What rain covers do you use?

ZBlack

While the weather is supposed to be decent this coming weekend in Portland, I'd like to get a rain cover for my camera. It will be the D7000 that hopefully makes it here by Friday. There is a photowalk happening, so need something where I can still use my camera controls.

Briefly looking around, I'm leaning towards a Kata, assuming that one would work for the camera with likely a Sigma 17-55.

There are some pretty cheap things like this, which i do actually have, so maybe it will work alright too if it fits.

Then there's the more expensive options like ThinkTank has a pretty awesome looking one, but it runs in the $150+ range.

What all do you have and use for shooting in inclement weather?

AceCo55

I have the Thinktanks and have been totally rapt in their performance. I have been in some pretty heavy rain for hours and I know my gear is dry. I ended up buying two eyepieces - one for each camera. I got tired of swapping the eyepiece going from one camera to another. Use one with a monopod - easy/no drama.
Sometimes the clear screen fogs up a little (along with the front of my lens - temperature changes). You also have enough room to change batteries and memory cards without having to take it off. I have no experience with Kata, so I can't say if it is better, same or worse. But the Thinktank covers are a quality product providing total protection from the rain ... very happy with them and never regretted my purchases. (note that for the 70-200mm cover there are two versions - one that will accommodate an external flash. I'm not sure if the shorted focal length covers have that option or not).

aj986s

I have a Kata cover, and find it works quite well. The lens portion is removable, and available in several sizes. I would recommend looking for a local dealer, and then bring your intended use camera and lens combination(s) to select the best fitting lens sleeve(s).

Pupator

I use the cheap Op/Tech covers you linked to. I do a fair amount of in-rain shooting and they work fine. And it's nice to just be able to trash it after a few days and move on to the next one.

john l

Gee Guys I feel real cheap. I shoot a lot of soccer in the rain and outdoor hockey in falling snow and I use a plastic bag which I get when I shop for groceries. It cost us 5 cents a bag here in Canada but that sure beats the costs you are looking at. I just cut a whole in the bag and tape it to my lens cover. I actually prefer to shoot soccer in the rain than in bright sunlight. j

ZBlack

I have a habit of "going with the name brands". I know in some situations it's definitely worth it as well, but in others, cheaper no namer alternatives or home-made stuff works just as well.

The lenses I will be using are not sealed to my knowledge, the Sigma 17-50 and then some cheaper nikons, Would a cover provide sufficient protection with the use of the lens hood?

Overfocused

I went out in a snowstorm 3 days ago with an Optech cover on a MKII + 70-200F4L + lens hood and there was still room to spare. The strap at the end does tend to slide around over time, so adding velcro stick ons would probably be a good idea. Don't rough them too much and they'll last you years. I bought a 2 pack at the beginning of '11 and I'm still using the first one.

puzzledpaul

john l wrote: »

Gee Guys I feel real cheap.

Another cheapskate here ...

I cut a leg off a pair of ex-mil overtrousers (so obviously got a spare )
Just fits nicely over my 500 + cam and the velcro'd tab is also just the job for stopping it sliding around on the lens.

pp

Art Scott

john l wrote: »

Gee Guys I feel real cheap. I shoot a lot of soccer in the rain and outdoor hockey in falling snow and I use a plastic bag which I get when I shop for groceries. It cost us 5 cents a bag here in Canada but that sure beats the costs you are looking at. I just cut a whole in the bag and tape it to my lens cover. I actually prefer to shoot soccer in the rain than in bright sunlight. j

I am sorta in this bunch here...from the begining for me, i have been using trash bags ([plastic of course) from 13 gal to 55 gal I cut out a corner the size of my largest lens (sigma 55-500) and attach with rubber band...why I use large trash bags is so I can cover my head also...I hate hoods on my coats, so the bag keeps me partially dry also... ... ... I use them also in windy times with sand blowing around......

Overfocused

I used to be in the grocery and freezer bag club, but really, for around just $5 for 2 sleeves that custom fit and last for years really makes it a once in a few years task instead of making new ones constantly. Much more convenient, and costs you less in the long run. Especially the time you don't need to waste taping a new one together. Lol.

catspaw

Shutter hat! totally worth it about $35, Adorama or B&H, whatever you like. http://www.fmphotography.us/html/hat.html for details

Overfocused

catspaw wrote: »

Shutter hat! totally worth it about $35, Adorama or B&H, whatever you like. http://www.fmphotography.us/html/hat.html for details

The back has no protection??

catspaw

Overfocused wrote: »

The back has no protection??

it velcros shut, but opens so you can get to your controls. depends on the type of photography you do, how much you'll need to access your camera controlls. the optec sleeve, for example, is great but a pain if you need to actually adjust anything.

AceCo55

ZBlack wrote: »

I have a habit of "going with the name brands". I know in some situations it's definitely worth it as well, but in others, cheaper no namer alternatives or home-made stuff works just as well.

The lenses I will be using are not sealed to my knowledge, the Sigma 17-50 and then some cheaper nikons, Would a cover provide sufficient protection with the use of the lens hood?

Spent 5 hours standing in the rain that varied from so heavy that visibilty down to 30m (100feet) to very steady. Not a drop of water on camera or lens (except of course that part of the lens hood not covered). Total confidence in the ThinkTank.
I have used plastic bags ... they are definitely water proof but I always found it hard to control/operate the camera - definitely price competitive

ian408

I have a Lightware cover that I use for long lenses. Otherwise, I just use a plastic bag or a towel depending.