Goodnight, sweet prince.

Austin Greene · Jul 2, 2015

Just a reminder to everyone that **** happens, and perhaps that insurance is a good idea when it comes to higher-end gear. I've photographed some pretty sketchy spots along the coast, and my 6D has gotten its fair share of sea-spray and drizzles. It has always held up well. Yesterday, a near 15 ft wave came out of nowhere (normal sets were 6-8 ft) and completely drenched me, my 6D, my 17-40L, and my backpack (with 24-70L II in it), and my tripod. Even with immediate drying efforts, the 6D was toast, along with the 17-40. Thankfully, the 24-70 was able to stay dry in my pack.

All total, about $2500 in gear was lost. I'm just glad I have insurance, so the lens and body have now been mailed off and I should be getting reimbursed within a few days. At that point I might pick up a 5D3 instead, might as well.

The damage:

The last photo ever taken by the 6D, a test exposure as I set up to do a 1 minute long-expo. I'm about 15 ft up on a rock, which the wave completely covered.

Austin Greene · Jul 2, 2015

Update: Not even 30 minutes after shipping the packages, I've already got the Amazon gift card for the lens ($750) via email. Pretty great service on SquareTrade's part. The camera (being over $1000) will require a few extra days.

Derrel · Jul 2, 2015

Well, I guess one chapter has ended and a new chapter begins...

terri · Jul 2, 2015

Ouch! Always painful to lose gear. I'm happy you're getting such great service out of this. Might ease some of the sting, anyway.

.

BrickHouse · Jul 2, 2015

Dang man. That sucks. I guess it's time for an upgrade.

rexbobcat · Jul 3, 2015

That must have been a pretty monstrous wave. DSLRs are more durable than you'd expect. But then again, it's salt water, which is infamously corrosive to electronics.

Hope you get some new gear quick.

TCampbell · Jul 3, 2015

I sure am glad to hear you had insurance. A little over a year ago I phoned my insurance company... just to check how my home-owners insurance covers my camera. It was a bit confusing because the person at the other end kept insisting that my policy covers me from "all perils" ... but added "on my property". I kept asking her to re-explain and she kept telling me everything was covered... but then I asked her why she kept saying "on my property".

It was then that she finally seemed to have the epiphany... that I would actually leave my own yard when using my camera and wanted to make sure my gear was covered. <sigh>

It turns out my gear was NOT covered. I ended up buying an addendum to my insurance policy to cover my camera (and other gear) so that I'm covered even when I'm away from home.

Vtec44 · Jul 3, 2015

Insurance FTW!!

rexbobcat · Jul 3, 2015

What's the best (see: relatively cheap) insurance to use for camera gear? I don't own a home and really the only insurance I have right now for a personal possessions is my car. lol

Vtec44 · Jul 3, 2015

@rexbobcat I have State Farm for my business.

Austin Greene · Jul 3, 2015

rexbobcat said:
What's the best (see: relatively cheap) insurance to use for camera gear? I don't own a home and really the only insurance I have right now for a personal possessions is my car. lol

Right now, I have a SquareTrade plan for all of my L lenses, and have always had them for my bodies. They're transferrable if folks buy your lenses, and so far their customer service has been great. They do have a 5 day guarantee from when they get the item to when you have a new one or a refund.

I also have an extended renters insurance policy to cover theft, since SquareTrade doesn't cover that. They do cover accidental damage, which to me is my main concern.