Cedaero Viewfinder Digicam Pack Overview: Capturing from the Saddle

compose Miles Arbour
time Sep 7, 2022
remark 24

For the final 5 years, I’ve been capturing product critiques and bikes and documenting rides with a Canon 6D, often with a 50mm prime lens. This setup is neither light-weight nor compact, however it’s dependable and produces some distinctive images. Throughout this time, I’ve carried this setup completely in my well-worn Porcelain Rocket Massive Dumpling hip pack (now made by Rockgeist), padded by a detachable digicam insert I bought on-line. For large cameras with huge lenses, I’ve but to discover a higher setup. With some apply, it’s fast to deploy, shielded from camera-killing path vibrations, and secure from the weather.

Issues modified once I picked up a smaller Fuji X-T3 a number of months again. The large dumpling was far too massive for such a small digicam, and as a consequence of its measurement and weight, I wasn’t fairly as involved about vibrations from the path. After using with a hip pack for thus a few years, I believed it may be an excellent alternative to ditch the pack altogether. As luck would have it, Minnesota-based bag maker Cedaero shared some particulars of a brand new digicam bag that was in growth proper across the similar time. They launched it as “the right point-and-shoot companion,” a flexible handlebar/cross-body digicam pack for cameras and extra, aptly named the Viewfinder.

The Cedaero Viewfinder Pack is a small-ish 2.8L bag that may be secured to your handlebar or worn as a cross-body bag when paired with their non-compulsory Gentle Meter Strap. The outside is constituted of your alternative of 1000D Cordura nylon or 15oz Martexin Waxed Canvas. I opted for the latter in a cultured Rust Bucket coloration. The inside is completed with a mixture of 200D nylon and a mushy Velcro loop material that gives a spot for the included detachable divider to be secured. Two mounted hook and loop D-hook straps connect the bag securely to your bar, a small piece of velcro is included to safe round again of the bag across the head tube, and the principle straps will be tucked out of the way in which in opposition to the again of the bag when not in use.

The Viewfinder feels strong. So strong, actually, that I believed it was lined with a plastic stiffener between the 2 layers of materials. Nonetheless, it’s simply 1/8″ thick closed-cell foam on all sides, together with the lid, which does an amazing job at protecting the bag’s form, even when loaded up. It makes use of a dense foam, and I might have anticipated to see one thing barely softer in a digicam bag to assist cushion issues additional.

The principle compartment is accessed through a single plastic buckle and top-opening lid. The lid is formed in a manner that overlaps the perimeters of the bag when closed, which helps preserve mud, water, and dirt at bay. The lid has a reasonably cosy match, and though the pack itself isn’t 100% waterproof, I’d haven’t any drawback using in every part however the heaviest of downpours. Cedaero features a detachable/adjustable inside divider that may be positioned round totally different digicam setups, serving to preserve issues tight and bounce-free. In any other case, the bag is stored fairly clear and easy, with only a minimal zippered exterior pocket out entrance for small gadgets.

It’s price mentioning that the 2 handlebar straps are mounted in place and slightly below 1.75″ aside. Whereas I had no issues with clearance on any of the stems at my disposal, the straps don’t go away that a lot wiggle room, so there’s an opportunity they won’t pair up properly with some rigs. They’re lengthy sufficient to correctly wrap round any sort of bar, however there isn’t any extra to slip in a foam spacer or two, for these with a crowded cockpit. Once more, this wasn’t a difficulty for me, however it could possibly be for some.

Whereas the Viewfinder may look pint-sized in comparison with the large stance of the Ritchey Beacon bars in these images, it’s really fairly spacious. My Fuji X-T3 with its impossibly slim 27mm lens tucks in neatly alongside the sting of the pack, leaving a strong two thirds of the principle compartment for snacks, my mobile phone, or an additional lens, if I had one. The inside measures to about 8″ lengthy x 4″ large x 6″ excessive, which additionally leaves sufficient room for bigger format cameras. My Canon 6D with a 135mm lens is simply over 7″ lengthy and slightly below 6″ large, which nests contained in the Viewfinder with a bit of wiggle room. It suits, however at slightly below 4 kilos, the digicam felt like overkill for the digicam pack. I nonetheless want my padded hip pack for DSLR-hauling duties.

When the second presents itself, the top-opening lid and plastic buckle closure are fast sufficient to entry, however aren’t fairly as seamless as different luggage and hip packs I’ve used. The buckle sits out entrance in direction of the underside of the bag, which requires some attain and is extra of a one-handed opening, two handed-close sort setup. Deploying and stashing the digicam appears to work finest when the rider is off the saddle with each ft planted on the bottom. I can’t assist however to suppose the Viewfinder could be the right candidate for a one-handed magnetic or bungee closure of some sort.

Viewfinder Pack + Gentle Meter Strap

Designed alongside the Viewfinder Pack, the Gentle Meter Strap attaches to the bag thanks to 2 snap hooks, permitting the bag for use as a shoulder bag off the bike. Similar to the Viewfinder, the strap will be made in your alternative of 1000D Cordura or 15oz waxed canvas, with a softer 200D nylon liner that sits in opposition to the consumer. It may be adjusted from 32″ to 51.5″ in size, and the snap hooks will be simply eliminated to accommodate your favorite hyperlinks, just like the Pink Design Anchor Hyperlinks, to pair up along with your digicam or a unique pack.

The Gentle Meter Strap pairs up properly with the Viewfinder Pack as a consequence of its easy, utilitarian design. It has no padding, no pointless options, and solely a slight taper down in direction of the webbing ends that matches the aesthetics of the pack. It weighs simply 66g, folds up small, and looks like it could possibly be an amazing possibility for anybody who transitions between on and off the bike, however insists on their digicam staying shut by. The Gentle Meter Strap will set you again a further $24.95.

• Capability: 2.8L
• Materials (as examined): 15oz Waxed Canvas
• Weight: 322 grams
• Place of Manufacture: Minnesota, USA
• Worth: $124.95 USD
• Producer’s Particulars: Cedaero.com

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