Packing camera, lens facing down.

[HighLife]

I know this might be stupid...i dont have any L lenses...but im extremely careful with my gear.

I was wondering, has anyone ever broke a lens or focus ring/motor by packing their camera in a bag with the lens facing down?

I have a Compudaypack which i love....can fit my whole setup + my laptop with its setup.

However, im kinda worried about packing the camera with the lens down...so assure me its ok, or tell me your horror story...which ever =)

[stathunter]

No issues here---but I am pretty carful with my stuff. I wouldn't drop the bag on the cement---otherwise you should be fine and dandy.

[Steve Beck]

I always pack my gear with lens's facing down if the body is attached. That way the weight of the lens is not bouncing down on top of the body. I always put a devider in under the lens to support the lens and body so the lens just doesn't hang there..

[thekid24]

I speak only for myself in saying NO I havent broken a lens facing down in a bag.

On the same token I dont freely fling my bag around either...although at times I do wonder if my placement technique of the bag is a little "rough".

Despite that I do realize and understand that most lenses are made to take a certain level of bumps depending on the model.

As I would advise anyone with a hefty load of cameras and accessories, it isnt benifical to pack every piece of equipement into a bag, not only do you run the risk of knocking seperate pieces into eachother and causing damage but you are left hauling around a rather heavy bag. Necessity is what keeps my shoulders from getting sore.

Then again it is your equipement you did pay for and therefor gives you the right to do what you like with it, again, I only advise.

[alt4852]

yea, i always pack my gear with the lens facing down. as i usually have the 24-70 mounted, it's significantly heavier than my 40D so it made sense to keep the heavier section lower. additionally, it's also easier to unpack for quick shots when you're holding your camera by the grip right out of the bag. =)

[HighLife]

do you guys just reverse the hoods or pack the hood separately?

[alt4852]

i reverse the hood, but it might not be a good idea for everyone. since i pack my bag pretty snugly, keeping the hood on has equated to plenty of scuffs on the exterior. i don't really mind all that much since i figured it's all part of normal wear and tear, but it might freak some people out.

[Riff Raff]

Lens is always facing down. Hood is left attached in place if there's enough room for it to be, and reversed if not.

[John_B]

HighLife,
I also always pack my camera with lens facing down (unless I am using my big backpack and have the 100-400L attached). It has survived plenty of action, even riding on the back of a snowmobile :)

[Jon]

Facing down, usually with hood attached (if there's room) for many years with no problems.

[Red Dot]

what about the lenses that aren't attached to the body?
aren't they faced down anyway?
my camera has its lens attached face down like many others, the bag has padding so its fine.

[HighLife]

what about the lenses that aren't attached to the body?
aren't they faced down anyway?
my camera has its lens attached face down like many others, the bag has padding so its fine.


Yes most of the time they are facing down, however, some bags like backpacks have them laying them flat.

I was just worried that the weight of the camera on top of a lens...ruining the lens AF motor, or maybe the focus ring itself etc etc...without the weight of the camera (depending on the lens of course...some bigs one weight alot more then the camera) there shouldnt be any issues in my eyes packed either way.

A friend pointed out something completely obvious and i didnt even think about it....

How many people pack their camera with NO lens on it what so ever?

I think the only down fall would be more dust possibilites to enter you camera and not being able to get a quick shot from packed.

[Bootlegger0173]

Mine face down, and I usually use a retractable hood.

[alt4852]

Yes most of the time they are facing down, however, some bags like backpacks have them laying them flat.

I was just worried that the weight of the camera on top of a lens...ruining the lens AF motor, or maybe the focus ring itself etc etc...without the weight of the camera (depending on the lens of course...some bigs one weight alot more then the camera) there shouldnt be any issues in my eyes packed either way.

A friend pointed out something completely obvious and i didnt even think about it....

How many people pack their camera with NO lens on it what so ever?

I think the only down fall would be more dust possibilites to enter you camera and not being able to get a quick shot from packed.

lenses are pretty tough, and bodies are pretty light. i'd say you're worrying too much. =)

[Kris_2020]

I have 2 cameras in my bag. The 5D has lens facing down with the 24-105 and the xti has lens facing up with the 70-200 F4 IS. Never had a problem with either one.

[transcend]

I have to say, with a proper camera bag you won't have too many worries. Never leave big lenses attached to bodies unless they are in something like a glass taxi (tight) with the lens down.

I did more than 75 000 airmiles last year (possibly more) with all of my gear in a lowepro photo trekker. 2 bodies, 300 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 17-40, 15mm, 50mm, 1.4x + a metric ton of chargers accessories etc and haven't had any issues. The gear is much more durable than you think, I do NOT treat my gear kindly and it works great, despite the battle scars (like a 300 with not so much paint left).