Touring - bag for slr camera and lenses

anyone have any suggestions for carrying a slr and 2 extra lenses, i don't want to stuff my padded camera bag into my panniers... anyone ever see a padded handlebar bag, i think that would provide quick easy access. any ideas/input would be appreciated.

These thread has some ideas.

http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=335156&highlight=camera+bag

You can try the Arkel Tailrider! I have one that I use when I want to take a ride and do some photography. It will hold a Conon Rebel with the 18-55 and 55-200mm lenses easily.
http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/tailrider/overview.asp?fl=0&site=
Mike

Ortlieb makes padded inserts for their various handlebar bags, intended to protect cameras and lenses. Wallingford Bike Parts has them here (http://www.wallbike.com/ortlieb/bags.html).

Ortlieb makes padded inserts for their various handlebar bags, intended to protect cameras and lenses. Wallingford Bike Parts has them here (http://www.wallbike.com/ortlieb/bags.html).

As does Wayne at The Touring Store (http://www.thetouringstore.com/ORTLIEB/Ort%20Ultimate%20Bags/ULT%205%20PAGE.htm). I have a medium sized bag and it carries an SLR and a lens quite comfortably. It would be a bit of a squeeze to carry 2 extra lenses and the camera.

I've seen a photo of an Ortlieb insert in an Arkel large handlebar bag (from a BF member). It fitted a SLR and small lens, plus a flash and 70-300 lens. If you already have a camera bag, you can simply use the padding from it. I use fleece clothing in a small Arkel bag because it has dual purpose in case of unusually cold night. The small Arkel is a bit small though. I've carried extra photo gear in the panniers or in a Lowepro camera bag (stripped of most padding) on the rear rack. Something I'd like to do to keep all the gear together and close by, as well as take weight off the rear wheel is to use a front rack with platform and use the Lowepro bag as a front trunk bag.

Although I won't leave until next week, I am already pleased with the container that I bought for my camera. http://www.pelican.com/ They are completely waterproof, super sturdy, lockable (certain models), and the size that I bought fits neatly into my rear pannier and backpack. It also fits nicely right on top of my rear rack, but it tends to bounce a bit there. All of them have inner foam (they call it Pick n Pluck) that allows you to customize it to whatever you want to put in there. Not a bike specific product, but I like it!
-cpt

This may not suit everyone, but I just wear my Lowepro bumbag ("fanny pack" in US?) while riding, rotating it from left/rear/right every 20ks or so. It has the advantage of always being next to me so I actually take photos, and always being next to me so I'm not worried about someone stealing it. My bag has two lens pockets, but I usually only take one spare lens, so I end up using the other one for sunscreen, phone etc. :)

Steve

This may not suit everyone, but I just wear my Lowepro bumbag ("fanny pack" in US?) while riding, rotating it from left/rear/right every 20ks or so. It has the advantage of always being next to me so I actually take photos, and always being next to me so I'm not worried about someone stealing it. My bag has two lens pockets, but I usually only take one spare lens, so I end up using the other one for sunscreen, phone etc. :)

Steve

It's gonna make you all sweaty up front but what about a chest pod like the Lowepro Topload Zoom with a chest harness? It makes it accessible but depending on what you ride it may not be comfortable; or maybe a Tamrac Velocity series sling bag?

You might try a search at www.nikonians.org in the Bags Forum, I know this has been asked several times over the years.

What body and lenses are you looking at carrying?

I've toyed with the idea of bringing my Nikon N70 and a cheap zoom or maybe my AF 50mm f/1.8 with me...something that won't cost an arm or a leg to replace... and just looping it over my shoulder diagonally.

Thanks for all the replies, I think I really like the ultimate 5 bag with some added padding. Having easy access to my camera is important to me so I want to keep the bag right up on the handlebars.

Hi,

I carry a "small pocket" camera with me. It's a Canon 30D with additional 2 lenses (10-22/70-300) + flash.

I use an Ortlieb Ultimate 9L handle bag with the foto inlet. There I can put the camera and the additional lenses with minor problems. I also have some space for filters, spare battery, etc. The advantage is that I needed appr. 5 specs (after stopping to make a foto).

I checked the European market and found only Ortlieb or Vaude as possible waterproof solutions. And only the most volumenous bags are suitable. Unfortunatly the current model of the Ortlieb bag as only space for 8,5 liters.

The flash I carry in the panniers - I need it only for cave excursions and such things.

I've you are interested I can send you a foto off the loaded bag.

Thomas

Thanks for all the replies, I think I really like the ultimate 5 bag with some added padding. Having easy access to my camera is important to me so I want to keep the bag right up on the handlebars.

i have the ultimate 5 (med) and camera bag insert for my canon rebel digital slr with the lens that comes with and a extra 300 zoom lens . once you get it in there it doesnt leave room for very much more stuff . charger, phone, wallet, keys, gps, and thats about it. saying that i feel pretty safe about putting it in there and riding with it.

I got a piece of foam, cut it out to the size of my handlebar bag, and cut out an indentation the shape of my camera.