Desert photography

Russinating

Russinating

Russinating

Soldato
Joined
27 Dec 2005
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Location
Bristol
I'm travelling alone to Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the end of this month and I'll be taking some of our work kit with me to make it a good photo op. Nothing mega impressive (wish we had a 5DIII now) but it'll be a 60D, 10-20 f3.5, 50mm f1.8 and potentially a 100mm f2.8 Macro. That or the 70-200mm f2.8, as I'll need to leave one behind for work. I'm put off taking the 70-200mm because it's heavier and more cumbersome to use without a tripod, although I will be seeing the F1 which would make it useful (if I'm even allowed to take it in).

Anyway, the only filter any of the lenses have got is a UV on the 10-20mm due to the domed lens. I'm thinking I'll need a few more to protect the lenses from sand and possibly some NDs for shooting in the desert at 35c.

I'm clueless when it comes to filters so can someone recommend and spec me some?
 
I'm confused, why do you need an ND because of the 35 degree temp?

A CPL would be my recommendation, and a couple of adaptor rings to fit it to the other lenses (get a 77mm CPL and step down, although the CPL will be cheap for the 50). The biggest problem you're going to have (and it's not going to be helped by any filters) is getting sand in the body and base of the lens when you change lenses, if it's windy.

Just make sure you have good bag (maybe a water resistant roll down top bag to stop the sand getting in) and be careful not to drop anything into the sand and you'll be fine. Other than that just a CPL or two and a blower to clean your sensor. An ND or two could be fun but not essential (I just take two exposures or edit the RAW and merge in Photoshop). Don't bother getting a few more UV filters as TBH the cost of a few decent ones will add up to the cost of just getting a new front element if, in the very unlikely chance, you get a scratch on it.

EDIT: And as for filters, Hoya HD Digital filters are pretty good, the CPL also allows a stop more light in than other CPLs so useful for shutter speeds (although not as essential for the desert). A lot of people swear by B&W CPLs but they are very expensive, you can get a 77mm Hoya for around £60. As for square (such as the NDs) Lee or Cokin filters, Lee being the better bet but more expensive. You'll also need a filter holder for the Square filters.
 
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Amp34 said:
I'm confused, why do you need an ND because of the 35 degree temp?
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Sorry, I wasn't saying I need them because of the heat, I was just trying to set the scene for a sun-baked desert :).

Thanks for your suggestions.

I've also thought a cheap and light tripod might be quite handy just for the odd long exposure shot. I'll probably do an overnight camp in the dessert so I can't pass up the opportunity to try and get some star trails but equally I don't want to be lugging my Manfrotto everywhere in a separate bag. Any have any ideas of a lightweight and very 'collapsible' tripod? Even if it needs supporting and only goes to waist height it'll be better than nothing.
 
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I see :p

Looking at CPLs at the moment. Our Sigma 10-20mm needs an 88mm filter and the 50mm a 52mm. To be honest I doubt I'd need or use one for the 100mm/70-200mm so it's just those two.

The 88mm naturally seems to be fairly expensive whilst the 52mm as you guessed is cheap so should be better to just buy two rather than one 88mm and a step down. Unless you think otherwise?

Just emailed Yas Marina as well:

Dear Russell,

On behalf of Yas Marina Circuit, I would like you to know that having you here at the circuit in Abu Dhabi is our pleasure.

Regarding your inquiry, kindly note that cameras are permitted as long as they are not professional cameras with high profile zooming options.
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So I'm guessing that's a no to the 70-200mm :p
 
Thanks. Thinking about hiring a 24-70mm f/2.8L as well for which I'd need a 77mm. Hmmm.

That lens is £100 inc VAT for the period I need it with Hireacamera, so tempting!
 
Suggestion... Sell the Sigma 10-20 and buy a Tokina 12-24... Better lens (arguably :p) but more importantly it has a 77mm thread size so you could share any filters with the 24-70 easily.

Buy the Tokina used and you won't lose any money doing it either.
 
