Travelling with Camera Gear - Ducati.ms

WolfyWolfy · Jan 13th, 2009, 11:00 pm

Hi all.

How do you usually pack your camera gear when touring? Do you have a favorite case or bag or system that works well on and off a bike? I'm looking at packing a body, 3 lenses, and tripod. Any tips for riding with camera gear is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dennis

RobertVP · Jan 18th, 2009, 12:37 am

I carry my gear in a Tail Bag. This one in particular http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tail/wolftail.html . My camera bag fits inside nicely. I think that having the bag on the rear seat gives a little more cushon than in the hard panniers. The straps are adjustable in length so that you can securely fasten it to any bike. They have been tested to just a little over the speed limit... It is also easily removed from the bike. I take it off when going into restaurants, etc. so that I don't have to worry about leaving my valuable gear on the bike. Also, it comes with a rain cover to keep your stuff dry.

plato · Jan 18th, 2009, 2:16 am

I like to have a backpack on when riding, so I bring my LowePro laptop/camera backpack. It has a padded and waterproof area for my 17" laptop, Canon DSLR with battery grip, 1 50mm lense, 1 10-20mm wide angle (big), batteries, chargers, cables any software stuff I need, everything electronic wise I've ever needed on a trip. It's great to have it on, because it's the most valuable bag on my bike, and when I'm on a trip I can just go into a store or whatever with it on and don't have to worry about it. I love it!!

Called a CompuDay pack and is around $100. Works @ school as my backpack too.

WolfyWolfy · Jan 19th, 2009, 9:54 pm

Thanks Robert and Plato. I'm kind of torn between the two options. How about tripods? Any good way to carry?

I've carried an electric bass guitar and amp, full scuba gear, and multiple Djembes on a bike, but for some reason the camera gear seems to be a challenge.

Thanks again.
Dennis

Bevel-Heaven · Jan 21st, 2009, 7:34 pm

I hate backpacks when I ride........... My camera gear backpack weighs a TON so I wouldn;t ever bring that. Specifically to answer your question, do NOT stap on your tri pod to any part of your body when you ride. Looks like you hav hard bags....... Use em. Camera gear in your tank bacg or tail bag so you can easily fetch what you want when you see something, or need to park and go inside for something.

Or, leave all the gear at home and get yourself a GOOD P&S like a canon G9 or G10 etc..... Take THAT when you ride....

I have WAY too much camera gear to take it all anyplace... Much less on a ride. My P&S always goes with though

Ducoddy-SS · Jan 26th, 2009, 6:17 pm

I use a backpack also for my laptop but recently purchased a PEntax K200D with battery accessory,flash and 3 4G SD Cards...
I do plan on taking it with..
I also have a Sony Cybershot P&S
I have a new lens on my wish list...
Any suggestions on which pentax lens??
Also...I did notice that the burst mode is somewhat limited...but the camera is very light and takes some great shots...I took about 150 shots at the IMS show in Mi.
Plugged the HD card into the Panasonic 50 inch Plasma and it was ROCKIN...uh huh...oh yeah...!!
Those pica in HD were very shweet
MIke S

Munchdog · Feb 2nd, 2009, 11:11 pm

I did this in my Givi case on my multi...

Foam is precut into squares that you can remove to fit your gear.

http://www.multistrada.net/modules/m...&pic_id=105303

WolfyWolfy · Feb 3rd, 2009, 12:19 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchdog

I did this in my Givi case on my multi...

Foam is precut into squares that you can remove to fit your gear.

http://www.multistrada.net/modules/m...&pic_id=105303

That's pretty cool. I just need to get a top case.

Thanks all for your input. I'm still trying to put things together and really appreciate your feedback.

demoni · Feb 5th, 2009, 9:09 pm

I also travel via moto with an extensive supply of photo gear currently;
2 bodys, 4 lens, flash, ball head, tripod, host of filters and other bits n' pieces.

When I exclusivly toured on my 99' 900ss I was able to pack my main body 3 lens and the other gear in my RKA tank bag, my tripod and ball head were in a duffle bag strapped to the passenger seat along with tent sleeping bag and pad.

This situation works great once you get to the location you will be staying at, but not wonderful for grabbing your camera on the side of the road for a few quick photos.

On short trips (25 miles or less) I will just put all my gear into my camera backpack, for longer trips I shy away from this because fully laden the bag weighs 30lbs.

On longer trips I bring a small messanger bag style sling bag that can hold two lens my flash and filters. I normally carry my camera attached to my tripod over my shoulder.

My current setup is a bit better;
My touring bike is now a R1150GS I have a pelican 1550 attached to the back with pick n' pull foam. All my camera gear is nestled away in there own little homes safe and sound.

I carry my tripod in an 3" tube of PVC that is about 2' long, I put an end cap on the bottom side and drilled some holes for a few bungee cords that go over the tripod and connect to the other side. I use a couple of straps to attach the PVC to a plate and said plate is bolted to my hard saddle bag.