How to combat dust?

[jsherp]

I've recently been doing a photo-study of grain elevators. Here in Central Illinois, every small town has at least one, and I find them interesting subjects. They're easy to find; they don't mind being photographed; and they stay in one place, which makes them ideally suited to my style of photography.

Elevators are used to store and dry the grain, and then transfer it to larger trucks and rail cars for shipment to market.

Here's what one looks like:


At this time of year, life around an elevator is quiet, but in a couple of weeks, farmers will start harvesting the grain and it will start coming in to the elevators. Life will become very hectic until the harvest is done.

Here's my problem: Visiting the elevators this summer, I have made some contacts and gotten permission to come back in the fall and take some "action" photos of their operations. This will be VERY dusty!

For example, here is a semi (yes, there's a truck in there) getting filled:

This shot was taken from about a 1/4 mile away, but I'm going to be in the midst of it when the fun starts.

I'm looking for suggestions on how best to protect my gear when I get in close. I'm thinking a zip-lock bag with a hole cut for the lens (and filter) to stick out slightly and a rubber band to keep it tight. I should be able to fiddle the knobs through the plastic bag and use the live view for composing.

Does anyone have a better idea? Thanks!

[Murtasma]

Amazon.com: Op/Tech 18" SLR Rainsleeve for Digital & Film Cameras with Lenses up to 7" Diameter, 18" Long: Electronics

[jsherp]

Thanks. I just looked at the link, and I think I'll order a set to see how they work. If nothing else, I can throw one in each gadget bag and have them in case it rains.

I like the hole for the eyepiece; I hadn't thought about that. Figured I'd just use the liveview through the bag.

[Jim Bryant]

Don't change lenses while the camera is on. Those sensors are electronically charged and sucks in all those dust bunnies. I don't know of any bag that will protect your camera from dust. If it's on the outside, use a shaving brush to brush away those particles.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

If it's on the outside, use a shaving brush to brush away those particles.

I tried that once, but the shaving cream made it hard for the autofocus to work

[jsherp]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I tried that once, but the shaving cream made it hard for the autofocus to work

That's why I always use a gel.

[jsherp]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Don't change lenses while the camera is on. Those sensors are electronically charged and sucks in all those dust bunnies. I don't know of any bag that will protect your camera from dust. If it's on the outside, use a shaving brush to brush away those particles.

I try to never change lenses, remove the battery, remove/insert a memory card, or connect a flash or remote shutter release when the camera is on. Don't want an errant electrical charge frying something. I say TRY, because I am getting old, and my memory is getting fragile, so sometimes I forget.