Camera raincoat - owners only please

[tunin]

I am looking ot buy one of those camera raincoats and I was looking in to the KATA, Lightware, TENBA, home-made.... what would you as an owner suggest? Is there something specific I need to be careful with? Please help. Thank you.

Canon 40d w. grip, 70-200 f/2.8 and 24-70, 580ex

[_aravena]

Posting to subscribe. I've read a few things here, but nothing in detail, just that this one works or that one does.

Although lately I've been using a plastic bag or a large ziploc, which I think is better, it has been amazing. Rubber bands on the hood keep that end in place and then I just pull over the other. What's nicer, I ziploc the camera in, just 'cause.

[nutsnbolts]

Don't have one yet but I think ThinkTank has one as well. Nevertheless, responding to see the results of this.

[Jon]

I use the Kata E-702; good heavy duty cover with no stray openings for moisture to creep in through, but easy to get at (and see) the controls. If your choice doesn't have clear panels on the back/top you won't be able to review the LCDs or dial settings. I've got a couple of the OpTech Rainsleeves for emergency use.

[meglet]

I have the Kata E-702 also, and use it on my 400D. Overall I like it, it's fairly easy to use, and I have even managed to change lenses in it (standing under cover, just didn't want to take the whole thing off.) However, it doesn't pack down very small and doesn't come with a carrying case, so I'm still trying to figure out how to carry it without losing a lens worth of space in my camera bag. It's also tricky to use on a shorter lens, using it with the kit 18-55mm I found I had to use my other hand to hold the front of it back out of the shot, and even then I have a few with shadows at the corner from the stiff velcro where you attach the second lens cover. The second issue could just be user error, though, and I would certainly recommend the E-702, especially if you are using a larger camera than mine or longer lenses than the 18-55mm.

[Jon]

I'll agree - it would be a pain on a small lens. I don't happen to use any small ones, so it works great for me.

[tunin]

Thank you people, would this issue with the short lens be present with the 24-70 ?? The lens is pretty big but not as big as the 70-200 f/2.8 ???

[Jon]

Nope - not a problem with the 24-70, especially if you're using the hood (which is a good idea in the rain anyhow).

[photosytes]

I use a medium Storm Jacket, made by Vortex Media: http://www.stormjacket.com/

I don't usually go out into too heavy of rain so this does that trick for me if it starts to lightly rain or snow and I'm worried a bit about my gear. I bought the medium so that I could use it on most of my lenses by just having it crunched up a bit on shorter lenses. The thing I like about it, at least for me, is that it's so compact. It fits into its own little bag and can be clipped onto my belt or camera bag, even my camera strap, if I wanted.

Wasn't sure what kind of weather you were protecting your gear from but since these weren't mentioned, I thought I should add them to be considered.

[tunin]

Thank you Jon and I will check this out photosytes. Just checked this Photosytes and it looks pretty good, I like the fact that it packs small.

[gryphonslair99]

What ever you decide on, definatly grab a pack of these and keep them in your bag just in case you didn't pack the good storm cover or conditions change on you. They are great in an emergency.

http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=73&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=8

[BearLeeAlive]

What ever you decide on, definatly grab a pack of these and keep them in your bag just in case you didn't pack the good storm cover or conditions change on you. They are great in an emergency.

http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=73&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=8
This is my solution too. Very compact, cheap and works great.

[poloman]

I have an Aquatech. The clear area in back is a little small but usable. I really like the viewfinder port. I feel very secure about my camera when using it.

[rklepper]

I use a medium Storm Jacket, made by Vortex Media: http://www.stormjacket.com/

I don't usually go out into too heavy of rain so this does that trick for me if it starts to lightly rain or snow and I'm worried a bit about my gear. I bought the medium so that I could use it on most of my lenses by just having it crunched up a bit on shorter lenses. The thing I like about it, at least for me, is that it's so compact. It fits into its own little bag and can be clipped onto my belt or camera bag, even my camera strap, if I wanted.

Wasn't sure what kind of weather you were protecting your gear from but since these weren't mentioned, I thought I should add them to be considered.

I also use the stormjacket and like it very well. It is portable so it is always with me when I need it.

[tunin]

This looks pretty interesting and not to expensive. Thank you. What ever you decide on, definatly grab a pack of these and keep them in your bag just in case you didn't pack the good storm cover or conditions change on you. They are great in an emergency.

http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=73&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=8

[tunin]

I googled a few things a found this solution and it looks pretty good: (http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={0C537F65-5D2E-4921-A34D-346C4244F0AC}&inv=89236B7031886DD&userid={0C537F65-5D2E-4921-A34D-346C4244F0AC}&inv=89236B7031886DD&albumid={40EED9A5-7703-11D5-AB2C-00400542FB64}&groupid={D1B620E9-0814-442D-B0B0-357F21ED6A45})

[jdizzle]

Kata 702 FTW! It's a good solid rain cover for the money.

[tunin]

I read somewhere that there is something else you need to buy with teh Kata 702? Is this true? Some king of an addition to be able to use it??? Kata 702 FTW! It's a good solid rain cover for the money.

