Carrying Camera Equipment

[SledMamma]

Curious how others are carrying their cameras on their sleds? I have a large/heavy Canon 5D MarkII and professional series lenses that I usually take in a Lowepro camera backpack (BIG One).

But this poses several problems- it is soooo hard on my back because they weigh so much. Plus, my backpack doesnt have room for a shovel. Last time we went sledding the snowmobile rolled over the backpack and I had visions of my tens of thousands of dollars being crushed. Luckily, everything was fine...

So, I want to mount a Pelican Case or something of that nature on my tunnel. Anyone have any other ideas or experience about this? I am wondering if the bounce of the sled would be hard on the shutter/mirror mechanisms inside the camera... Also wondering if anyone has dragged a tripod up the mountain?? Best way to carry it would be ____________________?!?

HELP!! Opinions wanted...

 

[BC Sno-Ghost]

Curious how others are carrying their cameras on their sleds? I have a large/heavy Canon 5D MarkII and professional series lenses that I usually take in a Lowepro camera backpack (BIG One).

But this poses several problems- it is soooo hard on my back because they weigh so much. Plus, my backpack doesnt have room for a shovel. Last time we went sledding the snowmobile rolled over the backpack and I had visions of my tens of thousands of dollars being crushed. Luckily, everything was fine...

So, I want to mount a Pelican Case or something of that nature on my tunnel. Anyone have any other ideas or experience about this? I am wondering if the bounce of the sled would be hard on the shutter/mirror mechanisms inside the camera... Also wondering if anyone has dragged a tripod up the mountain?? Best way to carry it would be ____________________?!?

HELP!! Opinions wanted...

I wouldn't mount a carrying case, even a Pelican, on the tunnel for an SLR camera. Internal intricacies are very delicate. The bounce on the tunnel I'm sure would kill it. This has been addressed in a previous thread and I think most people who carry a digital SLR on their sled keep it in a back pack specifically designed for SLR cameras. On your back it will at least be protected from the punishing bouncing that it would take on the tunnel. SLR camera packs are expensive but work very well.

 

[SledMamma]

I wouldn't mount a carrying case, even a Pelican, on the tunnel for an SLR camera. Internal intricacies are very delicate. The bounce on the tunnel I'm sure would kill it. This has been addressed in a previous thread and I think most people who carry a digital SLR on their sled keep it in a back pack specifically designed for SLR cameras. On your back it will at least be protected from the punishing bouncing that it would take on the tunnel. SLR camera packs are expensive but work very well.

Oh dammit! Why you gotta tell me what I guess I already knew but dont want to acknowledge?!? I have two SLR camera backpacks already- I just hate packing them... Grrrr...

Pelican claims their cases can survive a plane crash from 30,000ft, so I thought maybe it would work for tunnel bounce. But, I guess I already suspected the answer...

What about putting the lenses in a small Pelican and carrying just the body in my backpack, just to get rid of a little weight?

 

[Taminator]

Hey mamma, I read a post from Veedy (Far West Films) somewhere about carrying cameras...I'll try and find it and link it.

He says that you need to carry it on you cuz of the tunnel vibration. I yard-saled mine on the trail when it was in my tunnel bag...it now has a little loose thing it didn't have but it still works the same, luckily.

I also did read someone has a pelican case mounted to the tunnel and they say it works good...but not sure if the foam in them can absorb enough

Our video camera gets carried in the backpack now, in a well-padded case and I leave my SLR at home. I hope you come up with a good solution.

 

[JoHNI_T]

you need a cabana boy



Unfortunately it is easiest to do one or the other,,, its hard to cary a tri pod and huge case etc, and its kinda hard to huck your meat with all the extra weight,, just asking for back issues or damaged equipment.


when I session a certain hill or area I usually put my pack on the ground and go do my thing,, grab my pack and hit the next area,, just like gas, once I am the trail gas goes on the trees, I always have my shovel but dont think I have used that thing for a year or 2..

 

[GasCan]

I bought a Kata Bag for my Canon XH A1s HD Camcorder and have been struggling to think how'll I'll haul it up the hills as well. The SLR has always gone up in my back pack but the Camcorder is going on the sled so I can wear my Avy Bag. I've been looking at a couple Velcro tie downs to secure a Kata 3N1-30 Sling Backpack across the tank with some foam under it to dampen vibration but not sure about that one yet. I looked at a Pelican but it's too big and I don't want something mounted back on the tunnel due to vibration.

