Gadget Bag: Preventive Medicine

Protect your camera from rain and snow

By Jon Sienkiewicz

Labels: Gear, Gadget Bag

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Vortex Media Storm Jacket

Kata E-702

Some people leave the camera at home when the weather forecast calls for a 40% chance of rain. That's one way to make sure it never gets wet. Others toss a couple of extra-large trash bags into their backpack when they head out for a shoot under questionable climatic conditions. The one thing that's certain about the weather is that you can never be certain about the weather. But don't lose a day's shooting just because there could be showers. There are a number of very reasonably priced accessories that can keep you snapping, even in a downpour.

Choosing the right protective gear is straightforward and largely a matter of personal preference. Some outfits are more comfortable to use than others, so hands-on inspection is important. Cameras—especially lenses—come in different sizes, so make sure the rain cover you buy accommodates your largest equipment. And if you plan to use a tripod, be sure there's an opening in the appropriate place to make the connection.

Camera Duck SLRB

One word of warning: None of the protective systems can be expected to be 100% effective under all weather conditions. Common sense tells us that the solution that works perfectly during a spring shower won't necessarily deliver the same level of protection in a hurricane. That means you're taking a chance—albeit a small one—even with the most effective protective gear.

Delkin Snug-It

Gloves for your camera? Well, sort of. Delkin's Snug-It Pro DSLR Camera Skin fits like a glove and protects your camera from bumps and bruises, as well as the weather. Designed to fit your camera model exactly, right down to the smallest detail, Camera Skins are constructed of a non-tacky, powder-infused silicone. The surface is easy to grip and has ridges that provide extra protection against impact. It's easy to install, and you maintain access to all camera controls and buttons. Snug-It Pro DSLR Camera Skins also prevent scratches and other damage to the LCD display, and feature protective molding around the hot-shoe attachment and lens mount. Estimated Street Price: $36 (Canon EOS 5D Mark II); $20 (Nikon D300S).

Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200

Think of it as a protective overcoat for your camera and 70-200mm zoom. The Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200 keeps your camera safe and dry regardless of the weather. It features an external camera strap, so there's no need to remove the strap attached to the camera body, a transparent back window that allows you to view the LCD and camera controls, and a lens hood cover that protects the front of your lens. It's compatible with all monopods and small- to medium-sized tripod heads, and comes with a handy mesh bag for easy transportation and storage. Nice touch: You can change batteries and memory cards without removing the rain cover. The Hydrophobia requires an eyepiece, which is available separately. Estimated Street Price: $139.

OP/Tech USA Rainsleeve

For less rigorous use or to have on hand for emergencies, the OP/TECH USA Rainsleeve is inexpensive insurance that everyone should have tucked in their camera bags. It's made of a pliable, durable plastic that collapses for easy storage and can be used while shooting handheld or on a tripod. It uses a drawstring to provide a snug fit on virtually any lens. The drawstring enclosure fits lenses up to seven inches in diameter and up to 18 inches in length. Rainsleeves are sold in packages of two. There's also a Rainsleeve-Flash version that's large enough to accommodate most popular shoe-mount flash units. Estimated Street Price: $6 (Rainsleeve); $8 (Rainsleeve-Flash).

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