Rain

[tokyo]

I am going to Alaska in August of this year. Rain could be a problem while using my 5d. Any suggestions on how I can keep the camera dry while taking photo's in the rain.

[Rubi Jane]

I use Kata Rain Covers (E-702 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=E702&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit)). When I'm shooting a race or event that doesn't stop for rain these covers let me keep shooting, continuously.

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

I guess that's much cheaper than what I've been doing.... looking for a 1D body to shoot in inclement weather

[Jim G]

I use Kata Rain Covers (E-702 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=E702&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit)). When I'm shooting a race or event that doesn't stop for rain these covers let me keep shooting, continuously.
+1. I've tried Storm Jackets and found them to be pretty rubbish.... my 702 is awesome.

[tokyo]

The 702 looks just the thing I was looking for. I love in the UK, so I shall do a search to see if anyone over here is selling it.

Thanks for the info.

[vpnd]

or get a bag and a rubber band and cut a lens size hole out of the bottom of the bag and put the rubber band on the end of the lens. The regular opeing of the bag is where you hands go on the camera. .7 cent fix

[ryant35]

I used some paint drop cloth from Home Depot. I cut a 3 foot section and taped it around my lens hood and cut a hole for the view finder and put my eye cup over the plastic to hold it. And it's open at the bottom so I can get my hands in there. It worked alright, but I put this together in my trunk getting rained on and I could have done a better job.

I think I might get an E702 for the next time. Problem for me is in SoCal it doesn't rain often, and my local stores don't seem to have them in stock. I don't want to pay rush shipping once I see the weather report.

[Jon]

I use the Kata rain covers as well as a regular poncho when I'm expecting rain. Kata is an Israeli company with international presence so you shouldn't have trouble finding them in the UK. I also carry a couple of Op/Tech Rainsleeves and a disposable poncho in my bags in case of unexpected cloudbursts.

[ed rader]

I am going to Alaska in August of this year. Rain could be a problem while using my 5d. Any suggestions on how I can keep the camera dry while taking photo's in the rain.


hey...we're going to alaska in august too :D.

i'm going to take a couple packs of the optech rainsleeves and a couple disposable ponchos as well as a rainsuit, which was recommended.

i'll have a couple of garbage bags in my kit as well. i have sealed bodies but my primary lens is unsealed (100-400L).

it was also recommended that we pack long johns to wear under the rain pants.

ed rader

[Jason Kim]

I took Kata rain cover to Alaska last year. It was over kill for me. Too time consuming to setup. I simply used over sized microfiber towel over the camera. I am considering Optech rainsleeves this time.

I am going back this summer. :D

This year's planned gear list.
5D, XSI
16-35, 24-70, 100-400
220EX
Gitzo 1550T
Backpack (still undecided), TT Chang Up

Dropped from last year's Alaska cruise:
Gitzo 2540 - too bulky
580EX - didn't needed much
Kata E702 - over kill (it rained whole week but towel did good job)
Gitzo monopod - didn't help much in bad weather as much as tripod, only used few times
50/1.4 - not one shot was taken from this lens
1.4X Extender - did not use it
Fingerless gloves - my fingers were freezing (getting a mitten designed for photographers)
Lowepro Primus - did a good job, didn't have to put down on the wet ground but changing lens in the windy rainy outdoors is not a good idea. 2 camera set up is what I did last year.

[ed rader]

I took Kata rain cover to Alaska last year. It was over kill for me. Too time consuming to setup. I simply used over sized microfiber towel over the camera. I am considering Optech rainsleeves this time.

I am going back this summer. :D

This year's planned gear list.
5D, XSI
16-35, 24-70, 100-400
220EX
Gitzo 1550T
Backpack (still undecided), TT Chang Up

Dropped from last year's Alaska cruise:
Gitzo 2540 - too bulky
580EX - didn't needed much
Kata E702 - over kill (it rained whole week but towel did good job)
Gitzo monopod - didn't help much in bad weather as much as tripod, only used few times
50/1.4 - not one shot was taken from this lens
1.4X Extender - did not use it
Fingerless gloves - my fingers were freezing (getting a mitten designed for photographers)
Lowepro Primus - did a good job, didn't have to put down on the wet ground but changing lens in the windy rainy outdoors is not a good idea. 2 camera set up is what I did last year.


Jason -- good info!

you sound like a wise traveller ... my gear list will be similar to yours :D.

two 1d bodies, 100-400L, 24-70L, 16-35L II and i'm still considering taking the 70-200L f4 IS.

i'm also taking a gitzo 2541 monopod and benro c-128 tripod. the thin leg sections of the benro are 17mm like the 2 series gitzos but the collapsed height is 19.5" and with markin Q3 my tripod weighs 3 lbs.

i may take the 430ex but no primes.

what time of year did you go and how much rain did you encounter?

thanx,

ed rader

[Jason Kim]

I went in late August. It rained almost whole week while I was there. Not down pour but drizzle and you get sunshine few hours then rain again.
Gear wise you are set. Big question is how are you going to carry all these around along with other necessities. My guess is that it will top 20lbs.
There's not much opportunity to change lenses so I had one camera in Primus and another one hanging from shoulder strap of Primus. Main benefit of Primus is that you can take out camera take a shot and put it back again while walking. I took UD50 on one of excursions, I thought I die of shoulder pains. Never will I take shoulder bag on hiking. Problem with Primus is that there's no easy way of storing 2nd camera other than the top compartment. I have Flipside that I can configure to take 2 bodies but I can't put anything else like snacks or extra clothing.
Bagaholic that I am, open to good suggestions.