The tripod is another one I guess. I thought i'd try and secure the big one onto the running board like the snowboarders do when taking their boards up the hills. Already broke one tripod having it vibrate on the tunnel don't want to lose another. Curious to see what others have done to haul expensive gear up the hills? Might have to invest in a sled to tow behind when I'm heading up to film. Been toying with that as a better and safer idea. as they have some decent sleighs to pull behind.

 

[LID]

You could probably strap your tripod on a Cheetah rack, like a pair of skis. I keep my camera in a bag just big enough for the camera and 2 lenses, and put this small bag in my backpack. I have a large size Dakine Poacher and have no problem with camera, food, clothes, and avy gear. Maybe PM Hangfire, he's an OG camera veteran.

 

[Shibby!]

I stopped bringing my camera. Simple as that. Too much money and way too hard on equipment. Not to mention my ABS bag already weighs about 50 lbs + with all the required gear that everybody should carry.

So I bought a G10 which is small, light, and surprisingly good quality. Not much worry about low light on the mountains so noise isn't an issue with high ISO. Also has a flash shoe for all pro canon flashes so if I want to take it a few steps further I can bring a few of my 580's and wireless gear. Although heavy, this isn't near the space and weight of the SLR itself.

Also, a tripod shouldn't be required unless you are using your 5DII for video or have extremely long lenses. In that event you could use GasCan's method of mounting one to the tunnel. A quality tripod can take a ch!t kicking and not be affected. If you have a fluid ball or fancy head you might want to keep that in the back pack as well rather then subjecting it to moisture, etc.

 

[sledslut]

take a look at what he makes for the pelcan cases, they are awesome for camera stuff.
i have him making one for my sled as we speek as i have a nikon d80 that i love taking but i dont trust it in a soft case.

 

[Shibby!]

It's not the case. The pelican case will easily handle the tunnel, its the equipment inside. Sure they are built well and entry level pro cameras are durable, but have you ever looked at your sandwhich, pop cans, or anything else you see on your tunnel after a ride up the whooped out trail? They get **** kicked pretty badly. A inch or two of foam will smooth it out, but not nearly enough. The camera is being subjected to massive acceleration forces and vibration. Look at the size of you gear. The body, the lenses, batteries, flashes, whatever. Now think properly packed how much room that will take in peli case? The case would have to be HUGE. Even a 5DII with three L lenses (300mm 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and maybe a 10-22) and you are talking some serious space.

Now, if you don't care for the gear as much and have pro level glass, etc. Sure, people do it all the time. That's why a lens can weigh a few pounds, but they also think nothing of replacing a 3000$+ dollar lens or a 4000-15,000$ dollar body because they are often paid highly for the pictures they get. I've heard and seen lots of "L" or pro glass fall in water and sand and work well afterwards, however the owners are people who use their equipment and expect for it to take this hit, send it away to get recalibrated and rebuilt and use it again. Most people won't do that or dont' want to subject their investment to conditions like that.

Let us know what you decide and what solutions you come up with. It can be done, but depends what you want to do to your equipment and how much weight you want on your back.

 

[SledMamma]

Not carrying a camera at all is not an option for me at this point- for personal and professional reasons...

"Also, a tripod shouldn't be required unless you are using your 5DII for video or have extremely long lenses. In that event you could use GasCan's method of mounting one to the tunnel. A quality tripod can take a ch!t kicking and not be affected. If you have a fluid ball or fancy head you might want to keep that in the back pack as well rather then subjecting it to moisture, etc.

I don't usually use a tripod at all, as it is just against my religion. However, I am using the tripod (a rather small, collapsible one) for videoing. It is a cheapy ($80 or so) , so I am not too worried about it. Thinking about going to a monopod to save space..

The camera is being subjected to massive acceleration forces and vibration. Look at the size of you gear. The body, the lenses, batteries, flashes, whatever.

This is what it says on the Pelican website about the camera cases:
Like all Pelican ® Products these cases are indestructible, watertight and airtight. Locking panels adjust to fit any configuration, these dividers hug the gear to give protection against impact, vibration and thermal shock, while the waterproof case protects against moisture, dust and the hard knocks of travel.

The question is: to what degree does it protect? Just to play devil's advocate a little- the camera would still be undergoing some impact while on the rider as well, although much less vibration

"Now think properly packed how much room that will take in peli case? The case would have to be HUGE. Even a 5DII with three L lenses (300mm 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and maybe a 10-22) and you are talking some serious space.

