How best to protect my camera gear from dust!
Jun 13, 2018 17:58:47 #
I am going to Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, in September and would like to know the best ways to protect my camera bodies and lenses from the dust. Thanks for your help.
Jun 13, 2018 18:10:57 #
Only change lenses in a clean environment when possible. Beyond that, factor in the cost of having your camera professionally cleaned when you return. Have a fun trip, should be wild.
Jun 13, 2018 19:17:17 #
Take a blower cleaner and a pile of microfiber cloths and a few Lenspens. Never, ever, change lenses in the field.
Jun 13, 2018 19:42:20 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
Take a blower cleaner and a pile of microfiber cloths and a few Lenspens. Never, ever, change lenses in the field.
Yes. And I also think that a box of 1 gallon ziplocks is worth its weight in gold within any harsh environment.
Andy
Jun 13, 2018 23:47:52 #
Tom Vargas wrote:
I am going to Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, in September and would like to know the best ways to protect my camera bodies and lenses from the dust. Thanks for your help.
I’d be more worried about breathing than a camera.
If YOU survive, so will your camera! Have a great time!!!
SS
Jun 13, 2018 23:55:38 #
you are likely to be in a vehicle on the road quite a bit (unless you are staying holed-up in one place the whole time), and the roads are narrow and dusty. Keep your camera case in your lap and insert camera when you see a truck coming from ahead. It will raise a cloud of dust, and the air your vehicle will likely fill with dust as the truck passes.
This scenario will happen A LOT, even in the rainy season (I would hate to be there in the dry season).
When you are away from public roads and just driving relatively slowly within the preserves, it will not be much of a problem (unless of course it is the dry season). And in Kenya and Tanzania you will not be on foot (this is allowed in S. Africa where the guides are armed).
The excessive road dust is one of the primary reasons that I took only my 18-300mm lens. You don't want to be changing a lens in that kind of environment.
Enjoy, and don't fret. Your camera is a tool to be used.
This scenario will happen A LOT, even in the rainy season (I would hate to be there in the dry season).
When you are away from public roads and just driving relatively slowly within the preserves, it will not be much of a problem (unless of course it is the dry season). And in Kenya and Tanzania you will not be on foot (this is allowed in S. Africa where the guides are armed).
The excessive road dust is one of the primary reasons that I took only my 18-300mm lens. You don't want to be changing a lens in that kind of environment.
Enjoy, and don't fret. Your camera is a tool to be used.
Jun 14, 2018 06:06:45 #
Get a cheap two inch paintbrush. Use it to clean the camera, especially before changing lenses.
And don't listen to those who are afraid to change lenses. The cost of the trip is probably considerably more than
the cost of your camera. You want those once in a lifetime photos. The worst that can happen is you'll have to clean the sensor.
I've been to Tanzania three times. The last trip was extremely dusty and I've never had a camera problem from the dust.
Don't worry and have a great time.
And don't listen to those who are afraid to change lenses. The cost of the trip is probably considerably more than
the cost of your camera. You want those once in a lifetime photos. The worst that can happen is you'll have to clean the sensor.
I've been to Tanzania three times. The last trip was extremely dusty and I've never had a camera problem from the dust.
Don't worry and have a great time.
Jun 14, 2018 07:14:20 #
AndyH wrote:
Yes. And I also think that a box of 1 gallon ziplocks is worth its weight in gold within any harsh environment.
Andy
Andy
Ziplocks are an excellent idea, though I would look for the larger 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 gallon sizes, as they give you more versatility.
Jun 14, 2018 07:28:08 #
Jun 14, 2018 11:43:20 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
Don't worry about it.
I shoot a lot in VERY dusty situations.
I just take reasonable care when changing lenses (I do use two or three cameras, to minimize lens changes... but I also don't hesitate to "change lenses in the field", if that's what it takes to get the shot. I dust my gear off with a microfiber cloth at the end of the day (sometimes more often, such as in extreme situations like above) and occasionally do a sensor cleaning (self-cleaning sensors have greatly reduced the frequency of that)... and then take a shower.
I shoot a lot in VERY dusty situations.
I just take reasonable care when changing lenses (I do use two or three cameras, to minimize lens changes... but I also don't hesitate to "change lenses in the field", if that's what it takes to get the shot. I dust my gear off with a microfiber cloth at the end of the day (sometimes more often, such as in extreme situations like above) and occasionally do a sensor cleaning (self-cleaning sensors have greatly reduced the frequency of that)... and then take a shower.
Jun 14, 2018 11:46:46 #
hahersh wrote:
Get a cheap two inch paintbrush. Use it to clean t... (show quote)
Kodak used to sell a camel hair brush in one and two inch size. I carried one to clean my view camera lenses. They were good for dusting lenses and camera bodies, I still use mine. Adorama says they are no longer available but offers their own version as well as Delta products.
Jun 14, 2018 12:20:34 #
Paul Petrus
Loc: Sarasota, Florida
I used a small garbage bag. Any time I was not shooting I had my camera in the bag, twisted it a few times, folded it over and kept it securely on my lap. Nightly cleaning is recommended. And heed the advice above of never changing your lenses in the field if at all possible. Dust is very fine and everywhere. We were told it was wise to have a backup camera body. Of the 13 people on our trip, two had their camera bodies stop working. But the trip will be fantastic. Have a fabulous time.
Jun 14, 2018 13:18:13 #
If you have two cameras, anticipate the two lenses that you will need throughout the course of the day so that all you have to do is switch cameras and not lenses. A long telephoto like a Sigma 50-500 or 150-600 on one camera with a shorter lens or a wide angle (if on the the plains) will capture just about every thing you come across. My globetrotting friend has used the 50-500 with great success for years on safaris. The composition and sharpness of his photos are superb. He's been to Namibia once and Kenya twice in recent years. Just recently he's purchased a 150-600. He uses two Canon dx cameras.
Jun 14, 2018 13:34:12 #
fredtoo wrote:
you are likely to be in a vehicle on the road quit... (show quote)
Has anyone tried an old school film changing bag? Get a large one, and be sure to thoroughly clean the exterior of the camera body and both lenses with a camel hair brush before putting them in the bag. This would be overkill under ordinary circumstances, but in extreme conditions with no readily available shelter, it might be a good solution.
I've never done this, just thinking out loud.
Jun 14, 2018 14:07:40 #
ecurb1105 wrote:
Kodak used to sell a camel hair brush in one and two inch size. I carried one to clean my view camera lenses. They were good for dusting lenses and camera bodies, I still use mine. Adorama says they are no longer available but offers their own version as well as Delta products.
One should be able to find decent camel hair brushes in any art supply store, A.C. Moore and Michael's come to mind.
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