Motorcycle camera equipment - Your recommendation please!

[eosandy]

Did a forum search and didn't get many useful or relevant hits...

Just got my first cycle and wondering if any seasoned CSrs have any experience to share with different methods of stowing camera equipment on their bikes. I'm still using my Lowepro slingbag. While allowing convenient access to the kit, it does not feel right as it rides quite high after a while, and causes extra sweat on long rides.

Looked at so far:
Tank bags
Panniers
Seat bags

The choice out there is quite large, although many manufacturers don't seem to cater for photo equipment in particular.

Please share if u can, and recommend what's locally available... thanks.

 

[Reportage]

bro...show pics of the bike so that we can see what you are referring to.

anyway, most user i know put inside the box and others use saddle bags.

 

[eosandy]

bro...show pics of the bike so that we can see what you are referring to.

anyway, most user i know put inside the box and others use saddle bags.

Sorry bud, no pics as yet, but it's a CB400S4.

Here's a link to a pic from the web...

http://www.acepolls.com/uploads/0054/4057/Honda-CB-400SF-CBXcolor-1-K0TCIQ3CES-1024x768.jpg

 

[ortega]

get a hard case box and chuck your camera bag inside it
extra protection when the inevitable happens
water proof too

http://www.giviusa.com/My-motorcycle/

 

[undergrd]

Oh...You are riding a super4. Think it will be better for you to get a box, safer and extra protection against water...

 

[2evans]

Did a forum search and didn't get many useful or relevant hits...

Just got my first cycle and wondering if any seasoned CSrs have any experience to share with different methods of stowing camera equipment on their bikes. I'm still using my Lowepro slingbag. While allowing convenient access to the kit, it does not feel right as it rides quite high after a while, and causes extra sweat on long rides.

Looked at so far:
Tank bags
Panniers
Seat bags

The choice out there is quite large, although many manufacturers don't seem to cater for photo equipment in particular.

Please share if u can, and recommend what's locally available... thanks.

Most tank bags I've looked at, use magnets to "Stick" to the tank with the straps as extra protection. Magnets would be bad for camera and especially memory cards.

 

[eosandy]

Most tank bags I've looked at, use magnets to "Stick" to the tank with the straps as extra protection. Magnets would be bad for camera and especially memory cards.

You see I thought that as well, but after some research the passive type used on Tank Bags appears to be safe.

Any on using a tank bag ??

 

[daredevil123]

Monokey case at the back of your bike will be best. Put camera in a normal bag, and put it in the Monokey hard rear case. You can install 3, one on top acting as back rest for pinion rider, and one lower on each side. You can store lots of gear man!

 

[ST1100]

Your first bike is a 2A? Anyway, i second the box option. Put the gear in a camera bag, and dump it in the box. Make sure there is no free play for the equipment to move around in the camera bag, and that none of the camera gear is touching each other - can lead to severe scratching. The bag must be properly padded - can get very rough at the back of the bike. i've found my camera bag upside down in the box after some rides.

 

[eosandy]

Your first bike is a 2A? Anyway, i second the box option. Put the gear in a camera bag, and dump it in the box. Make sure there is no free play for the equipment to move around in the camera bag, and that none of the camera gear is touching each other - can lead to severe scratching. The bag must be properly padded - can get very rough at the back of the bike. i've found my camera bag upside down in the box after some rides.

Had an NX250 "Dominator" for two days then traded up.

Many thanks for the advice, I will look for box options.

 

[access]

Your first bike is a 2A? Anyway, i second the box option. Put the gear in a camera bag, and dump it in the box. Make sure there is no free play for the equipment to move around in the camera bag, and that none of the camera gear is touching each other - can lead to severe scratching. The bag must be properly padded - can get very rough at the back of the bike. i've found my camera bag upside down in the box after some rides.

To avoid giving your cam a bouncy ride, give them a "air cushion ride". Use a big plastic garbage bag and fill it with the correct amount of air to fillup the carrier box. The air will be a good cushion.

 

[eosandy]

To avoid giving your cam a bouncy ride, give them a "air cushion ride". Use a big plastic garbage bag and fill it with the correct amount of air to fillup the carrier box. The air will be a good cushion.

