I think I got the cycling bug ! my brother did a malaysia/thailand tour recently and it sure inspired me! anyway I found an old bike with wobbly wheels and missing bits and fixed it up with the help of the local BUG. anyway i was cycling with the camera in a back pack and gee wizz its inconvenient! Stop take the camera out of the back pack take a few snaps then stick it back in the back pack and remount cycle a bit then stop and do it all over again! so what is the solution! My brother is planing another cycle tour of Newzealand next year and I plan to join him .. I will be building a touring bike setup over the next month or so.. so I can get camera specific bits for the bike.. if there are any... so are there any? is there a Nikon mount for bikes :-)
Any NR cyclists?
(28 posts) (12 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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My log-in name says it all (cyclekraft). So, yes...I guess you could say I'm a cyclist. I race several forms of cycling from mountain biking to cyclocross and road. I also used to coach cycling for a number of years. I too have done quite a few long distance rides for fun and I use a bike for 95% of my daily transportation. I basically live on a bike.
As far as mounts for Nikon cameras, I know there are a few mounts that allow a camera with the standard tripod screw to affix to, but none of the ones I've seen are sturdy enough to support a DSLR very safely. There are also a couple of DIY set-ups I've seen, but again mostly for point-and-shoot cameras. DSLR's are just too heavy. I also doubt they'd stand up well to the vibration.
The bag I carry with me almost daily is the Lowepro 202AW, which is AWESOME for cycling. It's a sling-bag that allows very easy access on the go. Just undo one clip, slide the bag around in front of you and access the camera from the top zipper. I've had a couple of sling bags and they have all slid around on my back and eventually swivel to the side, which is no good. The Lowepro 202AW stays put and doesn't move. It's VERY comfortable and secures my D800, second lens, flash and accessories nicely. It also has a side mount for carrying a tripod, which I've done on occasion.
Unfortunately the weight of a DSLR and lens is too much for a single strap to hold it in front of the body while you ride without it dangling in your way. It would be nice if there was a set-up similar to GoPro mini-video cameras, where the camera is attached to a chest harness, but the GoPro setup is locked into position. For DSLR shooters you'd want something that would clip in and clip out. To my knowledge nothing like this exists. So I just take a second to stop, swivel my sling bag around and grab the camera when I want to shoot. Takes only a few seconds. I wouldn't recommend this while moving! ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
I use an electric mountain bike as my main means of getting around Town
I use a black rapid strap AND a Spider Holster
the Spider Holster stops the camera swinging about
I usually also have an additional lens(s) in a Think Tank lens changer(s)
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'd be careful in case you take a tumble - broken limbs are cheap compared to your Nikon. :)
I'd avoid carrying a big heavy camera or lenses in a backpack. Not good for your cycling, or your back if you fall.
Use a holster-type bag somehow strapped across your chest. I have done this with a couple of caribiner-type clips attached to my backpack. Or you could just check the Ortlieb website - they have a range of camera bags with a chest harness.
The best solution might be to keep the camera in a handlebar bag. Easy access to take photos and fairly well protected if you come off.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I cycle but not very often, I have used Adorama B-grip camera harness system and it works for me. I have attached a D90 with a 70-300 vr lens and am reasonably comfortable walking/jogging/cycling with it on my waist.
They also gave me a security lanyard and a rain cover. I had no problem to draw the camera to shoot while walking or stationary on a bike.
Watch this youtube video, its a Adorama product and I think they sponsor this site so this link may be allowed (else search for "Review: Adorama b-grip Camera Harness System" on youtube)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Does this include the ones with motors? Ha, ha, ha...... actually I still have a couple...Litespeed Liege, Bike Friday and others... have done all the required mountain biking exercises... endo, scrapped shins, hung on log, and wheelied over backwards.... Not for several years, however... have been hit by a truck going >50 mph when on a bike... woke up about 35 minutes later..
