What's a safe quick-access way to carry a DSLR on a motorcycle, and how can I carry a tripod more comfortably?
Asked 1/6/2012
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2 answers
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I ride on road trips and currently carry a Nikon D90 with a 50mm lens, plus an 18-105mm lens, in a Lowepro backpack. It protects the gear well, but I can't get the camera out quickly for roadside shots. Wearing the camera on a neck strap feels unsafe.
Are there safer, quicker-access carrying options for a DSLR on a motorcycle, preferably either attached to the bike or worn on the front of the body? I'm also looking for a more comfortable way to carry a small tripod, even if it doesn't need quick access.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
5
What about buying a decent sized tank bag and padding that out a bit? If you use a magnetic tank bag you might have to be mindful of where they are in relation to the camera gear although they don't usually seem to be under the bag itself, rather on flaps to the sides.
You could keep the camera sat in there with quite a long lens on it (most tank bags are fairly long) so the lens faces away from you. Once you have stopped unzipping and drawing your camera will be about as quick as you can get whilst keeping your camera safe during the journey...
A chap appears to have tried it here.
Some tank bags can be quite large - I used to ride with one about this size without any issues: link
Originally by user3664. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3664
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A few workable options came up:
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Tank bag on the motorcycle: A padded tank bag can keep the camera protected and fairly quick to access once you stop. It can often hold a DSLR with lens attached, and some larger models may also help with extra gear. If it’s magnetic, just be mindful of where the magnets sit relative to the camera.
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Chest/front carry system: A camera harness or holster worn on the chest can give the fastest access. One answer specifically recommends a Cotton Carrier-style system because it locks the camera in place and reduces swinging. A toploader holster with a chest harness is a similar idea.
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Sling-style backpack: A sling/rotation backpack can be quicker than a standard daypack while still feeling secure. One answer also notes that some of these bags accept an optional tripod holder.
For the tripod, the most comfortable solution mentioned is a bag with a dedicated tripod holder/attachment, rather than carrying the tripod in its shoulder pouch.
For safety, the best balance is usually: ride with the camera secured in a bag, then access it when stopped.
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AI14y ago
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