accident in May...without any damage. Camera and lens' were fine.

It's a nice way of doing this as the insert can easily be removed and the bag used in other ways. It's also very nice to have easy access to the camera while on a ride. SLR type cameras aren't going to lend themselves to use while the bike is moving...but it's great to have it "right there" when you stop.

ForestSweet set up Forest! When are the camera companies going to make left handed cameras??? So many times by the time you get stopped the shot has gone away!!! I carry my H1 around my neck while traveling, but the D80 is too much of a load. While on cruise control I can get moving shots with the H1, but it takes much longer to focus than the D80.

[PhotoBone]

Cool! Thanks Forest!

[illzoni]

For several years I worked as a p/t photographer at University of Arizona. Worked for an outfit that did mostly social events associated with the Greek system. Yeah, tough gig.:D

Anyway, for most of that period my primary transport was motorcycle. My favorite method of taking my camera gear was similar to Forest's with custom cut foam inside my tank bag. That allowed my to remove the tank bag and take it all with me. If that's how you'd like to be configured on the road it will work nicely.

However, if you'd like to be able to walk away from the bike withOUT your camera you'd be better off setting it up in a saddlebag as Mark described.

IMO, the tank bag location is going to keep the gear safer in the even you have a minor accident. The saddlebags are too prone to damage and I'd hate to have my camera equipment involved. That, and I like to be ableto get to it and shoot without having to dismount.

Good luck,
Jon

[uptoblackwood]

I mentioned about $20 for the pluckable foam (a couple of years ago).....I'd like to add that you can do about 4 tank bags of this size with the foam I had to purchase. You can go to any vendor that sells Pelican cases and buy the foam set for the 1500 or 1600 series cases. There are many sources...here's one:

http://www.filmtools.com/refofope15ca.html

Jon's idea about having a tank bag that coverts with backpack straps is very good. The bottom of the Tour Master set does just that....but it's larger and limits my ability to make turns a bit (well, limits as in....beeps the horn a lot) :-) There are bags the size I use....WITH backpack strap potential/setup.

Forest

[Blrfl]

If you don't want the extra eggcrate stuff that comes in the Pelican kit, pre-scored polyurethane foam is available in sheets from McMaster. 12x12x5/8" sheets are P/N 3157T21 at $6.42, 24x24x1" sheets are P/N 3157T22 at $21.43.

--Mark

[uptoblackwood]

Mark

You need a block at least 6 inches tall as well as the sheet for the bottom. I've never had good luck with putting sheets together in a stack with glue.

Forest

[illzoni]

Mark

You need a block at least 6 inches tall as well as the sheet for the bottom. I've never had good luck with putting sheets together in a stack with glue.

Forest

The spray on contact cement is messy but quite effective.

[Blrfl]

You need a block at least 6 inches tall as well as the sheet for the bottom. I've never had good luck with putting sheets together in a stack with glue.

Toothpicks between the layers and gaffer's tape around the outside edges works wonders. No adhesive needed.

Here's one I did up with duct tape:
39944

--Mark

[uptoblackwood]

LOL Elegante'

The Pelican foam sets have the eggcrate on the top piece only. The bottom layer is sheet foam. When I built up the foam block to cover, I used a template and cut the floor of the block from the sheet foam. I then built the block out to fit the camera and lens.

Forest

[illzoni]

Is any of the spray, expanding foam soft enough for these purposes?

Might be neat to make something from scratch with a mold and expanding foam. Just a thought.

[scootac]

Forest--
Thanks for the pics!
I think that's what I'm looking for, might just need a new/different tank bag, or maybe I can rig up my old Eclipse bag, it's HUGE!!!
To put it in the side bags would take up too much room and not be as convenient as having it right on the tank.
Thanks for the discussion, it's got the wheels turning.:)
Merry Christmas to All!

Scootac

[motomac]

Is any of the spray, expanding foam soft enough for these purposes?

Might be neat to make something from scratch with a mold and expanding foam. Just a thought.
I have experience with only one kind of that expanding foam and I wouldn't want carry my Nikon in it. It dries solid. There is no spongyness at all to the kind I use around the house. It would be nice if someone does make some that did dry semi-spongy for this kind of use.

