Weather sealed bodies

Bassit · 14 Jun 2013

Hi everyone, i have a question about how much weather sealing means in real terms, basically i want to go to oulton park tomorrow and do some photography while i am there, i have a nikon d7000 that has some weather sealing, as far as i am aware my tamron lenses don't have any at all, just how much rain can i get away with, if it is anything like what it has been today its been lashing it down on and off, can i just stand out in the rain without killing my camera and lenses, i suspect i already know the answer

but would like some answers from people with experience. :help:

Cheers
Bassit.

Spence18 · 14 Jun 2013

There might be a hint in the fact that you can buy rain covers. They will stand up to a little bit of rain, but is it worth the risk in relation to the cost of the equipment? Take and use an umbrella and put the camera on a tripod would be my suggestion.

Nawty · 14 Jun 2013

With my D700 I'd be happy to use it in any conditions (with an appropriate lens) - it withstood two 25 mile hikes in constant New Zealand spring rain with no problems.

They say the D7100 has the same level of sealing as my D700 but I don't think the D7000 does? With my D90 I was happy to use it in light showers but wouldn't have given it the soaking the D700 takes.

hollis_f · 16 Jun 2013

Bassit said:
Hi everyone, i have a question about how much weather sealing means in real terms

It means that the camera manufacturers want you to get the impression that you can use their cameras underwater with no problems, but that they'll refuse any warranty repairs if there's even the slightest hint on water damage.

If you're gonna use your camera in the rain then use a rain cover.

Bassit · 16 Jun 2013

Thanks for the replys,

Another question..

Are there any decent rain covers at a reasonable price, an idea of any type that works well would also be good.

Cheers
Bassit.

gramps · 16 Jun 2013

Every little helps

HoppyUK · 16 Jun 2013

gramps said:
Every little helps

That's a ridiculous suggestion - the new clear Tescos bags are much better

Or these little Optech custom poly-bags are cheap and effective a bit better looking http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-optech-rainsleeve/p1017072

Edit: they also do one that covers a flash gun too.

sk66 · 17 Jun 2013

Bassit said:
Hi everyone, i have a question about how much weather sealing means in real terms, basically i want to go to oulton park tomorrow and do some photography while i am there, i have a nikon d7000 that has some weather sealing, as far as i am aware my tamron lenses don't have any at all, just how much rain can i get away with, if it is anything like what it has been today its been lashing it down on and off, can i just stand out in the rain without killing my camera and lenses, i suspect i already know the answer but would like some answers from people with experience.

Cheers
Bassit.

If any of your lenses are zooms that physically change length when the focal length is changed, then they are VERY prone to water damage....they will literally suck water inside them if zoomed in the rain. Rotating front elements are not much better... (and usually go with variable length)