Kevin 4,489 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 So I recently got a bike to go birding with but I have a bit of a problem I can only carry my camera or my bins, and I would like to carry both. I have a vest to carry my camera but I need something for my binoculars that I can reach easily. So what is the setups you all use? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
floraphile 530 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 (edited) I don't bike, but I hike, so not sure if my method is applicable, but...I take both. I put my bins on first, strapped over my dominant-hand shoulder, and then my birding camera over the front. When I need to move the camera out of way, I do so to the opposite shoulder. I find this method works pretty good and I have quick access to either. I have a superzoom bridge camera (Sony RX10 iv) that I use when mobile birding, since my DSLR is too heavy for long hikes. My bins are also pretty light--Nikon Monarch. Now I'm trying to figure out how to add my recording gear to the ensemble. 😄 Edited February 6 by floraphile Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Bird Nuts 5,168 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 I have a basket on my bike and I keep my binoculars or my camera or both in there, plus other things I might need. There are baskets and bags for either the front or the back. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HamRHead 1,545 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 I have a bike and I wear both the camera, which goes over my neck and hangs front/center, followed by the binoculars, which also go over my neck but then I put my left arm through the strap. This approach keeps them separated. The binoculars ride to the left away from the camera. The length of the strap/s can make a difference in how everything works out. I recently added a basket, which is great for water, snacks, and jacket/rain gear. I'm not sure if I can mention a brand but the basket is by Cofit--sort of a canvas and is removable. I can't say how it will hold up long-term but so far I have been pleased. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Colton V 813 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 I usually keep my camera in a backpack as it’s bulky and sometimes bonks into my handlebars. For my binoculars I do what other people do and loop it underneath my arm, keeping it closer to my body and preventing it from swinging around so much. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie Spencer 3,780 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 (edited) I've had bikes for a variety of reasons over the years, and I'm with TBN. Mount a basket on the front. You can use velcro straps to fasten the camera case and / or bino case securely in place. Leave the respective cases open; once you come to a stop, you'll be able to pull out either tool. You'll also have room for a field guide, and a soft-sided insulated lunch bag for drinks or munchies. Depending on where I retire in a few years, I'm planning on getting a bike for birding. I want a trike with a basket behind the rear wheels, mountain bike-style wide tires for off-road, and a flag mounted on a tall whip for visibility. Plenty of room back there for a scope, tripod, and a small cooler. Something similar to these: Edited February 6 by Charlie Spencer 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
floraphile 530 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 (edited) 1 hour ago, Charlie Spencer said: I've had bikes for a variety of reasons over the years, and I'm with TBN. Mount a basket on the front. You can use velcro straps to fasten the camera case and / or bino case securely in place. Leave the respective cases open; once you come to a stop, you'll be able to pull out either tool. You'll also have room for a field guide, and a soft-sided insulated lunch bag for drinks or munchies. Depending on where I retire in a few years, I'm planning on getting a bike for birding. I want a trike with a basket behind the rear wheels, mountain bike-style wide tires for off-road, and a flag mounted on a tall whip for visibility. Plenty of room back there for a scope, tripod, and a small cooler. Something similar to these: I love these. Something else for the Wish List. Edited February 6 by floraphile Quote Link to post Share on other sites
floraphile 530 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 I am envious of you all--birding by bike. We did a little of it on the Mission Trail portion of the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aaron 834 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 (edited) I don’t bird while biking, but I would ride down to a certain spot to see if the barred owls were there in the summer and I’d just put my camera in a bag that attached to the actual bike itself. It fit my nikonp600 easily so pretty sure binoculars would be no problem. It looked something like this: There’s also ones that attach the handle bars. I think mine was from Amazon, this ones from Walmart Edited February 6 by Aaron 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chipperatl 681 Posted February 7 Share Posted February 7 Would a chest harness or chest pouch not work for the binoculars? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin 4,489 Posted February 7 Author Share Posted February 7 Thanks for the comments every one! @HamRHead's suggestion worked great when I went for 35 minute a four mile ride, yesterday. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin 4,489 Posted February 7 Author Share Posted February 7 1 hour ago, chipperatl said: Would a chest harness or chest pouch not work for the binoculars? Yes it works for them too, but I want to carry both. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Connor Cochrane 3,360 Posted February 7 Share Posted February 7 I often bird on bike, as I don’t have a car. I wear my binoculars, but keep my camera in my backpack, if I even bring it. My camera is large and it can be a hassle to carry. I’ll often just bring my binoculars, and I can get digis if I see something if note. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobinHood 1,822 Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 It definitely comes down to your choice of bike. I only run into storage problems if my trip is longer than a couple of weeks😀. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chipperatl 681 Posted February 8 Share Posted February 8 On 2/7/2021 at 8:50 AM, Kevin said: Yes it works for them too, but I want to carry both. Guess I’d have to see your camera rig. Wasn’t sure if maybe the harness/pouch would go over your camera vest. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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