I'm new to the site/forum, but not photography. I'm a bit new to this digital stuff, I spent more than a few years traipsing about shooting wildlife and landscapes but with film gear, so I hope this doesn't seem like a “no brainer” question.
Back when I was shooting a film, cameras were pretty tough instruments, capable of taking some pretty good abuse and hard weather. From what I’ve read so far, they seem to be a bit more durable than today's digital gear; especially when it comes to exposure to weather. (Rain/sea sprays, etc).
I just recently bought a canon 450D, and a few good field lenses, and am planning an excursion so I can get out and start shooting again, this excursion will be to the Canadian east coast, Nova Scotia to be specific.
It will be a camping type trip (tent not in a trailer or motor home) and the itinerary is looking like a lot of hiking, boat charters (whale and marine bird watching/photography), canoeing, sea kayaking and some cycling thrown in for good measure.
My concern is keeping my gear protecting while using it.
I have a rig that I use for underwater photography (A Canon P&S,UW housing and wet lenses) that can be used above water in those really harsh scenarios (downpours etc, but I'd also like to shoot the DSLR as it has more flexibility.
I've asked this question other photography forums, but as this form is specific to field photography I am hoping that there are more shooters here that would understand the situation I am facing and may be able to help out with practical advice.
I'm getting a bit tired of the "this might work" speculation from those other sites, so I figured you folks here, who shoot outdoors more, might be able to provide some advice based on "hands on" experience.
The question is a simple one.
What do you use, be specific please, to protect your camrea gear when shooting outdoors in less than idea weather conditions?
My concerns are three fold:
Incidental sea spray and mist
Light and Hard rain
Accidental submersion/water in the bottom of zodiacs/kayaks/canoes
I've seen the plastic bags from Ewa-marine, etc, but have been told they are more of a gimmick and in some cases can cause vignetting and , or distortion in your images. Is this true or are they as good as they advertise?
A "camera raincoat" Like the Kata-704 has been suggested for the light mist and spray issue. Has anyone used these and are they as good as advertised?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Rick.
Posted by Randall Quon on March 11, 2009 at 3:39 PM
For light rain I don't use anything (Canon 20D & 5D). For heavy rain I'll use a plastic bag with holes if I'm still shooting. I can't speak to any of your other conditions.
For light rain i use nothing, and even though i use a 1series camera, for heavy rain i'll get out my raincover
i use one made by aquatech, they are a bit more expensive than your typical camera raincoat but in my book these are the best.
Most DSLRs are "splashproof." A light drizzle won't bother them. For heavier stuff, I use Think Tank's Hydrophobia. I've used it and carried my tripod-mounted camera wrapped in it in fairly severe tropical downpours without any problem.
For the rest of my gear, Lowepro's backpack's integrated rainfly has worked well for me. I use the Computertrekker Plus AW but there are many, many models to choose from. It's kept my camera gear and my laptop - my darkroom - dry most recently on a 2.5 hours riverboat ride in pouring rain.
Posted by Scott Fricke on March 11, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I use the Kata rain sleeve you noted and carry my gear in a Lowepro Dryzone 2 backpack. It is a completely waterproof backpack. I have used it while kayaking to avoid that "accidental dunking" you mention. I believe my brother uses an umbrella that clamps to the tripod (don't know the manufacturer) This is more convenient in a lot of ways as you have unrestricted access to the camera, although not as protective in heavy wind/rain. I also have a number of drysacks of various sizes that kayakers use to store food/gear/clothing.
Hi this is my first reply since joining 10 months ago, but I felt that I may be able to assist ........Over the past
12 months I have been designing Photographic products for Pro and amateur shooters alike and designed for harsh working conditions I have field tested all my products in Australia and South Africa and feel that they are built like tanks.......Because I am a Pro shooter with 30 years commercial experience ,eg , above and below line advertising, and global retail accounts, I am in a position of having used almost all commercialy made products in that time .......And being that Australia is a desert Island I have had to create a lot of Pro gear for my personal use.
Any way long story short I have designed a line of wet weather gear for cameras lens combos and a range of been bags that I think leave the others for dead........Plus a range of other support gear etc to follow shortly.
I am sure I can be of assistance to you , please have a look at www.hollowayphotographer.com ....... the new company is called 1gi ( one good idea ) or email me at
hollowayphotographer@isp.net.au if you are interested.
cheers
wayne
First off, you’ve got some great shots on your web site, and I like the look of your covers.
I guess the one thing I’ve notice about most of these units, is that they appear to be more for "blind" work. (Typical tripod set up in a "duck blind") and while I shoot in those situations, for this particular trip I am looking for something that lends itself more for hand holding rather than tripod work. (although I will be taking both my tri and mono pods; I never leave home with them).
Let me put this a bit into perspective, so I can help you folks help me...
Imagine this scenario.
You and your loved one are out for a day of saltwater kayaking on the rugged Canadian east coast, along the Bay of Fundy. The weather is not bad but not great, (maybe a little drizzle, but not a downpour) and the tide is coming in, when all of sudden, you find yourself surrounded by a pod of whales or dolphins.