How long are you in Dubai for? I spent 7 days in March and wasn't short on photogenic people and locations. Basically I grabbed the Lonely Planet guide (100% worth a purchase) and did as much as I could. Still haven't got round to processing my pics...

Go to Bur Dubai and Deira, the old town, each on one side of the river. Can both be done in one long day but I split them over 2 days for a more leisurely approach. Lovely middle eastern feel to the place and rich in history to capture.

Definitely do a desert safari; only cost under £25 (advertised everywhere) including dinner and the driver may not look like much, but trust me, you'll be in for an amazing ride. Those Toyota Land Cruisers are incredible. Last an afternoon and evening with amazing opportunities for sunset desert shots.

Go to the top of the Burj Kalifa (well, the viewing gallery 2/3 up) for amazing skyline and city views. Needs prebooking a couple of days ahead at least.

Have some sort of meal/drinks at the Burj Al Arab; only way to get in and get some photos inside and close up. I had afternoon tea for around £50pp which was a 7 course Asian Fusion evening meal. The food was worth the money alone. Needs prebooking a couple of days ahead at least.

Finally visit as many Souqs (shopping centres) as you can fit - they are all quite pastiche but good to wander around. Souq Al Bakar and Souq Madinat Jumeirah are the two best ones.

Dubai Mall and Mall Emirates are modern shopping centres with modern architecture and incredible interior spaces.

Dubai Marina was ok, not much to see there.

Lost Chambers on the Palm is ok as well.

Everyday I got a day pass for a few £ which allowed for unlimited tram travel. Weekly one also available. Taxis are cheap too for faster travel.
 
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Thank you Sam, really helpful. Funny that I posted a thread in GD asking for ideas of what to do and got nothing, but that's GD for you.

I'm only there for a week - 31st October to 7th November - and will be based in Abu Dhabi with my dad. Wednesday is a free day but I'll probably use that as a photo op for Abu Dhabi. Thursday we'll probably do a desert hot air balloon ride in the morning and then the overnight desert safari in the afternoon/evening through to Friday. Friday will be Dubai - posh brunch (as recommend by my dad), Burj Kalifa at sunset and then possibly dinner somewhere too. Saturday and Sunday will be the F1 so they're taken. But then I've got Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday free with no other excursions that interest me, so certainly a day or two more to go back to Dubai depending on cost. I may look into staying in Dubai one of those nights to save me from getting a taxi from Abu Dhabi there and back twice.

Will definitely give the old town a look. How are they with DSLRs on private property? Were you ok using one in malls/Burj Al Arab etc?

Oh and I have hired the 24-70mm f/2.8L :). £75 for the period and will give me a load more versatility over my other lenses.
 
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I think I was approached once in one of the modern shopping centre and told to stop, but once he went away, I carried on. Loads using P&S cameras anyway. Didn't use a tripod. In the Souqs, because they are mostly arts and crafts, they do have "no photo" signs; I presume to stop photos being used to make copies. I did take a few sneaky ones but where I did end up buying things, I did ask them if I could and they let me, especially where they were making the items there and then.

No issue in the Burj Al Arab, again loads of tourists taking photos. I just tried to be a bit discreet and out of the way though. Didn't use a tripod.

No issue inside the Burj Khalifa.

Inside museums I respected the no photo rule where displayed; it varies from place to place.
 
Yeah I doubt I'm going to be carrying a tripod around during the day. In fact the only real reason I'm taking one is for some star trails in the desert.

Thanks for all your advice, much appreciated.
 
Dear Russell,

Please note that if you can send us a link to a webpage for the camera model that you wish to bring, we will be able to verify whether it will be permitted onto the circuit.
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Canon 60D: http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_60D/
Canon 70-200mm Lens: http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Pro...s/Telephoto_Zoom/EF_70-200mm_f2.8L_IS_II_USM/
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Dear Russell,

I can confirm that the camera you sent a link to will be permitted on the circuit. Please ensure that you bring it in a camera bag.
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Suhweet. Now I have to convince my colleague to shoot on the 100mm whilst I'm away rather than the 70-200 :p
 
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