Keeping camera dry at Victoria Falls
May 14, 2018 11:41:57 #
DJD wrote:
My wife and I toured Victoria Falls a few years ba... (show quote)
I completely agree, it's almost impossible to get any decent shots of the falls along the pathway, even if you have waterproof camera as your lens will be covered by droplets. The mist and spray is just too heavy no matter the ponchos or plastic sleeves you use. Seriously, the only way to get good shots of the breadth of the falls and to see the depths is to take the helicopter ride. Your dslr or whatever camera would stay dry and you would get your once in a lifetime terrific shots of the whole Victoria falls.
May 14, 2018 11:53:15 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Best answer, and the Olympus TG5 is an often mentioned suggestion.
I’ve also used the again sleeve or a large gallon sized ziplock bag. You cut a hole in the bottom and push the lens through that opening and secure with a rubber band around the lens hood. Hand goes through the zip-lock side. I keep,a few of these for “just in case” scenarios.
I’ve also used the again sleeve or a large gallon sized ziplock bag. You cut a hole in the bottom and push the lens through that opening and secure with a rubber band around the lens hood. Hand goes through the zip-lock side. I keep,a few of these for “just in case” scenarios.
I'm surprised they have only two models of the Tough. I bought one a few years ago, and it cost considerably less than the current offerings.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/tough
May 14, 2018 12:29:55 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I'm surprised they have only two models of the Tough. I bought one a few years ago, and it cost considerably less than the current offerings.
Two CURRENT models, Jerry. There have been a few others, like my 14 MP pocket size TG Tough-610 released in Jan 2011.
May 14, 2018 12:32:41 #
Check out on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-9001132-Rainsleeve/dp/B000PTFDYO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526315383&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+camera+rain+cover
Op/Tech, It is a rain cover for your camera. There are a couple of sizes so it will fit your lens, 2 covers to a pack. I went to Victoria Falls in March and it worked fine. You will get wet!
Op/Tech, It is a rain cover for your camera. There are a couple of sizes so it will fit your lens, 2 covers to a pack. I went to Victoria Falls in March and it worked fine. You will get wet!
May 14, 2018 13:18:45 #
LA
Loc: Little Rock, AR
My experience is that it is best not to try even quick shots when you are in the mist. That's because I don't like big splotches of water drops messing up my photos. I don't like to spend $800 for a lens then let nature randomly determine what the front optical surface is. What I found was that keeping the front surface dry was paramount because there WILL be places where you can get good shots and you don't want to be fussing around with drying your lens when those opportunities arise. It's the same as always, really: if you want a keeper photo, wait until it's possible, don't just fire away because you can. It will be less frustrating and you will get some good photos because the subject is so good. Just keep your lens clear by keeping your camera protected and easily accessible.
May 14, 2018 14:44:41 #
I found a water-proof camera BAG; Its for under water down to about 35 ft. I've only had under water to test it in a swimming pool; my objective was white water canoe and raft trips. You can hang it around your neck just like normal. I think it cost around $35,00. Check Amazon, although I think I saw it at one of those Chinese web sites; Banggood or Gearbest? I've had it a couple of years, works great.
May 14, 2018 16:07:36 #
All recommendations will help to a certain degree however be prepared to get soaked depending how the wind is blowing and where you are located. In addition to walking the falls try to take a helicopter over the falls, will not get wet and the views are spectacular.! Enjoy.
May 14, 2018 16:49:03 #
Been there - done that! There is SO MUCH mist the raincoats are virtually useless. Our experienced travel leader (26 Africa trips at that time) who lead our tour from CA to Africa and back suggested we bring old clothes and shoes and forget renting rain gear or bringing our own. We kept the cameras in waterproof camera bags and only brought them out to shoot from protected spots and got set up and ready so the cameras were exposed for only seconds. We kept dry absorbent cotton cloths in the camera bags and wiped the gear down through the bag between shots. Tripods or even monopods would have ben an unnecessary complication. We took dessicant packs and kept them in other sealable bags and stored the cameras in them when we returned to our room after each venture. We left the old clothes and shoes in the trash can in our room and had a hard time getting the maids to take them away. It turns out our old stuff was very serviceable and desirable to them. They couldn't believe we didn't want to take them home. Definitely take the helicopter flight. They will give you your best images. But also don't chicken out out on the mist trail it's an experience you will always remember.
