Taking Rebel XT to the beach

Hey guys,
I'm going on vacation to Puerto Rico next week and I want to bring my camera. I was reading before in one of the threads that sand can damage the lense. How can I protect it? Is there something that I can buy for it? Would it be a filter? Any other suggestions to make sure nothing happens to my camera out there would be very much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Get a hood and a multi coated Hoya or B+W UV filter for the lens. If its really windy you might consider bringing a plastic bag to keep your camera in and a damp towl.

Although thats pretty much the extreme, I've been on a beach a numerous amount of times and have only brought my hood with me.

My old XT goes to the beach often without any problems. I have a B+W UV filter on it. Just dont drop it into the water

Ok guys, I have the hood. I'll see if I get a filter just in case. What would you recommend?

tania622 wrote in post #2299278
Hey guys,
I'm going on vacation to Puerto Rico next week and I want to bring my camera. I was reading before in one of the threads that sand can damage the lense. How can I protect it? Is there something that I can buy for it? Would it be a filter? Any other suggestions to make sure nothing happens to my camera out there would be very much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Much worrying about nothing.

I live on a beach and spend a LOT of time shooting there.

I do keep a UV filter on my lens, but that is about it.

Just keep your camera off the sand. When not using it put it in a bag, preferably one with tight zippers. Other than that - don't worry about it.

When the wind blows, almost all the sand is blowing around less than 18" off the surface. The wind needs to get way, way up there before it blows higher (like in the 50mph range or better).

Just be careful not to handle your camera after you have your hands in salt water. Often at the end of the day, I will take a damp paper towel and wipe most of the camera. that's it.

You don't need extra protection and you don't need to go overboard. Just be careful and reasonable and you will be fine.

Here's one with my XT and a 17-40 from the British Virgin Islands, Anegada's Loblolly beach that I took last Christmas while sailing there.

J.

Beautiful shot... Thanks, I didn't really think of it until I remembered I read that a while ago... but yea I guess I just gotta be careful with where I put it and make sure my hands are clean.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #2299834
Much worrying about nothing.

I live on a beach and spend a LOT of time shooting there.

I do keep a UV filter on my lens, but that is about it.

Just keep your camera off the sand. When not using it put it in a bag, preferably one with tight zippers. Other than that - don't worry about it.

When the wind blows, almost all the sand is blowing around less than 18" off the surface. The wind needs to get way, way up there before it blows higher (like in the 50mph range or better).

Just be careful not to handle your camera after you have your hands in salt water. Often at the end of the day, I will take a damp paper towel and wipe most of the camera. that's it.

You don't need extra protection and you don't need to go overboard. Just be careful and reasonable and you will be fine.

Here's one with my XT and a 17-40 from the British Virgin Islands, Anegada's Loblolly beach that I took last Christmas while sailing there.

J.

Wow, nice shot..

tania622 wrote in post #2299278
Hey guys,
I'm going on vacation to Puerto Rico next week and I want to bring my camera. I was reading before in one of the threads that sand can damage the lense.

A problem you might get is when you go from cold hotel romms (AC) to warm humid beaches. Make sure to avoid big temperature changes, otherwise it might get foggy inside your camera

I'd fit a UV filter on the front of the lens and unless I was actually taking pictures, I'd keep it in a zipped up/closed camera bag as well. It's not just the sand, salt air can cover everything with a film quite quickly and its better to clean a filter than have all that 'gunk' going onto (and maybe into) your lens.

Oh yes, and don't drop it in the sea

One more thing to note that hasn't been mentioned. Bring something to protect your camera from the rain!!

It can be bright & sunny one minute and the next you're stuck in a torrential downpour. Even a plastic bag or something is better than nothing when you're stuck out on the beach when the rain starts and the shelter of the closest bar is a ways off

kevin_c wrote in post #2303015
Oh yes, and don't drop it in the sea

Excellent advice! My 300D can attest to the fact that this is not good for it's (or your) health!

tania622 wrote in post #2299833
Ok guys, I have the hood. I'll see if I get a filter just in case. What would you recommend?

Go to the BH Photo site.
Buy the B+W UV MRC 010 filter in the size you need.
My 72mm was 68.00 shipped.

Just treat the camera like a sandwich

Don't handle it with sandy hands
Don't put it on the sand
Don't put it in the water
Try not to open it up too often as sand could get inside
one exception compared to a sandwich don't eat it

I took my 300D with me to the beach all the time, I kept it covered in its case when not in use, used when needed or wanted, took a rocket blower to blow away grains of said that will get on it, and it was fine for over 2 years and was mint when i sold it..

koekeloer wrote in post #2303004
A problem you might get is when you go from cold hotel romms (AC) to warm humid beaches. Make sure to avoid big temperature changes, otherwise it might get foggy inside your camera

I had that problem in Barbados. As soon as I got outside the camera started to fog up. I had to wait a few minutes for the camera/lens to warm up before shooting.

NYC2BGI wrote in post #2304247
I had that problem in Barbados. As soon as I got outside the camera started to fog up. I had to wait a few minutes for the camera/lens to warm up before shooting.

This is very dangerous to your camera and to be avoided at all costs. If the liquid water inside the camera comes in contact with some other materials left over from mfg that contain ions, you can permanently damage your camera. There have been several threads over at fredmiranda.com on just this topic. One involved a guy who had just this happen upon which the camera failed. When sent into Canon, there was evidence of just corrosion that caused the failure. This sort of failure is not covered by the warranty.

J.