DSLR quick access storage.

[MOAK]

We have an 04 TJ, set up for long range North American travel. We finally invested in a couple of DSLRs, I went with Sony, as all my old Minolta stuff would work quite well with the A 300 series. My wife just bought herself a fixed lens Canon. Previous to these we just had a couple of little Canon point and shoots, which fit nicely in the center counsel and glove box, for quick easy access. I'm at a loss as to where to keep mine safe, handy, and easily accessible, while driving.... Hiking we are going to go with the Cotton Carriers. I considered a quick shoe mount inside the TJ, but, well,,, just seeking advise,, how does everyone else approach this,,, Hey thanks, and have a great summer!!

 

[loren85022]

Its trial and error. Sorta depends on one's willingness to sacrifice space, the size of the bumps you'll be experiencing, how often the dog(s) and kid(s) climb over. I dont see a shoe mount being good. DSLRs weigh too much and thats way too much force(s) on a shoe mount You may mean tripod mount) that is intended to hold flashes. Mine rides in an open backpack style case. When things get hectic inside I close it, and a quick zip allows me to grap-n-go.

For exploring, i also keep a small monopod in the nearby. Those critters always seem to jump out in low light.

 

[onetraveller]

For on pavement use, you can rest your camera on a bean bag, somewhere within easy reach. It won't move as long as you are driving sanely.

For offroad use, I keep mine in either a dedicated photography backpack if I'm carrying mutliple lenses, or in a camera holster for just the camera and main lens.

Lowepro Flipside backpack.
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/flipside-sport-15l-aw

Camera Holster from Think Tank, with shoulder strap
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/digital-holsters/digital-holsters.aspx


Mike

 

[jjohnson1892]

I'm all about Pelican cases for my DSLR gear. Used a Pelican 1200 for a while, but it could only hold my camera body and a smaller lens. Finally bucked up and went with a Pelican 1500, it holds my Nikon D7000, a fixed 180mm, 18-105mm, 50mm, 8mm fisheye, and a 18-75mm wideangle, plus a flash and body grip :Wow1:

At one point I ordered a foam insert for a Pelican 1200 and cut it up a little and put it in my center console for quick access. A few good bumps and fast turns later I got scared out of it and just went back to the Pelican case.

 

[MOAK]

OK,,, thanks a bunch, I am currently doing the Loweproback backpack, opened up or closed depending on terrain, my wife holds hers at the ready, or while hiking a hip holster for her, and I use the Cotton carrier. I was hoping for something similar to the Cotton carrier for mounting inside the jeep, but the vibes and bumps would make it nearly impossible for sound and safe mounting. We'll just keep on keepin on.. Someday, if my kids start getting all the hints, they'll reward me with a pelican case for a Christmas gift.... I'll give it a couple more years, then get one myself.. they are indestructible ...

 

[nwoods]

I use a large glareshield on my 16-35 lens mounted to a Canon 7d. It just sits in the rear passenger footwell, and I can easily reach it from the drivers seat. The glareshield protects the camera pretty well, and keeps it upright on the floor. I also used a Offroad Trail Tools neoprene center console armrest pad, and set the camera on top of it, but an enthusiastic jab to the brake pedal will send it tumbling forward, so that's not a recommended option. I always run a UV filter on the lens though, just in case it brushes up against anything that could scratch the lens...or worse.

 

[Septu]

I just keep mine on the front seat... but then I rarely carry passengers.

 

[cwm]

I have also set mine on the front seat but it can bounce off.

One day I had one of the reuseable grocery bags below it. The straps on the bag are large enough to go over the front seat headrest. I loop one over the headrest and then put the camera inside he bag. If I expect to use it I only use one strap over the headrest. If I want it more secure I use the second strap.

Usually the bag hangs on the front side of the seat. But with a passenger I just swing it to the back side. I have two Jeeps and leave a bag in each one.

Some of the new bags have a rougher fabric so I use a bag that has been used several times and the fabric has become softer. These bags only cost $1.00 to $1.50 at the grocery store. I also have some padded camera bags for other times.

 

[Binksman]

I keep a D7100, flash, and two other lenses in a messenger style camera bag. It easily fits almost anywhere in the Jeep. We had a week long trip to visit family a few weeks ago and I had zero problems grabbing it for a quick shot.

I use the same bag when I am riding motorcycle. It works fine and protected the camera gear even after a couple low speed crashes/spills.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

I wrap the strap of my camera bag around my headrest. So that it sits kinda high up on the back of the seat. Make the strap as long as it can go and wrap it around twice. My wife, in the passenger, seat can reach back and grab the camera when we need it. Its off the floor and with the flap down relatively safe from the dust and dog hair. I general don't carry the bag when we get out. Just throw it over my shoulder. I have a Canon 60D weighs a ton.

Sometimes I just stick the lens in my crotch, ala soda can like. If I am by myself and going to be shooting allot. Can get a little tricky with the 6 spd though!