Whitewater kayaking photos?

[clancyman]

I guess this would be the appropriate forum for this question. Just need suggestions for the best inexpensive set up that I can take in the boat when whitewater kayaking. I have a waterproof point and shoot that does well but want to be able to get even better shots while on the river. I have an Xti and am thinking I might just buy another used body and take that in a pelican case or get a waterproof housing. The housing will be pretty expensive so am thinking I might just use the case and hope I don't mess up the camera. Is there anyone out there doing photography in and around water that can give some suggestions? Thanks. Bryan

[timberlakephoto]

I shoot the hardest commercially rafted run in the country, Gore canyon in CO (short season, about 8 weeks) each year. I run an eos **d series wrapped in a towel inside a watershed bag.
The peli case is a stronger option but severely limits you as glass goes. I shoot most days with a 70-200 f/4IS, the peli for that would be too big for my Jackson superstar, so I run the bag instead.

Depending on your needs & how much you care about photo quality there are a few superzooms out there that work well for river use, but I have given up on the cheap little lenses & I just deal with the limits of the lens that I want to shoot.
The sand & other environmental issues that come along with river use make it a good idea to try to find a lens that is as sealed as possible & has internal focusing, I have had a number of cheap lenses last me two years or less. (I also shoot snowboarding, snowmobiling, DH mtn biking... so my gear takes a beating)

Since you mentioned budget, I assume a 1 series is out, so then the body just comes down to what you need for FPS & MP, the lens is where the river use will see it's toll.

check out this link, 8.8.09 was shot with an 18-200, 8.15.09 was shot with the 70-200, kind of gives you an idea of the difference in range.
http://www.rapidimagephoto.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?eventid=0&eventstatus=0&categories=no&keywords2=no&groupid=%20909&bw=false&sep=false

If you decide to not go with an SLR, they make a good housing for the G series, I keep one velcro'd inside the back of my boat as a backup.

[clancyman]

Thanks for the info! I really want to try to get some good close up shots so the Watershed bag sounds like a good option to take the lenses I need.

Just pulled up Gore on AW. Looks like fun. Don't know if I would be taking my play boat, also a Superstar on it. Looks more like a run for my Magnum. Sounds like a pretty long flat water paddle at the beginning of the run.

[timberlakephoto]

Thanks for the info! I really want to try to get some good close up shots so the Watershed bag sounds like a good option to take the lenses I need.

Just pulled up Gore on AW. Looks like fun. Don't know if I would be taking my play boat, also a Superstar on it. Looks more like a run for my Magnum. Sounds like a pretty long flat water paddle at the beginning of the run.

AHHH, those big boats just like to hang out in the holes!!
I'm 180, so a SS is a creeker as it is.

Biggest thing with the bag, especially if you have more than one lens, is to pad the lenses as good as you can.
btw, stop @ auto zone or similar & buy a cheap shammy, cut it to about 1' square & keep it on top of the gear so you can dry your hands before you shoot.

Kaleb