So, how does all this have to do with NIKONs? Kinda like I used to ride a bike and talk on a cell phone. Some folks must take photos, huh? I think I used to fall off too much to carry a camera.Posted 1 year ago # -
heartyfisher said:
I think I got the cycling bug ! my brother did a malaysia/thailand tour recently and it sure inspired me! anyway I found an old bike with wobbly wheels and missing bits and fixed it up with the help of the local BUG. anyway i was cycling with the camera in a back pack and gee wizz its inconvenient! Stop take the camera out of the back pack take a few snaps then stick it back in the back pack and remount cycle a bit then stop and do it all over again! so what is the solution! My brother is planing another cycle tour of Newzealand next year and I plan to join him .. I will be building a touring bike setup over the next month or so.. so I can get camera specific bits for the bike.. if there are any... so are there any? is there a Nikon mount for bikes :-)Depending on which camera :
- Did you have a look at the "Fat Gecko Bicycle Mount"from delkin, ?
- or the Fat gecko gator ( will need an additional strap to be safe..) " ?
- A Novoflex "Universal Clamp" ( 3 sizes ..) . ?Posted 1 year ago # -
I cycle to work every day but don't have a good solution for you. My bag is not as frustrating as most, though: a kata dr467.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I used to ride a lot before I got old and decrepit (sp??). I still have my most recent Raleigh (from 1976). In line with msmoto's comment, if you count bikes with motors, I rode to New Orleans yesterday.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for all the great ideas guys .. one from my bro's thailand trip
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks again all for your comments..
That B grip harness looks good and interesting...
at the moment I am leaning towards the lowerpro toploaderzoom http://www.lowepro.com/toploaderzoom but still looking around.Ok another question then.. If you were going on a cycle trip and only taking 1 lens what would it be. Note I like macro but I think my 150 F2.8 macro is too heavy to carry when i would not be using it much on a cycling tour!
1) 18-200 VR (owned).. I have a it, its good and I am used to it.. but macro is really lacking. However, it does have a range till 200mm! and I don't have to spend anymore.
2) 16-85 VR (to buy)- very similar but sharper and I have a DCR 250 attachment that will fit and it would make a decent macro setup. The 16mm on the wide end would be nice for scenery.
3) 12-24 (owned) - I Am touring and scenery is the thing right! who needs macro and tele!
4) 24 1.4 - who needs zoom! one focal length lens will do!
5) wait for the 18-300 I am not going till next year anyway..
6-10) any other suggestions..? oh.. I will be taking a little tough P&S probably the nikon AW100 or its replacement.. isn't that all I really need? (err NOOO!)Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi,
Some years ago, we cycled Ireland from Limerick to Dublin in a southern route. Of course, I had my original knees.
I used a Nikon Ti35 and something like the Fat Gecko that DutchNikon is pointing to, but I don't recall the manufacturer.
It seems like you're carrying a lot, but then it depends on how you intend to pack it along and how many miles you are going to do over what terrain and weather and such.
We were done in each day, but we were old folks when we left.
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
I love the some years ago, Mike.....and original knees.....great! I have never toured with the pedal bike, but have done a 133 mile 6000 feet of climbing run in about eight hours.... also when i was about 40 pounds thinner, and 15 years younger...
However, with the last motorcycle cross country run in 2008, I carried an Olympus 1030SW which produced really great shots when I stopped along the road. I am certain NIKON has a weather/shock resistant camera similar to the 1030SW.
And this was in Montana, Yetibuddha, on the East side of the park. So, hope this is not offensive to include the motor bikes, but some of the same things apply.... no room...
Oh, Huckleberry French Toast.... of which I ate only a few more bites... then rode about 600 miles to Dickinson, ND, going along the fabulous Route US 2...
