Rain Covers

[Wayne Els]

Anybody got any experience of rain covers? What's good what isn't, etc.
I'm probably going to get one but don't want to spend a lot if it turns out it's just a giant wind sock that stops you accessing the controls.
Ideally I'd like to use it handheld and on a tripod and still be able to see what is going on with the display and eyepiece. Do they go over your head a la 19th century capes or do they have windows?

Cheers,
Wayne

[mikep]

Re: Rain Covers

Hi Wayne

I use THIS. £50 from WEX.

Comes in its own ticket bag with a clip, so you can clip it on your bag or belt.

Mike

[Wayne Els]

Re: Rain Covers

Cheers Mike.

I'll have a think, not sue I want to drop £50 on a glorified bag though. How easy is it to use?

[Robert Scott]

Re: Rain Covers

At under £18, the Matin Lightweight Rain Cover is worth considering.

http://www.eos-magazine-shop.com/lightweight-rain-cover-c2x12940590

Although designed for use with the camera on a tripod, it is light enough for use with a handheld camera. As the description says, there is a clear panel at the rear and a flap to allow access to the controls, though without a tripod you can hold the camera and drape the cover over your arms.

In an emergency, I have used a plastic carrier bag. Tear a hole at the base for the lens (ideally with a lens hood) to go through. Hold the camera through the opening at the top of the bag. You might have to pay 5p for the bag!

DISCLAIMER: The above link takes you to the EOS magazine Shop.

[Stan]

Re: Rain Covers

At Focus about 7 years ago we bought 2 twin packs of the Op Tech rain sleeve for around a fiver each pack and the originals are still going strong with the other two still in their original packing

Selling on amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Op-Tech-Rain...ch+rain+sleeve

Stan

[briansquibb]

Re: Rain Covers

At under £18, the Matin Lightweight Rain Cover is worth considering.

http://www.eos-magazine-shop.com/lightweight-rain-cover-c2x12940590

Although designed for use with the camera on a tripod, it is light enough for use with a handheld camera. As the description says, there is a clear panel at the rear and a flap to allow access to the controls, though without a tripod you can hold the camera and drape the cover over your arms.

In an emergency, I have used a plastic carrier bag. Tear a hole at the base for the lens (ideally with a lens hood) to go through. Hold the camera through the opening at the top of the bag. You might have to pay 5p for the bag!

DISCLAIMER: The above link takes you to the EOS magazine Shop.

Good suggestion

[scotsdave]

Re: Rain Covers

I can vouch for the effectiveness of the rain cover sold by the EOS shop. I've used it in a light drizzle and also heavier rain, with the camera hand-held. Fitting it is easy although when I swapped my 40D for a 7D I had to increase the size of the opening on the transparent rear cover to fit it over the viewfinder as that attaches it firmly to the camera - it involves removing the rubber eyecup, positioning the rain cover over the viewfinder and re-attaching the eye-cup which attaches it very firmly. When it isn't in use it folds up to a small packet size that takes up very little room in your gadget bag/back-pack so I always have it with me "just in case".

scotsdave

[Wayne Els]

Re: Rain Covers

Cheers Guys,

Robert, it was your Matin one I was mainly interested in although the Optech ones seem to be good value. I'll have a think.

[Fr1so]

Re: Rain Covers

When the rain starts, the camera goes in the photo bag. When the rain stopped, camera goes out of the bag. I woul not take the risk.

[Stan]

Re: Rain Covers

When the rain starts, the camera goes in the photo bag. When the rain stopped, camera goes out of the bag. I woul not take the risk.

If it is raining then most of the time there is little point in going out with the camera but there are times when you are out and get caught out and for those occasions, the cheap Op Tech covers are more than adequate, little point in spending more

stan

[paul linton]

Re: Rain Covers

If it is raining then most of the time there is little point in going out with the camera but there are times when you are out and get caught out and for those occasions, the cheap Op Tech covers are more than adequate, little point in spending more

stan

I used the Op Tech and they come in very handy.
Though now i have a 400mm i think i need to upgrade as they don't fit anymore (used to cover my camera and the 300mm but no chance with the 400mm)

Paul

[the black fox]

Re: Rain Covers

i just bought a full length camo lens and camera cover from wildlife watching supplies ,made sense as some of them are in the sale at the moment (inc the size i needed) and i had a small credit note to spend there anyway .he does make them lens specific though its not a case of one size fits all .and also i didn't want a shiny plastic one for wildlife ,each to there own needs it seems

[digiman]

Re: Rain Covers

I bought the Optech pack on Stan's and other's recommendation when I asked the same question last year (worth a read here). Not used them much, but have come in handy a couple of times. Used mainly at last years British Grand Prix. Had it on a 500d body with a 100-400 L lens, covered with ease. Good quality and unbeatable value.

Garry

[Nathaniel]

Re: Rain Covers

I use rain covers on my camera and lens if there is a slight drizzle about; it is also invaluable if you are going on a boat to see and photograph sea birds- for example the Puffin cruise that takes off from Beaumaris!

[Wayne Els]

Re: Rain Covers

Cheers All. In the end I bought the Optech ones. £5 for two won over my natural thriftiness. I was talking to a guy at one of my clubs last night who cuts the Optech ones on half!
Longer term depending on how I get along with them I might end up with a more durable one anyway.