p.1 #1Rain sleeve for handheld, fast action, with a zoom lens
Greetings,
Winter soccer is coming up and it's very likely that some games will be played when it's not only cold, but while it's raining or snowing. I typically shoot hand-held with a Canon R1 and a 100-300 f2.8 and a 1.4 extender (about 19.5" total length).
Any advice for a rain sleeve that'll work well with a zoom lens during fast action?
p.1 #2Rain sleeve for handheld, fast action, with a zoom lens
When I fully retire, I am thiinking of opening the Photography Rain Gear Museum. I think I've tried "all the things" and have come to the following not-so-momentus conclusions:
First of all, I have two waterproof sacks -- one is marked "RAIN" and the other "BRRRRR" (for anything below 40 degrees). If there is even the slightest chance of rain, I throw the RAIN sack into the trunk along with my gear. It includes:
* A 6x8 tarp to throw over everything in downpour. ($9)
* A couple trash bags. The protection of last resort. ($0.25)
* A couple Dollar Store rain panchos ($1.99). Always good to have a spare or two. It's a good way to make friends.
* A few microfiber plush towels to wipe off anything that gets wet ($15).
* A Columbia waterproof rain jacket. (~$50ish at Outlet store).
* An extra baseball cap (who doesn't have a few to spare?) in case I wasn't wearing one from the outset.
* All in the waterproof backpack (~$50).
* And of course, the rain sleeves. I carry 4:
1) a general cover sleeve, nothng fancy - just something to use for a sudden shower or gentle rain. No eye piece required. You can pop it on quickly and remove just as quickly. I have one that fits a 70-200.
2) Same as #1 except for a longer lens (400MM f2.8 or 600MM f4)
There are a lot of companies that make these. Ruggard, Movo, LensCoat etc... I like Storm Jacket coversby Vortrex. They are no longer available new -- but these are items that you can certainly purchased used at a bargain. You can find these for ~$20 used on eBay all day long. They are just simple sleeves. I like them because you can get them in different colors and thus they are easier to find in the depths of my bag.
3) Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover (Large) $72 for when it's raining cats and dogs and/or when its raining before I hit the sidelines and I can head into action "pre-sleeved."
I've tried the higher end Think Tanks Hydrophobia models and they are great. But frankly it's like launching the space shuttle to put them on. And you need a camera brand-specific eyepiece. If I were shooting in the rainforest, the North Pole or other extreme situations for hours on end, and had time to set everything up in advance that's the way I'd go. But I just find it overkill for sports. That's just me.
I shoot a lot in the rain. This approach has served me well. Interested to hear how others approach this.
p.1 #3Rain sleeve for handheld, fast action, with a zoom lens
I agree with PureMichigan on the Thinktank covers. I started with the hydrophoia covers years ago with smaller camera eyepieces. I have both the 70-200 and the large cover. over the years I have gotten much faster at putting them on and taking them off, but it is still a process. I use the large cover with the R1 and 100-300 on a monopod and it works really well when you prepare in advance, and its going to be raining for the duration.
The emergency rain cover is much faster and what I keep with me if I need to put the cover on quickly and/or I'm expecting a passing shower.
I prefer being able to use the eyepiece with the hydrophobia rather than looking through the plastic part of the emergency cover so I use it most of the time when I know it's going to be raining
p.1 #4Rain sleeve for handheld, fast action, with a zoom lens
When I was using the Canon 200-400 F4 and 400 2.8 IS II, I bought a the thinktank hydrophobia V3 to use during rainy games. You do however, need an eyepiece for it to work best, but I've used it without on my R6ii and it worked perfectly fine. Honestly, it's probably the best raincover I've used for my big whites. I'm pretty cautious when it comes to rain on any of my equipment, regardless of "weather-sealing."
p.1 #5Rain sleeve for handheld, fast action, with a zoom lens
I have the think tank covers for my lenses and bodies but almost always I use the inexpensive plastic sleeves. They are thin enough that you can operate the zoom ring easily. If I know it's going to rain hard and keep raining I will go with the heavier covers but the thin plastic sleeves you can take on and off in a second and they are little weight in your pocket. They are cheap as well so you will always have them in your truck if you want to.