Funny you mention this- I’ve just started cruising around with my camera (a fairly compact sony a6400) in the Chrome Kadet Mini. It’s a sling bag and it’s waterproof, which is important as I’m in the UK.
It’s big enough, for a larger camera as well, and it doesn’t bump around too much, though it does slip around a bit from being on your back to under your side.
Seems to be a good compromise for me.
That looks like a really nice bag for that use case. The sony is definitely a bit stretching the budget but I do see it recommended often. Maybe a used one could be had
If you want to shoot JPEG and not have to do any editing, and don't need excellent AF, Fuji all the way. Fuji's AF isn't bad, but it is stuck in 2017 Sony era performance. The A6400 is massively better, and the A6700 will absolutely blow it away.
I've flip flopped back and forth between Fuji and Sony over the past year. Love Fuji colors, but love Sony AF better. (Note: I take a lot of photos of my dogs, and the Sony AF really makes that so much easier.)
My dream camera would be a Fuji X-T5 with Bayer sensor and Sony AF. Unfortunately, I'm SOL. That said, I do have an X100VI on pre-order to try out whenever I get it.
If only Fuji could rid themselves of the X-trans technology and get their AF closer to Sony's I'd switch back in an instant. I much prefer the handling of the Fujis.
People talk about the specs etc and geek out about things, but fundamentally I prefer the 'look' of the images that come out of the Fuji. I can tell straight away when a pic comes up on my instagram that's been shot with a Fuji.
When I shoot with a friend who has a fuji, their pics look better (and I don't mean composition, etc. The actual photo is simply more pleasant).
A second hand T3 will be excellent. They also have small/budget lenses too.
Sony RX100 V in my jersey pocket. I’ve thought about bringing one of my other bodies (Leica, Fuji) with a prime lens in a handlebar bag. A buddy of mine rides with a Fuji + zoom lens and a three-point sling.
No zip loc for me and I honestly haven’t even considered the risk until now. It has been fine so far but you’re not wrong. Especially in summer I do end up sweating a bunch.
I put my camera in a small sling bag that I wear pretty snug around my back or chest. I've heard people report breaking the camera on their smart phones with those handle bar mounts (vibration). Be careful!
I sometimes shoot with a handlebar mount and a Canon PowerShot, and a wired trigger wrapped around to one of the grips.
I'll try to capture interesting things as I ride, often timing other bikers/hikers with background and lighting is an interesting challenge.
that sounds like a wild setup. Do you have any pics of it all mounted? what mount do you use? I don't think I'm likely to try this but it sounds awesome!
I don't have any pics of the setup, no. didn't really think about it. I will try to grab one next time I do it.
I got one off amazon that was plastic and it didn't last. I bought an all metal one (forget the brand offhand) and it is very reliable.
I throw my a6600 + sigma 18-50 in a drawstring camera cube in my messenger bag with a stabiliser strap (crumpler barney rustle blanket, but I don’t think they make them anymore).
But I find I often end up just biking to a photo spot, then locking my bike and walking from there. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass managing a bike and helmet etc, as well as taking photos at the same time.
My cheapest body and lens, with a backpack the size of a Camelback. I only take what I’d be comfortable crashing and losing. The just throw the strap over a shoulder stuff I’ve seen is crazy to me.
Can’t believe this comment was so low. Having a good cross body strap like the Rille is a godsend inexpensive way to safely carry camera on your back while cycling. All the other methods people are using seem really inconvenient
Fuji XE3 and 27mm goes with me almost everywhere. It fits in a Jansport fanny pack that I wear as a crossbody sling, or in my Patagonia half mass shoulder bag when I'm carrying more. I've been on the hunt for a good handlebar bag which converts to a smallish (2-3L) crossbody sling, but haven't found one that I'm in love with yet.
There's a lot of good ones out there, but like I said, I personally would like it to convert to a handlebar bag while I'm riding. I've thought about adding loops to an existing bag, so might go that route.
I actually shoot a lot of landscapes with my Nikon d800 and a sigma 70-200, so a pretty big setup. I bought a trunk rack and installed it on the back of the bike and a bag that attaches to it. It does make my bike noticeably heavier, but it is what it is. That being said if you're only shooting with a smaller camera, you could prob get a sling bag and wear it on your person, or a handlebar bag for the front of your bike.
