Motorcycle Travel Kit Thoughts

Hey guys, this is my first post here (edited: apparently this is my second post), and looking for some thoughts/recommendatio​ns. I know there are tons of threads like this out there, and I've read more than I can count, but here goes anyway. Maybe I won't even post it - we'll see - but I think it might help me to sort my thoughts out, if nothing else. Continue reading if you're not sick of these threads; if you are?...well, feel free to stop here! If you want the quick version, scroll down to the heading What I shoot/do

Preface
So here's the situation as of now: I got into photography back in 2008-ish (I'm 23 now) with a Panasonic FX500 - a cool little point and shoot that let me play with full manual controls with a well thought out touch screen interface. I shot that for a couple years before moving up to a DSLR. I started out with the T1i kit with 18-55, grabbed a used 17-85 shortly after, as well as a 50/1.8. Before backpacking Western Europe for 2 months in 2011, I picked up a used 70-200/4L, and carried the 3 lenses with me (18-55 was donated to a buddy). I thought it was a decent set-up, although looking back I don't think the 50/1.8 saw much use.

Fast forward to a month ago
I hadn't shot much in the previous year, which I was upset with myself for, and pulled the camera back out. I decided I needed to get back into it, so I left town for a few days to head out into the forest with snowshoes on my feet and a pack on my back. And no, this wasn't an ill-prepared fool heading out into the wild; four-season hiking and camping has been a long-time passion of mine. Lots of hiking through hip deep snow, sleeping in a quinzee, and enjoying nature this weekend. The photo bug had bitten again. I did the same the next weekend, this time with a few other friends, and once again the camera was out in full force. Had a blast shooting the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) one night on the frozen lake, lots of shots of my buddies, and a bit of wildlife.

Both of these trips I just brought the 17-85 to keep the weight down. Both trips the auto focus on the long end of the lens was very sporadically working/not working. The motor would continuously go back and forth on either side of focus, without ever settling in. First thoughts are that it was the cold/moisture that did some damage, however, I don't think so. The problems started immediately after getting out of the truck.

A week ago
I was cruising Kijiji for used Canon lenses and came across a Tokina 11-16/2.8 that caught my attention. Did a bunch of research into it, as I had been wanting a Canon 10-22 for a long time, and ended up picking it up for a killer price, in immaculate condition. Loving that lens in the limited shooting I've done with it so far. My next thought, of course, went to a new body. The 7D had caught my attention since getting into DSLRs, and so it went back there. I went and played with one at a local shop for a while and fell in love with it. And they have it on sale for $1099 CAD right now, which seems like a pretty stellar price. Then I noticed they had a used 7D that they had taken in on trade, and I could get that for $800 CAD, with 2 weeks to test it out.

So do I go used pocket the difference for other gear, or go new? Used seems like the way to go, but then I thought about getting the new body with the 15-85 kit for $1699. Everything I’ve read about that lens has been great, and I cannot count on my 17-85 anymore. So then my arsenal would be: 11-16/2.8, 15-85/3.5-5.6, 50/1.8, and 70-200/4L. Seems pretty decent; however, now I’m wondering if I should go used 7D, and search around for a used 17-55/2.8. I’d still have the 70-200 for the long side, and would get a constant 2.8, which I like.

What I shoot/do
I’ve already mentioned that I do a lot of hiking/camping, so landscapes and nature are definitely a big part of what I shoot. I’m also getting into long-distance dual-sport motorcycle riding, and will be packing the photo gear with me. First big trip starts at the end of April, when I’ll be flying to Buffalo, NY, and riding a bike (KLR650) back. This will be about a 3000 mile ride over 2 weeks or so, without touching an interstate. Trails, fire service roads, and the like, mostly. September 2014 is when I’ll be taking off on a year plus ride from here to Alaska and down to the southern tip of South America. Although weight isn’t as much of an issue as with backpacking, smaller and lighter is always better. With that said I’m thinking the following options to take on the big trip:

Options
The bolded items are the options that I would need to purchase, non-bold I have in my kit already. Anything I don't take with me on the trip starting in 2014, I would sell before I go. Having bought used mostly, I should be able to recover most of the cost.

(1) Used 7D, 11-16/2.8, Used 17-55/2.8, 70-200/4L
(2) New 7D, 11-16/2.8, New 15-85/3.5-5.6(kit with 7D), 70-200/4L
(3) Same as (2), but leave the 70-200, possibly add a fast, wide-ish prime
(4) Any other thoughts?