My wife reminded me of the Zambezi River cruise that we made as well. Interesting slow boat to nowhere and back. Riverside shots of Hippos, crocs, some locals and such a nice kick-back tour.
My wife reminded me of the Zambezi River cruise that we made as well. Interesting slow boat to nowhere and back. Riverside shots of Hippos, crocs, some locals and such a nice kick-back tour.
May 14, 2018 17:22:13 #
byuaceman wrote:
I am fairly new to this and this is my very first question so please be gentle. I am excited to visit Victoria Falls in June. I guess it will be wet. Any ideas on how to take pictures and still keep my DSLR dry? I read one article that suggested I use a waterproof camera. I hope that is not my only alternative. What are your suggestions?
Ewa marine will keep it completely dry!
May 14, 2018 17:37:00 #
I suggest being SURE you use a protective filter on the lens. It will keep some of the mist away from the lens and it can withstand the constant cleaning, which, with most luck, with at least once include an abrasive particle which will leave a scratch.
Keep clean microfiber cloths in a zip lock and a couple of dry washcloth sized towels or er, washcloths to keep your hands and camera dry--use 'em frequently.
Do you wear glasses????
Keep clean microfiber cloths in a zip lock and a couple of dry washcloth sized towels or er, washcloths to keep your hands and camera dry--use 'em frequently.
Do you wear glasses????
May 15, 2018 10:55:19 #
OddJobber wrote:
Two CURRENT models, Jerry. There have been a few others, like my 14 MP pocket size TG Tough-610 released in Jan 2011.
I just checked. I got the TG-860 on sale for $215 two years ago.
May 15, 2018 12:18:30 #
I used an Olympus M1 Mark II micro 4/3 with a wide angle Pro lenses. The camera and lenses are "weather proof". I kept the camera under my poncho, I wiped the lenses filter off with a micro fiber cloth, put the lenses cover back on, I then positioned the camera, whipped the lenses cover off and shot the picture. I was able to take one photo before the lenses fogged, and the camera focused on the water drops. I would use a similar strategy with a water proof camera. This photo was taken be the Devil Falls over look. Plan on getting Soaking wet to the bone. Being by the falls is like being hosed down with water coming from below as well as above.
May 18, 2018 01:14:02 #
ejones0310 wrote:
https://optechusa.com/rainsleeve.html
There are several different rain sleeves out there but this is the least expensive and simplest that I have found.
There are several different rain sleeves out there but this is the least expensive and simplest that I have found.
We're going on a cruise next month and are likely to get some rain on our shore excursions. I was concerned about keeping my camera dry, so I just ordered a 2-pack from Amazon. Thanks for the tip!
May 23, 2018 17:58:28 #
I went in November... not as much mist over most of it. Also took a Helicopter ride over it, got some great shots!! there are some great camera raincoats or have someone hold an umbrella... but as someone mentioned keeping your lens dry will be your biggest challenge. Definitely use your lens hood and keep it pointing down when not shooting... Have a great time!! and enjoy every moment!
Jun 9, 2018 01:31:40 #
byuaceman
Loc: Mesa, AZ
Thank you to all for the great tips/ideas. I decided on the sleeve which was sufficient to get a couple of pics. But you were all correct, the amount of water due to spray was incredible! After a few minutes, I had to keep the camera in the sleeve under the poncho. I was lucky enough to grab a couple of shots.Of course, there is always the helicopter ride!
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