Yup- you nailed it: a 5dII with a battery grip, a 70-200mm2.8L, 17-35mm 2.8L, 50mm 1.4, and possibly flash, although I shoot 98% natural light and would be okay without. (I just hate the idea of a million dollar nightshot missed because I didn't have the gear packed!!) My current Pelicans are 19"x15"x8" deep. Any less size and there wouldnt' be sufficient styrofoam between the equipment to absorb impact and shock.

"but they also think nothing of replacing a 3000$+ dollar lens or a 4000-15,000$ dollar body because they are often paid highly for the pictures they get....Most people won't do that or dont' want to subject their investment to conditions like that.

Ya, I don't get paid enough for that kind of attitude. Plus, when I do make money, it is doing summer weddings, so I need to make to summer time so that I can keep affording equipment. Sledding simply can't destroy my equipment

"Let us know what you decide and what solutions you come up with. It can be done, but depends what you want to do to your equipment and how much weight you want on your back.

Also looked at the Dakine Poacher, but it isnt compartmentalized like my Lowepro. I have a KATA bag that will carry two camera bodies and two lenses, but it doesnt have a strap across the chest and bounces too much with that much weight in it.

It's looking like I am just gonna have to carry the gear in the backpack and try to ditch the pack as much as possible in safe places like Johni_T suggested. Its been done before, but Grrrr!!! If i figure anything else out, I will let you know

 

[Shibby!]

If you want to lighten your load, skip the prime and battery grip. If your battery is kept reasonably warm they will easily last the day. However, not sure how the 5DII lasts with video as I don't do video. The 50mm, although crisp, wouldn't be of much use for the additional space and weight required. The length and fixed zoom limit it's use.

I used to use the 70-200 the most. Then the 10-22 for the wide angle stuff.

Just some alternatives to think of when considering what to bring.

 

[SledMamma]

If you want to lighten your load, skip the prime and battery grip. If your battery is kept reasonably warm they will easily last the day. However, not sure how the 5DII lasts with video as I don't do video. The 50mm, although crisp, wouldn't be of much use for the additional space and weight required. The length and fixed zoom limit it's use.

I used to use the 70-200 the most. Then the 10-22 for the wide angle stuff.

Just some alternatives to think of when considering what to bring.

You sound just as set in your ways as I am when it comes to photography! Thought about getting rid of the battery grip already and it will probably be the first to go. I love the stability it adds with bigger lenses tho.

As for the 50mm, it is one of my favorite portrait lenses, and it weighs next to nothing so I will have to think about that. I actually don't video with the 5DII cuz it is a huge pain in my azz trying to focus it and it eats memory like a mo-fo!! I will be using my video camera for that part!!

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[Murminator]

Downgrade to another camera while sledding Cannon G10 works awesome for me no bulk no lenses to worry about. You can get a G11 for about $529 on sale best nonSLR out there

 

[Orrin]

I have the same camera and wouldn't trust it in the pelican case, I think the bumps would beat up the shutter pretty bad. The pelican case will absorb the vibration but not the bumps and hits the sled will take, I used one on my quads years ago and pretty much destroyed a D3 I used to have. These days I take an older 20D with me with one all purpose 24 x 105mm zoom lens that fit into a water resistant Roots bag that in turn fits into my everyday sledding backpack with my avy gear, everything else goes in the tunnel bags. D20-D40series cameras are pretty cheap to replace off of e-bay when compared to a D5 MkII and is a more user friendly camera, a little faster image rate, built in flash etc etc. they are not full frame as is the D5 though. I sometimes take a monopod with me that straps to the sled or my backpack, I'm sure a tripod would be just as easy just heavier.

 

[SledMamma]

Downgrade to another camera while sledding Cannon G10 works awesome for me no bulk no lenses to worry about. You can get a G11 for about $529 on sale best nonSLR out there

As the photographer for the Sledbetties Movie team, I just don't know if I can downgrade... it just seems like I wouldn't be using my very best equipment to do the very best job that I can!! For my own pictures, i don't have a problem bring my Canon Rebel XTi because it is cheaper to replace and much lighter. But, I personally know the difference in picture quality and editing ability with higher resolution photos produced from professional series cameras and lenses, especially shooting in RAW file format, and I don't think I could make the compromise and sleep at night!!

 

[Shibby!]

You sound just as set in your ways as I am when it comes to photography! Thought about getting rid of the battery grip already and it will probably be the first to go. I love the stability it adds with bigger lenses tho.

