topic Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

sfmalone2001 — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 16:01:08 GMT

Hi everyone,

I''ve been asked to take some pictures of a few races, late model cars on a dirt track. I've not shot races before and they are aware of this. I was looking for suggestions or products that I should use to keep my 1DX safe from all the dirt and dust while down on the track.

I appreciate it.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

kvbarkley — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 16:39:47 GMT

They make the clear bags that have a clear filter, that might be best.

go to B&H and search "rain protection"

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

Waddizzle — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 17:09:53 GMT

@sfmalone2001 wrote:
Hi everyone,

I''ve been asked to take some pictures of a few races, late model cars on a dirt track. I've not shot races before and they are aware of this. I was looking for suggestions or products that I should use to keep my 1DX safe from all the dirt and dust while down on the track.

I appreciate it.

What lens do you plan to use? Installing a clear filter might be a good idea. If it isn't raining, I think your 1Dx may get dusty, but it should come through it just fine. If it is dusty, then changing lenses on the track may introduce dust into the body. Carry a second camera body and lens, if you can.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

RobertTheFat — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 17:11:30 GMT

@sfmalone2001 wrote:
Hi everyone,

I''ve been asked to take some pictures of a few races, late model cars on a dirt track. I've not shot races before and they are aware of this. I was looking for suggestions or products that I should use to keep my 1DX safe from all the dirt and dust while down on the track.

I appreciate it.

If it's a lucrative assignment, or one that may lead to more work in the future, just do your best to keep the camera out of harm's way, accepting that afterwards you may have to send it to a Canon shop for a thorough cleaning. If you're just doing a favor for a friend, go to the back of your closet, drag out your "beach camera" (don't forget to charge the batteries), and use that.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

sfmalone2001 — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:32:33 GMT

Thanks for the tip, I was thinking that, but thought maybe a case would be added protection.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

sfmalone2001 — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:35:31 GMT

I will have both my 1DX and my 5D MK III. I will probably have mty 70-200 2.8 on the 1DX and my 24-105 on the 5D.

Thanks for the tip. I know all the gear has great weather proofing from the winters where I live, just wasn't sure about dust. I am not planning on swapping any lens while shooting the races.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

Waddizzle — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:57:17 GMT

@sfmalone2001 wrote:
I will have both my 1DX and my 5D MK III. I will probably have mty 70-200 2.8 on the 1DX and my 24-105 on the 5D.

Thanks for the tip. I know all the gear has great weather proofing from the winters where I live, just wasn't sure about dust. I am not planning on swapping any lens while shooting the races.

I like your lens choices. Not all of the 70-200mm Canon lenses have good weather sealing, just the ones with IS. The EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM doesn't seem to be as well sealed, so I would be inclined to protect that one with a clear filter. It really depends upon how dusty the place is, though. Your gear is gonna get dirty, no matter what you do.

When you mentioned a case, I assume you mean something to carry the cameras before you begin using them. I have taken a liking to holster bags. I have two Lowepro Toploader 75 AW II holster bags. They are large enough to hold a pro-size body with a 70-200mm lens attached, with a reversed hood and tripod foot. It also has a rain cover, and rain covers make for very good dust covers, so the bag stays clean when I am in the woods. I can was the cover in the washing machine, and air dry.

Re: Protecting your Gear - Dirt Track Racing

ebiggs1 — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 15:40:59 GMT

sfmalone2001,

"... products that I should use to keep my 1DX safe from all the dirt and dust ..."

None! Join CPS and get C&C at regular intervals. Common sense is your friend but if you are so worried about your gear, you won't get the best shots.

Protective filters on all your lenses.