The best rain sleeve for DSLR?

[CharlieJ]

It's been raining off & on for three days now. UGH! So, as my camera sits in the backpack, I keep thinking, "I don't mind getting wet, but I can't risk the camera". So, the question becomes, "How do you keep your camera dry and still enjoy outdoor photography on rainy days?" Well, you go to DPS and ask your learned comrades what they use!

So, what do YOU use? I've seen the "ghetto rain sleeve" made from a ziplock bag. But, I'm looking for other ideas -- both DIY and manufactured. I'm not looking for complete waterproofing. I'm not taking my camera SCUBA diving. Of course, pros and cons based on your experience are also appreciated.

THANKS!

[scootermcq]

Having done a couple outdoor weddings in the rain, I have the Kata SLR rain cover. Did the job, kept the camera dry and let me stay in the action. (Although at one I was completely soaked as were the bride and groom)

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp...photo&p_Id=229

[CharlieJ]

THANKS Scott. I'll check Kata out.

But, I'm sure others have solutions they're using. Anyone? Bueller? Bueeeller?

[Shokinen]

Hey Charlie,

I use an even more ghetto rain sleeve than the one linked you linked. 2 ziplock for cooler (plastic is thicker) and duck tape !! Cut the bottom and top of each bag. Get a bag 3 inches inside then other one to prevent leaks. I also taped both side (inside and outside) of the joint to prevent leak.

Everthing goes in the bag, my hand included, and it's long enough for my 70-300 @ 300mm. Never had an issue with this setting.

Ever saw pros working ? They all have duck tape on their tripods... Does it mean I'm a pro ? lol

[Photologyst]

I have strong plastic, ziplock bags in "every" pocket, suitcase and bag. If I were to live or travel to someplace where it did rain much of the time I might consider a more sophisticated arrangement.

[RichardTaylor]

Optech rain Sleeve + (sometimes) a large umbrella.

OP/TECH USA Rainsleeve

[karen_s]

I started with a $4 plastic cover with a drawstring. It worked in a pinch but after just a few outings, it became useless. The plastic clouded over and became tough to see thru. On top of that, the camera suffered from a buildup of condensation due to the fact that plastic does not breath. Anyway, I started looking and came across this ...

Aqua Tech SS-200 Sport Shield Rain Cover (Grey) 1315 B&H Photo

I know, pretty expensive. But, I love to shoot in the rain and snow and I decided it was worth a try. I was out in a heavy snow a few weeks back and it worked great. My camera was dry and my right hand was pretty comfortable all day. I've also noticed that when I have it on the camera, it seems to muffle the sound of my rather loud 300mm's IS system. That's proved quite helpful when birding

Anyway, had I not gotten that I would most likely have tried the Kata rain jacket. Kata just makes great stuff and I trust the build of their gear.

[CharlieJ]

I used the ghetto rain cover yesterday in the snow. And I'm sure glad I did. Otherwise, my brand spanking new Canon 60D would have been sunk in the snow. I slid down while trying to walk down an embankment to shoot photos of a pond (in the snow). BOOM! Busted my butt with my right arm ending up covered by snow. The camera was safe in a ziplock, rubberbanded to the lens. Not a drop of water or snow on it. And to top that off, it started sleeting on the 10min trek back home.

It's definitely time to invest in a rain sleeve. Aquatech or Kata... heading off to do some research. THANKS everyone!

[photographyxfactor]

You can construct one from a 2 gal ziplock bag, These have served us well in Africa, Antarctica, and the Patagona (Torres del Paine area)

[Preeb]

Originally Posted by photographyxfactor

You can construct one from a 2 gal ziplock bag, These have served us well in Africa, Antarctica, and the Patagona (Torres del Paine area)

You do realize you just replied to a 14 month old thread?