Reading mode: Light Dark

Going to India and Nepal, dust protection needed?

Go to last post
T

Timberland

Senior Member
Messages
3,221
Reaction score
49
Location
NL
In November and December we are going to India (North) and Nepal. The lenses that I'm taking with me are the Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and Canon 70-200 F4IS.

Can somebody tell me if I have to take extra precautions? We will also go to the (dusty) Pushkar Fair.

I never use (or own) UV filters, and have never cleaned my sensor of my 40D (nor my now sold 350D and 400D). I've been to quite some other countries (and never had problems before), but I still would like to know what the experiences are from people who have been to India.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
I travel regularly to India.

Last trip I had my 5D, 20D, 24-70L, 70-200L, 16-35L, 35L, 85L, 135L, 90TS

0 problems reported.

I am in line for the 5DmkII with it's dust shaker thingy but I still wouldn't go anywhere without a good sensor cleaning system. I have visible dust but I'm sure there are plenty of other good choices out there. I will strongly recommend their multi LED sensor loupe, makes cleaning go SO MUCH faster.

I highly recommend a tripod and a ND grad setup.
Timberland said:
In November and December we are going to India (North) and Nepal. The
lenses that I'm taking with me are the Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and
Canon 70-200 F4IS.

Can somebody tell me if I have to take extra precautions? We will
also go to the (dusty) Pushkar Fair.

I never use (or own) UV filters, and have never cleaned my sensor of
my 40D (nor my now sold 350D and 400D). I've been to quite some other
countries (and never had problems before), but I still would like to
know what the experiences are from people who have been to India.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
Click to expand...
--
http://www.largelifephotography.com

5D sample gallery: http://mrs-h.smugmug.com/gallery/2539780#137075551
 
I would say no

I traveled with a 20D and several lenses and never got trouble

pick up a sensor cleaning tool just in case, it's always good to have one

But you need to be aware that :
  • there are a lot of thieves 'working' there and you will need to be carefull all the time, don't show your gear, using some black tape to show it's old miight help (I did not)
  • you'll be asked for money/buy things/etc all the time, so read on the internet all the marvelous stories they have (fake jewel stones, your hotel is closed, etc) so you can be prepared. Also plan some time to rest in a few cities because the country is exausting.
The best way might be to hire a jeep and driver, you will save incredible time on transportations (few trains and buses go around 50km/h and cities are hundred of km away), if you travel with friends it can come cheap. Moreover the driver will take you to some good places and you can do much more is less time without getting tired.

It's a beautiful place with a lot of incredible people, lot to see and meet. There is some magic and lot to do there.

Common pictures are temples (10-22 is really needed) and portraits (I'm not sur you'll use the 70-200 a lot because you already have some reach with 105mm, people are not shy, but take it if you like it)

You can take a look at my india pictures on my website :
http://www.alaindavreux.com/index.php?page=toc_india

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip

Alain

--
http://www.alaindavreux.com/
 
I second the recommendation for indiamike dot com. I'm an Indian presently living in India and I too find that site incredibly useful in planning my travels.

On the whole, my highly subjective opinion is that traveling in india is about as safe as traveling in the US or Europe. More likely to encounter thieves but less likely to be the victim of a mugging.

I have a very simple tip that works for me while traveling any where in the world - always refuse offers from anybody who approaches you for anything. Go seek out verdors / taxis / travel agents / etc yourself. For example, when you get out of the airport, you will be accosted by many taxi drivers - ignore them and go straight to the taxi counter. Most airports and railway stations in india have prepaid taxi counters - it's a safer and more accountable way of traveling in a new city. The odds of not being duped are much better this way.

I'd advise against changing lenses outdoor in Pushkar, but that shouldn't be a problem at other places that are not as dusty. I use UV filters on one of my lenses and don't use it on the other .. it doesn't seem to make a difference in either image quality or dust protection. Just gives me more peace of mind that my apparently dust-prone 17-55 lens has an additional layer of protection. :-)

Indians are quite open to being photographed or even having their kids photographed. Kids in rural areas love it when you show them their photographs on the LCD screen afterward :-). Just be polite, use your common sense and it should be fine.

Have a great trip!
 
I have shot with the 5D + Canon L lenses in virtually every environment in India, from the dusty deserts of Rajasthan to the humid tropical conditions of Kerala to the crowded warrens of Varanasi. Apropos of dust, I would highly recommend you go equipped with the basic kit. I always carry Visible Dust's Arctic Butterfly on shorter (4-5 days) trips and add in the Copperhill kit for longer forays. Almost always the Arctic Butterfly is all that has been needed.

