Dew on my camera

[austinstkong]

Had my first run in with the dew the other night.
I had the camera set to take pictures automatically and returned inside. Each time I came out to check on it, I noticed that the stars were fading off the images the wondered why:shrug: After a few more looks, I realised something must be wrong so I had a look at the lens:eyepop: .

For the future, should I be armed with a hair dryer or are they compatible with camera lens?

[Dennis]

Hi Austin

When taking photos with my camera at night, I make sure that the lens hood is fitted and I also may use a dew heater strap on the really humid nights.

The lens hood by itself will reduce the onset of dew but will not stop it on those really dewy nights. Telephoto lens hoods are far more effective than wide angle lens hoods because they are deeper.

A dew strap is basically a (lightly) heated (insulated) electrical heater wrapped around the lens body/hood with power being supplied either by an appropriate mains adapter or battery. The slight heating provided by the dew strap is sufficient to keep the optics dry. You don’t have to make the lens hot!

Do a Google search on “dew straps” for further information. BinTel stock the Kendrick series I think, which I have been using successfully and satisfactorily for over 10 years on my various set ups.

Cheers

Dennis

[hotspur]

google 'dewnot' they sell strip heaters,very good price,best ones I have ever used,Geoff Johnston in Brisbane makes and sells a 4 channel dew heater for around $80,better that the more expensive bought one I had.

Chris

[austinstkong]

So dew heaters work. I'll have a look into it and think aboutit.

A lens hood would probably be a quicker option for me right now (might DIY one) as I am having some glare problems from nearby street lights also.

Thanks