Reading mode: Light Dark

Gettin' dirty with my D90

Go to last post
Dean Rachwitz

Dean Rachwitz

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
345
Reaction score
1
Location
Phoenix, AZ, US
Saturday I went out to a local motocross track for a bit for a first try at taking pics of the action there.

I was only there a short while and managed to time it when I was in shade for most of the time. Made for less than ideal conditions, but I still got a few decent pics, I think.

One issue I wanted to post here was that I am concerned with how dusty my camera and lens became while I was out there. I am worried that over time, the very fine dust would make it's way into the body and lens with serious consequences. Am I worrying too much? Is there anything I can do to minimize the potential problems? Should I really be considering a D300 and pro-lenses for their seals if I am gong to do this often (not that i can really afford that)?

I welcome any feedback or suggestions on my first effort at this. Here's a few pics - check out my Flickr page for more: http://flickr.com/photos/deanrachwitz/sets/72157612911075511/











--



..................................... http://www.flickr.com/DeanRachwitz/ ......................................
 
A really nice job, I assume the 70-300VR?

You continue to get great images with your current set-up, nicely done.

Joe
--
'f8 and be there'
WSSA Member #143 (Sr. V.P., Special Projects)



Nikon D40/D90
 
Dean these are great as well as the others on the flicker site. My eyes are green with envy you have the chance to shoot something like that. This is in the USA i assume?

Regarding the dust....it is bound to find its way into the camera and maybe lens eventually but i would not let it stop me. Sensor dust is easy to deal with and a service will get the camera as new again i would think.
--
Tony

 
.....Terrific job ..If it works don't fix it..My D50 has been drug all around Asia
and never cleaned once in 3 1/2years..........
--
Jon in Thailand

http://www.flickr.com/photos/af2899/
.
 
tc333 said:
Dean these are great as well as the others on the flicker site. My
eyes are green with envy you have the chance to shoot something like
that. This is in the USA i assume?
Regarding the dust....it is bound to find its way into the camera and
maybe lens eventually but i would not let it stop me. Sensor dust is
easy to deal with and a service will get the camera as new again i
would think.
Click to expand...
Tony - Thank you! Yes, I am in Arizona. Motocross riding is a very popular sport here and there are probably a half dozen tracks like this in my area that I can walk on and take pictures at any time. Makes for great fun, but I am still worried about the dust. The D90 and 70-300VR were a significant purchase for me and I can't afford to have to replace them anytime soon.

--



..................................... http://www.flickr.com/DeanRachwitz/ ......................................
 
Dean, great work here.

When you say you can't afford to replace your gear anytime soon, I guess the implication is also that you can't pay to repair/clean them regularly either. I think buying a medium-priced cover should be in your near future...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500377-REG/Aqua_Tech_SS_SPORT_SS_SPORT_Rain_Cover_Navy_.html
And its eyepiece:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500386-REG/Aqua_Tech_NEP_80_NEP_80_Eyepiece.html

That's the best $120 you could spend to keep taking those awesome shots. Maybe print up some business cards too, so the guys you're shooting can get in touch to buy some 8x10s.

--



http://www.benseese.com
 
Dean- great shots! Very crisp and vibrant. Tack-sharp.

You sure captured the essence of the event.

-Rob

--
Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them.

-Psalm 111:2
 
I will be visiting wifes side of the familly in USA in April and we will be in Arizona....Bull Head City for a few days.....if time permits i may see what i can find in the area!
Dean Rachwitz said:
tc333 said:
Dean these are great as well as the others on the flicker site. My
eyes are green with envy you have the chance to shoot something like
that. This is in the USA i assume?
Regarding the dust....it is bound to find its way into the camera and
maybe lens eventually but i would not let it stop me. Sensor dust is
easy to deal with and a service will get the camera as new again i
would think.
Click to expand...
Tony - Thank you! Yes, I am in Arizona. Motocross riding is a very
popular sport here and there are probably a half dozen tracks like
this in my area that I can walk on and take pictures at any time.
Makes for great fun, but I am still worried about the dust. The D90
and 70-300VR were a significant purchase for me and I can't afford to
have to replace them anytime soon.

--



.....................................
http://www.flickr.com/DeanRachwitz/
......................................
Click to expand...
--
Tony

 
Dean:

I've done some motocross photos, I'd say yes a D300 would be better, I use a D200, but more than that use a second body so you minimize changing your lenses. I have a 180 2.8 on D200 and 17 50 2.8 on my 70s, dirt is more likely to get in when you change a lens.
By the way very good shots, keep up the good work.

P.S. I've thought when I get back to work I may try to pick up a good D2Hs for its 8 fps, 300 too much for me, or replace my 70s with new D90.

Rubicon:
 
Dean Rachwitz said:
Tony - Thank you! Yes, I am in Arizona. Motocross riding is a very
popular sport here and there are probably a half dozen tracks like
this in my area that I can walk on and take pictures at any time.
Makes for great fun, but I am still worried about the dust. The D90
and 70-300VR were a significant purchase for me and I can't afford to
have to replace them anytime soon.

--
Click to expand...
Dean Rachwitz said:
......................................
Click to expand...
I was at a workshop in Mesa a little over a year ago and there was a guy there that shot dirt track racing of all sorts profesionally in your area. He shot with a Nikon 28-70 f2.8. I was asking him about the dirt and he said he just waited until the lens would freeze up with dust and dirt and then send it to Nikon and they would clean it under warrantee and return it to him free of charge.

I personally wouldn't ude his mothods nor am I'm sure Nikon would be as generious to non-pros with consumer lenses but if you do run into problems you chould send it into Nikon for cleaning.
--
Snapshott
 
Ben Seese said:
Dean, great work here.

When you say you can't afford to replace your gear anytime soon, I
guess the implication is also that you can't pay to repair/clean them
regularly either. I think buying a medium-priced cover should be in
your near future...
Click to expand...
Ben,

Thanks for the excellent suggestion. I will look into that product and see if it will work for me. I can afford that sort of investment to protect the camera and lens.

--



..................................... http://www.flickr.com/DeanRachwitz/ ......................................
 
Excellent shots Dean !! I trust your injury is letting you back out onto the track?

As to the dust....one of the other posters makes a great point, cover the camera. This can be done several ways. I first think of a small towell draped over the camera but if you are hand holding that's a problem but maybe just treat the dust like water and buy a rain cover or something and then cinch it up so you don't have your hands in plastic.

We will do Starbucks again,
gk

--
'I'm not as smart today as I will be tomorrow.'
WSSA #261; Here's to 'Bo'

 
I have a friend that is a pro and after destroying a few pro lenses has gone to using low end SLRs and lenses to cover these events so he can throw them away.

Get your self some caned air and blow off your gear after each use. The rain covers are an interesting idea though they can be uncomfortable to use.

Morris

--



http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/~morris/POD
 
--

The 80-200afd ($900.00) f/2.8 works really well outdoors in the environment, have the price of the 70-200vr($1600.00) if you are looking to minimize the damage from hard conditions. My Daughter practicing on her 250f



 
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