Transporting dSLR--Motorcycle

[drfood]

I am considering, yes I said considering, carrying the D90 on the VStrom for rides. Still not 100% convinced I want to risk $1000+ on the bike. But thinking through the process. JDawg will tell you that I will analyze it to death.

My first inclination is to go with a Pelican case mounted either as saddlebag or as a top case. The foam that Pelican has in their cases seems to be dense enough yet forgiving enough not to rattle/shake the crap out of the camera.

Anyone have any suggestion?

[gixxerjasen]

A Pelican is a good idea. If you don't mind a backpack, Tamrac makes some really good backpack camera bags as well. The bonus to that is that you don't have to mount anything to the bike, and if you have to hike anywhere once you get to your destination, the camera is already packed and ready to go. I have like two of the backpacks for my D70 and a sling bag and love them all. If you have an appropriately sized Givi you can also throw the bag in there and just throw it on when you get where you are going. I did that with the side bags on an ST1100 at one point in time.

[drfood]

I'd thought about the backpack option, but not sure I want the camera that exposed in case something major happens. Of course I am sure Pelican bags won't offer much protection if the bags take the brunt of an accident.

Any suggestions on specific Tamrac backpacks?

[NitroRoo]

As a pro photographer there were many times I rode the bike to a photo shoot. I use a LowePro compu trekker backpack. Of course if I just wanted to take one camera/lens I wouldn't bring the whole backpack. I've stuffed my 20D in my tailbag many times. If you are really worried about it I think a Pelican case would definitely protect the camera very well. I've also seen a camera bag tank bag but I can't remember who makes it - and putting my camera on top of those strong magnets doesn't seem like a good idea either.

[gixxerjasen]

Originally Posted by drfood

I'd thought about the backpack option, but not sure I want the camera that exposed in case something major happens. Of course I am sure Pelican bags won't offer much protection if the bags take the brunt of an accident.

Any suggestions on specific Tamrac backpacks?

That's why you use your body to protect the camera.

Seriously though, I'd say the smallest bag you can fit everything you want to carry. They have different sizes and configurations and are also reconfigurable to a point. It really depends on what you have and what you want to carry with you. Most Ritz/Wolf Camera stores carry this line and will have some in stock or can order others. Might be good to go check them out and see what you like. Also if you aren't going to carry it on you while you ride, then you'll be limited as to the size of whatever you are putting the bag in as well.

Even if you don't use it on the bike, I do recommend having at least one backpack. It makes it really easy to tote it around.

[Hairsmith]

I am giving thought to the same thing.
I think I will end up going the Pelican route. There is to good of a chance that carrying the camera and gear on a back pack could lead to a much worse injury in the event of a get off.
Much less not many back packs would give the kind of water protection to camera gear as I would want.

[charrito]

Here is what I use...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...AW_Camera.html

[poser]

there was talk of this in another thread a while back (maybe last summer), one person mentioned they used a tank bag and got foam and cut it to the shape of the bag and then cut out for the camera to keep it snug and protected

[WoodButcher]

To me a pelican case in the top case or as the top case is the safest...and the hardest to get to if you want to take pics along the way. That's my dilemma. If I have it too secure I won't want to pull it out to take pictures. I'm looking at something that goes around my waist. I think I will be able to spin it around to the front and get to it still geared up and it will still fit below my camelbak on dual sport rides. A chest rig is something I've considered too. I figure in most crashes you are tucking and that will save the camera and maybe save me from the camera.

Lots to think about. I'm looking forward to seeing what gets suggested in this thread.

[M38A1]

My D40 went half-way around the country this past summer just sitting in the tankbag. Always just stuck it there and never thought twice about it. The D90 sits in the same tankbag in the same spot (albeit a bit larger) and again, I really don't think much about it.

If I have an accident, I've got bigger things to worry about than the camera...

I DID have my laptop in a Pelican case for that trip though if only for the weatherproofing aspect as it wouldn't fit in a tank bag or side pannier.

[Hairsmith]

Originally Posted by M38A1

My D40 went half-way around the country this past summer just sitting in the tankbag. Always just stuck it there and never thought twice about it. The D90 sits in the same tankbag in the same spot (albeit a bit larger) and again, I really don't think much about it.

If I have an accident, I've got bigger things to worry about than the camera...

