Camera protection in the rain?

Discussion

10 replies

Posted by Monika Wieland on July 19, 2008 at 11:11 PM

I just joined NPN today - what a great resource!

If you're a nature photographer in the PNW, you have to deal with rain. But how do you keep your camera dry?

I shoot a lot of marine mammal photography, so ocean spray can also be an issue for boat-based photos.

What do you use to keep your camera gear protected, or what can you recommend?

Monika Wieland
Friday Harbor, WA
http://orcawatcher.blogspot.com

Posted by Hans Sager on July 20, 2008 at 1:47 AM

Welcome aboard Monika. I know some photographers that use Rainsleeve I haven't used one myself yet, but some people swear by them.

Posted by Eric Hahl on July 20, 2008 at 1:29 PM

I've had my Canon 10D and 5D out in some pretty heavy rain and never had any issue either. I just towel everything off really well prior to putting it away. The rain sleeve looks like a great to keep that corrosive salt water off though. I might have to get one.

Oh, welcome to the forum!

Posted by David Anderson on July 20, 2008 at 2:33 PM

Hi Monika,

I picked up a couple of the Rainsleeves while I was in Glacier last summer and they worked great. I now keep a package (two sleeves per pack) in my backpack all the time. They’re light, compact, and offer great protection for both lens and camera.

Posted by James Walley on July 20, 2008 at 2:54 PM

I've heard many good things about the ShutterHat. I even purchased one myself, only to find one detail I'd forgotten -- that it clips on to your camera's hot-shoe, and the ones on my Sony and Minolta bodies are non-standard.

Posted by Douglas Dietiker on July 20, 2008 at 4:50 PM

I use a one dollar white shower cap. The elastic around the bottom keeps it on the camera and lens.

Posted by John Williams on July 21, 2008 at 7:46 PM

I use an umbrella at times.

Posted by Adrian Klein on July 21, 2008 at 9:22 PM

I have the Storm Jacket (http://stormjacket.com/) which has worked well. However, as someone already said about the towel method, that is what I prefer. I use the jacket more to lay over the camera sometimes when I am waiting for the right moment when there is pretty steady spray.

And welcome to NPN!

Posted by Monika Wieland on July 23, 2008 at 3:46 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, and thanks also for the welcome to NPN!

Monika Wieland
Friday Harbor, WA
http://orcawatcher.blogspot.com

Posted by Rick Lamb on July 24, 2008 at 10:52 AM

Hi Monika and welcome to the forum! Here is another option worth considering if you find yourself using larger lenses in foul weather:

Thinktank Photo

Posted by Curtis Knight on July 24, 2008 at 5:31 PM

I bought one of these at ProPhoto Supply last April. I really like it. The plastic is clear enough that i can see well enough through the viewfinder to compose a shot. It's a little spendy, but it's really heavy duty. it'll take a beating and last a long while.

http://www.adorama.com/KAE702.html?searchinfo=kata%20e702&item_no=1