Posted 1 year ago # -
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msmoto said:
Does this include the ones with motors? Ha, ha, ha......no it doesn't LOL. Trust you msmoto! But now that you mention it, since buying a Suzuki GSX 750 in my younger days I couldn't ride a bike more than round the block now if I tried. My son asked me to go for a ride with him last summer, we went about 5 miles and I had to lie down on the pavement at the end of it!!! He looked down at me with a cheeky grin on his face and said "do you want me to call a doctor". His time will come. Remember middle age is when a narrow waist and a broad mind change places. :-)
Posted 1 year ago # -
sevencrossing said:
Which of your existing lens, do tend to take your best shots with ?Unfortunately, my fav lens is the 150 F2.8 Macro, which is not a "Travel" lens! Though I do take it along sometimes on my travels. But on a cycle tour? I can almost imagine the pain ..
I would take the 12-24
You have a 120mm equivalent on the Coolpix AW100
The only other suggestion, upgrade the AW100 to something like the P7100
Having the AW100 (goes from 28-140 [ + X 4 digital zoom] ) would seem to cover most things I want including decent macro. It also come with the bonus of being light and All Weather which on a bike would be invaluable. So I would say it would cover the function of "I was there" and macro and "it rained darn hard" and "I fell into the water haha!" so what wouldn't it cover? What other photographic tasks will I need covered?
1) Scenery comes to mind immediately ( 12-24, 16-85, 24, 18-200 )
2) Portraits of the local people ( 16-85, 24 or 28 or 35 or 50, 18-200, 12-24 )
3) Macro ( 40mm Micro(tobuy), 16-85 + DCR150, 50 + DCR250, AW100,)Any other functions? Any other thoughts? Is my logic at fault? is my order of lenses for each function valid?
Do I really need Real Photo Gear? (man! I feel I will be kicking myself
if I didn't bring my DSLR, right?) or could I really survive on one camera with a fix focal length like a 28mm or 24mm or 20mm?Posted 1 year ago # -
SkintBrit said:
no it doesn't LOL. Trust you msmoto! But now that you mention it, since buying a Suzuki GSX 750 in my younger days I couldn't ride a bike more than round the block now if I tried. My son asked me to go for a ride with him last summer, we went about 5 miles and I had to lie down on the pavement at the end of it!!! He looked down at me with a cheeky grin on his face and said "do you want me to call a doctor". His time will come. Remember middle age is when a narrow waist and a broad mind change places. :-)LOL !! my son said the same thing !
Posted 1 year ago # -
OK, now, I need to get serious here. Great topic. And I suppose, what I am looking for is the "Ideal NIKON" for taking along on the bike, w/ or w/o motor. So, if one wants a nice compact, water/shock resistant NIKON camera, which will produce excellent photos... at least like a V1 ro maybe even close to DX, which small NIKON does one suggest? A "pocket" camera, fitting into ones back pocket next to the Cliff Bar, or in place of the third water bottle....ha, ha,ha.. Thanks heartyfisher....
Posted 1 year ago # -
I vote for an AW100 too. All the plus points already mentioned AND built in GPS for geo tagging. If I could warrant the extravagance I'd buy one tomorrow.
Posted 1 year ago # -
msmoto said:
I love the some years ago, Mike.....and original knees.....great! I have never toured with the pedal bike, but have done a 133 mile 6000 feet of climbing run in about eight hours.... also when i was about 40 pounds thinner, and 15 years younger...
However, with the last motorcycle cross country run in 2008, I carried an Olympus 1030SW which produced really great shots when I stopped along the road. I am certain NIKON has a weather/shock resistant camera similar to the 1030SW.
And this was in Montana, Yetibuddha, on the East side of the park. So, hope this is not offensive to include the motor bikes, but some of the same things apply.... no room...Oh, Huckleberry French Toast.... of which I ate only a few more bites... then rode about 600 miles to Dickinson, ND, going along the fabulous Route US 2...
You don't quite mention where you stopped to eat, there are four great possibilities, 1. Hungry Horse - Huckleberry Restaurant, 2. The Belton Chalet at West Glacier, 3. The Izaak Walton Inn, or 4 The Inn at St Marys.
