zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

As most everyone in USA knows the Southwest is having extreme heat, 100 plus degrees daily. I am going to 83rd Hopi Festival near Flagstaff over July 4th weekend. What is the best way during the high heat situation to protect and at same time use camera and lenses? This will be my first time shooting in such extreme heat. We will be in and out of hotel, gallery and AC cooled vehicle during trip for scenic views and photo ops. And some short hiking will be done also.

I have the Canon T5i, Canon 100-400 lens, Tokina 11-16 Ultra wide lens and the Sigma 18-250 lens that I will be using on this trip. Also have new CPL filters for Grand Canyon shots using wide angle lens. Never used a CPL before. Can someone walk me thru the basics of using one of these filters?

TIA
zuzanne

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Since it is a "Dry" heat, it shouldn't be too bad. Make sure to wear light long pants & light long sleeved shirt plus a hat if you intend to be out in the Sun for any period of time

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Also if you are shooting outside for a long time use sunscreen on the back of your hands (this is from personal experience), or use weight lifting gloves etc.
Take water on your hikes.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

First and foremost, never leave your gear in a closed up vehicle in the daytime when the sun is shining; that's a sure fire way to damage something, but being from Las Vegas, you should already know this.
One advantage to Arizona heat is low humidity, less chance for condensation. If you are concerned about condensation, carry large or a couple large zip lock bags. Before you exit air conditioning, place camera and lens in the zip lock bag and seal it. You only need to do this if the humidity is high and you are going from air conditioning into humid heat. If you're going to use the camera outside after being inside and outside is hot and humid, leave the zip lock bag sealed until the camera and lens warms up. This will prevent condensation from forming on and in your gear.

Your 100-400 lens is already white(ish) and Canon does that supposedly to prevent internal heat build up in direct sunlight; that and the lens looks way cool. I wouldn't worry about the Tokina or Sigma, they're small enough that they're not going to accumulate that much internal heat.

A CPL is simple to use, just mount to the lens, point and focus and turn the outer ring on the CPL until any glare is gone and the sky is nice and blue.

If you are going to be using a tripod for extended periods if time in the direct sunlight, I always keep a soft white towel handy to cover the camera and lens to protect them from getting too hot from the direct sunlight.

Being from Las Vegas, you know what a desert environment is like, just don't cook your gear in a closed vehicle.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Plenty of water...And don't wait till you feel thirsty. Drink regularly.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Zuzanne, Flagstaff is considerably cooler than the record setting areas around Phoenix. For example, today's expected high is 86F. Phoenix's expected high is 110F. Flagstaff is also a slight bit more humid, due to the forest setting. The sunburn protection advice is something to consider, as the higher altitude provides a bit less UV protection.

Flagstaff is also noted for mid-late afternoon thunderstorms, especially during July/Aug. So, bring something to keep your camera equipment dry in the event of rain.

As for leaving your equipment in your car, my advice is never leave your equipment anyplace you wouldn't leave yourself. Above all, enjoy yourself.
--Bob

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

One note on the CPL - it is not recommended to use them on wide angle shots which include the sky - you might get dark blotches in the sky - depends on the angle of the sun to the lens...
See this article: http://www.digitalphotomentor.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-circular-polarizing-filters-wide-angle-lenses-sun/

And a couple of more article -
Why you must have a polarizer: http://digital-photography-school.com/you-must-have-a-polarizer/
When NOT to use a Polarizing Filter: http://digital-photography-school.com/when-not-to-use-a-polarizing-filter/

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Flagstaff in the northern mountains of AZ is not as warm as Phoenix or Tucson. I'd be more concerned about dust and grit affecting the sensor and getting into lens mounts, contols, tiltable screens, etc. Keep your camera wrapped when not in use. A bulb-type dust blower will be very useful and inexpensive.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Accuweather forecasts, based on historical averages, a temperature of 78 - 80 deg. Sounds a lot more comfortable than Phoenix which is forecast to be between 105 and 110 deg.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Sorry for the repetition, but it cannot be repeated too often: STAY HYDRATED. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Some outdoor clothing over comes with a sun protection factor - not a treatment, but a measure of effective blocking. Check and see what you've got your side. I felt very comfortable in black Craghoppers, or if not to budget conscious I think ROHAN do a good line in such clothing.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Check the owner's manuals to see what they say about temperature limitations. Pro photographers shoot all over the world, so if you survive, your gear should, too. Depending on conditions there, you might want to consider clear filters to protect your lenses from blowing sand. As for yourself, heat and sun will be your two concerns. I'd suggest a wide brimmed hat - like a Tilley - longsleeve shirt and long pants - like 5.11 Taclite. Between the pants and shirt, you'll have over a dozen pockets. For the pants, you might want to find something lighter weight - something made from microfiber. Bring lots of water and don't spare the sunscreen. Polarized sunglasses, too, and more than one pair.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Whenever you are in and out of air conditioning be aware of condensation forming on the lens and/or filters, carry a small microfiber cloth for a wipe if needed.

wolfd Loc: Vancouver, Canada

The historical average July temperatures for Flagstaff (High) 81 F (Low) 51 F.
The historical average July temperatures for your current locale, Las Vegas (High) 106 F (Low) 74 F.
If you follow your current 'normal' procedures you should be ok.

deepdiverv Loc: arizona

As a native Arizona photographer it is interesting to read all the responses to your post. Keep your camera from prolong exposure to the sun,keep it in a camera case when you are not using it ( I keep mine in a cheap soft-sided cooler) It is not that hot in Flagstaff,If you are getting over heated so is your camera gear, stand in the shade. Don't get caught up in all the well meant advise. Enjoy your self. I have lived in AZ for 66 years been into photography since I was 18 and never have had a camera fry on me.