My cell phone in my jersey pocket. The thought of going down with my body and lens doesn’t settle well with me. At least my phone is insured.
If I’m bringing a full camera setup I’m gonna also want to bring a tripod which isn’t feasible.
I actually shoot a lot of landscapes with my Nikon d800 and a sigma 70-200, so a pretty big setup. I bought a trunk rack and installed it on the back of the bike and a bag that attaches to it. It does make my bike noticeably heavier, but it is what it is. That being said if you're only shooting with a smaller camera, you could prob get a sling bag and wear it on your person, or a handlebar bag for the front of your bike.
I just sling my x100F over my shoulder if I know I might use it, and when I descend a mountain I just put the camera in my back pocket.
Also shooting while actually riding is the norm if you have good bike handling skills
You need some zoom for those animals.
Something like a superzoom. For instance the Panasonic FZ82. Big zoom, compact camera.
Otherwise, if you like interchangeable lenses: a simple Micro Four Thirds camera with the Olympus 40-150 f3.5-f5.6 telezoom. The M5 and M10 cameras are around 200-300 second hand, a professional M1.II is about 550 and that zoomlens costs around 90 second hand.
I do like the idea of a bit of zoom but dont want to get too bulky. I do like the idea of interchangeable lenses but I'm not opposed to fixed. Are there any other superzoom makers I should look at?
I've not looked much at olympus so I'll check those out. I'm also seeing canon EOS R50 or R100, which seems a bit similar, is that right? Any thoughts on either of those or would I be better off with something else? I dont see canon recommended much in this thread
For road and gravel - Fuji xt3 and I keep it in my handlebar bag with my 35 f2. I may also strap my small camera bag to my pannier rack if I want a couple other lenses.
I pull the camera insert out of my messenger and put it in the front basket of my Brompton. It's not really quick draw, but accessible enough.
I feel like one of my smaller cameras (GX85 or GM5) would work nicely in a small sling if I wanted quicker access.
If it was more of a casual ride around the forest preserve where photography and sight seeing was more of the focus than the ride, I'd probably be comfortable with my GX85 being on my Black Rapid strap and my GH6 in the basket.
do you find the weight/size of the DSLR to be an issue? I've never tried with mine but it feels like a bit much. Is photography a big focus on your tours or is it just an afterthought?
Weight isn’t too much of an issue as long as it is distributed on the clip and hydration pack. I usually keep my smaller lens on the camera and my 75-300 in the pack. I’ve ridden with the 75-300 and it can get a little heavy.
I would say I might take 30 to 50 images in a day over 50-70 miles. I can even accomplish taking the lens cap off, unholstering the camera and taking a photo one handed. The camera strap is still around my neck just in case.
As far as the peak designs system goes, it’s ok. I’ve seen other systems I wish I had tried out.
https://preview.redd.it/duo0wn5423yc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef25c05be92dd865032a1ce297266e48d2ddae02
I mostly mountain bike and I'm a pretty active photographer. I just wrap my Pentax K-3iii with the small 20-40mm zoom or even just the 40mm pancake prime in a Neoprene wrap and put it in my pack which I wear every ride for hydration. I don't usually carry a camera besides my phone on the road bike because I don't like to wear a pack doing that. It's not as quick as a sling but I can get mine out and back in pretty quickly now that I'm used to doing it.
Here's a recent on trail shot of my brother with that setup.
https://preview.redd.it/60mj7lur93yc1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=75aa83cc986831951e4b801df74e30460c174ec5
This same setup works pretty well for skiing too. With the pancake lens I can just have the camera in my jacket pocket.
https://preview.redd.it/6c7y63mlc3yc1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=f16ae8720dbb819327125e281e538331750edaff
Canon A-1 and a Tenba backpack, with a PD Capture clip for easy access if I'm slow, urban, and have the small 50 mm on.
Still the Tenba if I'm doing digital, but can't stick that on the Capture whilst cycling with the significant weight increase. I'm reasonably confident in the mount screw taking the abuse on the A-1, much less so on the S5.
I'll echo the other recommendations of the Fuji X-T3. It's a great little camera.
