"Lens Jacket" on a 400mm 5.6

I liked the idea of the Lens coat because I often toss my camera in my hiking bag with other gear when out hiking and it can get dinged up. Plus I wasnt about to pay 80 bucks for a 2 buck piece of neoprene.

So I present Lens Jacket!

I tried a few different things being it was so cheap ($10 for a 1' Linear foot 4mm sheet)

Here is V1 I had not looked at the Lens Coat version for this lens yet but tried to do what they have done on other models I have seen. sorry for the color oddity, my cellphone doesnt WB apparently.

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Awesome. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while now, but didn't have a source for the fabric and thought it had to be sewed. I didn't realize it could be glued together.

Is this the stuff you got?
http://www.amazon.com …ts-Drysuits/dp/B0002YGGRA

How strong is the bond?

Now I have another project.

Looks great, any pictures of the seams that have been glued together

Heres a better link with the 2oz
http://www.amazon.com …-2&keywords=neoprene+gl​ue

The bond is really strong. I made my measurements 1/4" short for a nice fit. The glue melts the rubber so it is a one shot deal once you do it (I have a trick on that if you need one) and then a quick pinch down the seam line and let it dry for a few mins. Then it is good to go. It repairs rips in wetsuits so its pretty tough stuff as those see a lot of stretching and abuse.

I just pulled as hard as I could on the seam of spare cover I made yesterday (30-40 lbs) and it didnt even blink an eye. But since it melts it together its probably as tough as the rest of the fabric. I added stitching on mine just for redundancy. But now that I tested that for you, it is especially redundant. Lol.

Only gripe is the odd application. first coat, wait 5 mins, second coat, wait 10 mins, then touch edges. I only waited 5 on the second coat too when it looked dry on the surface. Seemed to work.

Heres my seam, don't take this as a representation of a really good job. I did this with a marker and a set of big old shears and I cant cut a straight line to save my life. I recommend good lines and a good cutting device for a nice clean edge. Thankfully it is forgiving since once you mush the two edged together they merge into one, so edges and small imperfections cease to exist. I also was a tad sloppy and the black you see is the glue. The far right where I started is a good representation.

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Good idea. This can also be done for tripod legs, etc for those with a DIY streak.

mjww wrote in post #15174938
Good idea. This can also be done for tripod legs, etc for those with a DIY streak.

Yea, thats on my to-do list actually IIRC those were also way over priced $50.

Great! Thanks.

Just a friendly update, I did the monopod leg, it was pretty easy except for one thing, it must be assembled on the leg. Pretty easy to do as you just kind of zip it up by pinching together.

Below is my lens coat...err I mean Lens Jacket items so far. I gotta grab my tripod from the trunk and maybe figure out what else I can create. I made a new piece that slides over the front barrel cover when the lens hood is retracted, and it slides over the focus when the hood is extended. Below is the extended view with the Button cover not installed (sitting above). The button I made optional to install for inclement weather or protection as desired. I took the stitching out of the covers since it was useless as the bond is crazy strong.

Savings so far: $110 (tripod legs ~45, monopod leg ~15, lens cover ~65) Materials cost -$15

looks good.
100-400 correct?
Ive thought about getting something like this but im a bit lazy.

jhayesvw wrote in post #15197271
looks good.
100-400 correct?
Ive thought about getting something like this but im a bit lazy.

This is the 400mm prime, the 100-400 could be done similarly though. Just different sized rings is all. It really takes very little effort, 20 mins maybe if you have everything you need

http://www.rockywoods.​com …er-face-Solid-Brown-inner

found your fabric: 18.33 shipped

http://www.amazon.com …-2&keywords=neoprene+gl​ue
sealant (as linked above) $7 shipped. For 2 oz

http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​3ccb906d1c $9 shipped for 4oz

total cost: $26

other alternatives, though probably not as camo-ed
http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​33772dcb37

http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​3a7ae755de

beats paying $80.00 if you have the time and patience.
http://www.ebay.com …rceRpt=true#ht_​1262wt_992

The only danger of using the ebay foams is that they are designed for insulation properties and not covering type use. When I was looking at different types there is the consensus that those do no hold up well and tear very easily. I would recommend at least a type B or type CR neoprene for quality material. Shipping is a factor, but if you have access to a local dive shop or aquatics store the materials may be available locally as well

I have an amazon prime membership so my seal cement was free shipping $6

Seattle fabrics actually had specifically what pattern I wanted but their shipping was a bit higher. As for time an patience, If you have about 30 minutes to spare it can be done with a pair of scissors, a black marker, a ruler or straight edge on a book etc.., and a soft measuring tape or some string. As long as you can cut a fairly straight line its easy as can be.

To seal the seam once prepped you fold the edges over toward each other and then slide them together while holding them gently against a flat surface. This ensures the seam connects evenly as then slide together. The pinch down the line and let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes (overnight for it to completely dry). You only get one shot at getting them together, once they touch they become one forever.

how did you measure the jacket lengths? Did you purposely cut short the neoprene by a mm or two so that it would add more friction/tightness around the lens? Not really looking to do this diy at the moment, but maybe in the future.

I used a sewing measuring tape, maybe called a seamstress tape, soft and flexible. I went 4-5 mm short on diameter to add a nice fit.