Weather-sealed gear and lens front element

IMO, since the advent a digital weather sealing on bodies has been overrated. But the media sells it and you live the roll! Now everybody needs it. Like a lot of things you'll never use. For me weather sealing was more important with film. In that case it was more to keep sand and water from getting into where you load the film. Those dam scratches on you negatives. Digital bodies are generally impervious to a little rain.

When it comes to lenses I think it has more to do with the design. If the lens moves there's a chance to get stuff in there. I live in a more desert type region and it gets windy to boot. Even so, 40 years of photography I've only had to bring one lens in for repair that got sand inside.

Many years ago I used to shoot eos 1 level cameras. Then I got tired of lugging them for general use and bought a rebel. Because the camera was inexpensive I abused the hell out of, and the 28-135IS lens. Beaches, rain, you name it. The camera took a lickin' and kept on tickin. I was actually surprised. Also another thing I like about my pen-f. If it's raining I put a pancake or prime on it and it fits in a pocket or easily under my jacket.

Now don't get me wrong. Weather sealing isn't bad! Especially if you're like a sports photographer and expected to stand on the side lines and keep taking pictures in all sorts of torrential weather. Even then I usually see the shower caps come out:-) But it's not a make or brake selling point for me.