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M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking

Started 2 months ago | Discussions
OnTheTrail Regular Member • Posts: 103
M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking

I recently acquired a Canon M50 MKII and a few EF-M lenses primarily to use for traveling and backpacking. (My larger Canon EOS cameras and EF/EF-S lenses simply are too large for me to carry around for these kinds of trips anymore.)

Anyway I’m looking for two things:

1) When I am backpacking (typically 3-10 days at the time), I’m looking for something that I can easily attach to pack in which I can safely pack 1 or 2 lenses, and have easy access, preferably without having to remove the pack. I’m planning to have the M50 on some sort of strap off my neck or pack. But occasionally will want a different lens, so looking for something small, easy access, and that is either waterproof or that I can easily make waterproof.

2) I’m looking for a SMALL waist pack or belt pack to use when I’m dayhiking, or out touring somewhere, again where i can carry a couple of lenses, plus spare batteries, and SD cards. Again camera will be on a neck or shoulder strap. Ideal if it has a little padding, but i can always just carry the lens in the neoprene pouches I have for them.

Anyone have any particular items they have found helpful for these kind of uses? I’m looking for something small and light.

Thanks in advance!

 OnTheTrail's gear list:OnTheTrail's gear list
Olympus XZ-1 Sony RX100 III Canon EOS 60D Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Canon EOS M6 II +19 more
Canon EOS M50 (EOS Kiss M)
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Paxx New Member • Posts: 4
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking
1

I will not be directly helpful as this is not a separate pack, but I have this backpack and it had a cube you can either live inside and can be swung out as needed or it can be removed and worn separately on the outside.

Lowepro PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack BP 24L AW III

Got it from here: https://www.rubbermonkey.com.au/Lowepro-PhotoSport-Outdoor-Backpack-BP-24L-AW-III-Blue

I generally use the pack for day hikes so it may not be fit for your purpose though, for me it's perfect and I love it very much.

 Paxx's gear list:Paxx's gear list
Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS M200 Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +9 more
Sekob Forum Member • Posts: 51
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking
2

I pack Canon EOS M6 II and lenses in small cases (photos below). I put these covers in ordinary backpacks for long-distance travel. When on location or for short walks, I wear belt covers. Sometimes, I don't take a backpack and go with covers on my belt. Additional batteries, ND filters, etc. are placed in the lens cases.

ken_in_nh Senior Member • Posts: 2,399
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking
1

I found in hiking with my camera that two things are very important:

- easy access to lenses and the camera, so backpack solutions are out, as are other fiddly pouches etc.

- nothing dangling. I do winter hiking in slick conditions, with spikes on my boots and poles for better balance. Last thing I want is a swinging camera or pouch of some sort.

After trying and considering lots of solutions, I found a belt to be the best. B&H has a lot of belt solutions. I settled on this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/925022-REG/newswear_250881_mens_documentary_chestvest.html

It may look like a su**ide vest (so my spouse says) but it works marvelously.  My M6ii with smaller lenses like the kit will even slip into its pouches, instead of dangling from a strap.  I'll typically do two bodies (one IR converted) and one or two extra lenses, with space still for batteries etc.

You might also consider an (old school) photo vest.  Might work better with a backpack in cooler weather.

There are clips and such that might install on your backpack straps, but you'd be stuck when you're doing a day hike.

R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking

C M Greene wrote:

I recently acquired a Canon M50 MKII and a few EF-M lenses primarily to use for traveling and backpacking. (My larger Canon EOS cameras and EF/EF-S lenses simply are too large for me to carry around for these kinds of trips anymore.)

Anyway I’m looking for two things:

Welcome to the Forum! Sounds like a great kit for hiking!

I like wearing a waist pack if I’m taking extra lens(es) along. I have a nice lightweight minimalist one made by Camelbak. It holds any two EF-M lenses (even the Sigma 16 with hood reversed). It’ll also hold the EF-S 55-250 w/adapter mounted (alone) laying down. There’s no padding so you have to provide it, but it does come with a really nice water bottle holder as a bonus. There’s enough room for a couple of spare batteries, and a separate pocket for a filter, mem cards, and keys…

Camelbak Podium Hydration Belt

Lowepro makes outstanding bags, and if you want a waist pack that’s a bit larger than the Camelbak (plus it’s padded with dividers), the m-Trekker HP 120 looks like it would be awesome (I don’t own it)…

Lowepro HP 120

As far as Backpack add-ons go, it depends on what pack you have and how it’s configured. I can’t really help you there, as I only use a day pack (dedicated camera backpack). Perhaps a leg bag might work for you, if it’s not too awkward or heavy. Best to try out your options in person!

Happy shopping!

R2

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 R2D2's gear list:R2D2's gear list
Canon EOS M6 Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5 Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R7 +1 more
JMTDon New Member • Posts: 1
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking

J have done many miles of backpacking with the original M and a few lenses.

I have found this hip belt pouch from Gossamer Gear very useful for carrying small lenses and other small items.

https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/accessories/products/hipbelt-pocket

Gossamer Gear also makes pouches which attach to your shoulder strap, but I found the hip belt version more useful.

Keep it small and light. No connection with Gossamer, just a satisfied user.

For day trips, a small fanny pack worn to the front works well.

Happy hiking!!

Don

PhotosByHall Contributing Member • Posts: 600
Re: M50 MKii, EF-M Lenses and Backpacking

I do a lot of backpacking and I use my M50 as my travel camera.

I carry something very similar to this, but a bit smaller and squarer.

https://hashmiphotos.com/product/dslr-shoulder-bag/

I put this inside a larger messenger style bag, I have instant access to my camera and its not hidden behind me where thieves can potentially get to it. It also looks fashionable, and not like a camera bag for stealth.

I carabiner it closed as well most of the time, to stop people dipping it.

My travel kit when i go away is :

M50 body

2 spare batteries

18-55 kit

55-250mm zoom

35mm f2 EF (on speedbooster for 35mm street photography, 55mm on adapter for portrait)

Extension tubes

10 stop ND filter

Everything above fits into the camera bag, put in the larger messenger bag. I don't carry all the stuff below all the time.

Mini tripod

USB Charger + Powerbank

Mini godox flash with diffuser

This gives me a full system reach from 27-400mm, and the ability to shoot macro, astro, street, portrait, action and in low light and to recharge the batteries in the field if required.

I am also looking at taking the kenko teleextender along in future., which can push the zoom above to 560mm, at the cost of some sharpness.

All of the above is very capable and lovely and cheap, the most expensive part is the camera body (2nd hand) and the 35mm f2. I was considering upgrading it to the Sigma ART 30mm DG, as this is a very nice lens and cheaper 2nd hand than the Canon 35mm EF f2.

 PhotosByHall's gear list:PhotosByHall's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS M50 Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM +4 more
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