In the past I've kept a small pocket digital camera in the center pouch of my windshield bag. It's made access fairly quick and easy. I can stop the bike, grab the camera, and get a quick shot off without having to dismount. The problem was that the little cameras just weren't of high enough quality for what I wanted. So I started carrying both the little one and my Nikon D90 DSLR.

The problem with the DSLR is that there is not good place to easily store it on the bike for quick access from the saddle. I'm not suggesting that someone should take pictures while in motion (I'll leave that for another forum), but it is nice to be able to grab the camera for a picture of a deer, bear, or topless beauty that's 50 yeards off the road. The Nikon D90, with 70-300 lens) lets me get some great shots.

I think I've finally found an alternative that will work most of the time. It is the LowePro Slingshot series of camera bags. As the picture below shows, the bag is on a sling that you wear like a backpak. With a quick tug you can get the bag in front of you and have access to the camera with the side access panel. This means I can keep the camera close (on my back) while riding in areas like Zion National Park or any of the dozens of great roads around me.



So far I've continued to keep the pocket digital in the center bag, and when I'm just wanting to get a quick "snapshot" off I reach for it. When I get to places where I know I'll want to use the DSLR I simply put on the Slingshot and hit the road. I can quickly pull it around while still in the saddle. And when I get on and off the bike it's not overly cumbersome, which means I can easily take it up the trail a bit without having to worry about a bigger bag.

For what it's worth, I've considered adding the LowePro Slingshot 350AW, which will carry a bit more gear. The biggest advantage is that it will give me someplace to put my Netbook as well. So I can dump my regular backpak I use for the Laptop and just one 1 bag for both DSLR and Netbook.



I like the idea of having just 1 bag for both Netbook and DSLR. I can put the single bag in the Tourpak (and lock it, for security) or easily carry it with me. If I only need the camera I just take the Netbook out (it is in a leather cover anyway) and dump it in the Tourpak. The 350 is not that much bigger than the 100, so I'm not really picking up a lot of bulk in the upgrade.

I'd be curious, though, about those who've used maybe a tank bag and a Slingshot. Any comparisons worth posting?

 

Sorry dude, but by the time I finished reading your post I forgot if you asked a question or was just posting an advertisement

 

Looks like a great solution to your problem of having a dslr readily accessible from the seat. Lowepro makes some very innovative products. I got their Dwrap cover for my P&S camera. It protects the camera while keeping it slim enough to still put in my shirt pocket.

 

ThinkTank Photo also makes some products along these lines. Very well made gear.

 

I have that slingshot bag, but too clumsy to use on the bike. You will probably end up dropping your camera while getting it out. Not a bad bag for walking though. A better one IMHO is the Zoom model, easier to use and a lot smaller.

 

There are plenty of point & shoot cameras on the market, including some with 10X optical zoom or more, that are capable of taking decent quality shots. I can't imagine there's anything you'd want a picture of that requires a trailer full of gear.

 

I have a canon rebel eos dslr but when on the scoot I opt for the wifes point and shoot. Everything has its time and place. Riding for me is more then bringing along the big bulky camera. Not to say it has to be the same for you

 

a DSLR (or even a SLR) uses interchangeable lenses, I've got an EOS 20D, with a nice 70-300 IS zoom.
A 10X real doesn't get you close enough, plus I can shoot 5 frames a second(better chance of getting a good shot of that hawk in the field)

Never mind that a DSLR gives you more control of the shutter, aperture, and ISO.

 

If theres a few bucks to be made, its out there. sweet case

 

LOL! I guess it was more rambling than I had intended.

No, this is not intended as an ad, especially since I'm not capable of making any money from the post. I just figured that other DSLR fans who have had similar problems might like the post.

Thanks, Jason, I took a look at that site and it looked pretty good, though it seemed a little more expensive than what I paid. I'll have to look a little closer at their stuff.

For me, photography and riding just go together so well. And I've found that using the camera doesn't necessarily have to be just taking snapshots. So the DSLR has been a great addition to the hobby.

I hope not, and so far there's been no real problem. I can see, though, that there is a possibility. Thanks for the warning.

I've not used the Zoom model, so I'll have to take a look at it.

The P&S cameras are fine, and I use one routinely. But for some of us, the DSLR just offers so much more opportunity. I can change lenses in just a few seconds, which means I can go from a 28mm macro lens to a 150-600 lens as needed. I can also shot multi-frame shots with the D90. I can take 5 frames per second routinely, which means that the actions shots really become action shots.

More importantly, the DSLR offers control over the quality and composition that I simply can't get on a typical P&S.

I guess, in a way, it's all about whether you want a snapshot or a photograph. In some instances I just want the snapshot, and that's why I carry the P&S in the windshield bag. But for those times that I want to do more than just Point & Shoot, the DSLR is the only solution.

Again, for those that use DSLRs and want to be able to access the camera fairly easily and quickly while still in the saddle, I'd recommend the Slingshot. For those that don't ... well to each his own.