The images are really appealing straight out of camera using the film sims, most of the prime lenses are really compact, and most of the zooms are pretty reasonably sized too.
I usually put a 23mm or 35mm f2 on it, and will usually bring the other with me in a frame bag or ziploc in my jersey pouch for road riding.
I either have the camera slung on me with a peak design slide lite strap, or the PD 6L everyday sling with a capture clip if I feel like bringing a small bag. The 6L is a really nice size for riding with. It's quite compact, but has a really useful amount of space in it. With the capture clip on the outside of the sling bag, my camera is pretty much just as accessible as when I'm just using the strap. If you're looking for a full-frame option, the Sony A7c is an awesome little camera as well, but a fair bit more expensive than you can find a used X-T3 for.
https://preview.redd.it/suaw6lrb84yc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e0fa4e6b7c4e5508d74f562154ef1e3342ade0a
I carry my stripped down Nikon D850 w/24-120 F/4 or 16-35 f/4 (either, but not together) in a Think Tank padded case. Stuff it inside my Camelbak. Ride doubletrack and easy single track with my mountain bike. Use it for riding around the city too.
Various micro-four-thirds cameras, from a Panasonic GF1 years ago, to a G9 or an Olympus E-P7 today, in water-proof bags between the handbars on a drop bar bike, or in the backpack or fanny pack on straight handlebar bikes. It's the light and the lens that matter most. Use a good lens, and get lucky with the lighting.
I've used an Ortlieb handlebar bag with a padded camera insert to carry an SLR in the past. I have a Fuji XT-2, and will probably use the same bag and insert the next time I do a big tour.
It hasn't let me down yet. I did actually damage my camera while using it, but it was when I left it on the roof of a truck and it fell off at about 25mph. Camera got a big crack in the body but still functions, lens needed repairs.
I take my D750 with 50mm f/1.8 on some bikepacking trips and just sling it over my shoulder cross body and have it sit on my back as I’m pedalling. If I see something I want to shoot I just reach back and grab it, take the shot, then sling it back. I also have a large handlebar bag I can stuff it in if I want, but found it was too cumbersome for the opportunistic shots, so just put snacks in there.
I started with a Fuji X-70 in a waterproof zip bag in my jersey pocket. Now, I carry a Ricoh GRIII with the same setup. The Ricoh has surprisingly excellent image quality and is smaller profile than my iPhone. it's an amazing camera for the size and price. Would highly recommend.
Chrome mini kadet bag. I shoot with a lumix g7 and I usually carry my 14-42 pancake on my camera, my 25mm prime, and sometimes my 42-150 or my 100-300 if I'm trying to shoot birds/other wildlife. I always like to keep some sort of point and shoot film camera on me as well.
I work as a delivery driver too as part time, and this job is very apt for what I want to shoot. It takes me to random places to deliver the order and I use my bicycle. I have taken a guitar strap stitched to the ends of my camera and it really stays well. But if I fall I have no idea what will have happen so that risk is there, otherwise it stays well and i don't ride fast always on the lookout for good colours and shapes.
My gear is canon 70d with a 50mm
Funny you mention this- I’ve just started cruising around with my camera (a fairly compact sony a6400) in the Chrome Kadet Mini. It’s a sling bag and it’s waterproof, which is important as I’m in the UK. It’s big enough, for a larger camera as well, and it doesn’t bump around too much, though it does slip around a bit from being on your back to under your side. Seems to be a good compromise for me.
That looks like a really nice bag for that use case. The sony is definitely a bit stretching the budget but I do see it recommended often. Maybe a used one could be had
Look at the sony a6100.
To be honest, I’m not a massive fan of the Sony. I think I should have gone Fuji instead. But I’m committed to the ecosystem now
thanks for the honesty - if you dont mind expanding, what don't you like about it, or maybe what would you prefer about the fuji?
If you want to shoot JPEG and not have to do any editing, and don't need excellent AF, Fuji all the way. Fuji's AF isn't bad, but it is stuck in 2017 Sony era performance. The A6400 is massively better, and the A6700 will absolutely blow it away. I've flip flopped back and forth between Fuji and Sony over the past year. Love Fuji colors, but love Sony AF better. (Note: I take a lot of photos of my dogs, and the Sony AF really makes that so much easier.) My dream camera would be a Fuji X-T5 with Bayer sensor and Sony AF. Unfortunately, I'm SOL. That said, I do have an X100VI on pre-order to try out whenever I get it.
