Out in the rain

[FiveOne]

Just wondered if any you guys take your camera/gear out in the rain ? , I don't as I'm worried my gear(600d , 17-85mm,100-400mm) gets damaged .

 

[MadWoman]

I put it away if it gets too bad, but in light to moderate rain I just carry on and tuck the camera under my coat whilst walking. I would have missed some good shots otherwise.

 

[whitey]

Rain covers, out in all sorts

 

[rob-nikon]

I have an optech rain sleeve in the camera bag just in case it does rain whilst I'm out. I've not yet used it so can't say what level of protection it would give but I've heard good reviews.

I also a watching wildlife supplies lens cover (double layer) that I mainly use it the winter. It's waterproof and stops any dust or dirt getting on the lens. The back is open and there is a Velcro strip along the bottom edge that can opened to allow access to the the lens. I've only used it with a prime lens and I haven't tried it with a zoom lens yet. I could see it being more difficult to access the zoom ring but not completely impossible. It would probably not be as easy to use with a push pull 100-400mm as you are extending the lens length.

If you like the wildlife watching supplies stuff email them to ask what they would advise, I've always found them very helpful and friendly.

 

[Bebop]

I think some equipment is more weatherproof than others. I don't know about the 600D, but I know my 550D is not as weatherproof as the 7D or 50D and the higher spec cameras. 'L' series lenses are also more weatherproof with seals against moisture and dust.

 

[Gremlin]

I've had my D300 out in blizzard conditions before now, with the 70/200 on it, depends on the camera and the lens, rain covers are the way to go if you have any doubts

 

[hollis_f]

I've never felt happy taking my 100-400 out in the rain and would never do it nowadays.

 

[Flats]

Agreed, push-pull style zooms are a liability in very wet weather. I'm perfectly happy having rain fall on on any Canon weather-sealed lens that I own though. For truly intense rain, especially rain with wind, I use a cover on my large telephoto, or put smaller lenses away.
rgds
Jonathan

 

[neil_g]

get a rain cover if youre concerned about weatherproofing (or lack of it).

optechs ive used and they always fog up really bad. ive got stormjackets now, not the cheapest but lower price alternatives are available.


IMG_7037_800 by neilgates, on Flickr

means you can still shoot when the weather is like this..


722Q1704 by neilgates, on Flickr

 

[LCPete]

I just put on a rain cover and carry on
last summer I was laying on the ground in the pouring rain photographing puffins with my 7D and 100-400 .
The other people there thought that I was barmy but I got some great shots
I always make sure that the camera and lens gets a chance to dry out proper tho before putting it away in a bag
leaving wet gear in a bag would not be a good idea

 

[Kerioak]

I tens to keep a roll of large plastic bags and elastic bands in my bag just in case I need them. This way I can change them as required if everything gets too wet