Was thinking of bubble-wrap as a possibility. Thanks for the pointer.

 

[ed9119]

i used 2 short rubber cords with hooks to secure a Toploader to the top of the fuel tank of a Yamaha Drag Star once..... easy access to camera and no slipping or sliding....used a anti-slip mat between bag and fuel tank, worked like a charm

Just work the rubber cords around the loops on the camera bag and hook bottom of tank

Otherwise I've seen those touring tank bags that has a map reading window..... the larger ones should work fine

Exactly what type of equiptment and how bulky are you talking about too? Tripod as well?

 

[R1szuan]

A backpack would be great.. example like KATA 20... it can be change to sling immeidately for quick draw

but draw back u dont buang ..coz there goes ur camera.

inside the box..is better but takes a lot of time...

i am using the kata for my riding shoots...

 

[Octarine]

I have Lowepro Slingshot AW200 in the box. Underneath a plastic bag with rain coat as cushion. Works great. No worries about magnets, no part of the camera gear is sensitive towards magnets. Rather be careful with your wallet and the various plastic cards in there.
During long rides I have the bag in the box, for trips with occasional stops I have the bag on the back. Yeah, sweating is part of living here. I can't change it so I don't fret over it. So far I haven't managed to wet / sweat the bag till the water got in :bsmilie:
For fastest access and "always ready" you could have a look at Cotton Carrier system.
For storing in tank bag you could create your own compartments, some shops sell the inserts.

 

[PrimePhotog]

Take a look at the ThinkTank waistbags.I think they MIGHT suit you well.

 

[sf_kang]

Bro, I have been riding many years and have been a serious photographer since 30+ years. Rode across the USA from Los Angeles to Boston (Pacific coast to Atlantic coast) over 7,500km. Regarding camera storage and care during rides, NEVER try to shoot while riding, don't even think of 'quick draw' like hanging a camera around your neck and then trying to stop quickly when you spot something nice. DON'T be tempted to try such things.

SAFETY FIRST. When riding, 100% full concentration on riding. When you see someplace nice to shoot, move over and stop safely. Then dismount and get your camera stuff out of your bag, and do all the shooting you want. After shooting, pack your stuff securely in your camera bag, store away safely inside your topbox or side panniers, then concentrate on riding.

If this is the situation I decribed, then it really doesn't matter what bags you get. Just make sure the bag can accommodate all your camera gear. And most likely, you have to stor away inside your top box. Usually the side panniers are too 'thin' to store a full size camera bag.

In my case, I am riding a Goldwing GL1800 so I have plenty of storage for my camera stuff. Next thing is to remember to take your camera stuff with you when you go away from your bike. Someone can easily pry open your topbox or panniers and get away with your expensive camera gear.

REMEMBER - RIDE SAFE - STAY ALIVE FIRST!!!

Fred

 

[eosandy]

Bro, I have been riding many years and have been a serious photographer since 30+ years. Rode across the USA from Los Angeles to Boston (Pacific coast to Atlantic coast) over 7,500km. Regarding camera storage and care during rides, NEVER try to shoot while riding, don't even think of 'quick draw' like hanging a camera around your neck and then trying to stop quickly when you spot something nice. DON'T be tempted to try such things.

SAFETY FIRST. When riding, 100% full concentration on riding. When you see someplace nice to shoot, move over and stop safely. Then dismount and get your camera stuff out of your bag, and do all the shooting you want. After shooting, pack your stuff securely in your camera bag, store away safely inside your topbox or side panniers, then concentrate on riding.

If this is the situation I decribed, then it really doesn't matter what bags you get. Just make sure the bag can accommodate all your camera gear. And most likely, you have to stor away inside your top box. Usually the side panniers are too 'thin' to store a full size camera bag.

In my case, I am riding a Goldwing GL1800 so I have plenty of storage for my camera stuff. Next thing is to remember to take your camera stuff with you when you go away from your bike. Someone can easily pry open your topbox or panniers and get away with your expensive camera gear.

REMEMBER - RIDE SAFE - STAY ALIVE FIRST!!!

Fred

Fred,

Many thanks for your sagely advice. Looks like I'm going for a back box to suit my sling bag, and bungee on the tripod in it's own bag.

As you say, safety 1st.