Good morning to all, just a question on lens/cameras near the Ocean.
Does the salt air affect this equipment if just occasionally used around the beach area, not actually on the beach but close by, and if used there it is only for a short time.
Hi Leon. I've been shooting seascapes for years, so hopefully this helps
Since you're near the beach but not on it, I wouldn't be too fussed. You'll be fine. But if you venture closer:
Short answer to your question: yes it can. Sea spray can kick up and even the finer stuff you're not aware of can built up over time in the gaps between your buttons on the camera, and in the nooks of your tripod.
Big sprays that cover your gear? Well they're obviously no good.
But the tips I have:
1. Take a couple of microfiber towels with you. If you get sprayed, wipe it off quickly.
2. Take an empty milk bottle, fill it with warm water/detergent. When you're done at the beach, wipe down everything, including your tripod. Most modern cameras are fine with this level of "wetness" but just make sure you know your camera first.
3. Use rain covers on your gear/lens if you can. They'll stop your camera getting sprayed in the first place, with only the objective at risk.
Thanks Adam, mate i,m not really on the beach so sea spray wont happen, i was just wondering about the general sea air that surrounds one when using gear near a beach or Ocean.
I have been photographing Whales at Logan's Beach from a platform which is a long way from the sand and high up, and the weather is usually pretty mild and calm.
No worries Leon. Sounds like you'll be fine then.
If you want to be safe, just wipe your gear down with a damp (warm water) cloth when you're done, but otherwise you'll have no problems near the beach if you're not there for long or not right next to the action
My observatory was about 500m from the Bay.
Occasionally we’d get sea mist and the windows always ended up dirty very quickly.
None of the scopes cameras etc seemed to deteriorate more than normal.