If I go with (3), is 85mm long enough? Will I miss the long L glass that I have fallen in love with, or not use it much and regret the extra weight if I take it?

Again, I know only I can make the decision in the end, but it helps to organize my thoughts like this, and any thoughts/suggestions/r​ecommendations would be greatly appreciated (especially if you took the time to read this ridiculously long post!).

Regards,

Jason

I would go with a used 7D and a used 15-85 if its money issue.

As for what to take, take all 3. The 70-200 will be come in handy for portraits when you take a break and wonder in some town taking pictures of people without wanting to be in their face.

Your gear won't be that heavy. I myself had taken some decent heavy gear for long rides on my bike without that much of an issue (did 1600 km in 18 hours with a 500D, 15-85 and 11-16 on my back, and a 2500km in a week and a bit trip in spain->france->germany with the 5D3, 70-200, 24-70 and 16-35 on my back).

For 2 weeks, let a lone a longer trip, you will want to cover a bit more distance lens wise. You don't need a wide lens only for landscape. You can do some really interesting shots even with a 70-200.

Okay… you've said you have read more than you can count, so shall I assume you have read posts like these: The Oaisis of My Soul & Motojournalism?

Yes, you can carry heavier photo gear on a MC than backpacking- which I have done extensively when I was your age. I currently lug my DSLR and tripod along on photo trips on the motorcycle and if I go solo camping- despite my ultralight packing background, camera gear does take up space and I usually might have it in a waterproof bag on the passenger seat. If two up, I bring a trailer along. Im not into carrying my camera gear on my back while riding, like some are. Big photo gear like DLSRs have been carried on smaller bikes, but really, they are more comfortable in a cruiser or touring bike. I have seen enough reports that for off road riding, you want your camera equipment better protected in something like a pelican case.

If I was going to ride a dual sport bike extensively, with its limited gear capacity, especially camping like you say you are doing... I would go for the smaller, large sensor cameras, not DSLR. On a motorcycle, its not always weight, its also how much space it takes up

I would look into mirrorless solution such as Fuji XE-1, Nex series or OM-D.

Eyal wrote in post #15815261
I would go with a used 7D and a used 15-85 if its money issue.

As for what to take, take all 3. The 70-200 will be come in handy for portraits when you take a break and wonder in some town taking pictures of people without wanting to be in their face.

Your gear won't be that heavy. I myself had taken some decent heavy gear for long rides on my bike without that much of an issue (did 1600 km in 18 hours with a 500D, 15-85 and 11-16 on my back, and a 2500km in a week and a bit trip in spain->france->germany with the 5D3, 70-200, 24-70 and 16-35 on my back).

For 2 weeks, let a lone a longer trip, you will want to cover a bit more distance lens wise. You don't need a wide lens only for landscape. You can do some really interesting shots even with a 70-200.

Good to hear from someone who's done some riding! Regarding money being an issue - well it always is. In this case any money I save will keep me on the road a bit longer. I do, however, have a decent tax refund coming in a week or two. I worked a well paying mining job last summer and paid ridiculous taxes - most of which I get back as I'm a student. With that said, I have no problem buying used (as most of my glass currently is). I was just thinking that with the kit, the 15-85 is only $600, which is cheaper or very similar to any used price I can find on one around here. Although then I'm paying more for the body, too. And yeah, I do love the 70-200 for portraiture. In terms of not needing the ultra-wide for landscape, I fully understand that. It becomes too far removed, quite often. I do, however, love playing with the perspectives you can achieve using ultra-wide.Thanks for the insight, as it sounds you've carried similar gear!

Jason

number 1

Harpo63 wrote in post #15815327
Okay… you've said you have read more than you can count, so shall I assume you have read posts like these: The Oaisis of My Soul & Motojournalism?

Yes, you can carry heavier photo gear on a MC than backpacking- which I have done extensively when I was your age. I currently lug my DSLR and tripod along on photo trips on the motorcycle and if I go solo camping- despite my ultralight packing background, camera gear does take up space and I usually might have it in a waterproof bag on the passenger seat. If two up, I bring a trailer along. Im not into carrying my camera gear on my back while riding, like some are. Big photo gear like DLSRs have been carried on smaller bikes, but really, they are more comfortable in a cruiser or touring bike. I have seen enough reports that for off road riding, you want your camera equipment better protected in something like a pelican case.

