ScubaChuck
Member
I do a lot of kayaking in the swamps of Florida and am usually afraid to carry my camera. What is a good method to keep it safe and easy to use? Big enough for a Canon R5 and a 100-500mm lens. Thanks again
What’s the best water proof carrier for a camera and a lens?
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Calson
Well-known member
Best solution is one of the bags used for kayak fisher folk. They are spash proof and the perfect shape for a camera and moderate length telephoto lens. Important to have the bag secured with a leash to the kayak. I have used hard side containers in inflatable and dive boats but they are not a good choice for use in the limited space of a kayak.
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I use a drybag similar to this one:
It's a backpack style. That makes it a little topheavy in a kayak, but easy to manage and transport. The critical times are when you are entering and exiting the kayak. I'll add another lens in a lens pouch. There is no padding, but it's not really needed for this use. A light wrap is adequate protection.
It's a backpack style. That makes it a little topheavy in a kayak, but easy to manage and transport. The critical times are when you are entering and exiting the kayak. I'll add another lens in a lens pouch. There is no padding, but it's not really needed for this use. A light wrap is adequate protection.
I do a lot of photography from my kayak. I use an Overboard 15L dry bag designed for a camera and lens. It tapers down and has a roll top. I have more than one of these and sometimes take two bodies each with a lens with me. This summer I used these bags with the following combos: Z8 + Z 100-400 mm; Z8 + Z 180-600 mm; Z8 + Z 600 mm PF (sometimes with a Z 1.4x TC). Each of these fit well with a lens hood in shooting position (I use Zemlin hoods, including a shorter one for the Z 180-600). The bag is not big enough to handle my Z9 and Z 800 mm PF with a hood. I generally don’t use that combo in my kayak, but would use a generic larger dry bag if I did.
For what it's worth, keep in mind that the rubber on some of these bags does crack and wear over time. My original drybag from REI is probably no longer 100% safe. It's okay for use as a backup or for temporary use, but has some cracks so I would expect it to leak if submerged more than a small period of time. I've had the bag about 10 years. I use it for additional storage rather than primary storage of camera gear - things like phone (which can stand being submerged briefly), billfold, binoculars (water resistant), and an extra photo items where I take on some risk but have some limited protection.
Flyboy
Active member
An SUV!
MangoYak
Member
There's a disclaimer on the Amazon website that says the zipper isn't water-proof. I'd want a drybag because drybags ARE waterproof. At least they are supposed to be and any dry bag I ever had WAS waterproof. With the passage of time and wear on the bag it can develop leaks so I'd get one made of heavier, tougher material. You can get them in big sizes that will accomodate the longest lenses. There are lots of choices.
Calson
Well-known member
The waterproof bags are those designed for white water rafting and they are not particularly good for quickly accessing a camera with a telephoto lens to get a shot. For the most part I want something that is splash proof to protect the camera and lens from water dripping off the paddle, especially in salt water situations.
Only when going from an inflatable through the surf zone have I wanted something that was "waterproof" and for the most part I avoid such situations to preserve my body and brain for as long as possible.
Only when going from an inflatable through the surf zone have I wanted something that was "waterproof" and for the most part I avoid such situations to preserve my body and brain for as long as possible.