How do you Protect Camera in the Rain

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

01/06/2011 06:17:56 PM · #1

I love taking photos in the rain but I don't want to damage expensive equipment. My current idea is to modify an underwater bag I found on eBay (//cgi.ebay.com.au/Bingo-DSLR-SLR-Underwater-Housing-Waterproof-Case-Bag-/110629608047) and use that but it is a bit fiddly to use the controls. Is there a better way? (not involving carrying a shelter with me!)

rexermoto

Nikon D700

01/06/2011 06:23:27 PM · #2

I use a Kata E-702 it works great. I shoot High School sports and has worked great in blizzards and downpoors. I think I paid around $45 from a local shop. //www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=photo&p_Id=229

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

01/06/2011 06:24:04 PM · #3

I can't find a picture of it, but I just have a cheap, $9.00 rain cover that's clear plastic, kind of in the shape of a sock, open at one end so that you can put your hand up in and draw string to cinch around the lens.

KarenNfld

01/06/2011 06:24:08 PM · #4

I have these......they're pretty good, lots of room to put your hand in and use controls. Only thing I've found is that if you're using them with a non fixed focal length lens the bag sometimes gets caught when you zoom in and out. No big deal though.

Rain Sleeve, pack of 2 at B&H for $4.00

Edit.....looks like what Wendy is talking about too.

Message edited by author 2011-01-06 18:25:53.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

01/06/2011 06:26:15 PM · #5

Originally posted by KarenNfld:

yup! that's it!

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/06/2011 06:26:37 PM · #6

I have a plastic bag specially made for a DSLR that is small enough to keep in my camera bag. 2 of them for about $7 locally. It's really for emergency use and if I routinely liked to shoot in the rain, I think I would find something more durable. My camera bag (A Lowepro slingshot) has a pull out ran cover.

Added: The link that Karen posted is the same thing I use.

Message edited by author 2011-01-06 18:27:15.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

01/06/2011 06:28:15 PM · #7

actually -- I find an umbrella useful. You have to shoot one handed, but it's easier than rain coverings, and then you don't have to worry about drops on the glass during your shot.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/06/2011 06:47:27 PM · #8

Thanks! I will try the cheap stuff. I like the simplicity of an umbrella but one handed in windy condition could be tricky :)

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

01/06/2011 06:52:34 PM · #9

I've always used a gallon zip-lock bag with a hole cut in the bottom to squeeze the lens out of. Tape it to the end of the lens (works better if your lenses don't rotate with focus). Open end of the bag goes to the back and allows for access. Works like a charm for me.

Dr.Confuser

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/06/2011 06:54:17 PM · #10

Originally posted by vawendy:

actually -- I find an umbrella useful. You have to shoot one handed, but it's easier than rain coverings, and then you don't have to worry about drops on the glass during your shot.

At least in Seattle, the lens hood is intended to protect the front of the lens itself from rain ... the glass. Other places, it might have other uses but I can't really imagine what they might be.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/06/2011 07:37:12 PM · #11

Kata

Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR

01/06/2011 07:54:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Kata

Thanks (also rexermoto recommendation). Looks like a quality product. Can you use it without tripod?

Prism

Pentax K-30

01/06/2011 08:17:01 PM · #13

Originally posted by marnet:

Originally posted by zeuszen:
Kata

Thanks (also rexermoto recommendation). Looks like a quality product. Can you use it without tripod?

I have used mine without the tripod and strung the neck strap through the hand openings. It works OK. The one problem I have found with this is that if you keep your warm hands on the camera and it is a cold rain, the plastic tends to fog up after a while.

RamblinR

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

01/07/2011 11:14:52 PM · #14

I'm thinking of getting one of these for a try.
Looks like it would work and very cheap.

ebay camera rain cover

Hmmmm

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/07/2011 11:56:23 PM · #15

Originally posted by RamblinR:

Hmmmm

Hmmmm Sturdiness is not a word to describe it :)

After looking through all recommended solutions from a kitchen bag (by far the cheapest) to Kata (definitely the best for pros) I finished going back to my underwater bag I already have //cgi.ebay.com.au/Bingo-DSLR-SLR-Underwater-Housing-Waterproof-Case-Bag-/110629608047 and came up with an idea to use upside down. This way I can hold camera with left hand over the bag while using the controls inside the bag with my right hand, and put the camera strap on my neck in case I slipped or something. See:

The only snag is that the Canon 70-200mm lens partially sticks out from the opening but I read that it is supposed to be weather proof. Is this true? Will it be OK in light rain or snow?

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/08/2011 01:20:20 AM · #16

+1 for the Kata. I use it a LOT without a tripod.
As for the fog... I now use anti-fog spray (used for ski goggles and hockey face-shields). Works like a charm :O)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/08/2011 01:44:40 AM · #17

Originally posted by roba:

+1 for the Kata. I use it a LOT without a tripod.

What do you do with the camera strap?

see

Canon PowerShot S95

01/08/2011 01:51:45 AM · #18

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zencow

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

01/08/2011 01:53:42 AM · #19

I also bought a Kata element sleeve. I got the E-690, which is a little smaller than the 702, but is big enough for my Canon Rebel T2i. I might want an extension for it if I use the zoom lens a lot in weather, but that hasn't come up yet.

I admit the Kata is not cheap, but I felt good about the protection it offered when I finally got to use it for the first time just a couple months back. I have wondered if a cheapie might have been good enough, though, as the Kata is a little bulky to manage (time to take a shot.. ok, put hand through the sleeve and find the grip). I really have no legit complaints, though.

ETA: I used mine with the R-Strap hanging over my torso. I fed the zipper pulls into the R-Strap hook to help keep everything closed at the bottom (the R-Strap connects to the bottom mounting lug of the camera).

Message edited by author 2011-01-08 01:56:46.

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/08/2011 02:06:49 AM · #20

Originally posted by marnet:

Originally posted by roba:
+1 for the Kata. I use it a LOT without a tripod.

What do you do with the camera strap?

I never close the bottom zipper on the Kata (rain rarely does UPward) so it just hangs straight down.
Either that, or i simply unhook it - I use a quick-release strap, so it's fast & easy.

Message edited by author 2011-01-08 02:07:41.

sulamk

Canon EOS-60D

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

01/08/2011 03:21:57 AM · #21

When I am shooting, either a shower cap or zip lock bag!