5 replies to this topic

[Talv]

Hi all,

 

How you know if a lens is weather sealed or isn't safe to use in rain? Is there a particular set of letters I need to look out for?

 

Also how far does weather sealed go? like what are its limitations?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[TBonz]

You might want to have a look at this discussion:

 

Rain Covers - Bags, Tripods, and Accessories - NikonForums.com

 

Unless it is a short period of time in a very light rain, I'm putting a cover on my gear...

[Brazeal]

I don't think Nikon uses a code, but most of the Nikon pro lenses (f2.8 and faster) are weather resistant.

 

Here is a list some user compiled, but I would double check them before relying on the list:

http://www.bodzashph...her-sealed.html

 

Weather resistant means that the lenses have internal/external gaskets which form a seal against incidental liquid contact, such as a light rain or maybe a little heavier.  Definitely no pressurized fluids or full submersion. 

I keep large ZipLoc bags in my camera bag just in case of a heavy rain, and I try not to shoot much in the rain.

[TBonz]

Shooting sports, there isn't much choice about shooting in whatever weather is occurring during the event.  Others may choose to cancel or reschedule the event and as a photographer, I guess I have a choice of shooting it or not shooting it.  Of course, choosing not to shoot might impact future opportunitites, so...

 

I choose to use rain gear as noted in the thread above.  All of my lenses are listed on the chart as being weather resistant.  Take a look at the photo below:

 

 

If you look closely at the image, you will see that his hands are so wet there are drops coming off his hand as he reaches for the ball.  No way "weather resistant" is going to help in that.  It wasn't the only rain I've had to shoot in this fall.  There's also a chance of rain on Friday and Saturday this week and I'm supposed to shoot 2 events outside. 

 

All this just to make a point.  Pick up some of the Op/Tech rain shields.  I think they are somewhere between $5 and $20 for a pack of two.  That is cheap protection that will allow you to continue to shoot or protect your lens when you are out shooting if there is a chance that it will rain.

[Serge]

Only prime/internal focus/zoom lenses are best to be considered as more likely to survive wet weather. All zooms that change its lenght are more likely to be more or less affected by weather due to moving elements. Use some rain covers as suggested if you really care. But sometimes you won't have time to put all the covers on to your gear as otherwise you'd miss good shot

 

I love to shoot in rain for two reasons: unusual and interesting shots, but most importantly most of the photographers are hiding somewhere where is not raining, so you have photo material - not them

 

Here is my example: Very heavy rain during Lotus Festival at Brands Hatch (UK) this summer.

 

 

Cheers,

Serge

[Russ]

Thanks for that list Brazeal - good to know.