Beach Shooting

[Jonny]

Guys,

In two weeks i will have my first assignment shooting two days worth of beach based sport but i am worried how my camera will react to the sand!
Not that i am plannong on rolling it in the stuff.

I will be taking my 20D, 70-200 2.8, and my new 100-400 L.

How can i expect these to hold up against the sand. Will i come home wishing i never went because sand has gotten everywhere inside my kit?

Thanks

[defordphoto]

Do not set the camera down. Anywhere. If you're done taking photos, take the camera back to the car and place the camera back in the bag. If you have a UV filter, use it.

When you get home, wipe down camera and lens with a very slightly damp cloth and then wipe dry with another cloth.

And yes, do not "roll around in the stuff." ;)

[mbze430]

umm, it will probably have a good amount of sand. Since the 20D isn't design to work in such an enviroment, you might actually get some that might get in to the unit. I would probably see if you can find some sort of plastic protection to wrap your camera.

[kawter2]

Guys,

I will be taking my 20D, 70-200 2.8, and my new 100-400 L.
Thanks


I would sugest that you NEVER change lenses at the beach. Other than that just be carefull not to drop your camera, with a long lens like that you should be far enough away from the cation that you will not suffer from any sand being stirred up by the athletes

[DSMITH131]

one gallon zip lock bags and duck tape may not look good but its cheaper than replacing the camera

[nwoods]

Why not just bring the 100-400? You aren't giving up much between 70 and 100, and you wouldn't need to change lenses. Plus, the L lenses are weatherized against the elements, including sand I think.

NW

[DionM]

Last time I took a camera onto the beach (my film camera) it was for about 30 mins, never changed lenses. Got sand inside it, scratched up the negs.

Never again.

The only camera I take to the beach now is my Powershot G2 - as it is virtually fully sealed with the lensmate over the lens.

[Jonny]

Thanks guys for the advice.

Unfortunately for my Camera this trip is definately on so i guess i will just have to be careful. I think nwoods is right, i will leave the 70-200 at home and just go with the 100-400 (just got it today!!!) and maybe the 17-40 for a few wides.
I like the zip lock bag idea but how the hell do you use the controls with it in a bag? Does anyone have any experience of this set up and any pics of how to go about rigging it up?

Also is the 100-400 sealed against sand, i am wondering if it could get in the main body when slide it bak and forward.

The only positive is that as its kite sports i will be shooting the sand will be hard and packed mostly.

thanks again

[roanjohn]

Dont' go near the water...............Avoid changing lenses...........if you do, cover the camera with your body........and go against the wind. Have your lenses around your shoulder bag the whole time...........don't lay it on the ground where they can be tipped over.

Just be careful!!!

Ro1

[DocFrankenstein]

Neither lens you're considering is sealed/protected from the elements.

Especially the 100-400... You can't seal a push/pull zoom... I wouldn't even think of using it at the beach, if you care for it.

70-200 in a ziplock bag is your best bet.

If/when I get 70-200 it would be the L IS because of the weather seals.

[Jonny]

does anyone have any experience of something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50519&item=7508052602&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V

would this be any good for the beach?

[Marvinspu36]

Thanks guys for the advice.

I like the zip lock bag idea but how the hell do you use the controls with it in a bag? Does anyone have any experience of this set up and any pics of how to go about rigging it up?


Click here (http://web.syr.edu/~lmason/waterproofing.html) to see pictures of how to create a rain cover for your camera using ziploc bags.

[rgravel]

Click here (http://web.syr.edu/~lmason/waterproofing.html) to see pictures of how to create a rain cover for your camera using ziploc bags.

So easy to do, and yet so effective.

Thanks for that great tip :)

[tim]

Set up the 100-400 on a tripod on top of your car and shoot from there ;)

[bootm]

I ended up getting this, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=316856&is=REG It's relatively cheap compared to some of the other covers. I didn't want to use a plastic bag everytime I go out since I was going to be doing it often(although the bag works fine, just use a razor to cut around the lens instead of scissors) I was also looking at this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=17346&is=REG which is a little more expensive, but it does cover the camera more effectively than the other. The only drawback is it is harder to get to the controls in the ewa marine cover. Let me know how it goes whatever you decide.

[Jonny]

Ok guys, thanks for all the advice.

Right now i have ordered a simple rain cover that i intend to use and also to take real care.

The one i ordered was this : http://abetterphotoguide.bizhosting.com/camera_rain_covers.html

It looks ok and they dont ask for any money for 10 days so you can try it out! If you dont want it you just send it back.

Thanks again

[MDJAK]

I had my 20D on Miami Beach last year, took many shots over a few hours, then put it in the bag and had absolutely no sand anywhere. You just have to be careful, that's all.

[k2kv]

Hi Jon,

I really don't think you will have much of a problem. I regularly shoot pics at the beach with my 20D and host of lenses (simply because I enjoy the environment), and I have not noticed any sand, in particular, bothering my camera. I do have lots of dust on my sensor (though I believe it is mostly unrelated), but no sand anywhere.

Unless it's really windy (and contrary to popular belief, you don't need much wind to lift a kite), it would not be any different than shooting at a park.

Relax.

Best of luck!

[BEEEsH]

Just Remember:

If you don't plan on putting the camera back in the car:

Double seal your camera in 2 1 gallon Zip Lock bags.
Treat your camera as though its going underwater :lol: sand gets everywhere.

[steibeldj]

This may be obvious, but make sure you let the camera come to the same outdoor temperature before your shoot. If not and the camera is cooler than the outside air, water will condense on the lenses until they reach the same temperature.