Spelunking/Cave tour

[ShawnThomas]

Something I've never done, but always wanted to try... Well this December, the missus and I are taking a 6 hour tour of some mountain caves. I have already confirmed that flashes are permitted (which I find odd). Dust is a concern so I will not be changing lenses. I want to travel light as light as possible since there's a 30 minute hike, and some repelling.

My kit prep so far (off the top of my head):
Canon XSi w 17-55mm
Canon XTi w 70-200 f/4L (or maybe 80mm f/1.8 ?)
tripod & modded TC-80N3 remote
Everything stored in my Lowepro CompuTrecker bag.

Anything obvious I'm missing? I figured against bringing the flash, I can setup the tripod and take long exposures. We get headlamps and helmets, I hope to use those to paint with light.

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[balloonchasers]

I doubt dust will be an issue. At least not in any of the caves I have ever explored. Depending upon the time that you have in the cave, I would consider taking a flash and a wide angle lens.

One of the best pictures I ever got while caving (20+ years ago) was when I placed the camera on a tripod and used the bulb mode. I used the flash mutiple times over the entire area and between each flash, I pointed the flash (off camera so that it would hit a different areas. This allowed me to light up the entire scene.

Today with immediate review capability this would be a lot easier.

Remember to have fun!

John
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[Oilman]

There is no light in caves except what you bring with you. Zero, zilch, nada. This is particularly true of a "wild caves" tour where you are outfitted with headlamps. There may be a few stray photons floating around but a natural light exposure would probably take around five years. If you are doing a tour of a cave which is lit by electric lights they tend to be discrete spots. So a long exposure may show large dark areas with blown out lights. You will be much happier with your flash. The on camera flash won't cut it. You need the extra power of an external flash for the large caverns. I'd leave the tripod at home, particuarly if you are doing a wild caves tour. You won't need it and if you are squeezing through narrow passages, it will get in the way.

Dust is not a problem in most caves I have explored but mud and water are. If you are doing a wild-caves tour, you and whatever you are carrying will get very very muddy. Your camera case will also bounce or scrape against rocks multiple times. Make sure that whatever bag you use for your camera and flash protects against mud, water and shock damage.







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The first camera bag you buy is always too small

http://www.flickr.com/geofiz

 

[ShawnThomas]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I guess it doesn't hurt to bring a little extra kit.

If not the full tripod, I might bring a micro one, I like the flash lighting varous parts of the cave.

I'm a bit concerned about water & mud as well, but I plan on bringing a bunch of microfibre rags to wipe the gear off, and the Lowepro bag has a great rain cover that should help. Plus the missus can be helper-monkey.

I'm looking forward to the experience.
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[Oilman]

Caving is a truly unique experience, particularly if you do a wild caves tour, which it sounds like what you are doing. You get in a muddy passage and crawl for a few hundred yards. It's claustrophobic and a little scary.Then you emerge into this huge cavern that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Except for your lights, it is absolutely pitch black. Except for the sounds you make, it is absolutely quiet. You should have a great time.

Be prepared to wear your Lowepro backwards (on your stomach) when you crawl. It is a great way to protect your equipment. The rain cover is a great idea. Bring a small emergency flashlight. Have your wife bring one as well.

Be sure to post your pictures on this forum when you return. Balloonchasers "bulb exposure" idea sounds really cool.

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The first camera bag you buy is always too small

http://www.flickr.com/geofiz

 

[Playsinthedirt]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I guess it doesn't hurt to bring a little extra kit.

If not the full tripod, I might bring a micro one, I like the flash lighting varous parts of the cave.

I'm a bit concerned about water & mud as well, but I plan on bringing a bunch of microfibre rags to wipe the gear off, and the Lowepro bag has a great rain cover that should help. Plus the missus can be helper-monkey.

You may want to re-contact whomever you setup the tour with and ask about conditions in the caves as well as lighting conditions. This will enable you to plan on what gear you'll need to take. Just a thought...

Greg

 

[CityLights]

The few caves I have been in were very wet.

If you think it is going to be that wet, I would recommend a dry bag:
http://www.rei.com/product/730882

Also good for hiking up the occasional frozen river slot canyon...



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CityLights
http://www.pbase.com/citylights
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[guinness2]

I would additionally suggest hood lens to be safe of drops.
I really missed small lamp to see buttons last time.
I see you have tripod, remote and hlasf.

 

[BossBob]

Dust probably depends on the weather prior to and during the visit. I'd not take an slr/dslr in down into a cave unless it was in a waterproof casing such as you might use in water. When I've been caving in the UK, EVERYTHING runs the risk of being coated with dust or mud or both and it can be a really pain to get cleaned up.

My recommendation would be a rugged compact (D10) carried in a couple of layers of poly bags and taken out when used.

You also need to remember that if its serious caving you'll need to keep your hands free and you won't want the bulk of camera, seperate flash or even a small tripod as you crawl through a squeeze.

Of course, if it's just a private visit to some public "showcaves" with footpaths and lighting all of the above doesn't count. Whichever. Have fun!!

 

[BossBob]

I just wondered how the OP got on and if he had any photos to share?

 

[guinness2]

No, but they are still searching him

I just wondered how the OP got on and if he had any photos to share?