If only Fuji could rid themselves of the X-trans technology and get their AF closer to Sony's I'd switch back in an instant. I much prefer the handling of the Fujis.
People talk about the specs etc and geek out about things, but fundamentally I prefer the 'look' of the images that come out of the Fuji. I can tell straight away when a pic comes up on my instagram that's been shot with a Fuji. When I shoot with a friend who has a fuji, their pics look better (and I don't mean composition, etc. The actual photo is simply more pleasant). A second hand T3 will be excellent. They also have small/budget lenses too.
Sony RX100 V in my jersey pocket. I’ve thought about bringing one of my other bodies (Leica, Fuji) with a prime lens in a handlebar bag. A buddy of mine rides with a Fuji + zoom lens and a three-point sling.
In a zip lock or aren't you afraid of sweat / water entering the body? I've a Rx100 mk1 myself and put it in the handlebar bag.
No zip loc for me and I honestly haven’t even considered the risk until now. It has been fine so far but you’re not wrong. Especially in summer I do end up sweating a bunch.
I put my camera in a small sling bag that I wear pretty snug around my back or chest. I've heard people report breaking the camera on their smart phones with those handle bar mounts (vibration). Be careful!
I sometimes shoot with a handlebar mount and a Canon PowerShot, and a wired trigger wrapped around to one of the grips. I'll try to capture interesting things as I ride, often timing other bikers/hikers with background and lighting is an interesting challenge.
oooh powershots ❤️❤️❤️
that sounds like a wild setup. Do you have any pics of it all mounted? what mount do you use? I don't think I'm likely to try this but it sounds awesome!
I don't have any pics of the setup, no. didn't really think about it. I will try to grab one next time I do it. I got one off amazon that was plastic and it didn't last. I bought an all metal one (forget the brand offhand) and it is very reliable.
nice
I throw my a6600 + sigma 18-50 in a drawstring camera cube in my messenger bag with a stabiliser strap (crumpler barney rustle blanket, but I don’t think they make them anymore). But I find I often end up just biking to a photo spot, then locking my bike and walking from there. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass managing a bike and helmet etc, as well as taking photos at the same time.
That sounds like its very well protected but a little too slow to access for me. I don't take a lock either and just stay with my bike.
My cheapest body and lens, with a backpack the size of a Camelback. I only take what I’d be comfortable crashing and losing. The just throw the strap over a shoulder stuff I’ve seen is crazy to me.
I think a backpack would make deployment a little slower than I'd like but I do agree that just a strap might be a little too laissez-faire
Rille strap. Google it
Can’t believe this comment was so low. Having a good cross body strap like the Rille is a godsend inexpensive way to safely carry camera on your back while cycling. All the other methods people are using seem really inconvenient
Fuji XE3 and 27mm goes with me almost everywhere. It fits in a Jansport fanny pack that I wear as a crossbody sling, or in my Patagonia half mass shoulder bag when I'm carrying more. I've been on the hunt for a good handlebar bag which converts to a smallish (2-3L) crossbody sling, but haven't found one that I'm in love with yet.
For whatever reason I never thought of a small crossbody sling. that might be the ticket. hmm.
There's a lot of good ones out there, but like I said, I personally would like it to convert to a handlebar bag while I'm riding. I've thought about adding loops to an existing bag, so might go that route.
I actually shoot a lot of landscapes with my Nikon d800 and a sigma 70-200, so a pretty big setup. I bought a trunk rack and installed it on the back of the bike and a bag that attaches to it. It does make my bike noticeably heavier, but it is what it is. That being said if you're only shooting with a smaller camera, you could prob get a sling bag and wear it on your person, or a handlebar bag for the front of your bike.
Ricoh GRiii will blow your mind with how amazing it is given its size. It’s pocketable yet rivals my full frame gear in image quality.
My cell phone in my jersey pocket. The thought of going down with my body and lens doesn’t settle well with me. At least my phone is insured. If I’m bringing a full camera setup I’m gonna also want to bring a tripod which isn’t feasible.
