Shooting at the beach

[Blue Eagle]

I read (and it was referenced to here) that sea salt is really bad for your camera/lens and i was just wondering how severe this is since i fancied a trip to the beach.

I have a UV filter that can protect two of my lens but the nifty fifty has a small ring size and therefore would be unprotected. Also the front element is recessed quite a bit into the barrel so would flare become a big problem?

I suppose i could get a UV filter and the hood but that would run about £30-40, pretty much half the price of the lens in the first place and still might cause flare problems so i thought i'd ask how bad shooting at the beach really is and whether i can get away with a couple/few hours as long as it isnt very regular.

Also, what about changing lens at the beach, i'd try and do it in my bag but i assume there would still be a fair bit of dust and crap being carried by the wind. Would you say just pick a lens a stick to it (prolly the 18-55 then) or could i swap them?

 

[tjc]

Well I`m sort of coming back to my photography so Kind of a newbie but I go down the beach pretty regularly and don`t worry about it.

Getting the gear soaked in sea water (or any water) is not a good idea but I`d think just going to the beach to shoot would have very little, if ant ill effects...

I`d be interested to see what the others have to say though.

 

[oldgit]

No probs normaly, common sense should prevail

Dont drop it in the sea
Dont change lenses when the sand is blowing
Dont stand around getting drenched by spray
Dont stick the lens cap up your ....

 

[TheWombat]

No probs normaly, common sense should prevail

Dont drop it in the sea
Dont change lenses when the sand is blowing
Dont stand around getting drenched by spray
Dont stick the lens cap up your ....

Sums it up.Dont worry----but dont be stupid.
Pete.

 

[Wail]

If it's very windy then I'd suggest you stay away from the beach. The wind will blow water droplets into the air. Sea water is salty, which will creep into your equipments' orifices.

If you must go when it's windy, use a rain guard / protector to limit how much exposure your camera gets with the elements.

 

[Jayst84]

Plastic carrier bag for the win. As said though, providing it's not blowing a gale, there's not much to worry about. I shoot at the beach all the time, and touch wood, everything's still working ok.