Photography on two wheels: an update on cycling camera choices

One of the things I enjoy the most about cycling is that it helps you discover your surroundings. If you go on foot, your range is limited. If you go by car, or even faster modes of transportation, you will go too fast to truly experience the landscape. The bicycle gives you a great mix of range and pace. The downside is that carrying photographic equipment isn't always so easy. Riding with a heavy backpack is not recommended and storage space on the bike is limited, especially is you want to keep your bike riding somewhat fast.

When the light is just right. [Nikon Z6ii, Nikon 24-120mm F4]

Compromises need to be made. Weight is one element. Focal range versatility another. And then there is the image quality. Whether you can operate the camera with one hand is a bonus. Between these there are many, many options. I've tried a few. I wrote about the Ricoh GR as a cycling camera and I stand by my words that this is a good option. I compared it against using my phone for taking photos and even though the phone cameras have gotten even better, I still don't get along with them and get little joy from using them.

Mallorca on a bike is an experience. [Fuji X-E4, Fuji 16-80mm]

The thing about the Ricoh as a cycling camera was that I felt limited in focal range. The big plus is of course that it is so small that here the compromise is almost non-existent. But I didn't stick with it as my main cycling camera. I experimented with a Sony RX1R and an A7 with a 135mm Zeiss Batis on a bike-packing trip. This was a bit too much in terms of size and weight. I loved the image quality. I even lugged a Nikon 105mm F1.4 up a mountain. Fantastic images, but very impractical. I also dabbled with the Nikon 24-120 F4. Amazing lens. Sadly, a little large for this purpose.

Don't use your phone. It deserves better. [Nikon Z6ii, Nikon 40mm F2]

I gave the Ricoh another try in 2023 when I had the chance to take my bike while working from San Francisco for a month. The compactness is truly unbeatable. This time, I opted for the Ricoh GRiiix. The 40-ish mm focal length worked better than the 28 from the original GR. The good thing about the GR is that there really is no excuse to not take it. You will simply always have a fantastic camera with you.

Californian roads. [Ricoh GRiiix]

Where did the bridge go? [Ricoh Griiix]

In 2023, I tried using a OM System OM-5 with the Leica 12-60 F2.8-4 (24-120 FF). I actually quite liked that combo. I am not sure why I parted with it. Looking back, I think this is a great option. The combo is small and the image quality is decent. I did notice a much bigger noise impact when the light was fading. I might need to look at this camera again if my current choice turns out not to be the bullseye choice I hope it will be. More on that further down.

Moments before I crashed and broke my collarbone. [Olympus OM-5 ii, Leica 12-60mm]

I had a Fuji kit for a while and used one of the bodies for cycling as well. It was the Fuji equivalent of the OM system + Leica lens setup; in this case the Fuji X-E4 and the 16-80mm lens. The M43+ Leica lens was a much better choice. I didn't get a bump in image quality from the Fuji and the setup was significantly bigger. It also lacked a stabilized sensor.

You never know what you will come across. [Fuji X-E4, Fuji 16-80mm]

Last summer when I took my bike to the Dolomites in Italy, I went all out. I took a Sony A7C mark ii with the 24-105mm F4 Sony lens. I could just about wiggle it in my bike frame bag and I loved the image quality. The size was a bit of an issue, especially the lens. But if you have the space for it, this is a great option. The A7C ii is very small and delivers great results. I wrote about Sony cameras before and I don't like using them so the A7C ii was only going to be my cycling camera and for that, it was way too expensive. So I sold it. But I am glad I used it for this cycling trip because I really liked the images I got from it.

Dramatic Dolomites [Sony A7Cii, Sony 24-105mm]

Let's get up there. [Sony A7Cii, Sony 24-105mm]

By now, I have landed on a bike bag setup for all my normal rides. It is a frame bag from Mission Workshop and it has enough space for my camera and other stuff like my wallet and keys, a phone and something to eat. I even managed to squeeze in the Sony A7C ii with the 24-105mm into the frame bag. I did need another top tube bag but it worked.

My favorite bag for everyday rides. [Leica D-Lux 8]

When I go backpacking, I can bring a little more. But even in those situations, for the next cycling adventures (when are we going Marco?), I might keep my smaller camera. The gear I lugged around on other bike-packing trips might have been a bit overkill.

The handlebar bag was only used for camera gear.... [Sony RX1R ii]

So what am I using now? Well, I saw a second hand Leica D-lux 8 pop up for a decent price and I decided to give that a try. One of the things that it has going for it in the context of cycling is that I can operate it with one hand, including the zoom, albeit rather slowly. The focal range is decent although I fear I will miss the long end which is great for isolating a cyclist with some compression. I'm not sure about the image quality. Time will tell. As always, I love the simplicity of the interface and the Fotos app is a joy to use. Will I keep it? I don't know yet. It's a great little camera.

Handy to have a camera ready when you run into cycling royalty on the Stelvio. [Nikon Z6ii, Nikon 40mm F2]

I worry the D-lux 8 will be in between two of the options I enjoyed most; the compactness of the GR series or the versatile focal range of the M43 body with a Leica 12-60mm (24-120 FF). The other options have given me beautiful images, but too much hassle. For now, I will test the D-lux 8 and see where it takes me.

Bayern Munich Stadium [Leica D-Lux 8]

Writing this post reminded me how much I enjoy taking a camera with me when I ride my bike. I usually do this alone, because I don't want to annoy the group if I stop too often. Taking photos on my bike was a part of another gear choice that only cyclists will understand. I even changed my pedals on my road bike from SPD-SL to the more mountainbike SPD system which allows me to wear shoes that are easier to walk in. That makes it easier for me to move around as I am trying to find a composition for a photo. It also makes me feel a bit more secure as I don't want to drop my camera while walking around on slippery cycling shoes....

North Holland in all its monotonous beauty. [Nikon Z6ii, Nikon 40mm F2]

Below are more photos I took over the years on my bicycle. Enjoy!