The mist and blow spray is flying around pretty good, and as the tides are coming in, you're getting a bit of wave action, but you've got a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the amazing creatures and even better, a chance for some awesome shots but unfortunately your primary gear is back on shore because of weather and water concerns.
Now if there is a cost effective way to have that camera "at the ready" (in this scenario, on a strap around my neck) and protected, than that is the way that I am looking for (perhaps I'm dreaming a bit).
The perfect answer may very well be "you can’t get there from here" and that may just be the reality of it all. So if not perfect, what are the alternatives?
A raincoat and dry bag is the front runner so far. Anyone have alternatives???
Thanks again for your input.
Posted by David Bostedo on March 12, 2009 at 3:31 PM
The mist and blow spray is flying around pretty good...
I've only shot in very light rain/sea spray, so no experience with really tough conditions. That being said, one tiny little bit of (probably obvious) advice: keep the lens cap on as much as possible, and keep some soft towels/lens cloths handy to remove water from you lens.
David, thanks for relying and you bring up a pretty good point about keeping the cap on and wiping the lens, but here's a quick question about that. I’ve tried many different "over the counter" tissues, and cloths and while some are good for dust elimination, I've found few that can quickly remove the occasional water droplets without smearing the UV filter. What is a good all round cloth for wiping lenses down. (Please to not say the tail of my tee shirt..LOL). It need not be a brand name, just the fabric type, or if there is a bran out there that is fine as well.
For general lens cleaning and maintenance I use a Lens Pen, but that is usually a dry cleaning and when the wet tuff flies I want to be prepared.
Jim,
Thank you as well for taking the time to answer. That appears to be my plan; a decent camera “raincoat” and a good dry bag. I'm leaning to the Kata E-702 as it's a bit better fit for my smaller lenses, but if I had one of those 300-600 beasts I think I'd head down the Hydrophobia path. From what their website and videos say, it may be a bit too big form my little 300mm.
I’m going to have to modify the 702 a bit to allow for a neck strap. The only way I can see a stock one allowing for a neck strap would be to run the neck strap through the hand sleeves and that would mean that, while the camera is hanging off my neck, the open end of the sleeves would be pulled skyward by the camera strap and that might allow water to drip down into the protected area; sort of defeating the purpose of the cover to begin with.
Now that I think of it, I might sit down with my wife (a very accomplished seamstress) and see about making a custom cover that fits all my wants. (Not too thrilled about the Katas being made of black cloth as I would prefer a decent camouflage pattern for those days spent in dry land photographing deer. moose and those big wild birds.)
Posted by David Bostedo on March 12, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Richard - I've used a couple of the standard Ritz lens cleaning clothes. They don't absorb that well, but enough for a little spray. Of course you have to keep turning and folding them so as not to re-wipe with the damp part and cause smears. I've also used some very soft cotton rags (almost like thin fleece, but more absorbent) for bigger drops. I'm not sure where I got it - perhaps an auto-parts store for buffing the car? I've bought utility towels/clothes there before. And a soft lens brush for sand.
Well it looks like I'm back to the drwing board for the raincoat. I picked up a Kata -702 and tried it out last night and the internal lense sleeve is too short for a fully extended 75-300mm and it causes issues with the auto focus as well and that built in adjustable lens hood is also a bit of a pain to get set just right.
I'm also not too keen on all that excess pastic covering, and its a bit stiff when trying to operate the camers from outside the covering.. I notied an issue with my camera's LCD shutting down (intermitentaly while inside the thing. It does't happen when its not in the cover, but ohnce the cover is in place and sealed up, it appears that there is too much weight at the filter end of the lens and it casues an issue with the AF feature.
I've got a quarter bolt of realtree cam patterned saddle cloth (very soft and water resistant) and an old PVC raincoat kicking so I guess I'll have to McGuiver my own rain covering.
Discussion
11 repliesI'm new to the site/forum, but not photography. I'm a bit new to this digital stuff, I spent more than a few years traipsing about shooting wildlife and landscapes but with film gear, so I hope this doesn't seem like a “no brainer” question.
Back when I was shooting a film, cameras were pretty tough instruments, capable of taking some pretty good abuse and hard weather. From what I’ve read so far, they seem to be a bit more durable than today's digital gear; especially when it comes to exposure to weather. (Rain/sea sprays, etc).
I just recently bought a canon 450D, and a few good field lenses, and am planning an excursion so I can get out and start shooting again, this excursion will be to the Canadian east coast, Nova Scotia to be specific.
It will be a camping type trip (tent not in a trailer or motor home) and the itinerary is looking like a lot of hiking, boat charters (whale and marine bird watching/photography), canoeing, sea kayaking and some cycling thrown in for good measure.
My concern is keeping my gear protecting while using it.
I have a rig that I use for underwater photography (A Canon P&S,UW housing and wet lenses) that can be used above water in those really harsh scenarios (downpours etc, but I'd also like to shoot the DSLR as it has more flexibility.
I've asked this question other photography forums, but as this form is specific to field photography I am hoping that there are more shooters here that would understand the situation I am facing and may be able to help out with practical advice.
