Sealed or not?

I can't remember if the front element on the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS is weather sealed.... Is it or do we need to put a filter there to "seal" it?

I'm asking because I might go somewhere where there's a a snow storm and if some snow flakes would go in, that would not be good.

Sealed and yes I believe you need a filter. I'll check the manual.

dang it I don't have an extra filter!! ahhhhhhhhhhh

Hmm... I couldn't find the manual online, but my 70-200 f2.8 IS II doesn't say anything about a front filter after a quick flip through. I realize it is a different lens... so don't take it to heart.

I don't think it needs a filter to complete the sealing on the 70-200 2.8 IS. The 16-35, etc.. does, but I don't think the white whale does.

Interesting, never thought about needing a filter, I thought it was good to go as it is...

I thought it was only the 'L' lenses without internal zoom (i.e., that change length when zooming) that required a filter to complete the weather sealing.

I believe you are correct.

bohdank wrote in post #11455739
I believe you are correct.

Me too.

Although the "threat of a snowflake entering" the lens is beyond reason! If you want to dunk the lens in your bathtub, that's one thing. Shooting when snow is falling isn't overly risky unless you're outdoors at the South Pole for several hours!

Now, how are we going to keep moisture and snowflakes out of the control knobs? Uh, huh! NOW, be VERY AFRAID!

RISK. OMG, omg, OMG!

NO RISK ALLOWED - with anything, anywhere, anyone!

DO NOT REMOVE LENS FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING OR DAMAGE FROM USE MAY RESULT CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION

I shot more than once when I had a 40D in thick wet snow for a couple of hours. The camera/lens (17-40) was completely wet. Shoved it in the bag, brought it home and let it air dry. Never had an issue with it while shooting or later.

My cameras have been drizzled, splashed by ocean waves without a hiccup. I'm not as reckless as it sounds but cameras are a little tougher than what we give them credit for, imo.

The only thing I really worry about is sand.

richardfox wrote in post #11456075
Me too.

Although the "threat of a snowflake entering" the lens is beyond reason! If you want to dunk the lens in your bathtub, that's one thing. Shooting when snow is falling isn't overly risky unless you're outdoors at the South Pole for several hours!

Now, how are we going to keep moisture and snowflakes out of the control knobs? Uh, huh! NOW, be VERY AFRAID!

RISK. OMG, omg, OMG!

NO RISK ALLOWED - with anything, anywhere, anyone!

DO NOT REMOVE LENS FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING OR DAMAGE FROM USE MAY RESULT CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION

You can treat your gear however you like, however other people have the right to protect their gear however they like.

themadman wrote in post #11457509
You can treat your gear however you like, however other people have the right to protect their gear however they like.

Once again, a tongue-in-cheek comment is taken for serious conversation. I do believe, and it has been well illustrated on this forum, that many people are extremely afraid of shooting in the elements outdoors. HOWEVER, there are "percentages of risk" involved in everything. A few falling snowflakes cannot be compared to a raging blizzard lasting for hours. A couple of raindrops are hardly the same level of risk as dunking your lens in the Atlantic.

The most vocal on the forum are those that persist with the "all filters affect IQ, therefore I NEVER use" statement. It's no wonder there are so many differences of opinion.

I treat my equipment quite well, but when going to high-risk destinations like extremely dusty or salt water spray on a boat, always use filters.

When someone asks a question on this forum, they also need to be prepared for a rush of harsh comments. I'm well aware, as I've received many.

Anybody can do anything with their equipment. However, educating oneself in risk evaluation of anything is a must these days. Reality of the risk must be balanced with any down-side. Filters protect, but may cause loss of IQ. If that's OK for the person in question, it matters not to me what they do.

richardfox wrote in post #11458347
When someone asks a question on this forum, they also need to be prepared for a rush of harsh comments. I'm well aware, as I've received many.

Add mine above to the list then

themadman wrote in post #11458361
Add mine above to the list then

That's beacuse everybody here is a dummy! If we were all "smart", we already would know everything. I actually did know everything known to man when I was 17. My parents would have agreed completely with that statement. Unfortunately, we all get older and begin to realize exactly how little we really know.

Except me, of course, because I still know everything, and have charts, graphs and video proving so.

Richard's point, I think, is that you bought the gear to take photos. If you're going to do that, you need to be able to accept some risk (moisture, dust, a few scratches every now and again). There are lots of people who are so protective of their gear, they seem to seldom shoot except in the most ideal conditions. In most cases, a little rain or snow or flying dirt isn't going to harm your camera and those can be great times to get out and shoot.