I also recommend a sturdy (read well-padded) field bag. India is a crowded place and you will have to walk through human traffic with bumps amid the hustle and bustle.
 
I shot primarily with a 30D, 10-22 EF-S, 17-55 IS EF-S, and 70-300 IS and had no problems in Nepal, even at altitude.
 
Hi Tim,

I remember you posting in my thread about my trip to Rajasthan last year :
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=26283578

So now it's your turn to discover India !

I didn't have any problem with dust, but I had 2 bodies, one with a 12-24mm and the other with either a 50mm or a 85mm. So I could avoid lens changing as much as possible. But with your set of lenses, particularly the 24-105, I guess you can do well with only one body, and won't need to change lenses too often.

Have a good trip, and show us some nice pics when you come back !
Erick
 
hey there!

Im going to be on the sub-continent similar times, this time round im taking my 5D w 35mm 1.4 and my 20D w 50mm 1.4

selling my 24-105mm as i just cant use zooms anymore and going back to fixed lens's. I am solving the potential dust problem by not having to change lenses. .

I will also support India mike awesome place and some really helpful people can be found there. .

In terms of with you gear im sure you are already reasonably street smart so just let you radar kick in when your out n about and gut instinct at least for me is usually correct! Except when ive got the runs :-P

Enjoy it, im sure you will!!!!
 
I am a local from Kathmandu - and I too own the Sigma 10-20mm and the Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS. I would suggest filter protection for your lenses. Kathmandu is a dusty place. Regarding safety, We are all good people here in Nepal :-)
  • Sameer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvdbum
Timberland said:
In November and December we are going to India (North) and Nepal. The
lenses that I'm taking with me are the Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and
Canon 70-200 F4IS.

Can somebody tell me if I have to take extra precautions? We will
also go to the (dusty) Pushkar Fair.

I never use (or own) UV filters, and have never cleaned my sensor of
my 40D (nor my now sold 350D and 400D). I've been to quite some other
countries (and never had problems before), but I still would like to
know what the experiences are from people who have been to India.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
Click to expand...
 
Why you done with zooms
(and how much you selling that 24-105 for?!? :) )
 
That's a very nice set of lenses. Drool.

Thanks for replying.
shaktipalooza said:
Last trip I had my 5D, 20D, 24-70L, 70-200L, 16-35L, 35L, 85L, 135L,
90TS

0 problems reported.

I am in line for the 5DmkII with it's dust shaker thingy but I still
wouldn't go anywhere without a good sensor cleaning system. I have
visible dust but I'm sure there are plenty of other good choices out
there. I will strongly recommend their multi LED sensor loupe, makes
cleaning go SO MUCH faster.

I highly recommend a tripod and a ND grad setup.
Timberland said:
In November and December we are going to India (North) and Nepal. The
lenses that I'm taking with me are the Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and
Canon 70-200 F4IS.

Can somebody tell me if I have to take extra precautions? We will
also go to the (dusty) Pushkar Fair.

I never use (or own) UV filters, and have never cleaned my sensor of
my 40D (nor my now sold 350D and 400D). I've been to quite some other
countries (and never had problems before), but I still would like to
know what the experiences are from people who have been to India.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
Click to expand...
--
http://www.largelifephotography.com

5D sample gallery: http://mrs-h.smugmug.com/gallery/2539780#137075551
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Wonderful photos Alain!
Alainphoto said:
I would say no

I traveled with a 20D and several lenses and never got trouble

pick up a sensor cleaning tool just in case, it's always good to have
one

But you need to be aware that :
  • there are a lot of thieves 'working' there and you will need to be
carefull all the time, don't show your gear, using some black tape to
show it's old miight help (I did not)
  • you'll be asked for money/buy things/etc all the time, so read on
the internet all the marvelous stories they have (fake jewel stones,
your hotel is closed, etc) so you can be prepared. Also plan some
time to rest in a few cities because the country is exausting.

The best way might be to hire a jeep and driver, you will save
incredible time on transportations (few trains and buses go around
50km/h and cities are hundred of km away), if you travel with friends
it can come cheap. Moreover the driver will take you to some good
places and you can do much more is less time without getting tired.

It's a beautiful place with a lot of incredible people, lot to see
and meet. There is some magic and lot to do there.

Common pictures are temples (10-22 is really needed) and portraits
(I'm not sur you'll use the 70-200 a lot because you already have
some reach with 105mm, people are not shy, but take it if you like it)

You can take a look at my india pictures on my website :
http://www.alaindavreux.com/index.php?page=toc_india

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip

Alain

--
http://www.alaindavreux.com/
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Thanks!

