DirkWill Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico

I am researching options for protecting photo gear in a kayak. The kayak is relatively large and very stable. This is NOT white water adventure. It is creeping around in calm waters. But! I do plan on taking whatever precautions I can. Anyone familiar with how to keep gear safe short of buying underwater equipment? Thanks in advance.

Machinedoc Loc: Yorktown Heights, NY

I use various sizes of Sea To Summit bags (available form Amazon and other retailers) depending on the size of the lens I have on the camera. The bags do not totally seal out water because the opening is not "sealable" so it's not going to protect your gear if it goes overboard. However, I roll the top over several times and it will keep out spray or splashes very well.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I used and always liked the bags from ewa marine! You can actually go down and dive to about 40' with the camera (just in case that comes to mind). I did that with cameras north of $6000,00 and never had any issues!

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

For my 7dmk2 and a 100-400 I found a plastic ammo box 14.95 . I can just fit the camera and lens in to it (without hood) and be able to quickly get at it for birds and other animals !(I did add a little bit of padding to the bottom and the lens end. Also a lens pen and cleaning cloth)

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

What ever you go with practice getting it in and out of the protection a few times so when speed matters you won't miss that shot

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wouldn't do something like that without a "tough" waterproof camera. If you're concerned about splashing, something like this would help.
https://smile.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-9001132-Rainsleeve/dp/B000PTFDYO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500547732&sr=1-1&keywords=rainsleeve
https://smile.amazon.com/Pack-Altura-Photo-Cover-Camera/dp/B00448SNN0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500547523&sr=1-1&keywords=camera+water+protection

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I have an old cooler I keep my rig in when Not in use.. But if you kayaking to capture photographs this does little to help. I recently went overboard in a boat with camera and lens. An unforeseen accident. I go boating to capture wildlife and landscape photographs and have done so without incident for 4 or 5 years. The only true protection is Insurance. Get a rider on your home owners policy so you can have your camera in hand when needed and not stowed away protected where your sure to miss any opportunity to capture that once in a lifetime shot.. For me a camera and lens is a tool for my craft. You have to have it at hand to use. If your to worried about your equipment and not really into capturing The Shot, get one of those disposable waterproof cameras at wally world. If your not going to get insurance I would suggest one of those waterproof pelican cases. They also float if you capsize the boat.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

My boating is in a lot bigger, heavier and steadier boat than your kayak, but when it starts to get "sloppy" or rain, I put the camera in a one gallon zip lock bag; it's then readily handy if I want it and somewhat protected. But when the weather gets really bad, the camera is in its bag, in the cabin, because I'm probably too busy to take pictures.

rydabyk Loc: Florida Panhandle

I couldn't agree more! Plus I like a more stable canoe something like a sportspal that has side sponsons for added stability.

cthahn

You need waterproof storage. What are you going to do when your camera is out and taking a picture?

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

On multiple kayak trips including weeks of kayak camping, I've used "dry bags", with never a problem. They're readily available at most outdoor suppliers like Erewon and many others.

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Jerry, I have used the OP/TECH RAINSLEEVE shooting football games and seems the best for me. You still use your viewfinder as if a normal day shooting pics. and the rest of gear is protected from rain or snow. The other rain gear makes it hard or near impossible to see through the viewfinder, it's like putting your camera inside a plastic bag and trying to use the viewfinder, good luck. Plus the OP/TECH sells for about 2 units for $8.00 cheap, cheap and cheap.

Selene03

I have been using a dslr in my kayak for awhile now. I agree with the recommendations on sea to summit or other dry bags to keep the camera dry when not in use. However, a camera can get wetter than it should just by paddling and having the camera ready (I'm still working on that one). It's tricky. I don't find any of the tough cameras worth much for taking pictures from a kayak--the image quality is too poor and the lenses don't extend long enough. Kayaking in marshes and lagoons is a wonderful opportunity for photographing a variety of birds and birds catching fish, etc. You need a somewhat decent camera and lens for that if you want good photos. I tried the op-tech sleeves, but didn't find them all that useful though maybe could rework them to make them work. It's a fun hobby, but I have probably been lucky so far that I haven't lost a camera (did lose an Iphone, but it had some insurance). Good luck, it can be a wonderful experience moving slowly among wildlife and some of you are probably closer to much better spots than I am to see all kinds of things like gators, etc.

DirkWill Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Thanks Folks, for all the responses. Lots of products new to me and ideas to explore more. Summary of some exploration - high end underwater protection, and inexpensive "rain caps", and very few products in the middle. Here's one exception however that interests me:
Ewa-Marine EM C-500 Professional Rain Cape/Hurricane Hood Glass Optical Front Port (Clear)
And here's a lower end item that appeals to me:
Mudder Rain Cover Camera Protector Rainproof for Canon Nikon and Other Digital SLR Cameras
Since I have some dry sacks already, I'll start there and add slowly...
Now if I could just get a lot more water here in New Mexico I'd be set! I really envy you Florida people with your incredible abundance of wildlife photo opportunities! Thanks !

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Just get a TG-5 with a float strap and call it good.