[SteveST1300]

GRN has a very nice set up for his in a tank bag, also houses all his electrics so he can switch it from bike to bike. Maybe he will see this and post a picture or two.

[uptoblackwood]

You can get the info of the size of the bag I use from the link below. I used the top portion of this combo bag.

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=144&cat=0&page=

Forest

[Blrfl]

Is any of the spray, expanding foam soft enough for these purposes?

As Mac pointed out, the stuff you buy at Home Despot as insulation is not suitable for packing.

But...

I've shipped lots of very expensive equipment in Instapak (http://www.sealedair.com/products/protective/instapak/instapak.html), and none of it has ever been damaged in transit. The foam is available in soft, semi-rigid and rigid varieties; I can find out what we use if you want. I imagine if you found a shipping shop that has it, they could spray you out a saddlebag full for not much money. Just make sure everything is either lined in plastic or covered, because the foam is incredibly tenacious. The reaction that makes it expand is exothermic (it generates heat), but it doesn't stay hot long and I haven't had anything harmed by it during packing.

I've never used it, but they also make a prepackaged, sealed foam bag that you activate, put in a container (i.e., your saddlebag) and nestle your gear into it. That might be an option if you can't find someplace that can get you foamed up.

--Mark

[uptoblackwood]

Good info Mark! I have a couple of clarinet cases that I would like to have custom shaped foam set before I line with case valour. Good fit is very important so that keywork doesn't get bent.

Forest

[JimS]

I'm with EASt on this one, I have a LowePro bag for my camera with an attatched lens and my 70-300 lens. Very well padded, has room for stuff at each end of the bag, loops on the bottom for tripod, and a couple of pockets for extra SD cards. Go to LowePros website and check them out. Many different bags for many different cameras and lens.

Picked up a slingshot 100 over the weekend. Easy access to the camera for those quick shots w/out having to open the entire bag. Also like all the little pockets. But haven't ridden w/it yet, so we'll see.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm

[Sarcastic_one]

I have a Lowenpro bag with all my gear (D200, 50mm, 70-300 Macro,18-200VR, 400mm, filters, extra batteries, extra SD cards, flash, background material, etc) that fits snugly in the tailbox. My P&S sits in the right hand fairing pockets for those unexpected moments. Just need to figure out how to securely carry a tripod and I'm good to go for some all day camera rides.

[amorley]

Preparing for our first big ride from Houston out to Lake Powell in Utah.

Great country for photgraphy so wanted to pack all the camera gear on 2005 ST1300.

Selected a Tour Master TB-12 Tank Bag which will hold Canon 5D with the main lens I use, a Canon 24-105mm EF-L. Also included in the tank bag is the Sigma 12-24mm DG HSM ultra wide angle zoom lens. No shown in the photos will be the filters and spare batteries which will fill the empty space and help hold the camera steady. The padded spacers are from the "numerous" camera bags I have tried and not succeeded with in finding the perfect solution for every situation :rolleyes:.

In one of the panniers, I'll pack the tripod with the ballhead camera mount dismounted and the Canon 40D with the Canon 100-400mm EF-L image stabilized zoom lens for big game hunting. The camera and lens will stay in the great Think Tank Digital Holster.

So how will it will all work...?

Check back in May and I'll let you know!

[keithq]

I'm looking for different ideas on how to carry a DSLR and extra lens on the 1300. I currently have a small tank bag, not sure it would be big enough for the whole set-up. I'd like to stay away from a top box, but maybe a Pelican box of some kind? Can always put it in a side bag for day trips, but looking for the answer on a 2-3 week trip.
Let me hear what you're using and works.
Thanks,

Scootac

I used to have a Chase Harper that had foam in the bottom of the bag. It was a strapped deal and I just used an X-acto to 'mold' or cutout a place to hold my Canon body and a zoom lens. As the top of the bag was Also padded it was relatively secure.

Frankly, when I upgraded to a 20D/40D EOS and L series lens (larger, heavier and more expensive) I decided to go the smaller is better route. I now use a Canon G5 digital for bike travel. A small soft sided bag inside my current tank bag works fine.

If I was to really want to take the larger DSLR, I would look into a more secure bag, say from Lowepro and probably strap it on behind me. I do use their bags when I shoot (off bike) and they are well made.