Hi all. One of the justifications I gave for purchasing this bike was photography; I like to take photos of wildlife. My camera/lens combo is about 14' long, and I'd like to have it at the ready if anything pops up when I'm out and about. I am thinking a tank bag because it would be right in front of me, I could pull over and take photos without dismounting and it would be in a fairly safe location. I passed by some Sand hill cranes that I would have liked to photograph, and I see vultures and raptors flying about. My goal is to have a set-up where I can just pull over and shoot without dismounting the bike. I am not in a very populated area, so it's quite possible to do. If anyone has any suggestions, recommendations or experience, I'd appreciate the feedback......Thanks - Jonny
I use a smart phone with a good camera and either a phone mount or keep it in my pocket. I don't have amazing zoom capabilities, but it works very well for 90% or better if the photo opportunities I have on a ride.
Givi Tanklok tank bags are the bomb. I have the 15 liter verson but I've seen larger ones mounted. That 14" length could be an issue, my Givi shows a length 13.7" but it may work at an angle.
I do have a fairly fresh MaKaw tank bag in like new condition(I didn't like it) and a sun faded one from Cycle Gear, not their Sedici line which I disliked less. Make me an offer... If you do, best be quick, I'm leaving for a 3 month adventure on Tuesday. We could possibly meet up, I'll be in MN for a while. Maybe meet in Sconi somewhere?
The Givi system does really rock. I ain't never going back to "regular" tank bags again.
Thanks Steve; I'll look into the "tanklok" bags. I know the 14" thing may be an issue, but I think I could probably get it into the 15L bag; I just did a rough measurement this morning. I do appreciate the "Tanklok" tip; I was going to go with a strap style mount.
I shoot an Olympus Em1 MKII. That 14" is a 300mm with a 1.4TC which makes it an 840mm full-frame equivalent. I know it's not the best in low-light, but it's got wicked stabilization and weather sealing. I was going to switch this year, but I couldn't find anything that really rocked my world; so...I got the Versys, and my world is rocked :grin2:. I shoot lot of wildlife, but I couldn't take a decent landscape shot if my life depended upon it. Oh well - it's all for fun. Once I get a shot of the bike, it will be posted to my photography forum under, "What photography related item did you purchase?" This bike was actually recommended by a guy that's a photographer/bike enthusiast. He already received his thanks... Good to see a lot of us are alike.:smile2:
I guess I'll just throw the kit in the panniers with towels wrapped around them. I was hoping to have something as easy as the truck to shoot from, but oh well.
You might look at some form of messenger bag. Something with only a shoulder strap sorta like a woman's purse, but much more manly . A backpack could work except you'd have to wrestle it off, whereas the messenger bag could sit around your back for riding but then easily slid towards your front to remove the camera equipment.
For protecting delicate and valuable gear, it is difficult to find fault with products like Pelican cases. They make a great top box. A pair would make robust hard saddle bags. They are literally air tight, so riding in the rain is no concern. And they are lockable to discourage theft.
Iāve been using an old and well abused Pelican 1550 as a top case for over 5 years. It had been previously used as an aircraft mechanics flight line tool box, a camera case, and a tackle box before being attached to my previous bike and then my V650. It has kept my laptop and other gear protected from everything Mother Nature has delivered while riding in all seasons and weather, as well as the high pressure hose at a car wash. Also works well when camping or commuting as solid and secure storage. Iāve had ridiculous loads strapped to my case without issue. 2 boat trailer wheels, cases of beer, an insulated bag full of groceries, even a bench top 10 ton hydraulic press that weighed 52kg...
The only difficult part for most people is fabricating a mounting system. But the internet is full of DIY solutions in addition to what the aftermarket suppliers have to offer.
I've got the Givi XS320 on the way for my Versys and I'm also into photography, I've got a D750 with some lenses and I'll see if the 150-600 fits in the new tank bag. I would just get some pick and pluck foam and fit it inside whatever you choose or use one of the backpack cube cases.
I've also got an EM10 ii and Pentax K3, and Fuji X100s with a bunch of various lenses etc, I'm addicted lol.
If you don't mind having the camera on your chest have a look at a cotton carrier or a Movo Photo MB1000 for a fraction of the price. Those will hold it secure on the bike and at the ready. With the M43 it shouldn't be too heavy.
I'll be bringing my D750 with me to Alaska with a 20mm 1.8 and 50 1.8 and a 70-300. The 150-600 would be nice but it's a beast to bring anywhere.
I like the camera strap - probably better than a tank bag for me. I think the tank bag maybe can get in the way. I like the m/43 format for lens size, and it's one of the reasons I've stayed with M/43.
I have an older Givi Voyager two-tier tankbag. It will accommodate your 14" combo with adjustable pockets for lenses. Magnetic panels plus a good strap to tie around the headstock.
I've had it for at approximately 20 years and it is as good as new. I mostly use the small lower section now, with the top half added for long trips. Both sections have a map pocket and a waterproof cover that actually works. I was a professional photographer (film era) for my whole career and carried lots of gear*. Now retired, I only carry a Canon G11 digital.
If you can find a used Voyager I would highly recommend it.
* on long trips I packed a Nikon F4, Nikon F3, Voigtlander Bessa R, and at least 6 lenses. Still had room for a two dozen rolls of film, lots of filters, sunglasses, lens cleaner etc.
I'd be leery to carry a camera on my chest like that while riding. Aside from rocks and bugs hitting the equipment, it might be detrimental to both the rider and the camera gear should the rider be launched off the bike in a collision. YMMV
There is pretty much universal agreement, by those that have used multiple designs, that bags that mount to a collar attached to the gas tank, like the Givi or SW-Motech bags, are far superior to other designs.
Not all tank bags fit the Versys well. Some interfere with steering and some just do not sit on the tank well. Some block the instruments. Check a site like WWW.TwistedThrottle.com for fitment info on the Versys.
Three popular designs that do fit well are the Givi ST602 Tanklock Tank Bag, Givi XS320 XStream TankLock Tank Bag and the SW-Motech Quick-Lock EVO
I have the ST602. It has stood up over many years with only the outer fading slightly. It is water resistant, without the cover, but not waterproof without it.
I just bought the XS320 for the Versys, reasonable price compared to the other tank lock bags. I'm about to go grab some shots with camera inside.
Added the photo's. It's not a great fit with a D750 and 150-600, but that's a monster lens. Fit's the entire EM10ii and all the lenses with room to spare. I'm planning on taking a smaller 70-300 mm and a couple primes to alaska though, or just the EM10 since it's tiny. I do like the D750 battery life though, the thing lasts ages on a battery.
This tank bag fit my D750 with a 24-120 on it, a 50mm/20mm primes and a 150-600 for the trip to Alaska for 30 days. Itās a great tank bag.
Only weakness is it could use an elastic strap to hold the rain over down, it floats up in the wind. Iād find a think elastic strap and just pack it up with the cover. Otherwise itās great.
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