As for the 50mm, it is one of my favorite portrait lenses, and it weighs next to nothing so I will have to think about that. I actually don't video with the 5DII cuz it is a huge pain in my azz trying to focus it and it eats memory like a mo-fo!! I will be using my video camera for that part!!

Thanks for all your help!!

Not set in my ways, just been there done that. Most of the photography I do besides portraits is extreme sports. All of which is a pain in the ass to pack large amounts of equipment into the back country.

As the photographer for the Sledbetties Movie team, I just don't know if I can downgrade... it just seems like I wouldn't be using my very best equipment to do the very best job that I can!! For my own pictures, i don't have a problem bring my Canon Rebel XTi because it is cheaper to replace and much lighter. But, I personally know the difference in picture quality and editing ability with higher resolution photos produced from professional series cameras and lenses, especially shooting in RAW file format, and I don't think I could make the compromise and sleep at night!!

The G10/G11 has been compared to 40D and other canon SLR's for picture quality on low ISO. The G10/G11 and S90? shoot RAW allowing you to post process with raw data. Resolution isn't an issue as the camera will easily do full size prints. (15/10 I believe)

The downside is the FPS is a lot lower. That being said I, personally, have never been one to hold the shutter down and have rarely missed a shot because of it. Not to mention the unnecessary weeding of pictures. If you can settle with this it's an easy alternative to a rather difficult problem.

 

[SLY]

Not sure on the camera model (Olympus) but my son packs his SLR and lenses in a Pelican case strapped to the tunnel rack. Has done it for a couple of years now. I do recall him forgetting to strap it on and watching it take off cartwheeling down a hill last year but it is still fine.

 

[SledMamma]

Not set in my ways, just been there done that. Most of the photography I do besides portraits is extreme sports. All of which is a pain in the ass to pack large amounts of equipment into the back country.
Just bugging you Shibby- didnt really mean it!

The G10/G11 has been compared to 40D and other canon SLR's for picture quality on low ISO. The G10/G11 and S90? shoot RAW allowing you to post process with raw data. Resolution isn't an issue as the camera will easily do full size prints. (15/10 I believe)

The downside is the FPS is a lot lower. That being said I, personally, have never been one to hold the shutter down and have rarely missed a shot because of it. Not to mention the unnecessary weeding of pictures. If you can settle with this it's an easy alternative to a rather difficult problem.

Will definitely look into this option if it means I can get away with less gear and still feel happy with my quality... Do you shoot with any of these models? Would love to maybe see some photo samples...

Not sure on the camera model (Olympus) but my son packs his SLR and lenses in a Pelican case strapped to the tunnel rack. Has done it for a couple of years now. I do recall him forgetting to strap it on and watching it take off cartwheeling down a hill last year but it is still fine.

Thanks Sly... just when I am resigning myself to carrying the equipment on my back, you start the spark up in my brain again!! How long has your son been doing this? Would love to know how many frames he has shot with his SLR thus far, as I think the vibration might go a long way in shortening the life of the internal shutter, sensor and mirror. If this is not the case, I would love to know!!

 

[Shibby!]

Will definitely look into this option if it means I can get away with less gear and still feel happy with my quality... Do you shoot with any of these models? Would love to maybe see some photo samples...

I just picked up the G10 used for pretty cheap. If you buy new look at the states (B&H) as they have the G11's for much cheaper then anywhere local. I haven't had many opportunities to take pictures with it yet but from what I have used it for I'm impressed with the results.

If you go this route, check or compare the G10/G11 and S90?. All shoot raw and all differ a bit. I stayed with the G10 because it was used and cheap so I don't mind taking it sledding, dirt biking, mountain biking, etc. It is larger and heavier then the S90, but it has a longer lens, view finder, and flash mount unlike the S90.

I've been out of the picture scene for awhile because of the hassle and work required to get that one picture and the dedication required to make it anywhere in this industry (especially while having a full time job). The "L" glass and body's stay at home. It's just a hobby of mine. I just like "working" for myself and not bothering with trying to make it anywhere in a saturated industry even though I've had luck with magazines, websites, and printed media in the past.

That being said I'll see if I can dig up some photo's once I get home. They won't be sled photo's because of the reason above, but I hope to change that this year with the acquisition of the new P&S.

In fact this thread has reminded me of how much I appreciate a good picture and how little I've done lately attempting to get it. It's a bit two fold with me putting the effort in and my buddy's being patient enough to work with me. It was always "get a picture of me", but never cooperation from the other side. I'll see what I can do in the coming weeks if we get snow and I can get out. I'll post those pictures to show some of the G10's ability.