If I was going to ride a dual sport bike extensively, with its limited gear capacity, especially camping like you say you are doing... I would go for the smaller, large sensor cameras, not DSLR. On a motorcycle, its not always weight, its also how much space it takes up

Thanks for the links! I had checked out MotoJournalism before, but had not seen The Oasis of My Soul; I'll give it a peruse! In terms of carrying the gear, I definitely won't have it on my back. I've got side bags for most of my equipment, and will probably mount a locking Pelican as a top case for the camera gear. When I want quick access, I'll carry the camera in my tank bag, where there is the least jarring around from the road. I have been reading adventure bike travel ride reports for the last couple years, and have seen many people carry their gear this way with no problems.

In terms of going to a smaller setup, I've certainly thought about it. I think I would really regret not having an SLR with me, as the joy of using it outweighs the weight and size most of the time. Going back to my Europe trip again, I could have carried all my gear in my 40 liter pack, however I brought my 70 so that I could bring the camera and lenses. I'm glad I did.

Thanks again to a fellow rider!

Jason

kin2son wrote in post #15815612
I would look into mirrorless solution such as Fuji XE-1, Nex series or OM-D.

Thanks for the recommendation! I've certainly thought about going smaller, however I think I would really miss the SLR. I haven't dismissed it yet, though. There will be a good few week plus shakedown rides in the next year and a half before I go on the big trip, and those will be the times to test out the setup, and see how much I actually want to carry.

Regards,

Jason

Richie3888 wrote in post #15815889
number 1

I see you've got a very similar kit to Option 1. I take it you're happy with the coverage, and happy with the range of the 17-55 as a walk-around lens? Or does a different piece of glass see more time on the body?

Regards,

Jason

one body, one lens, one flash. 7D, 28-300L, 580 EXii

Seeing you ride a KLR, I guess this will be perfect.

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ChuckingFluff wrote in post #15815996
one body, one lens, one flash. 7D, 28-300L, 580 EXii

Interesting approach for sure. Flash is something I haven't gotten into yet, and don't think it's something I'll take with me. Having just one lens would certainly have its benefits, thanks for the thoughts!

Z0RR0 wrote in post #15816192
Seeing you ride a KLR, I guess this will be perfect.

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Seriously though, this is my trip last year.
http://advrider.com …s/showthread.ph​p?t=725369

All I had was my trusty 10D, Tokina 12-24 and Nifty Fifty.
10D because it was a 40$ camera. I can destroy it and shrug it off. Same for the lenses. And everything fitted easily in my small tank bag.

I don't remember instances where I needed more coverage. The wide angle was fine for UWA when I was after that, going up to 24 was neutral enough, and 50 for zoom-ish.
I suppose if I were to do it again I'd consider an 85 f1.8 instead, small and cheap enough, with a tad more reach.

But really, I can't remember hating my lenses at any time. That Tokina 12-24 is a beast of a do-it-all.

If you're going to photograph people or animals though, more reach would be good. I had the same setup in Tunisia couple years back and I did want a 70-200 quite often.

The "middle" coverage provided by 17-55 and the likes though ... that would be totally wasted on me.

If money is an issue, the first thing I'd "drop" would be the 7D, in favor of a slightly older prosumer body. Nothing wrong with them, and they're built like tanks.

Good to see a fellow ADVRider! I'll definitely check out your RR. And yeah, that duct tape case looks right up my alley - would fit nicely inside the milk crate Regarding going with a cheaper setup, it definitely does appeal to me. I love the idea of minimalist travel, and the rest of my gear really is. I usually tend to the side of lightweight instead of comfort. But I'm also a bit of a tech/gear junkie, and can't help but want what I want. A 40/50D would probably be a great body to take, without so much worry about damage/loss/theft, but I seem to have my mind set on that damn 7D right now, haha. The used 7D seems like a good compromise, I think.

Thanks for your thoughts and experience! I'll try a minimalist setup like you took on one of my shakedown trips and see if I find myself wanting more.

Jason

jkdwings wrote in post #15816241
Interesting approach for sure. Flash is something I haven't gotten into yet, and don't think it's something I'll take with me. Having just one lens would certainly have its benefits, thanks for the thoughts!

They are some great images on the thread below taken with the lens.

https://photography-on-the.net …&highlight=28-300&page=73

kin2son wrote in post #15815612
I would look into mirrorless solution such as Fuji XE-1, Nex series or OM-D.

+ 2 for this. The OM-D is highly portable and gives great IQ with the 2 kit lens.