Camera Rain Capes - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/19/2006 12:02:25 PM · #1

Fall is here in the NW and with my duties as varsity soccer DVD maker-guy, I need rain and snow protection for my gear. I have decided on the Kata E-702 GDC Elements Cover for the dSLR and Kata assures me it will work with my 70-200 without the E-704 extension.

However, Kata says their RC-18 Compact Rain Cover will NOT work with my Canon Optura 20. Looks like my only other choice is the Ewa-Marine VC-MC.

Does anybody have any personal experience with these covers, and other rain cape, or field proof that the RC-18 might be workable? It seems like a better system than the Ewa-Marine. (It is also cheaper, but more importantly I love Kata products).

Thanks.

cryan

Nikon D700

09/19/2006 12:13:47 PM · #2

Another brand you may want to look at is storm jacket covers. I've looked at both the storm covers and the kata covers, i think the kata covers look more accessable and more secure. I too need one for shooting ski races, my old N90s could take the snow and ice but I'm not going to chance the D200.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/19/2006 12:22:58 PM · #3

I just looked at the Storm Jacket models on B&H and it doesn't look like you can use them while shooting. Do you know if that is true?

cryan

Nikon D700

09/19/2006 12:30:43 PM · #4

I've seen them used on the sidelines of football games. Honestly though I think the Kata will be better. However storm jacket might have something for your video equipment.

dleach

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

09/19/2006 12:31:30 PM · #5

At a recent HS football game I had to use a large ziploc bag to protect my camera from the rain... seemed to work find ;)

ShaneBlake

Nikon D7100

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

09/19/2006 01:03:09 PM · #6

once, at a concert in the middle of nowhere il, my wife straped an umbrella to the tripod to protect her video camra. it was cheap, but worked (although she got soaked...)

me, i have the kata in my wishlist.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

09/19/2006 01:06:18 PM · #7

Kata has been great to work with and VERY responsive to questions. I have a question out there to them to see if there is a way to shove that camera in one of their covers even if it isn't optimal. They are not very quick to say "maybe" - only "yes" or "no" and I respect and appreciate that.

MattO

Nikon D4

09/19/2006 01:36:01 PM · #8

This is what I use for my 30D and it works nice especially for the price.

Fotosharp

MattO

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/19/2006 01:37:09 PM · #9

If you want something cheap, why not use a shower cap.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

09/19/2006 02:27:32 PM · #10

I love Ewa-Marine products. For years I ignored them cause all the dive magazines dwelled on their shortcomings. For diving I'd agree with most of them, but I use my soft housing more above water than below. Due to the nature of the design there are a few negatives. First is that since it is a housing and not a cape, mounting it on a tripod is impossible. Second you must use IF design lenses, so that the AF motor isn't trying to overcome housing pressure. Also zoom lenses that extend can be used, but are usually pushed in so that they are usable only at their shortest length (physical not necessary focal length).

It has probably been at least a decade or so ago, but Shutterbug had a article of a DIY housing/cover made from a plastic container, an aluminum L-bracket, silicone, a Kaesemann (sp?) UV or skylight filter and a Cokin adapter ring. I made one years ago with ok success. I’m sure you could find the Shutterbug plans in a library.

Message edited by author 2006-09-19 14:29:50.