How can I protect a Nikon D7000 and 18-105mm lens when shooting in the rain?
Asked 9/30/2013
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I use a Nikon D7000 with the 18-105mm lens and want to keep shooting in rainy weather. What kinds of rain covers are available for a DSLR setup like this, and what are the main pros and cons of the different options?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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I know seasoned professionals who use pro level gear in light rain without any cover. If they need to cover up due to a heavy downpour or other environmental factors (such as a Color Run or Holi Festival), they often use a clear trash bag and rubber bands or gaffers tape to create a cover for their gear.
There are products specifically created to protect cameras and lenses from the environment while they are being used.
Plastic rain covers are made of clear plastic that is a little thicker than the typical trash bag and are shaped to fit a camera with appropriate openings for the lens and viewfinder. They usually have a drawstring to pull the cover tight at the front of the lens and many have a small hole designed to fit over the viewfinder that is held in place by the camera's detachable plastic/rubber eye cup. They are available in multiple sizes to accommodate different lens sizes, and some even allow an hot shoe mounted flash. This two pack sells for $6.99 in the U.S. at amazon.com. This one has hand holes on each side and room for a flash. You can spend considerably more for a cover with more features if you are so inclined. This bag can be stored around the lens hood when not in use and deployed quickly when the weather dictates. It is also more durable than the cheaper bags which are normally only good for a few uses before they need to be replaced. If your lens is not weather sealed, you should probably use a screw on protective filter as well.
Products made for underwater use will also protect your camera from weather and other environmental factors. They will do so at a higher level than most plastic rain covers, but you usually give up some functionality in exchange. You may not have access to all of the control buttons and knobs when your camera is in a dive housing. The lower end dive housings are also flexible bags with various shapes for different camera/lens combinations, but unlike the rain covers they seal up. This one sells for about $70 USD. A customized hard case dive housing will probably cost more than your camera, but usually allows better access to your camera's controls and offers a greater degree of protection. This one is customized for the D7000 and requires an additional lens port for each lens you wish to use.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For light rain, many photographers use cameras without a cover, especially if they avoid prolonged exposure. For heavier rain or messy environments, a cover is a good idea.
Common options:
- DIY plastic bag: A clear trash bag with rubber bands or gaffer tape is cheap, light, and works surprisingly well in a downpour. The downside is poorer access to controls, less durability, and a less secure fit.
- Purpose-made plastic rain cover: These are clear, shaped for a camera and lens, and usually tighten around the lens with a drawstring. Many also fit around the viewfinder so you can still compose. They are inexpensive, light, and better designed than a trash bag, but still somewhat disposable and less robust.
- More durable reusable covers: Better for frequent bad-weather shooting. They generally fit more securely and handle repeated use better, but cost more and can be bulkier.
Whichever type you use, make sure the front opening seals snugly around the lens and that you still have access to the viewfinder and controls. In short: occasional rain = plastic bag or simple clear rain sleeve; regular wet-weather use = buy a dedicated reusable rain cover.
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