Are any of the Canon EF-S zoom lenses weather sealed?

I am just weighing up the pros and cons of either a 7D II or an 80D for me next camera, (my EM5 is beginning to become limiting in the shots I can capture with it).  I was originally going to for the 80D, but have held back as weather sealing, (particularly  dust), is something I really need, which isn't available on the 80D.

I did a bit of research and was unable to find a definitive list of EF-s lenses that are weather sealed.  I know that the L series glass is weather sealed, but the equivalent focal lengths make them a bit too long for use as a walk around lens.  My ideal zoom range would be somewhere around the 15-85 EFS lens, which, though it is a kit lens with the 7D II,  I can't seem to find out whether it is weather sealed.

Are there any EF-S lenses that are sealed?

Thanks in advance.

Dareshooter wrote:

The 15-85 is not weather sealed and afaik none of the EFS lenses are either. You mentioned that your concern is more to do with dust so what kind of conditions do intend shooting in that gives you cause for concern?

Camping out in the country for astro photography, so to get away from the light pollution of the city.  I am in Australia, (though not the dustiest part, I am in Melbourne), so for that kind of photography, dust resistance is critical, especially in the summer months.

Only L lenses are weather sealed. Even then, not all L glass is weather sealed and some need a filter to complete the weather sealing.

1Dx4me wrote:

weather sealing of cameras and lenses cost money, hence higher price of "L" lenses and 1D professional camera bodies. what is left is jellybean non "L", ef-s lenses, and non-pro camera bodies which is the reason for lower prices. i have seen many of my friends' ef-s lenses and i wouldn't dare taking them to dusty environment, if they were mine.

In that case, do you think it is best to wait a bit longer and get a 5D III and L lenses, (currently hugely over budget), or look into L lenses that have acceptable focal lengths when used on a crop sensor?

Since the 7D II is sealed, I am surprised Canon don't make any sealed APS-C glass for it.

Gnocchi wrote:

Hi Henry, I have owned the 15-85 and I used it in a large variety of dusty circumstances and can tell you now that it will inhale dust!

I know have the 24-70 f4 L and have just returned from another dusty envoirnment only to discover that it has also inhaled dust!

i think most of these zooms that extend when zooming will inhale dust regardless of weather sealing.

I just ignore dust now as it doesn't seem to affect iq.

Just to clarify, there is dust being sucked inside the lens, or just on the rear element?

Gnocchi wrote:

Henry Alekna Photography wrote:

Gnocchi wrote:

Hi Henry, I have owned the 15-85 and I used it in a large variety of dusty circumstances and can tell you now that it will inhale dust!

I know have the 24-70 f4 L and have just returned from another dusty envoirnment only to discover that it has also inhaled dust!

i think most of these zooms that extend when zooming will inhale dust regardless of weather sealing.

I just ignore dust now as it doesn't seem to affect iq.

Just to clarify, there is dust being sucked inside the lens, or just on the rear element?

That's correct Henry, the dust is being sucked inside the lens.

I am very surprised at that.  Was it much dust that was sucked in?  Could it perhaps be from dust on the mirror / sensor left over from a lens change?

Gnocchi wrote:

Henry Alekna Photography wrote:

Gnocchi wrote:

Henry Alekna Photography wrote:

Gnocchi wrote:

Hi Henry, I have owned the 15-85 and I used it in a large variety of dusty circumstances and can tell you now that it will inhale dust!

I know have the 24-70 f4 L and have just returned from another dusty envoirnment only to discover that it has also inhaled dust!

i think most of these zooms that extend when zooming will inhale dust regardless of weather sealing.

I just ignore dust now as it doesn't seem to affect iq.

Just to clarify, there is dust being sucked inside the lens, or just on the rear element?

That's correct Henry, the dust is being sucked inside the lens.

I am very surprised at that. Was it much dust that was sucked in? Could it perhaps be from dust on the mirror / sensor left over from a lens change?

I wouldn't have thought it would come from a lens change! But I could not be 100% positive.

I am fairly sure that it's related to lens design that allows very fine dust particles to penetrate the lens.

my 70-200 however has no internal dust visible (internal zoom) and this lens has also had use in dusty envoirenments.

Perhaps the 24-70 f/2.8 II sealing is more efficient.  Anyway, the f/2.8 is way more then my current budget allows.  I think what I might end up doing at this point is buying a cheap, used 50D with kit lens to use when the dusty conditions have high chance of damaging the main camera.  That way I dint have to worry too much about costly repair / cleaning bills!

Read the specifications for each L lens, to see which ones are weather-sealed. Notably, many that are weather-sealed require a filter to complete the sealing. Keep in mind that the presence of weather-sealing does not guarantee that moisture and dust cannot enter the lens; additional protection is a wise precaution. Wind, and waves, can force dust or water past the gaskets that weather-seal a lens.

As for the original question, no EF-S lenses are specified as being weather-sealed.

Henry Alekna Photography wrote:

Dareshooter wrote:

The 15-85 is not weather sealed and afaik none of the EFS lenses are either. You mentioned that your concern is more to do with dust so what kind of conditions do intend shooting in that gives you cause for concern?

Camping out in the country for astro photography, so to get away from the light pollution of the city. I am in Australia, (though not the dustiest part, I am in Melbourne), so for that kind of photography, dust resistance is critical, especially in the summer months.

I doubt much astro shooting is possible during dust storms.

Pelican cases, and similar O-ring-sealed cases/boxes, can protect your gear while traveling to and from your destination, and during intervals between shoots. Such cases also offer significant impact protection, if the available padding or foam inserts are used.

Rexgig0 wrote:

Henry Alekna Photography wrote:

Dareshooter wrote:

The 15-85 is not weather sealed and afaik none of the EFS lenses are either. You mentioned that your concern is more to do with dust so what kind of conditions do intend shooting in that gives you cause for concern?

Camping out in the country for astro photography, so to get away from the light pollution of the city. I am in Australia, (though not the dustiest part, I am in Melbourne), so for that kind of photography, dust resistance is critical, especially in the summer months.

I doubt much astro shooting is possible during dust storms.

Pelican cases, and similar O-ring-sealed cases/boxes, can protect your gear while traveling to and from your destination, and during intervals between shoots. Such cases also offer significant impact protection, if the available padding or foam inserts are used.

I meant weather resistance in general, I would like to see someone doing astro photography in a storm!

Generally, the locations I will be travelling to, dust and moisture resistance is really useful to have, even just for peace of mind.

A hard case is a really good idea, I will definitely look into them.

Henry,

You might consider a Pentax setup for astrophotography in dusty conditions. Excellent weather sealing, and some Gps motion control for long exposures.

Bob

bkpix wrote:

Henry,

You might consider a Pentax setup for astrophotography in dusty conditions. Excellent weather sealing, and some Gps motion control for long exposures.

Bob

Good idea, I will look into the Pentax cameras.  Right now the K3 II looks like it ticks all boxes.  I am not so sure about the Pentax glass though, as the overall away and options aren't as numerous as the CaNikon equivalents.  As I also dabble in video so Pentax isn't the first choice for that, but I won't be getting rid of my current camera, an EM5, so good video in my next (and first), DSLR is more of a nice to have.

I will have to do some more research.

Thanks for the suggestion!