Canon 50D and 70-200 F/2.8 IS Equipment Waterproof?

[EGNICA]

Received an early Christmas present and would not want to ruin them on their first outing.

I am going to see the 49ers vs Redskins game December 28th. It will probably be raining that day, so my question and concern is that my equipment will be ruined due to the rain. Do I have anything to worry about? Will I be fine as long as I don't run them under water?

Any suggestion or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[pmk]

I wouldn't risk it. The 50D has "improved" water resistance but it's not water proof.

pmk

[Eric2007]

NO WAY!

I now own a 50D because I zapped my 40D due to water while I was using a StormJacket cover over my gear. Granted, it was PROURING that day (I was out in it for ~5 hours) and I am not exactly sure how or where the water got in...nontheless, they are by no means waterproof!

Even with a cover...be careful!

[DDCSD]

There are no "waterproof" lenses or bodies. There are "dust and weather resistant" lenses and bodies.

Be sure to use a cover of some sort. Good trash bags work in a pinch.

[dshankar]

The 1d Mark III can be in the rain for a short while but none of the cameras can ever be in a pouring rain for more than a few minutes.

[EGNICA]

Bummed that I have to wait for the Redskins to play in the west coast, but I will not be taking a chance.

Thank you very much for all the feedback!

[Croasdail]

You should have taken it. A 20 cent plastic bag is all you needed. Don't let weather stop ya next time.

[SuzyView]

I have no confidence in rain covers if you are in constant rain for more than 30 minutes with any equipment. I generally shoot weddings come rain or shine, but insist on having an umbrella through the whole shoot. I couldn't imagine risking $2k + in gear.

[Croasdail]

Suzy, you should trust that Canon understood that your camera will be used in less than perfect conditions. They are a heck of a lot tougher then you are giving them credit for.

[SuzyView]

I think my gear is tough, but I can't risk having my equipment fail at a wedding. It would be foolish of me to take that chance with someone else's day.

[Croasdail]

I hear ya, but that is why you have a backup camera. You know your not going to get the shot if your camera is sitting in its comfy bag. If the weather is piss poor, that is part of that day, and should be part of the record in images. Of course don't needlessly risk your equipment. But securing them really is easier than most assume. Cheers.

[SuzyView]

I usually have both cameras on me when I shoot, one with the 24-70, the other with the 17-40 or 85 1.8 or 70-200. When the weather is bad, and I've had 2 weddings with downpours, I had to use only one, just for that reason, have to have the back up. And everything got wet anyway, as the rain was coming down in buckets.

[Croasdail]

Wish ya posted more of your stuff Suzie...

[Dennis_Hammer]

I have found that a Glad garbage bag is more effective than most commercial rain gear. Puch a small hole for the lens hood pry it through rubber band it. Punch a small hole for the view finder ( I use an extender ) squeeze it over then put on the extender. You just better be reall good at using your controls blind and forget chimping. Plus anything happens change the bag.

[dinny66]

I use one of those Optech Rain cover things.
Shot a couple of football matches, 40D or 50D and Sigma 120-300 in the rain no problem.
I think I got more wet with leggings,coat etc on!
The damp wipes off, just don't put it in a bowl of water.
Mike

[primoz]

As others have mentioned, there's no waterproof cameras. 1d(s) and few lenses are weather sealed, but that doesn't mean they can be dunk into water :)
As far as rain covers are concerned, I don't have any problems with them. I have few Nikon NPS covers (yes yes I know, but I got them for free, so they will do even if they are black and there's Nikon logo on them :p), and I never felt uncomfortable standing in pouring rain or snow for hours. Umbrellas are unfortunately out of question for most of my work, so good rain coat (thanks to one great guy at Finnish ski federation for this present :D) for me, and rain covers for cameras are all I normally need. And until now, I never had problems with any of equipment.

[oomus]

worst case you can use a modified bread bag to cover the rig.

Cheap and easy folds up small and readily availible.

Cut the end off and use a rubber band to hold lens side at shade or filter. I prefer the shade so it keeps drops off the filter.

Cut a square around the view finder and put the eyepiece over it to hold it in place at the camera.

Plenty long enough for most zooms and a small slit in the bottom allows hands in to work the zoom or you can twist it without a slit as well for more protection if you feel the need.

I always keep a few plastic bags of different types in my bag for emergencies.
big trash bags make a great poncho as well.
Necessity is the mother of all invention!