lenscoat covers: Does anyone use these covers? I have been looking at them for added protection for my Sigma 500mm and my Sigma 120-300mm lenses. I can see where they might add good...

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Does anyone use these covers? I have been looking at them for added protection for my Sigma 500mm and my Sigma 120-300mm lenses. I can see where they might add good protection on a rainy day but they are a little expnsive. My question is, how well do they work and are they worth the cost?

Jim D

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

What ones, I use these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/waterproof-Camera-and-Lens-rain-cover-fits-Canon-400-400mm-f5-6-in-5-colours-/121034291122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c2e34b7b2

Different sizes different prices

Fits in a second, can be a little fiddly NOTE the elastic ends do not work on petal lens hoods

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

JR1 wrote:

What ones, I use these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/waterproof-Camera-and-Lens-rain-cover-fits-Canon-400-400mm-f5-6-in-5-colours-/121034291122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c2e34b7b2

Different sizes different prices

Fits in a second, can be a little fiddly NOTE the elastic ends do not work on petal lens hoods

I use something simular. They are like a large baggie that you can slip your hand in one end and it has a draw sting that tightenes on the hood. I always have one with me in case it rains, but that is all it is, a rain cover.

What I am asking about are "Lenscoat Covers". Here is a link to one of them.

http://www.adorama.com/LCS50045CAM.html

This would go on the lens and stay there.

Jim D

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

oldtool2 wrote:

Does anyone use these covers? I have been looking at them for added protection for my Sigma 500mm and my Sigma 120-300mm lenses. I can see where they might add good protection on a rainy day but they are a little expnsive. My question is, how well do they work and are they worth the cost?

Jim D

I have one on my Sigma 120-300mm. I put it on because of Sigma's poor rep for paint duribility. I haven't been disappointed.

They give you finish protection but I wouldn't depend on them for weather protection.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

oldtool2 wrote:

I use something simular. They are like a large baggie that you can slip your hand in one end and it has a draw sting that tightenes on the hood. I always have one with me in case it rains, but that is all it is, a rain cover.

What I am asking about are "Lenscoat Covers". Here is a link to one of them.

http://www.adorama.com/LCS50045CAM.html

This would go on the lens and stay there.

Jim D

That is what I was also wondering about, I have always looked at these, I have no idea how they fit/work, can they be used on zooms, I doubt it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

oldtool2 wrote:

Does anyone use these covers? I have been looking at them for added protection for my Sigma 500mm and my Sigma 120-300mm lenses. I can see where they might add good protection on a rainy day but they are a little expnsive. My question is, how well do they work and are they worth the cost?

Jim D

Neoprene and custom made for each lens! For someone who uses lenses "in the field" very often, a cover like this could offer good protection. My main concern, aside from cost, would be the bulkiness. If you plan to resell the lens later, it would be a good selling point.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

oldtool2 wrote:

Does anyone use these covers? I have been looking at them for added protection for my Sigma 500mm and my Sigma 120-300mm lenses. I can see where they might add good protection on a rainy day but they are a little expnsive. My question is, how well do they work and are they worth the cost?

Jim D

I use Lenscoat covers on my longer, heavier lenses. 200 f/2, 300 f/4 and 400 f/2.8. Love them, they give great protection. They help prevent the common nicks and scuffs that can occur on lenses over time. I think the $70 to $90 investment in a Lenscoat will be returned down the road if and when you may want to sell the lens.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

They advertise waterproof. Do they really protect the lens in the rain and keep it dry?

Jim D

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

oldtool2 wrote:

They advertise waterproof. Do they really protect the lens in the rain and keep it dry?

Jim D

Interesting. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, and they're not waterproof. If they say they're waterproof, they probably are, except for those big holes they have cut for the lens controls.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

jerryc41 wrote:

Interesting. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, and they're not waterproof. If they say they're waterproof, they probably are, except for those big holes they have cut for the lens controls.

Jerry,

No hole for controls, they use a clear material over the switches and such.

Jim D

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

oldtool2 wrote:

Jerry,

No hole for controls, they use a clear material over the switches and such.

Jim D

Ah, that makes sense. If I left the house more often, I might be tempted to get one. :D

Festus Loc: North Dakota

oldtool2 wrote:

They advertise waterproof. Do they really protect the lens in the rain and keep it dry?

Jim D

The Lenscoat itself is not waterproof. They sell a "Raincoat" for that purpose.

Outdoorsafe Loc: Colorado Springs

I use them on all of my longer lenses and more expensive lenses. They are a finicky to put on but once in place they stay in place. I do a lot of work from a blind. With Lens Coats on they are also quieter. If I bump the lens the neoprene absorbs the bump with no noise.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Festus wrote:

The Lenscoat itself is not waterproof. They sell a "Raincoat" for that purpose.

Not according to the advertisement.

Jim D

keithmac Loc: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada

Lenscoats themselves are not waterproof because they don't cover the complete lens. They are there for protection from bumps and bangs or in some cases for camo. I use them on all my lenses that I use in the field including zoom lenses. To the OP I have a 500mm Sigma that I have had on it since I got it and there is not a mark on the lens, I wouldn't be with out them. They also work very well on lenses that have shiny finish or white finish to cut down on reflections and glare that can affect wildlife that you are trying to photograph.