I'm not at all concerned about gear safety in terms of theft. That was not the intention of my question (in was more in terms of dust, filter, bag).

I've traveled trough many European countries, Thailand, Laos, Egypt, Jordan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand and never had any problems.

I've just ordered a UV filter (my first one) for the Pushkar area (and other sandy / dusty environments) to protect my lenses.

Thanks again.
derTeufel said:
I second the recommendation for indiamike dot com. I'm an Indian
presently living in India and I too find that site incredibly useful
in planning my travels.

On the whole, my highly subjective opinion is that traveling in
india is about as safe as traveling in the US or Europe. More likely
to encounter thieves but less likely to be the victim of a mugging.

I have a very simple tip that works for me while traveling any where
in the world - always refuse offers from anybody who approaches you
for anything. Go seek out verdors / taxis / travel agents / etc
yourself. For example, when you get out of the airport, you will be
accosted by many taxi drivers - ignore them and go straight to the
taxi counter. Most airports and railway stations in india have
prepaid taxi counters - it's a safer and more accountable way of
traveling in a new city. The odds of not being duped are much better
this way.

I'd advise against changing lenses outdoor in Pushkar, but that
shouldn't be a problem at other places that are not as dusty. I use
UV filters on one of my lenses and don't use it on the other .. it
doesn't seem to make a difference in either image quality or dust
protection. Just gives me more peace of mind that my apparently
dust-prone 17-55 lens has an additional layer of protection. :-)

Indians are quite open to being photographed or even having their
kids photographed. Kids in rural areas love it when you show them
their photographs on the LCD screen afterward :-). Just be polite,
use your common sense and it should be fine.

Have a great trip!
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Hi Erick,

Yes, I really enjoyed looking at your beautiful shots.
I'm very happy that's now my turn to visit these 2 wonderful countries. :)

At what time were you at the Taj, looks like very early (how early, was it already open).

I will post photos when I'm back.

Tim
ErickN said:
Hi Tim,

I remember you posting in my thread about my trip to Rajasthan last
year :
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=26283578

So now it's your turn to discover India !

I didn't have any problem with dust, but I had 2 bodies, one with a
12-24mm and the other with either a 50mm or a 85mm. So I could avoid
lens changing as much as possible. But with your set of lenses,
particularly the 24-105, I guess you can do well with only one body,
and won't need to change lenses too often.

Have a good trip, and show us some nice pics when you come back !
Erick
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
What's the problem with your 24-105 that you can't use it anymore?
That's a nice set of gear you're using. ;)

Thanks.
conora said:
hey there!

Im going to be on the sub-continent similar times, this time round im
taking my 5D w 35mm 1.4 and my 20D w 50mm 1.4

selling my 24-105mm as i just cant use zooms anymore and going back
to fixed lens's. I am solving the potential dust problem by not
having to change lenses. .

I will also support India mike awesome place and some really helpful
people can be found there. .
In terms of with you gear im sure you are already reasonably street
smart so just let you radar kick in when your out n about and gut
instinct at least for me is usually correct! Except when ive got the
runs :-P

Enjoy it, im sure you will!!!!
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Thanks Sameer. I just ordered a UV filter for my lenses.
Nice lenses. ;)

Beautiful shots on your website!

Tim
sameer said:
  • Sameer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvdbum
Timberland said:
In November and December we are going to India (North) and Nepal. The
lenses that I'm taking with me are the Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and
Canon 70-200 F4IS.

Can somebody tell me if I have to take extra precautions? We will
also go to the (dusty) Pushkar Fair.

I never use (or own) UV filters, and have never cleaned my sensor of
my 40D (nor my now sold 350D and 400D). I've been to quite some other
countries (and never had problems before), but I still would like to
know what the experiences are from people who have been to India.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Timberland said:
At what time were you at the Taj, looks like very early (how early,
was it already open).
Click to expand...
I arrived at the Taj around 7am (my guest house was 100m from the eastern entrance). But I had to wait a while before being able to shoot anything useable, due to the thick fog/haze/pollution at that time. When I was there (oct-nov '07), the Taj was open from 6am to 7pm and was closed on Fridays. But you'd better check again in case it has changed.

Oh, and I don't know how you travel, but if you're not on an organized tour, you should try to book a room at least a few days in advance, because hotels and guest houses in Agra tend to be full very quickly.

If you want to shoot the back side of the Taj (on the other side of the Yamuna river), there is a boat keeper who will make you cross the river for a few rupees, but only during the day. I went there just before dusk, and I had to take an auto-rickshaw. The nearest bridge over the river is quite far away and is jammed in traffic, so you have to plan for at least half an hour to go there.

Enjoy,
Erick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top