Foggy lenses

JMichaelKJMichaelK Registered Users Posts: 35 Big grins
edited August 14, 2010 in Weddings
I go through this every summer and never know what to do about it. The problem is shooting in an air conditioned church and then going outside in 95 degree temperatures and my lenses fogging up. This is especially noticeable this year, because my primary lenses Nikon 14-24 and Nikon 24-70 have a lot of elements and large glass surfaces. It takes about five minutes for the condensation to stop, but by then I have missed some key shots. This is a huge problem when the bride and groom go out right after the ceremony. Any suggestions? I tried wiping them off and that was a mistake because it made watermarks when they dried.
J. Michael Krouskop
http://belmontphoto.smugmug.com/
 http:/weddingphotonashville.com
Nikon D700 (3 bodies), Nikon 14-24 f2.8, Nikon 24 f/1.4, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8, Nikon 50 f/1.4, Nikon 85 f/1.4, Nikon 70-200 f/2.g VRII, SB-900(2), SB-800(5)

Comments

  • DmanningDmanning Registered Users Posts: 88 Big grins
    edited August 6, 2010
    The only thing I've every heard of is wrapping the camera/lens in a towel and allowing it to slowly change to the new temperature.
    -D Manning
    DManning Photography
  • ARKreationsARKreations Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited August 6, 2010
    Take a look at the latest DTownTV episode (#50) at http://www.kelbytv.com/dtowntv They discuss the very issue of lens fogging.
    Ross - ARKreations Photography
    http://www.arkreations.com
    Nikon D700 | D300 | D80 | SB-800(x2) | SB-600(x2)
    Nikkor Lenses: 14-24 f/2.8 | 24-70 f/2.8 | 50 f/1.8 | 85 f/1.4 | 70-200 f/2.8 VR II | 70-300 VR
  • SurfdogSurfdog Registered Users Posts: 297 Major grins
    edited August 6, 2010
    I would LOVE to get a solution to this one. Here on the Gulf Coast, summers are brutal - very hot, very humid. Weddings are especially tough because we end up taking photos at the reception (in an air-conditioned hall) and then having to go immediately out for the couple to make their exit. Our only solution has been to send the 2nd shooter outside about 10 minutes prior to the exit to let the fog clear on that camera.

    I will be watching this thread.
    http://www.dvivianphoto.com

    Don't worry. I can fix you in photoshop.
  • Matthew SavilleMatthew Saville Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,352 Major grins
    edited August 7, 2010
    Really the only solution is to just leave your camera in a bag for 5-15 minutes before taking it out. If you're going to miss moments, then like Surfdog said- just step outside 5-15 minutes before you need to. Or ultimately, buy extra gear and send your 2nd outside with it a few minutes ahead, and then just stick him with the "incubation bag" while you grab his camera and shoot.

    Just thinking out loud...

    =Matt=
    “My first thought is always of light.” – Galen Rowell
    My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
  • bendruckerphotobendruckerphoto Registered Users Posts: 579 Major grins
    edited August 7, 2010
    A bag definitely helps. It'll allow the air temperature around the camera to rise more slowly, avoiding condensation. You'll still have to wait, but it takes less time for the camera to warm up than for condensation to disappear. A plastic bag is best, but a well-insulated camera bag will do.
    New Jersey Portrait and Event Photographer: Ben Drucker Photography // Find me on: Twitter // Facebook // LinkedIn

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  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited August 7, 2010
    a big zip-lock bag works great to have the camera/lenses 'warm up' thumb.gif I don't really think there is an 'instant' (not giving it time) solution, but I would love to be proven wrong.
    Ivar
    www.ivarborst.nl & smugmug
  • Alaskan RoverAlaskan Rover Registered Users Posts: 24 Big grins
    edited August 9, 2010
    Depending on the 'crime rate' in the area where the church is located...there is one "SURE-FIRE' solution, which I've used before with success:............There is usually a limo driver waiting out in front of the church. Explain the situation to the driver and you may be able to leave a second lens of proper size in a loose cloth bag with him to look after. It can be outside by his limo, adjusting to the temperature while the wedding party is inside doing their thing.

    You should have time to switch lenses while the party hits the vestibule; and before they make that 'picture-perfect' grand exit through the doors, you can be ready and waiting.

    Myself, I would be wary of plastic bags in high heat/humidity as they often tend to become a mini-greenhouses for moisture.

    Good Luck.
  • fcorin13fcorin13 Registered Users Posts: 130 Major grins
    edited August 11, 2010
    I like to send my assistant/second shooter outside with my second camera then just grab it when it's time to go outside! No missed shots & they can just give me back my original (favorite) camera as soon as the lens is clear. It works for me. :)
  • DanspageDanspage Registered Users Posts: 196 Major grins
    edited August 14, 2010
    I have gone to the butterfly museum and the same thing happens. My solution is a very hot bottle of water packed in the lens bag. Make sure that the cap is good.The lens and camera are in the bag and are hot for some time.

    If its just the front of the lens then a warm pack placed on the glass might work you might have to clean the glass. If your hands are warm use a thin clean plastic and place your hand on the lens it should help bring the temp of the glass up.

    or try this pop a few and pack around your camera and lens in a camera bag dont place the pacs right next to the lens or camera the things get hot. http://www.clickheat.eu/

    topPic.jpg
    the things get hot hot hot only once til you boil it to recharge.
    Daniel
    http://danspage.smugmug.com/
    Scratch Nikon I switched to
    Canon 5d mark II
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