Rain covers, do you use them?

I'm thinking about getting rain covers for my gear(it rains too much here in Manchester), and I've found following ones are reasonably priced.

Kata raincover, however it doesn't have a hole for lens(pretty weird for camera rain cover).

Lightware raincover, I think this is by far the best option, one for all solution, cover from 70-200mm to 600mm, for $30.

Tenba raincover, I've used it with 400mm, pretty neat, but you pay for different ones to go with different lens, from 9' to 24', $40 each.

Aquatech, well, it's just too pricy for me.

Are there other ones that you would recommend? So far, lightware seems to be the one for me.

Here is a link for lightware and tenba ones.

seems to me like a plastic bag will do a similar job, but its a damn good idea. My camera got a little dripped on the other day, and it felt very wrong!

Sorry I don't have any advice about your choice however

It just feels wrong not to protect the gear you spent thousands on, even though I know my 1D + 70-200mm is weather proof(which i did shoot in the pouring rain once), it still hurts at bottom of my heart when you see those rain drops land on them ...

After spending $$$$ on camera gear, why skimp on rain covers? Protect your investment with the best your can afford... I went with Aquatech and haven't looked back once...

you are of course both correct

emm...Aquatech, the most expensive rain cover I've ever found ... it's definitely out of my budget for raincovers, I'm gonna be buying two for both cameras with lens mounted, might just go with two lightware ones.

Rain Covers - Improv?

I shoot soccer in Southern California. 30,000 shots in 2003! We only get about 20 inches of rain a year. But as soccer fans well know, its "play-on" under full conditions.

I cut the arms off an old gore-tex mountain jacket. I velcro the wrist end to 70-200 and 400mm sun shades and drape the shoulder ends over my Mk2 and 10d. The AF works without interference. A little scotch guard before use keeps the material nearly waterproof. (Note: some downpours are too dangerous to my equipment to carry on... with this rig. I carry a plastic garbage bag for when I must surrender.)

Does anyone use neopreme for lenes mated to a camera body "glove?"
I've have a home made version for my little Rollei B35. The 5/16 neopreme has kept it dry and dent free since the early 70's. I also velcro it onto a ski pole or ice ax as my monopod.

AquaTech for my MK2

A little research indicates this is a good insurance buy.

I want to do a few shots in the rain, but not that
many that it would be worth it spending hundreds of €.

Could you post a pic of your homemade raingear?

We have a big storm coming today, I want raingear now...

-

Search lightware on B&H, they only cost $29.95, and it covers from 300mm to 600mm; or, try Penn Camera, search for either Tenba or Photo-fax, they are a bit more expensive, however, a LOT cheaper than Aquatech.

sGu,

You could move to Florida where the shines all the time - you won't need rain gear -HA

Gene

I wish I could ... but unfortunately it's not up to me to decide those things

And getting some rain cover would be more practical for now

S Gu. I was at a football match last weekend where it persistantly rained. I used a thick plastic bag with a elastic band over my lens cover it covered both lens and body. But also I wear a large rimmed 'cowboy' type hat that covers the lens + body as well. Good price as well.

I did have to buy new waterproof bottoms as the ones I worn turn out to leak very badly though!!

Isn't it just fun !!!

AquaTech for my MK2

The SportShield 300 is tight on my Mk2 and 400mm. In addition, to the camera cover you have to buy, 1 of 3, eyepieces to mate with the view/opening in the camera cover.

Aquatech is priced seriously high but probably is justified. The design is truly edgy and efficient. Competitors will quickly ripped it off. Then, the price will settledown.

The dollar ain't worth what is used to be... The US $ versus the EU $ is 1.26 US::1.00 EU.

Always carry a large thick garbage bag and gaffer tape (better than duct) - no residue.

Thanks for the advice, when I looked up photo-fax ones, they do have view/opening and eyepiece to fit specific cameras(nikon and Canon).

Aquatech is probably the best out there, and can justify its cost, but for now, I'd rather go with something cheaper.