Rain covers that can endure sustained rain?

[thielges]

I have looked at couple of camera rain covers that both imply that they are for "emergency" use meaning that they will protect the camera for a short time until you can take cover from the rain. For example the Promaster rain jacket instructions specifically say that it might not completely prevent water from reaching the camera. The Think Tank unit implies it is only good for emergency use.

These could just be CYA statements from the manufacturers so they're not liable for any damage to expensive cameras. If you have real-life experience using these rain covers in sustained rain, please let me know whether they were successful keeping your gear dry.

I'd expect that no fabric can totally protect against long term heavy rain which is OK for me. The camera rain cover only needs to outlast my own ability to endure rain which would be about 2 hours of light rain or half an hour of heavy rain.

 

[jaberg]

I believe you’re overthinking this. The concern with the various rain capes and covers is that water will find its way around the fabric, blowing in through openings and seams. Used with care, a good “rain coat” …or a plastic bag… should suffice for extended shooting sessions. If this genuinely worries you, or you regularly shoot in monsoons, get an underwater camera enclosure for your camera.

I keep the Peak Design rain cover tucked into my camera sling (when appropriate.) When necessary, I use it without undue concern…or a stopwatch.

 

[LukeP_Photo]

There are a variety of options out there, but I have had great success using the rain covers from Think Tank. They have two versions, their Emergency series and their Hydrophobia series. Both are equally good at protecting your camera from the rain. The difference is that the Hydrophobia series are for people who are regularly using their cameras in inclement weather and it's worth it to have a dedicated eyepiece and slots for their hands to go through. I do a lot of sports photography and the covers have kept my gear dry through multiple downpours during games. The company was founded by photographers who are working photojournalists so there's practical experience that goes into the design of their products. If you are not regularly out in the inclement weather, their Emergency series is probably fine or even a plastic bag can work too. Whatever you are comfortable with.

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/?rfsn=7822199.a23a3d

 

[BBbuilder467]

I have looked at couple of camera rain covers that both imply that they are for "emergency" use meaning that they will protect the camera for a short time until you can take cover from the rain. For example the Promaster rain jacket instructions specifically say that it might not completely prevent water from reaching the camera. The Think Tank unit implies it is only good for emergency use.

These could just be CYA statements from the manufacturers so they're not liable for any damage to expensive cameras. If you have real-life experience using these rain covers in sustained rain, please let me know whether they were successful keeping your gear dry.

I'd expect that no fabric can totally protect against long term heavy rain which is OK for me. The camera rain cover only needs to outlast my own ability to endure rain which would be about 2 hours of light rain or half an hour of heavy rain.

I think you want to use the logic that the better covers are intended for tripod use, where the rain is expected to be directed downward. They can't fully account for wind that forces the water into seams and crevices, like a one piece plastic sleeve could.

They wouldn't be practical for a hiker. I carried the cheap, plastic rainsleeves for years and never used them. It's hard to protect the gear in a weatherproof bag in a downpour.

 

[thielges]

I should have mentioned that I don't expect a rain jacket to protect against topological entry points like that. Nothing can. I'm only concerned about rain penetrating the fabric itself, not entering via the openings that are part of the design of the jacket.

 

[thielges]

Thanks. I'll plan to use the cloth rain jacket with a backup of a plastic bag if things get really nasty, at which time I'll stop shooting and just protect the gear.