[jdizzle]

I read somewhere that there is something else you need to buy with teh Kata 702? Is this true? Some king of an addition to be able to use it???
Yes there is an optional purchase to the 702. It includes longer sleeves that will attach to the 702 if you have longer telephoto lenses. It's an additional 40 bucks which I think is worth the added purchase.

[RPCrowe]

I have a pair of OPTECH Raincoats which do fine for me. Of course, it NEVER rains in Southern California - that's why San Diego County burned up last week!

[Jon]

I read somewhere that there is something else you need to buy with teh Kata 702? Is this true? Some king of an addition to be able to use it???
The E-704 sleeve kit is for those people with super-teles (400 f/2.8 and beyond). I have the E-702 and E-704, but find that even with my 100-400 the E-702 does fine on its own.

[Emjay]

I use the Kata E702 jacket, but opted not to buy the extension, which was just as expensive as the jacket itself. Instead i use a large baggie split open into a sheet, with a rubber band, to cover my 300mm or the 70-200. It's sturdy as anything, although the velcro closure is a little stiff, and yes, it is a little bulky to store ... but i just flatten it and insert it into the back section of my Kata R103 bag.

[::John::]

I use a medium Storm Jacket, made by Vortex Media: http://www.stormjacket.com/

I don't usually go out into too heavy of rain so this does that trick for me if it starts to lightly rain or snow and I'm worried a bit about my gear. I bought the medium so that I could use it on most of my lenses by just having it crunched up a bit on shorter lenses. The thing I like about it, at least for me, is that it's so compact. It fits into its own little bag and can be clipped onto my belt or camera bag, even my camera strap, if I wanted.

Wasn't sure what kind of weather you were protecting your gear from but since these weren't mentioned, I thought I should add them to be considered.

I also use the stormjacket and like it very well. It is portable so it is always with me when I need it.

Another StormJacket user here.

[Tapeman]

I owned a Kata 702. While I owned it, it never rained. I lost it, and it has rained. I left it behind in a hotel room in Anchorage.

Buy one, but be prepaired for a drought.

[nutsnbolts]

Here is another that you may want to consider. I will actually will be receiving this from ThinkTank to do a review on it. I have requested the ThinkTank 10. So I'll let you know how that goes and post a review.
(CLICK HERE (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_RmtCtrl.php))

[slappy sam]

For what its worth, I used my kata 702 for the first time this weekend. A few comments on this raincover:

Pros:
-The one time I have used it was this weekend - in 80mph winds and a lot of rain, on the beach. No water got in the camera, and while I was shooting it was fairly easy to use. I had it on an XT with a 10-22 (and hood) mounted to a tripod. I could use all tripod controls
-No water gets in (so far) and controls are easy to access with the setup of the jacket - zipper at the bottom allows for both the camera to go in and the camera to mount to a tripod while your using it.

Cons:
-It is quite bulky
-It isn't great for small lenses: even getting it on the 10-22 was a bit weird, and the velcro strap that attaches around the end is huge and makes the bag hard to store.
-It is fairly expensive (like $50)

All in all, it does what it is supposed to do, and I'm quite impressed. However, it is really quite bulky because of the heavy (durable) material and the stupid velcro strap. Also, if you want to use it with small lenses like a 50 1.4 or something, that could be quite a struggle.

[Sleemans]

Don't laugh, gaitors, the thing you put over boots, made of Gore-Tex, works great!
Get 'em at an outdoor store.

[steve535]

the think tank 10 looks like my storm jacket with a shock cord.
I had my storm jacket on this weekend during a high wind and rainy day at the Jersey shore. alot of salt spray on my UV filter but nothing else.

[JohnJ80]

I have both storm jackets and Aqua-tec. The Storm jackets are really only good for emergency use and then only for mist. In steady rain or in wet conditions (like on a boat), you need something more substantial that isn't open in back like the Aquatec (my choice) or the Kata ones.

J.

[slappy sam]

Oh yeah John, you just reminded me why I didn't get the stormjacket. After my post I was wondering why I did go with the kata when the stormjacket was lighter and more compact, but now I remember - the back is open. Kinda useless if the rain is coming from behind you.

[JohnJ80]

Oh yeah John, you just reminded me why I didn't get the stormjacket. After my post I was wondering why I did go with the kata when the stormjacket was lighter and more compact, but now I remember - the back is open. Kinda useless if the rain is coming from behind you.

or coming down hard.

Stormjacket is sort of an emergency thing that you can keep in your camera bag all the time.

j.

[rang]

I've got the ever popular Kata with the 3 different lens lengths.
I've got the blue colored Aqua cover.
I've got another two piece cover that is fuzz on the inside with a snap together frame that allows for a leaning stand up section with ripstop on the outside.

I'm gear whore.

But you know what one I use the most and there is one in every pack, shoulder bag and holster bag I have (and I have at 6 different sized holster bags from Tamrac/Lowepro/ 6 different rolling\backpack shoulder bags from LowePro, Tamrac, National Geo, Domke\Outpack) ???

The whopping $6.00, 2 per package Rain Sleeves by OpTec.
Fast, simple, clear, beefy enough to clamp down onto my Bogen tripod/monopods.
And dang cheap.

If my wife only knew...I'd be having a helluva garage sale.