I DID have my laptop in a Pelican case for that trip though if only for the weatherproofing aspect as it wouldn't fit in a tank bag or side pannier.

Dood you add any extra padding under the camera ? Also how do you protect the LCD screen on the back of the camera ? As I worry about scratching it.

I look at the DSLR as a camera for more refined photography and do not intend to use it as a snapshot camera. For that I carry a small point and shoot that is water proof in the pocket of my Stich or yellow vest with a lanyard around my neck. I will even pull it out and take snap shots with out stopping.

But I do think the safest place on the bike for the camera is on top the tank. Less shock and vibration.
I dont know about all tank bags, but RoadGear bags have steel covers over the magnets to protect electronics from them. Never had a problem with my phone small cameras and Ipods after thousands of miles on top those magnets.

[gixxerjasen]

WoodButcher, you should look into the sling bags. I made a slight reference to it above. They don't hold a lot but are very convenient.

http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

[M38A1]

Originally Posted by Hairsmith

Dood you add any extra padding under the camera ? Also how do you protect the LCD screen on the back of the camera ? As I worry about scratching it.

There's usually a tank bag waterproof cover, a ballcap, a BMW annon book and whatever else migrates in there that the camera sits on. But no special padding of any type.... You know, those BMW twins are smooth.....

As for the back LCD, on the D40x I had some little tear-offs. Sharkskins maybe was the name???? The D90 has a plastic protective cover as standard equip.

.

[pottie]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...AW_Camera.html

This what I m using now, quite practical specially after you stop and continue hiking or walking around in town
You can find in ebay less around $50...Good luck
Best part is fit my 70-300mm telezoom lens without taking them off
it has 6 compartment to carry all extra lens securely...

[SilverBullet]

This post got me thinking about insurance. If the camera was stored in a hard mounted Pelican case permanently attached to your bike would your collision insurance cover it? Inside a backpack on your back I'm sure it wouldn't.

And of course this is only for your insurance. If somebody else is at fault then their insurance should have to pay for damages either way.

_

[drfood]

There is a material they make for iPhones and other phones that is virtually scratch resistant. They have commercials/ads with keys attempting to scratch the device, even a dremmel tool. I am going to put one of those on the D90 screen and the plastic protective screen. Just to help reduce the chance of scratches there.

I'll have to look at the tankbag option. I wonder about the magnets, as other have. So far they have not impacted the p&s canon I carry or my crackberry or cell.

As for insurance. Progressive covers camera damage/replacement. I've gone to them to ask if there is a limit and how (if) they prorate value. And I found out the hard way that the at fault driver's insurance covers destroyed cameras/lenses also.

[poser]

I have a friend who's a proffesional photo, and he has his equipment insured. Granted, he has had as much as $100k in stuff with him, but I'm sure you could get a small cheap policy to insure your camera against theft and breakage.

[tavy]

I carry my DSLR in one of those soft LowePro cases similar to what was posted. I then put that in/on top of my rain coat that is always in my hard case on the back, to keep the whole thing from bouncing around.
I've taken my KLR off road where my teeth were chattering, and my camera has never had an issue.

[gixxerjasen]

Originally Posted by drfood

There is a material they make for iPhones and other phones that is virtually scratch resistant. They have commercials/ads with keys attempting to scratch the device, even a dremmel tool. I am going to put one of those on the D90 screen and the plastic protective screen. Just to help reduce the chance of scratches there.

http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/...mp=top_nav_btn

I used to have the invisibleShield on my blackberry. One nice thing is if you have to have your blackberry replaced, simply send them back the old cover with a postage amount, and they'll send you a brand new shield. I was lazy and never got around to doing it and my blackberry shows the results of several drops. It was very nice beforehand. I like their product and any expensive phone I have in the future will have it.

But my D70 has the previously mentioned protector provided so I don't mess with it.

[Dahveed]

Originally Posted by pottie

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...AW_Camera.html

This what I m using now, quite practical specially after you stop and continue hiking or walking around in town
You can find in ebay less around $50...Good luck
Best part is fit my 70-300mm telezoom lens without taking them off
it has 6 compartment to carry all extra lens securely...

I have a slingshot bag. In fact I've had a couple. I have never ridded with mine, but overall they're great bags.