How to acclimate camera/lens to Super Strong Humidity?

[Tailgunner]

I have shot in places with humidity like Florida and had good luck leaving my gear out on the balcony 15-20 minutes prior to shooting. Well, I'm deep in the Texas Hill Country and the Humidity is Super strong!! I've had my gear outside for an hour and it's still drenched and fogged up! Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

Setup: D7100 w/ Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 VRII.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

You have to make your camera temperature higher than the environment. Put the camera in a hot area for a bit.

 

[Tailgunner]

You have to make your camera temperature higher than the environment. Put the camera in a hot area for a bit.

Yes sir, I'm in a resort room which is cooled and the gear is setting outside but it's overcast? So not sure how to warm it up? Should I buy a heat pad? Or wrap it in a towel/blanket?

 

[Robin_Usagani]

If there is no other option, blasts it with a hair dryer.

 

[KmH]

Yep. Get the temperature of your gear the same or slightly higher than the humid environment you're going into.
Another trick is to put your gear in sealed plastic bags before you venture into the humid environment so the gear can warm up but be protected from the moisture in the air.

In summer, the problem is going from a cool interior to a warmer, humid, exterior.
In winter, the problem is going from a cool exterior, to a warmer and often more humid, interior.

 

[tirediron]

Just leave it outside. I've shot all over the Middle East (140+ temps and 100% humidity) and I never bothered with bags, or hair-dryers. Best thing to do is put your gear out the at night when temp. and humidity are lowest, and leave it out there. It can take a couple of hours, in extreme conditions for things to acclimate.

 

[Tailgunner]

Thanks Guys

I'll try this out tomorrow morning.

My 17-50mm 2.8 cleared up quick but my 70-200mm 2.8 took forever!

 

[Tailgunner]

Just leave it outside. I've shot all over the Middle East (140+ temps and 100% humidity) and I never bothered with bags, or hair-dryers. Best thing to do is put your gear out the at night when temp. and humidity are lowest, and leave it out there. It can take a couple of hours, in extreme conditions for things to acclimate.

That's what I usually do but my problem is our patio is ground level and unsecured. Its a nice resort but I don't want temp anyone.

 

[tirediron]

Just leave it outside. I've shot all over the Middle East (140+ temps and 100% humidity) and I never bothered with bags, or hair-dryers. Best thing to do is put your gear out the at night when temp. and humidity are lowest, and leave it out there. It can take a couple of hours, in extreme conditions for things to acclimate.

That's what I usually do but my problem is our patio is ground level and unsecured. Its a nice resort but I don't want temp anyone.

Pelikan case chained to the patio railing.

 

[Antithesis]

Pelikan case chained to the patio railing.

Pelican cases work great for securing gear and other valuables. I used one in SE Asia with a cable lock and would just lock it to something very secure.

Porta Brace also makes heated camera bags, but I am not sure if it would work in this situation and they aren't cheap.

 

[Tailgunner]

This has been a learning curve for sure. I'm glad I'm dealing with it now though instead of my up coming winter trips. Hopefully I'll have something figured out by then.

Thanks for all the advice people.