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.