Peak Design Shell: why

[Amquaex]

I bought a PD shell for a trip lately, and after trying it on and using it under heavy rain, I have some questions, and maybe I am using it wrong.

• First, if this is supposed to protect the body and lens from the elements, why is it not waterproof, but instead is allowed to soak up the moisture, which means you have to dry it afterwards, not to mention that your camera obviously gets wet at some point during the process.
• No access to the screen or viewfinder when put on? Are we supposed to remove it and put it back again and again? (I saw some people doing a mod on dpreview that does this, kudos to them)
• Tightening the front of the shell to the lens has several unintended consequences: with zoom lenses that extend, it may be possible to zoom in and out without removing it, but since it will tighten right before the front element, you cannot use the widest focal length. With both zoom and fixed lenses it gets bothersome to move zoom or focus rings (since you rotate the shell fabric along the ring, which will not move much), and forget about the buttons of course.
• The front clip to loosen the elastic goes up, often getting in front of the lens.
• Most buckles, straps, etc, will not fit the very small holes on the sides that are custom-made for the PD release system.

I had a Nikon D7500 and 16-80, which seemed to fit adequately for the most part with the medium sized shell.

Overall it is quite expensive for a product that does not seem very well designed, and in the rain it was much more convenient to use the rain cover included in my CC strapshot, which feels way cheaper (and is included as a bonus with the strapshot more than a real accessory).

Am I using it wrong or is it that bad?

 

[cnyphotoguy]

I bought a PD shell for a trip lately, and after trying it on and using it under heavy rain, I have some questions, and maybe I am using it wrong.

• First, if this is supposed to protect the body and lens from the elements, why is it not waterproof, but instead is allowed to soak up the moisture, which means you have to dry it afterwards, not to mention that your camera obviously gets wet at some point during the process

Peak Design equipment is often equally function and form. They mention a waterproof membrane which suggests heavier form in the design.

• No access to the screen or viewfinder when put on? Are we supposed to remove it and put it back again and again? (I saw some people doing a mod on dpreview that does this, kudos to them)

The promo photos on their website suggest its designed for the cover to be pulled up when using it

• Tightening the front of the shell to the lens has several unintended consequences: with zoom lenses that extend, it may be possible to zoom in and out without removing it, but since it will tighten right before the front element, you cannot use the widest focal length. With both zoom and fixed lenses it gets bothersome to move zoom or focus rings (since you rotate the shell fabric along the ring, which will not move much), and forget about the buttons of course.
• The front clip to loosen the elastic goes up, often getting in front of the lens.
• Most buckles, straps, etc, will not fit the very small holes on the sides that are custom-made for the PD release system.

Yes, seems primarily a cover for light rain/snow when using a PD capture clip...especially when mounted to the clip.

I had a Nikon D7500 and 16-80, which seemed to fit adequately for the most part with the medium sized shell.

Overall it is quite expensive for a product that does not seem very well designed, and in the rain it was much more convenient to use the rain cover included in my CC strapshot, which feels way cheaper (and is included as a bonus with the strapshot more than a real accessory).

Am I using it wrong or is it that bad?

I don't think its meant for bad weather, but light weather protections not including active shooting.

 

[BBbuilder467]

It looks more like a protective shell to carry the camera around without using a bag/pouch. You basically have to remove it for use, but it would protect the camera while mounting on a tripod. It's not like the rainsleeve or weatherproof covers for use in foul weather. They're more of a custom fit for the body/lens combination.

The PD looks like something I'd use to hike in foul weather when I don't want to carry a backpack or pouch. I need it for when I'm not using the camera.

 

[robgendreau]

I dunno. Doesn't seem as useful as the other lens covers from ThinkTank, LensCoat, etc, all of which allow using the camera with the cover on, and on tripods. I guess if you only need the cover while on a shoulder strap, but seems like if you had the camera out in the rain you'd want to use it in the rain.

Thanks for the info about real world use.