Any good ways to keep a DSLR with a heavy lens parallel to your body while carrying?

Question

I have a D80 with a fairly large lens which weighs the camera down and whenever i am hiking/walking long distances it gets annoying because it isn't parallel to my body. Are there any solutions? Like special holsters/belts to keep the camera parallel to my body? Or at least more secure in some fashion? I don't like it bouncing on my chest gives me a rash and the camera gets worn out form constant friction.

Asked by antonpug

Answer

Check out the Cotton Carrier vest, which holds the camera vertically tight against your chest. I haven't used it myself, but do know others who are happy with it.

Answered by Dan Wolfgang

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How to carry a DSLR on a motorcycle?

Question

I do a lot of road trips and I carry my camera (D90+50mm) and an extra lens (18-105mm) in my backpack (Lowpro CompuDaypack). The backpack is great, but it doesn't allow me to draw my cam out quickly to capture a quick moment. I tried hanging the camera to my neck and that felt too dangerous!

I was wondering whether there is any other type of camera bag or holder with the "quick draw" feature. Also, I would prefer if it can be attached to my bike itself or if it can be kept on the front side of my body (as opposed to the backpack).

I also have a tripod (Slik F133) which came with a pouch that i use to carry on my shoulder (very uncomfortable) as it doesn't fit in my backpack. Is there any more convenient way to carry it? "quick draw" feature is not required for this one though.

Answer

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

Or something like this or this

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Carrying a dSLR on a motorcycle?

Question

I do a lot of road trips and I carry my camera (D90+50mm) and an extra lens (18-105mm) in my backpack (lowpro compudaypack). The backpack is great, but it doesn't allow me to draw my cam out quickly to capture a quick moment. I tried hanging the camera to my neck and that felt too dangerous!

I was wondering weather there is any other type of camera bag or holder with the "quick draw" feature. Also, I would prefer if it can be attached to my bike itself or if it can be kept on the front side of my body (as opposed to the backpack).

I also have a tripod (Slik F133) which came with a pouch that i use to carry on my shoulder (very uncomfortable) as it doesn't fit in my backpack. Is there any more convenient way to carry it? "quick draw" feature is not required for this one though.

Answer

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

Or something like this or this

Check more discussion of this question.

Gear for carrying and storing a DSLR on a backpacking trip?

Question

I'm planning on going on a short backpacking trip at the end of this month and would like to take along my DSLR. What are some good options for me to carry and store my camera and a tripod if I'm also carrying around a big hiking backpack with me?

Specific to my situation, I'd like to consider cheaper options as I don't plan on backpacking enough to make a considerable investment.

Thanks guys!

Answer

Having the camera accessible is critically important to get a variety of shots along the way. Huge backpacks are not ideal for this. I used a Top-Loading zoom bag when I carried fewer lenses ;) This bag is quite cheap and will serve you in the future too, it comes in different sizes and colors.

The tripod should easily be able to be attached to your backpack. Below is good for a small one or on the side. Most backpacks have plenty of straps or at least loops where you can attach straps to hold additional items. If you use a Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, then it is even better to hook it somewhere you can reach. I often simply loop its legs around the camera bag strap and barely notice it.

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