Need advice on shooting swim meets

[Wes]

I had a horrible time tonight. I went to a local high school to shoot a swim meet (not a paid gig - just wanted to see what I could capture). Bringing camera from the cold into a cold, VERY humid natatorium fogged my lenses solid. I was unable to shoot anything at all for most of the meet. Of course, I should have anticipated this but am still unsure of what I could hae done. I'd love to hear from those of you that have shot swim meets before. I cannot be the only one to experience this.

Thanks.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I've never tried this, but I've heard that putting your gear in ziplock bags and letting them acclimate to the new temperature should stop the condensation from forming. Sounds like it could work.

[Wes]

I read that somewhere, too. The problem is that they don't make a ziplock bag large enough for my 200-400.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Originally Posted by Wes

I read that somewhere, too. The problem is that they don't make a ziplock bag large enough for my 200-400.

Saran wrap maybe

[tukaniray]

Here are some links that I found for you.

I didn't know about the ZipLock bag thing either ... so it was a good read.

These people here deal with extreme climate changes ... so for an indoor pool you should be able to use their techniques easily.

Good luck and try another swim meet ... practice makes perfect and let us know how it goes ... I would love to also see a pic or 2 what you get.

I haven't shot a swim meet so it sounds interesting to see what you get.

THE LINKS:
-->> How do I deal with lens fogging from humidity? - Photo.net photo.net Forum
-->> 10 Tips When Using dSLRs in High Humidity JMG-Galleries – Jim M. Goldstein Photography

-Ray-

[tukaniray]

**Double Post**

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Wes

I read that somewhere, too. The problem is that they don't make a ziplock bag large enough for my 200-400.

Yes they do. Those 5 gallon ones are huge! You could fit a small child in them.

Amazon.com: Ziploc Bigbag Heavy Duty, 2 Feet x 1.7 Feet, XL 4 ea: Health & Personal Care

[bondarnes]

Zip Loc bags are a good idea if you plan ahead. After the fact, I have had good luck using a hair dryer. I always kept one by the back door of my camera room. A thirty second blow job usually did the trick.

[Jim Boyd]

Home Depot sellls zip lock bags large enough to store my Think Tank International.

[PhotoByLeal]

you can buy some Heatmax Survival Heat Pack, they sale them @
Walmart
Walgreens
Academy
Sporting Goods stores
Tractor Supply
sometimes @ Lowe's and Home Depot

about 30 minutes to 1 hour you use one to two packs and put rubber bands around them and your lens so the lens can get warm and you will be in business.....

good luck....

[Murph]

The hazards of getting old?

Originally Posted by bondarnes

A thirty second blow job usually did the trick.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Murph

The hazards of getting old?

ROFL! I was wondering how long it would take for someone to pick up on that.

[mdurisseau]

The best advice I can give: Don't fall in the pool, and don't drop any of your stuff in the pool! I put my cell phone in a pool last year.

Seriously, a longer lens, fast, will be a great asset. Try and vary your positions, but that may be easier said than done.

Get there early. Let your stuff acclimate to the temperature. Those places tend to be warm, with higher humidity.

[firenut]

I can say from experience that zip-lock bags work great. Had a the same problem that you did on the coast last year. I had heard (somewhere) to use these bags. So I tried it. Worked like a charm. Have also heard about using a small cooler to keep your gear in.

Let us know what works for you at the next meet.

[fishcat]

You might give these a try. Used them on binoculars and rangefinder and seemed to work well. Have not tried them on a lens, though.

Fog Eliminator from Nikon