Beech photography protection???

Groupcaptainbonzo · Sep 23, 2011

Hi everyone,
I am undertaking some wildlife photography next month. I will be using a Canon EOS setup with 200 and 300mm lenses. Most of the image capture will be on sand and mud flats.

Any suggestions from those who have been there, with regard to protecting equipment.

I am assuming that Keeping everything as dry as pos, NOT changing lenses etc in situ or with wet / snady/ muddy hands. A plastic bag taped around the gear. am I right? Have I forgotten anything?

Thanks folks.

Tim H.

tyqre · Sep 23, 2011

Well the obvious, no sandy must hands ect, but unless your going to be getting splashed by waves I think plastic bagging your gear is a little unnecessary. Take careful care of the sand - my tripod got pretty messed up but the sand fell out eventually.

Big Mike · Sep 23, 2011

Saying that you have an EOS set up, isn't very specific. There must be a hundred different models of EOS cameras.

If you have a 1 series EOS camera, then it is probably very well sealed against the elements. They are made to withstand shooting in the rain.
But if you have one of the many Rebel models, then it's like that you have very little (or no) sealing around the opening, in which case, you have to be more careful.

The most important thing will be to use your common sense. Try not to let the camera/gear get wet, especially from salt water...but if it does get sprayed or something, then wipe it off as soon as possible, with a clean damp (fresh water) cloth.
Try to avoid blowing sand/dust etc.

Also, watch out that you don't put all your gear back into your bag if it's damp in there. I'd suggest keeping a desiccant pack in your camera bag and then take all the gear out to fully dry, when you get back home.

tirediron · Sep 23, 2011

Keep your hands clean (I often wear a thin pair of gloves that keep my hands clean in situations like this that I can quickly remove if I need to work with my gear). Don't worry too much though; your equipment is probably a lot tougher than you think. At the end of the day, what matters is getting the shot!

DiskoJoe · Sep 23, 2011

Make sure to use some sort of filter to keep sand off the lens elements. but you probably had that planned also.

Groupcaptainbonzo · Sep 25, 2011

Cheers folks (EOS 5DMkII & an EOS 7D). All sounds prtty good to me

Deo · Sep 25, 2011

well i see you're using a 7D, it will survive but if you still having some concern try buying body armour.

Destin · Sep 25, 2011

Body armour is pretty ridiclous. I can't stand it, and it doesn't really add weather sealing, or keep sand out. It just protects it (or so they say) in the event that it get's dropped.

I'm not a canon guy, but your 7d is one of the most durable DSLR's that money can buy. I wouldn't worry about it much. The 5DII is still weather sealed (i believe, don't mark my word on it), but not made quite as well. I still wouldn't worry too much about it.

I shot motocross all summer on a very dry, dusty track using a Nikon D80 (no weather sealing). It got sprayed with the dirtbikes roost, engulfed in clouds of dust, and even got covered in mud once on one of the wetter days. It's still working like the day I bought it, and shows no signs of wear. DSLR's are WAY more durable than people give them credit for.