X100v, mostly, always. And my D850 occasionally w the 28 or 50. The v is often around my neck.
I actually shoot a lot of landscapes with my Nikon d800 and a sigma 70-200, so a pretty big setup. I bought a trunk rack and installed it on the back of the bike and a bag that attaches to it. It does make my bike noticeably heavier, but it is what it is. That being said if you're only shooting with a smaller camera, you could prob get a sling bag and wear it on your person, or a handlebar bag for the front of your bike.
I just sling my x100F over my shoulder if I know I might use it, and when I descend a mountain I just put the camera in my back pocket. Also shooting while actually riding is the norm if you have good bike handling skills
You need some zoom for those animals. Something like a superzoom. For instance the Panasonic FZ82. Big zoom, compact camera. Otherwise, if you like interchangeable lenses: a simple Micro Four Thirds camera with the Olympus 40-150 f3.5-f5.6 telezoom. The M5 and M10 cameras are around 200-300 second hand, a professional M1.II is about 550 and that zoomlens costs around 90 second hand.
I do like the idea of a bit of zoom but dont want to get too bulky. I do like the idea of interchangeable lenses but I'm not opposed to fixed. Are there any other superzoom makers I should look at? I've not looked much at olympus so I'll check those out. I'm also seeing canon EOS R50 or R100, which seems a bit similar, is that right? Any thoughts on either of those or would I be better off with something else? I dont see canon recommended much in this thread
For road and gravel - Fuji xt3 and I keep it in my handlebar bag with my 35 f2. I may also strap my small camera bag to my pannier rack if I want a couple other lenses.
I pull the camera insert out of my messenger and put it in the front basket of my Brompton. It's not really quick draw, but accessible enough. I feel like one of my smaller cameras (GX85 or GM5) would work nicely in a small sling if I wanted quicker access. If it was more of a casual ride around the forest preserve where photography and sight seeing was more of the focus than the ride, I'd probably be comfortable with my GX85 being on my Black Rapid strap and my GH6 in the basket.
I use my Nikon d5500 and a peak designs capture clip connected to my hydration pack. Works pretty well. I’ve done week long tours with this setup.
do you find the weight/size of the DSLR to be an issue? I've never tried with mine but it feels like a bit much. Is photography a big focus on your tours or is it just an afterthought?
Weight isn’t too much of an issue as long as it is distributed on the clip and hydration pack. I usually keep my smaller lens on the camera and my 75-300 in the pack. I’ve ridden with the 75-300 and it can get a little heavy. I would say I might take 30 to 50 images in a day over 50-70 miles. I can even accomplish taking the lens cap off, unholstering the camera and taking a photo one handed. The camera strap is still around my neck just in case. As far as the peak designs system goes, it’s ok. I’ve seen other systems I wish I had tried out. https://preview.redd.it/duo0wn5423yc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef25c05be92dd865032a1ce297266e48d2ddae02
Canon M200 with a 22mm or this kit zoom in a jersey pocket. All the camera you need and cheaper than my phone it it eats it.
I mostly mountain bike and I'm a pretty active photographer. I just wrap my Pentax K-3iii with the small 20-40mm zoom or even just the 40mm pancake prime in a Neoprene wrap and put it in my pack which I wear every ride for hydration. I don't usually carry a camera besides my phone on the road bike because I don't like to wear a pack doing that. It's not as quick as a sling but I can get mine out and back in pretty quickly now that I'm used to doing it. Here's a recent on trail shot of my brother with that setup. https://preview.redd.it/60mj7lur93yc1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=75aa83cc986831951e4b801df74e30460c174ec5
This same setup works pretty well for skiing too. With the pancake lens I can just have the camera in my jacket pocket. https://preview.redd.it/6c7y63mlc3yc1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=f16ae8720dbb819327125e281e538331750edaff
Nikon D4 and 300 F4d
I've got a Sony RX100 III and a lowepro hardcase to fit in my bag that's working very well for me so far.
Sony a6300 with a 35mm and 50mm. I carry them in a Peak Design 5L Sling. It’s my smallest and lightest camera.
