Dust and sand in Egypt: Planning trip to the Giza plateau to see the pyramids and temples. I've heard some raise concern about sand and dust affecting cameras and zooms (open...

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

Planning trip to the Giza plateau to see the pyramids and temples. I've heard some raise concern about sand and dust affecting cameras and zooms (open versions). Anyone care to share their experiences with equipment or recommendations to keep cameras/equipment in working order in Egypt?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I never change lenses in those environments but, some of those zooms are like vacuum pumps, pumping gritty air through the interior of the camera.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

I spent several weeks in various locations in Egypt including the desert surrounding the pyramids and never had an issue with sand damaging my equipment. The sand is fairly course there and needs a quite strong wind to get it airborn. As long as you don't drop your camera in the sand you don't have to worry about it at all.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

DJCard wrote:

Planning trip to the Giza plateau to see the pyramids and temples. I've heard some raise concern about sand and dust affecting cameras and zooms (open versions). Anyone care to share their experiences with equipment or recommendations to keep cameras/equipment in working order in Egypt?

I went there many years ago and had no problems because there was hardly any wind, the air was clear. Common sense will keep your equipment safe.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

That's good news. Appreciate the responses.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DJCard wrote:

Planning trip to the Giza plateau to see the pyramids and temples. I've heard some raise concern about sand and dust affecting cameras and zooms (open versions). Anyone care to share their experiences with equipment or recommendations to keep cameras/equipment in working order in Egypt?

Get an Olympic Tough camera. No worries about anything!

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tough.html

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

The funny thing about visiting the Pyramids of Giza is that the city of Giza is just east of them. All photos of the Pyramids are made facing west so you don't see the modern city in the background. You can change your lenses on the sidewalk across the street from the Pyramids without being in the sands.

williejoha

I would get a sleeve for my lens. Check with B&H.
WJH

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Been there and the beech I use a large restaurant cloth napkin and just drape it over the camera and lens take it off when your ready to shot and cover it back up when your not shooting
ps use white it reflects then sun.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Edia wrote:

The funny thing about visiting the Pyramids of Giza is that the city of Giza is just east of them. All photos of the Pyramids are made facing west so you don't see the modern city in the background. You can change your lenses on the sidewalk across the street from the Pyramids without being in the sands.

I've never been there, but I know what you mean. I've seen that in movies and TV shows.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Beach or any sandy place, a protective filter is a must.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

Thanks for the tips.

lightyear

In some areas we used buses, minimal sand. Other areas we used cars, mostly with open windows. i Kept camera w/lens in a sealed plastic large freezer bag ( large, check if it will hold camera and lens at home before departure)on the car seat. Always completely brushed off all sand, debris in hotel room every night with a cheap 1" paintbrush ( also from home) . Never change lenses when wind is blowing. If really hot and using tripod, I used stolen reetaurant white cloth napkin * as above noted). Security is a BIG problem in Egypt due to awful economy. I always kept camera bag in sight, took it to meals, and locked it into suitcase when we were not in hotel room. Someone in party left camera in room when we went to dinner, and it was gone upon their return.