How can you protect your camera in different environments?

Wildlife and adventure photography

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I was asked this question by a listener (thank you) who is planning an exciting trip to see gorillas (and other animals). So what can you do to protect your camera in different environments?
To protect my lenses, I do a couple of things:

1. Buy a good quality UV filter to protect the glass at the end of the lens. While I've never scratched a lens, I would far rather replace a UV filter than have to look at an expensive repair or even scrap a good lens.
2. Use the lens hood. If you're moving around and the lens swings unexpectedly, the chances are that the lens hood will absorb the impact and protect the lens itself.

For the lens and body, I have invested in a splash cover from Aquatech. This has an elasticated opening at one end (that I put around the lens hood) and an opening at the other that allows access to the camera controls. A clear window at the back of the hood lets me see the camera screen.
This is great in wet environments and dusty environments and minimises the chances of water and dust getting into the camera or lens.
Other hacks:

• Keep the lens cap on until you need to use the camera.
• If it rains, wear a good rain jacket (I recommend gore-tex as it breathes) and push your camera inside.
• You can use a plastic bag to keep water off too.
• Buy a backpack with hip straps and a rain cover (usually in a compartment at the bottom of the backpack).
• Consider a camera mount you can clip to the shoulder strap of your backpack. Peak Design offer these clips.
• Dedicated underwater housings if you need one (you can get these for smartphones too).
• A small hand towel to wrap around the camera/lens for general protection.
• In cold conditions keep a spare battery in your clothing close to your body (to take advantage of body heat) - battery performance drops in the cold.
• Silica gel desiccant dehumidifiers for very wet environments.

I hope you find this useful.

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