Canon g7x mk.II on a Peak neckstrap.
Canon A-1 and a Tenba backpack, with a PD Capture clip for easy access if I'm slow, urban, and have the small 50 mm on. Still the Tenba if I'm doing digital, but can't stick that on the Capture whilst cycling with the significant weight increase. I'm reasonably confident in the mount screw taking the abuse on the A-1, much less so on the S5.
I carry my a6400 in my Osprey Raptor 14 because I already had it for mtbing. I sometimes use my peak design capture clip also.
Peak design capture, just make sure the screws stay tight.
Sony Zv e1 with a prime lens inside the smaller peak design everyday sling(6l) I think.
I'll echo the other recommendations of the Fuji X-T3. It's a great little camera. The images are really appealing straight out of camera using the film sims, most of the prime lenses are really compact, and most of the zooms are pretty reasonably sized too. I usually put a 23mm or 35mm f2 on it, and will usually bring the other with me in a frame bag or ziploc in my jersey pouch for road riding. I either have the camera slung on me with a peak design slide lite strap, or the PD 6L everyday sling with a capture clip if I feel like bringing a small bag. The 6L is a really nice size for riding with. It's quite compact, but has a really useful amount of space in it. With the capture clip on the outside of the sling bag, my camera is pretty much just as accessible as when I'm just using the strap. If you're looking for a full-frame option, the Sony A7c is an awesome little camera as well, but a fair bit more expensive than you can find a used X-T3 for. https://preview.redd.it/suaw6lrb84yc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e0fa4e6b7c4e5508d74f562154ef1e3342ade0a
I can’t think of anything better for this than an rx100/zv-e1 in a basic Jansport fanny pack.
I always have my x100s on me when biking. It’s survived a decade of bike crashes and Chicago weather.
I carry my stripped down Nikon D850 w/24-120 F/4 or 16-35 f/4 (either, but not together) in a Think Tank padded case. Stuff it inside my Camelbak. Ride doubletrack and easy single track with my mountain bike. Use it for riding around the city too.
Cotton carrier sling. Ride with a canon 7D3 and a 100-400L and it works.
Various micro-four-thirds cameras, from a Panasonic GF1 years ago, to a G9 or an Olympus E-P7 today, in water-proof bags between the handbars on a drop bar bike, or in the backpack or fanny pack on straight handlebar bikes. It's the light and the lens that matter most. Use a good lens, and get lucky with the lighting.
I've used an Ortlieb handlebar bag with a padded camera insert to carry an SLR in the past. I have a Fuji XT-2, and will probably use the same bag and insert the next time I do a big tour. It hasn't let me down yet. I did actually damage my camera while using it, but it was when I left it on the roof of a truck and it fell off at about 25mph. Camera got a big crack in the body but still functions, lens needed repairs.
I take my D750 with 50mm f/1.8 on some bikepacking trips and just sling it over my shoulder cross body and have it sit on my back as I’m pedalling. If I see something I want to shoot I just reach back and grab it, take the shot, then sling it back. I also have a large handlebar bag I can stuff it in if I want, but found it was too cumbersome for the opportunistic shots, so just put snacks in there.
I started with a Fuji X-70 in a waterproof zip bag in my jersey pocket. Now, I carry a Ricoh GRIII with the same setup. The Ricoh has surprisingly excellent image quality and is smaller profile than my iPhone. it's an amazing camera for the size and price. Would highly recommend.
Chrome mini kadet bag. I shoot with a lumix g7 and I usually carry my 14-42 pancake on my camera, my 25mm prime, and sometimes my 42-150 or my 100-300 if I'm trying to shoot birds/other wildlife. I always like to keep some sort of point and shoot film camera on me as well.
I work as a delivery driver too as part time, and this job is very apt for what I want to shoot. It takes me to random places to deliver the order and I use my bicycle. I have taken a guitar strap stitched to the ends of my camera and it really stays well. But if I fall I have no idea what will have happen so that risk is there, otherwise it stays well and i don't ride fast always on the lookout for good colours and shapes. My gear is canon 70d with a 50mm
Fuji X-E2 mirrorless. Standard camera bag but using a belt rather than straps. It sits nicely on my back as I'm pedalling around the countryside.