I'm getting a bit tired of the "this might work" speculation from those other sites, so I figured you folks here, who shoot outdoors more, might be able to provide some advice based on "hands on" experience.
The question is a simple one.
What do you use, be specific please, to protect your camrea gear when shooting outdoors in less than idea weather conditions?
My concerns are three fold:
Incidental sea spray and mist
Light and Hard rain
Accidental submersion/water in the bottom of zodiacs/kayaks/canoes
I've seen the plastic bags from Ewa-marine, etc, but have been told they are more of a gimmick and in some cases can cause vignetting and , or distortion in your images. Is this true or are they as good as they advertise?
A "camera raincoat" Like the Kata-704 has been suggested for the light mist and spray issue. Has anyone used these and are they as good as advertised?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Rick.
i use one made by aquatech, they are a bit more expensive than your typical camera raincoat but in my book these are the best.
Wim.
For the rest of my gear, Lowepro's backpack's integrated rainfly has worked well for me. I use the Computertrekker Plus AW but there are many, many models to choose from. It's kept my camera gear and my laptop - my darkroom - dry most recently on a 2.5 hours riverboat ride in pouring rain.
12 months I have been designing Photographic products for Pro and amateur shooters alike and designed for harsh working conditions I have field tested all my products in Australia and South Africa and feel that they are built like tanks.......Because I am a Pro shooter with 30 years commercial experience ,eg , above and below line advertising, and global retail accounts, I am in a position of having used almost all commercialy made products in that time .......And being that Australia is a desert Island I have had to create a lot of Pro gear for my personal use.
Any way long story short I have designed a line of wet weather gear for cameras lens combos and a range of been bags that I think leave the others for dead........Plus a range of other support gear etc to follow shortly.
I am sure I can be of assistance to you , please have a look at www.hollowayphotographer.com ....... the new company is called 1gi ( one good idea ) or email me at
hollowayphotographer@isp.net.au if you are interested.
cheers
wayne
First off, you’ve got some great shots on your web site, and I like the look of your covers.
I guess the one thing I’ve notice about most of these units, is that they appear to be more for "blind" work. (Typical tripod set up in a "duck blind") and while I shoot in those situations, for this particular trip I am looking for something that lends itself more for hand holding rather than tripod work. (although I will be taking both my tri and mono pods; I never leave home with them).
Let me put this a bit into perspective, so I can help you folks help me...
Imagine this scenario.
You and your loved one are out for a day of saltwater kayaking on the rugged Canadian east coast, along the Bay of Fundy. The weather is not bad but not great, (maybe a little drizzle, but not a downpour) and the tide is coming in, when all of sudden, you find yourself surrounded by a pod of whales or dolphins.
The mist and blow spray is flying around pretty good, and as the tides are coming in, you're getting a bit of wave action, but you've got a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the amazing creatures and even better, a chance for some awesome shots but unfortunately your primary gear is back on shore because of weather and water concerns.
Now if there is a cost effective way to have that camera "at the ready" (in this scenario, on a strap around my neck) and protected, than that is the way that I am looking for (perhaps I'm dreaming a bit).
The perfect answer may very well be "you can’t get there from here" and that may just be the reality of it all. So if not perfect, what are the alternatives?
A raincoat and dry bag is the front runner so far. Anyone have alternatives???
Thanks again for your input.
I've only shot in very light rain/sea spray, so no experience with really tough conditions. That being said, one tiny little bit of (probably obvious) advice: keep the lens cap on as much as possible, and keep some soft towels/lens cloths handy to remove water from you lens.
For general lens cleaning and maintenance I use a Lens Pen, but that is usually a dry cleaning and when the wet tuff flies I want to be prepared.
Jim,
Thank you as well for taking the time to answer. That appears to be my plan; a decent camera “raincoat” and a good dry bag. I'm leaning to the Kata E-702 as it's a bit better fit for my smaller lenses, but if I had one of those 300-600 beasts I think I'd head down the Hydrophobia path. From what their website and videos say, it may be a bit too big form my little 300mm.
I’m going to have to modify the 702 a bit to allow for a neck strap. The only way I can see a stock one allowing for a neck strap would be to run the neck strap through the hand sleeves and that would mean that, while the camera is hanging off my neck, the open end of the sleeves would be pulled skyward by the camera strap and that might allow water to drip down into the protected area; sort of defeating the purpose of the cover to begin with.
Now that I think of it, I might sit down with my wife (a very accomplished seamstress) and see about making a custom cover that fits all my wants. (Not too thrilled about the Katas being made of black cloth as I would prefer a decent camouflage pattern for those days spent in dry land photographing deer. moose and those big wild birds.)
I'm also not too keen on all that excess pastic covering, and its a bit stiff when trying to operate the camers from outside the covering.. I notied an issue with my camera's LCD shutting down (intermitentaly while inside the thing. It does't happen when its not in the cover, but ohnce the cover is in place and sealed up, it appears that there is too much weight at the filter end of the lens and it casues an issue with the AF feature.
I've got a quarter bolt of realtree cam patterned saddle cloth (very soft and water resistant) and an old PVC raincoat kicking so I guess I'll have to McGuiver my own rain covering.
It's also a bit of a hassle setting it up.