The Cafe on the North side of Hwy 2 at Essex makes great breakfasts, too. We stop there all Summer long when fly fishing the North Fork, the stream your rode by that borders Glacier National Park. We live about 30-45 minutes from there.
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi,
@heartyfisher,
I'm leaving in June for a trip to South America, and if I were to stay in one hotel, I'd likely take a camera with a couple of lenses, or some kind of kit, but I'm not doing that. I traveling a lot. I'm also, leaving some baggage in one hotel, to return, taking a very, very light bag with me. We'll be doing a lot of walking, and frankly, I'm not really made to do a lot of walking anymore.
The photos I'm taking are mementos in nature and the cameras I'm taking are a Nikon P7100 and a Nikon AW100, both with extra batteries. I would like to take my D7000 and lens kit, but I do not want to haul it around, nor do I see my self really enjoying clutching and guarding it for 3 weeks.
BTW, I have a OpTech wrist strap and neck strap that I can interchange with the P7100 to put it under my jacket or under my arm when I'm not shooting, and the AW100 fits in a pocket.
I've had the fortune, good or bad, to have traveled a lot. Somehow, you always take more than you need, and forget what you have to have, but somehow it all works out.
If you are going somewhere solely for the purpose to "take pictures" (I've done vacations for just that and will again, perhaps this year, too), then of course you're going to want to take the kitchen sink with you, but I'd also suggest an itinerary that keeps to a hotel or two - the more places you go, the more you're likely to lose something of your kit.
You can do quite a lot with a little, and I tend to think it's not a bad exercise. But ultimately, you have to live with your decision(s).
Hope everything works well for you!
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi,
@heartyfisher
Here's a photo from a P71000 of a figurine. Not high art, but it's a decent close up.
P7100, 1/5sec., f2.8 @ISO200 WB-AWB
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
cyclekraft said:
The bag I carry with me almost daily is the Lowepro 202AW, which is AWESOME for cycling. It's a sling-bag that allows very easy access on the go. Just undo one clip, slide the bag around in front of you and access the camera from the top zipper. I've had a couple of sling bags and they have all slid around on my back and eventually swivel to the side, which is no good. The Lowepro 202AW stays put and doesn't move. It's VERY comfortable and secures my D800, second lens, flash and accessories nicely. It also has a side mount for carrying a tripod, which I've done on occasion.Very interesting indeed. I am just looking at the 202AW and the 302AW - the 3023 having the capacity I really need and still flies into the carry on sizing gauge at the airport.
My question is: does the 302AW perform as well as the 202AW on a bike or not - if not why not?
Posted 1 year ago # -
spraynpray said:
Very interesting indeed. I am just looking at the 202AW and the 302AW - the 3023 having the capacity I really need and still flies into the carry on sizing gauge at the airport.My question is: does the 302AW perform as well as the 202AW on a bike or not - if not why not?
Funny you should mention the 302AW, @spraynpray. I'm looking to buy this one in addition to my 202AW. The sole reason being I'm finding myself wanting more room when I want to carry something more camera gear than one additional lens and a flash. I've looked closely at the 302AW and it appears to have the same ergonomics with the exception of larger side supports, which I would assume would make the larger bag as steady and comfortable as the 202AW. These bags have a strap that goes under your right arm and across the chest to keep the bag from moving side to side. I'm confident that the 302AW will work as well. If I get one soon I'll be sure and update this post.
Posted 1 year ago # -
spraynpray said:
.My question is: does the 302AW perform as well as the 202AW on a bike or not - if not why not?I suspect it depends on the amount of gear inside
I have a 302AW, if fully loaded, the single strap gets very uncomfortable on a long ride
and has put me out of actionIf i have a lot of gear I use a pro runner 450AW it holds every thing
otherwise, as mentioned above, a spider holster and Think Tank lens changers
for short runs and a lot of gear, I use a bike trailer
Posted 1 year ago #
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