Can a lens be damaged by vibrations?

[honilvin]

I love to cycle with my camera. R7+RF 100-500. I have it in a handlebar bag. I know it could take some serious damage if I fall and Im willing to take the risk. However, Im wondering if the lens can be damaged by vibrations while Im cycling? Should I stop or is the risk acceptable?

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I think I might go with a backpack over the handlebar bag.  It depends on how much vibration I suppose.  Excessive (prolonged) vibration and shock type impacts aren't probably good for your gear.  This is why I might go with a pack instead.  

**Edit - Sorry I should have asked.  I grew up riding dirt bikes.  Are we talking motorcycle or bicycle.  I was commenting on motorcycle (off road).     

[p4pictures]

You have good advice from Rick, but one thing to make sure is that the camera is switched off with the lens attached. If you need to remove the lens to put it in the handlebar bag, allow a few seconds after the power is turned off for the camera to drive the lens focus and IS assemblies to their parked positions.

[ebiggs1]

Have you noticed all camera bags are padded? There is a reason. The best advice is to use common sense. Any vibration is worse than no vibration. The IS inside the lens will not like it of that I am certain. Whether it is left on or not doesn’t matter.

[wq9nsc]

You bought the camera to use.  If you want it to last forever then leave it on a shelf in a sealed glass box but personally I would use and enjoy it until it breaks and then replace it 🙂

I don't use my camera gear as outdoor furniture or a sledgehammer but my 1 series bodies and lenses get used in some pretty horrific weather and they probably stand up to it better than I do.  I don't mistreat my gear however inanimate stuff can always be replaced unlike living breathing creatures.

And if you are at all subject to the continuing marketing efforts, you will be replacing bodies and lenses long before they cease to be fully functional.

Rodger