[ed rader]

I went in late August. It rained almost whole week while I was there. Not down pour but drizzle and you get sunshine few hours then rain again.
Gear wise you are set. Big question is how are you going to carry all these around along with other necessities. My guess is that it will top 20lbs. There's not much opportunity to change lenses so I had one camera in Primus and another one hanging from shoulder strap of Primus. Main benefit of Primus is that you can take out camera take a shot and put it back again while walking. I took UD50 on one of excursions, I thought I die of shoulder pains. Never will I take shoulder bag on hiking. Problem with Primus is that there's no easy way of storing 2nd camera other than the top compartment. I have Flipside that I can configure to take 2 bodies but I can't put anything else like snacks or extra clothing.
Bagaholic that I am, open to good suggestions.


Jason -- from kodiak we're flying to katmai where we'll stay on a converted tugboat for 4 days and cruise around katmai. we'll be going ashore frequently in hipwaders to photograph feeding bears.

i have bought a domke vest but i'm also considering the newsweek vest (instead)....or maybe one of the think tank systems. i don't plan to carry any bags on these on-shore excursions, nor all of my gear.

i'll be hand carrying one camera and 100-400L. i want to also carry another 1d and at least one more lens....maybe two, as well as a monopod and some accessories.

i hear you on the shoulder bag. i love my domke f1-x but it's better suited for when i'm working out of my truck or spending the weekend out of town.

the backpack i'm getting (as of now) will be the think tank antidote. i'll also use the domke f-802 as a carry on and it can double as a shoulder bag in anchorage and kodiak where we will also spend some time.

have you looked into the newsweek chest bags or the ones made by think tank?

[ed rader]

Jason -- you mentioned cold. how cold did it get? can you give me an idea about what you wore and what you will be taking this time?

we're going to have to carry clothes for about 10 days so i'd like to pack the lightweight travel stuff with plenty of layers but i'm wondering if a heavy coat might be needed?

thanx,

ed rader

[colbyb25]

Bagaholic that I am, open to good suggestions.

I haven't recieved mine, but have been told the the F-Stop Satori or Tilopa bags are the best in the market for "adventure" photography. I have done some photography work for companies like Nat Geo and the Sierra Club in some off the grid places and so I have had a lot of experience with crappy bags. I opted for the Tilopa as 45L of space in the bag is more then I would need for my average "day pack". You can check out the website here,

http://www.fstopgear.com/now/

Something worth looking into atleast. I will be posting a full reivew when ever my Tilopa comes in. It is still on pre-order, but going to be shipping any day now.

[Jason Kim]

Ed,

I don't know the actual temparture but I know for sure it was below freezing in the mornings. I thought my lungs would freeze when I breathe and with fingerless gloves on, my fingers went numb. I live in sunny so. cal. so all I know is that it felt cold. I wore fleece ajcket and gore tex rain jacket all the time. Nothing special. I met a couple from New York and they didn't think it was cold at all, so it all depends where you are from.

I also have Domke Vest. I saw few of them while in Alaska. I think I will take it this time. All those pockets will come in handy.

What is "Newsweek Chest Bag"? Don't recall seeing one.

I have TT Change Up that I take it every where. I sometimes add Skin Chimp Cage to the belt. It's my all time favorite bag. It may not work for your 1Ds.

[Jason Kim]

http://www.fstopgear.com/now/

Something worth looking into atleast. I will be posting a full reivew when ever my Tilopa comes in. It is still on pre-order, but going to be shipping any day now.

YES, please post ASAP.

[Hogloff]

or get a bag and a rubber band and cut a lens size hole out of the bottom of the bag and put the rubber band on the end of the lens. The regular opeing of the bag is where you hands go on the camera. .7 cent fix

Yep, and you can also carry all your gear in a shopping bag. Get the right gear so you don't have to fight with it. Saving a few dollars can cost you much more in the long run as you fiddle around with a half baked solution rather than enjoying an outing of photography.

[ed rader]

Ed,

I don't know the actual temparture but I know for sure it was below freezing in the mornings. I thought my lungs would freeze when I breathe and with fingerless gloves on, my fingers went numb. I live in sunny so. cal. so all I know is that it felt cold. I wore fleece ajcket and gore tex rain jacket all the time. Nothing special. I met a couple from New York and they didn't think it was cold at all, so it all depends where you are from.

I also have Domke Vest. I saw few of them while in Alaska. I think I will take it this time. All those pockets will come in handy.

What is "Newsweek Chest Bag"? Don't recall seeing one.

I have TT Change Up that I take it every where. I sometimes add Skin Chimp Cage to the belt. It's my all time favorite bag. It may not work for your 1Ds.

Jason -- what i like about the digital chestvest is one compartment is large enough for a 1d body sans lens but i believe TT makes a module for a 1d body too.

Newswear | About us (http://www.newswear.com/chestvests.htm)

looks like i better get a goretex rainjacket. i'm going to need a shell anyway and it sounds like it would be foolish not to prepare for rain.

of course if i wear a rainjacket that doesn't fit over my vest my equipment will be exposed...........:confused:.

ed rader

[Jason Kim]

Ed,
It looks like TT Chimp Cage might work for you. I have Skin version. It should take 1D body without the lens. I simply love TT products.

[ed rader]

Ed,
It looks like TT Chimp Cage might work for you. I have Skin version. It should take 1D body without the lens. I simply love TT products.

i'll look into it. thanx Jason :D.

ed rader