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I think there have been various threads on camera carrying, but I have a specific need so please bear with me...
I want to carry my mirrorless camera with (probably) 24-70 lens on roads and gravel tracks. I don't want to carry it in a saddle or frame bag because it would get banged around too much (I think) I prefer to carry it on my body which provides plenty of shock absorption (unfortunately). Backpacks - obvious pros and cons - easy to carry and lots of space but sweaty back. Otherwise - waist packs? I have an old Ortlieb one that is not very comfortable because it's basically just a waterproof (being Ortlieb) bag riveted to a simple strap. I also have a Think Tank camera holster attached to a Speed Belt ( https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/modular-system) - it's basically just a padded belt. Also not too comfy. The waist packs tend to slip down, maybe due to my lack of a very well defined "waist", and require to be cinched up tight. So do I have any alternative? Are the Evoc or Osprey waist packs likely to be more comfortable? Or do I have to either suffer a sweaty backpack, or lose some flab?
How about a front mounted pouch? I've just carried mine within a decent biking backpack; although it's a bit of a faff to have to stop and get it out when you want to take a pic. A decent bar bag should be ok. I've carried mine in an Ortlieb Mini-O Bag (with camera insert) on my Brompton, and it's been fine.
And how big is 'largeish'? I use a Nikon Z6 with the 24-70f4, that's quite compact, but obvs something like a Z9 with the f2.8 version is a little chunkier.
I think I could carry my a6100 and the kit zoom in an Osprey waist pack with no issue, but I'd be tempted to use some sort of chest pack instead. Lowepro do one, but it looks a bit over the top. Depending on the camera, I'd probably go for an Osprey one instead.
Edit: Just been browsing the Osprey site and I think the waist packs could look just as bad. Best advice is go and see if you can find something that holds the camera and protects it enough when you are moving around a lot.
You used to be able to get a chest mount strap thing for the Think Tank camera holsters...
THis thing:
Looks a bit, erm, niche.
I had the original one & it's actually surprisingly comfortable. Took it with me to Ciclo Montana riding some pretty techy stuff & it survived OK.
@config - "largeish" is similar to you - Z7 but with 24-120. I actually have the Think Tank harness thingy to wear it on my chest so maybe I'll try using that and see how it goes.
Of course not so long ago everyone carried a Camelbak and nobody ever said "ohmygod my back is soooo sweaty" so maybe I'm being a bit of a snowflake 🙂
Sounds like something a Wingnut could do?
Ooh, I'd quite like the 24-120. I have an F-mount version but it's a bit bulky with the FTZ. The 24-70 is so small and light though, so a nicer combo to ride with. I can get that, plus a 50 1.8 and the 14-30 into a pretty small camera bag, which is excellent for travelling.
I have used holsters strapped to a backpack straps, at the front. Works ok. Sweaty back AND chest though!
This is what bar bags were invented for. Falling onto a body-mounted camera? No thanks.
Sounds like something a Wingnut could do?
Yes, that looks like a good solution. Never heard of them before! Thanks, I’ll investigate!!
I accidentally stumpled upon this recently:
https://velotastic.co.uk/product/brands/outer-shell-adventure/outer-shell-adventure-camera-strap/
Not sure if it is any good and it is a bit £££ (which should attract photography geeks and MTBers? )
Reading all this, I'm glad I decided long ago that the 'big' cameras don't go riding with me...
But if they did, I'd put up with the sweaty back and use whatever backpack did the job and felt comfortable.
You need one of these!
More info here
https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/that-guy-proves-it-you-can-do-action-camera-with-the-sony-a7/
I’m pretty happy with my EVOC Stage Capture backpack
One thing that sets it apart is just how much ventilation my back gets wearing it. Sure, some sweats still occur, but nothing like my old osprey raptor pack.
I’ve been trying to get my hands on their photo waist pack, looks great just never in stock anywhere! I can just about fit my Sony full frame with Tamron 28-75 in that.
My ex uses a lowepro sling bag thing.
So she can stop, undo a clip and slide the bag round to her front to use.
It's a very early version of the Slingshot SL i think, probably had it 15 years, and through 3 or 4 cameras.
Some manufacturers do smaller (and larger) ones.
I started a thread on this not long back.
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/carrying-a-camera/
Ended up getting the ILE mini camera bag. It’s great, very stable with the extra strap across the chest and enough room for a body, couple of lenses and other bits and bobs.
SFB used to carry his on a chest trap - maybe clipped onto a camelback?
It would be nice to have something that you could get really quick access to imo ie quicker than a backpack.
8x10 is where it's at...
(although it looks like his final prints are about the size of the negative, which kind of defeats the point...)
May one suggest this to sir? I use one on all my shoots for the mag and the website with my DSLR Nikon D5600. I usually clip it to my backpack strap for super fast access. Alternatively, you can clip it to a waist pack and wear it like a side holster. I like to have my camera to hand so keeping it inside a pack doesn’t work for me.
I’ve used it for several years and reckon it is a brilliant piece of kit.
Hope this is of help?
Cheers
Sanny