Finally, I'm taking my Pentax to the beach - suggestions?

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
We are heading to the beach for the 4th of July weekend so I plan on doing some early evening pictures of my kids on the beach. Up to this point, I've hesitated taking my DSLR to the beach due to sand and wind but I really want to photograph with it this year.

Any advice? Should I buy a certain filter to protect my lens? I'll be using my Tamron 28-70. Should I buy one of the protective cases to keep the entire camera safe? I have no intentions of taking it close to the water. Or am I totally crazy to even consider taking it and stick to my P&S?

 

[ukcatfan]

I would be very careful. The sea spray is one of the worst things and it is impossible to see. Blowing sand is another problem. I would treat it like you are in rain. There are protective covers you can buy that are not very expensive. I think B&H sells them.

I live near the beach. We stopped by a couple weeks ago for just about 20 minutes and I brought my waterproof p&s. Without even getting it close to the water or low near the sand, it still got sand and salt residue on it.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I was looking at the Storm Jacket but don't know how it would protect against sand. That's my real concern. I do have a decent P&S.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Which Pentax model do you have? I would feel more comfortable if it were a K7/5 with a WR lens. You would have still have to take care of the exterior but the weather sealing should prevent internal contamination (hopefully). The Kx/r series are not weather resistant so you would have to be extra extra careful.

 

[mom2rtk]

I like living on the edge, so I take my DSLR to the beach.......... It's hard to be in such a beautiful place and NOT have your best camera.

A few suggestions:

1) Don't change lenses on the bleach
2) Clean the outside of the camera well before you do change the lens (perhaps with a rocket blower?)
3) If you do need to change lenses, take it back to the car and do it there, but take the same precautions.
4) This might be one of those occasions I put the u/v filter on to protect the lens.

I have taken a family photo on the beach a few times. They make great Christmas cards!

 

[ukcatfan]

Hi:
I was looking at the Storm Jacket but don't know how it would protect against sand. That's my real concern. I do have a decent P&S.

If it is not waterproof, then it is even riskier to take it. All it takes is one grain of sand in the gears of the zoom mechanism and you have a paperweight.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I think you have me convinced to leave it behind. Although, it's only a KX so not a major investment. I think I'd be more upset if I damaged my lens.

 

[My2Girls66]

I like living on the edge, so I take my DSLR to the beach.......... It's hard to be in such a beautiful place and NOT have your best camera.

A few suggestions:

1) Don't change lenses on the bleach
2) Clean the outside of the camera well before you do change the lens (perhaps with a rocket blower?)
3) If you do need to change lenses, take it back to the car and do it there, but take the same precautions.
4) This might be one of those occasions I put the u/v filter on to protect the lens.

I have taken a family photo on the beach a few times. They make great Christmas cards!

I take mine when we go, too. I have yet to ruin a camera or lens. I probably wouldn't take it on a day the sand/spray was seriously blowing but an ordinary beach day won't hurt it if you are careful. I did ruin a p&s by getting sand in the zoom mechanism, though.
My dslr has a Zing case that it goes in when not in use, I wrap it in a towel and put it in the shade. Keep a clean cloth to wipe any sand off. You can get a cheap plastic rain cover to use if you are really worried.
http://www.adorama.com/ZGCLBL.html
http://www.adorama.com/OTRSL.html

 

[photo_chick]

I like living on the edge, so I take my DSLR to the beach.......... It's hard to be in such a beautiful place and NOT have your best camera.

A few suggestions:

1) Don't change lenses on the bleach
2) Clean the outside of the camera well before you do change the lens (perhaps with a rocket blower?)
3) If you do need to change lenses, take it back to the car and do it there, but take the same precautions.
4) This might be one of those occasions I put the u/v filter on to protect the lens.

I have taken a family photo on the beach a few times. They make great Christmas cards!

I do all of this except the UV filter part, because it really doesn't help against sand and can cause lens flare. I bought my camera to shoot with, not leave behind. Just use common sense and be careful.