Handlebar bag for a (D)SLR camera ?

[Shoogle]

Does anybody here use a handlebar bag for an DSLR (or SLR)? I need space for a DSLR and two or three lenses. I currently carry the camera gear in my rear pannier but it's not exactly handy for those spontaneous shots. What are the better handlebar bags for this purpose? (I tried a search on here but it come up with only one post)

[comfortablynumb]

Back in 2008 I bought a Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus Bar Bag for exactly the reason you mentioned, I was missing photos because I didn't want to get off and unload the camera from the back.
Worked well with my Nikon SLR and couple of lenses. I got some soft foam and cut it to roughly 3/4 fill the interior and then cut a hole quite neatly with an empty clean bean can, the edges are very sharp.
This allowed the camera to ride nose down on the foam. I cut more (smaller) holes for lens cleaning brushes etc.
When I upgraded to a Panasonic GX7 I just got a new foam liner and cut new holes to fit the lenses.
Steve.

[Vorpal]

Previous threads...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46517
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78653

There might be a few more of those about, if you search

[al_yrpal]

Its not really helpful but thats why I bought a Panasonic LF1, recently upgraded to a Panasonic TZ100. A lot of bar bags are very flimsy. The thought of a really expensive SLR and lenses in a bar bag fills me with dread. If you really must take it I would go for a rack top bag - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-rx-trunk ... -panniers/

Al

[Shoogle]

I think as long as it's well padded, it would be alright. I've been carrying it about for years in a home made box in my rear pannier. I tried it on the bars in my actual camera case and there was no handling problems but obviously, this isn't so good for quick access.

[PH]

As is probably said in one of the other threads, I use an ortlieb foam camera insert, which also fits nicely in the Vaude Aqua Box bar bag.
I have Micro 4/3 body and three lenses which still leaves plenty of room for other stuff.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/ort ... bags-of94/

[Norman H]

Like others I customised an old Ortlieb bar bag using foam inserts. I think it's important to have something that is 100% waterproof.

[Cunobelin]

Also depends onto camera

My usual cameras are large Pentax (K50 and K70) which can push the limits of a bar bag.

So I use an Olympus PEN EPL5 for cycling as it is much smaller, compact and fist far better than a larger camera into the bag

I have never bothered with lining the bag as it takes up room and I have found that the neoprene case I use to store cameras and lenses in are more than adequate for protection.

[honesty]

I have a csc rather than a dslr so it's intrinsically smaller, but I use a standard altura dryline bar bag, with lens and camera in padded pouches. Still has room for other stuff as well. I only took 1 lens last time touring though as I found that almost all my shotstuff were wide angle.

[Cunobelin]

Also depends onto camera

My usual cameras are large Pentax (K50 and K70) which can push the limits of a bar bag.

So I use an Olympus PEN EPL5 for cycling as it is much smaller, compact and fist far better than a larger camera into the bag

I have never bothered with lining the bag as it takes up room and I have found that the neoprene case I use to store cameras and lenses in are more than adequate for protection.

The other option is to invest in a telephoto zoom and cut the number of lenses, although if you shoot at night, an f1.8 prime lens will be needed

As for weatherproofing. I take a lot of photos in the Arctic ( I was in Longyearabyen - not cycling, earlier this year) and I chose the Pentax K50 and 70 because of the additional weatherproofing for the possible adverse conditions.

[foxyrider]

I always carry the camera in my Ultimate3 barbag (and previously Ultimate2). Never been an issue, I have the Ortlieb camera insert which holds stuff quite snugly.

As the bag is waterproof up to the point of immersion that's never been an issue although on a few occasions warm damp conditions have caused temporary issues - but I don't think that's connected with how the camera is transported.

I do have a racktop camera box (the now discontinued Ortlieb clam shell) but I was never happy with how it was all shaken about on less smooth surfaces.

[Warin61]

I currently carry the camera gear in my rear pannier but it's not exactly handy for those spontaneous shots.

You need a small point and shoot for the real spontaneous shot. You will miss it unless the DSLR is fitted with the lens you want, has a fast boot up time and is to hand.

My own preference is for the smart phone camera for the spontaneous shots, or to photo record things. For a good shot I use a Panasonic FZ 200 (new model is the FZ 300 - adds water resistance and a bit better processing). I have had SLRs and found I was always using a zoom lens to the extent that I was leaving the other lenses behind. And the SLRs all disintegrated over many miles of travel .. vibrations got to them. The lenses seem more robust. Looking at what I was carrying and what I was using .. I settled on the FZ200 as being a reasonable compromise between size, weight, performance and my use. Like most things a good photo is 90% photographer and 10% gear. Having said that I do carry some accessories ... a remote shutter release, tripod, circular polarising filter... oh the camera manual and notes for those strange shots.

[fastpedaller]

Missing the shot! I stopped my bike and walked into a farm entrance to get a lovely shot of a field of daffs a few years ago - as I then turned around to put the (bridge type) camera in the saddlebag a barn owl flew within 6 ft of me and, of course, I missed the shot

[Vorpal]

I currently carry the camera gear in my rear pannier but it's not exactly handy for those spontaneous shots.

You need a small point and shoot for the real spontaneous shot. You will miss it unless the DSLR is fitted with the lens you want, has a fast boot up time and is to hand.

My own preference is for the smart phone camera for the spontaneous shots, or to photo record things. For a good shot I use a Panasonic FZ 200 (new model is the FZ 300 - adds water resistance and a bit better processing).

And you may still miss it...

Yesterday on my way to work, I heard the distinct sound of swans. I took my camera (phone; Nokia 808 with 41 MP sensor and Carl Zeiss lens) out of my pocket whilst I looked around for them, and they were flying north in a V. They were already some ways away, but I tried, anyway, and got one blurry shot of a V of swans, and a couple of shots of empty sky.

[rmurphy195]

On the bike/walking, a compact digital camera in a small puch that clips to my belt. Pouch has a flap with a velcro fastening. Pull, switch on, point, shoot!