How to protect your glass......

[maadjurguer]

I've just ordered my first serious camera after realizing that I have the bug......I've just scraped together the remaining airline miles I have (had) post layoff and have ordered a Canon T1i because I've run into a wall with my current rig......my question:

How do I protect this beast on rides?  Dust is harsh here in the 4-corners......how should I protect it?  Beyond a simple case, should I do something extra given our fine dust?  I'm all ears.......how do you all pack your glass when riding?

[McNik]

I use a Clik Elite Compact bag. I pack the camera in a small light drybag, lenses in other small drybags (1 liter). This is for wet rather than dust, but I guess it would do the same job.

[Wozza]

I quite often ride with a DSLR, a great solution I have found is buying a small DSLR camera bag just big enough for the camera and one smaller lens attached. I usually take my kit lens biking instead of something nice just in case... But then I put this bag in the helmet holder of my small backpack and put the strap through the top of the camera bag.

Hmmm I might be tired as that didn't make the most amount of sense reading that back, so I'll take a pic.



So far this has held up for 2 years of single track riding, a multi day ride, heaps of technical tight track and even a Super D race. I have had some big offs too but luckily not landed on the camera - although I did smash some ribs. Camera stayed put!

[SlowDave]

I think the dry bag idea is perfect.  I ruined a nice camera in Baja in the 80s.  I thought I had packed it well but a day long (Xmas day) dust storm got fine sand in everything.  If conditions looked bad I would also put your cell phone, gps, etc in the bag,

[Wozza]

Yeah mine isn't heavy rain tested but I figure I could add a dry bag if I am heading out in a downpour.

Or buy a Canon 1d... I wish.

[ArisaemaDracontium]

Like Wozza, I have a Deuter Hydropak... but mine is a Hydropak 8.  I carry my Nikon the exact same way, its very secure there.  I don't have a case for it just carry it loose in that pouch.  I figure having it on my body will greatly reduce the amount of vibration it is subject to.

I should say I've never taken it on an overnighter like this, just day rides... though I could see this owrking well if you stuck it in a bag in a bag.