Carrying a DSLR on a bike?

[DaveReading]

Having decided I need a bit more motivation, I've been trying to combine cycling with one of my other hobbies, photography.

Not simultaneously, obviously , but pedalling to a location where I can leave the bike, wander round and take some photos.

I've been putting my camera (Nikon, crop-frame, usually with just a single 18-55 lens) in a small backpack - but I hate cycling with anything on my back.

I'm sure there are other CycleChatters who combine the two activities, so I'm interested in any suggestions for transporting the camera safely and securely on the bike.

 

[Seevio]

You probably want to be looking at a rear rack and some sort of rack top bag. Or panniers if you want to take even more camera gear.

 

[oxoman]

You could always try a carradice sqr bag. Quick release and big enough for a decent camera and lense I'd have thought. Super robust and waterproof.

 

[Elybazza61]

I use a waist pack for my Nikon but it is a mirrorless camera so pretty light.

It's this one and i nicked some padded dividers from an old camera bag can get the body and small zoom in plus a 40mm with adapter;

https://www.pannier.cc/product/pepo-bikepacking-gravel-hip-bar-pack/

 

[EckyH]

I'm sure there are other CycleChatters who combine the two activities, so I'm interested in any suggestions for transporting the camera safely and securely on the bike.

In my experience a handlebar bag is a good solution. In case of a crash the camera is protected by the handlebar. Usually the front of a bike has more vertical flexibility than the rear, so basically there are less accelerations and resulting forces due to the usual vibrations. To reduce the forces further I wrap a thick towel around the camera. Bubble wrap probably will do at least as good as the towel.

E.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I used to carry mine around in the bag I have on the rear rack

I stopped doing it because I was worried about the vibration going direct through the wheels and into the frame, then rack and vibrating the camera

I am happier if the camera is on my body somehow to protect it from those vibrations

 

[glasgowcyclist]

I used to use a smallish Lowepro back pack, the kind that was designed to be slipped around to the front of your body where you could open it to access the camera etc while still wearing it.

I just wore it like that while riding. I didn't want it on my back as I felt I could protect it better where it was in the event of a crash.

It was also less susceptible to vibration than being carried in anything mounted on the frame.

Edit to add: It was either the Slingshot 100 or 200, both of which are discontinued now but good used ones are available cheaply.

 

[wafter]

When I take a "proper" camera out on the bike it's invariably in a camera bag inside the panniers on the Fuji. Previously I could just about fit it in my old 15l (IIRC) Osprey rucksack wrapped in a fleece.

Tbh I find carrying a full-size camera on a bike a ballache full stop due to the faff of having to get it out and how this impacts on the pleasure of the ride. That said were it somewhere more accessible like a bar bag it would probably be better; while if you're planning to actually stop somewhere, lock the bike up and go for a mooch these concerns would probably be largely irrelevant.

 

[DaveReading]

Thanks for the responses. I neglected to add that I do have a carrier on the bike, so that gives a few more options, although I take the point that vibrations are more of a problem at the back end. Usually my carrier has my u-lock/cable bungeed to it if I anticipate stopping off somewhere, but I do have a bracket I could use for it that would allow me to free up the carrier for a camera bag,

The other option I've been looking at is to ditch the backpack and simply carry the camera by itself on my back. I've seen a few suggestions on YouTube that use the regular camera neck strap combined with a supplementary strap that screws into the tripod socket to stop the camera moving about so much on my back. While my camera isn't waterproof, I'm a fair-weather cyclist, particularly on my photo expeditions.

 

[katiewlx]

fwiw I think the best option is backpack style, though I use a simple lightweight drawstring bag so its not as cumbersome. I think in a rack bag you risk vibrations damaging the camera. and whilst I know some people do just carry theirs slung over their shoulder, I never perfected the technique to get it to stay in position whilst riding, it would always lurch loose at the worst moments.

plus the weather might be completely fine, but I must have ridden past half a dozen field irrigation setups yesterday, and through a couple too, which is great way to cool down when its hot, but not ideal for camera equipment, as you dont get just a tiny bit wet

 

[Sharky]

Not simultaneously

Not impossible ....

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/0...-while-taking-photographs.283615/post-6672710

Even developed the photo in our old school's dark room! But no longer a keen photographer, except for snaps taken on my phone.

 

[G-Zero]

I’ve only once taken my Nikon and 200-500 zoom on the bike and it easily fit in a pannier, wrapped carefully in a jacket.

I wasn’t too happy carrying it there, but we were on holiday and heading 10 miles to meet a wildlife tour boat. It’s too high value to risk on a regular basis and I prefer using my phone or my waterproof point and shoot when out on the bike, but at least I know it fits if I ever have the need.

 

[classic33]

Thanks for the responses. I neglected to add that I do have a carrier on the bike, so that gives a few more options, although I take the point that vibrations are more of a problem at the back end. Usually my carrier has my u-lock/cable bungeed to it if I anticipate stopping off somewhere, but I do have a bracket I could use for it that would allow me to free up the carrier for a camera bag,

The other option I've been looking at is to ditch the backpack and simply carry the camera by itself on my back. I've seen a few suggestions on YouTube that use the regular camera neck strap combined with a supplementary strap that screws into the tripod socket to stop the camera moving about so much on my back. While my camera isn't waterproof, I'm a fair-weather cyclist, particularly on my photo expeditions.

What's the actual size of camera and lens combination?
Too big and I'd be wary of carrying it where it's in sight and easy snatch range for anything passing.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

It's something I've thought long and hard about and come up with zero answers.

I consider vibration and potholes the main issue (not falling off on top of it).

My "logic" is ideally to be carried as close to mid point between wheels as either wheel hitting a bump only cause half the sudden lift mid way between the wheels. Over a wheel and full force of the pothole passed up to photo gear (or padding). Hence backpack is a good position but as OP says, not so comfortable.

Maybe people get used to cycling with backpacks?