Plastic Bag or Raincoat?
May 7, 2023 20:35:57 #
CKAlbion
Loc: Mendocino, CA
I'm going to Iceland at the end of the month, and I'm looking for guidance. I have a Canon R5 with a Canon 100-500 lens, plus my Sony RX10. Everything I've read has warned me to be prepared for lots of weather and, as an added bonus, blowing sand.
Normally, I'm a rain wimp, but who knows if I'll ever get to Iceland again? I plan on taking a lot of photos of Puffins and, if we can find them, eagles. That will require trudging about in all sorts of weather.
I searched this forum for raincoats, found some suggestions, and have followed up on them. The Storm Shield looks like it would work, but if there are newer, easier to use products, please let me know, or should I just bring a bunch of plastic bags?
If you've been to Iceland and have advice, I'd appreciate that, too. We'll be there for two weeks, with our main focus being birds and gorgeous scenery.
Normally, I'm a rain wimp, but who knows if I'll ever get to Iceland again? I plan on taking a lot of photos of Puffins and, if we can find them, eagles. That will require trudging about in all sorts of weather.
I searched this forum for raincoats, found some suggestions, and have followed up on them. The Storm Shield looks like it would work, but if there are newer, easier to use products, please let me know, or should I just bring a bunch of plastic bags?
If you've been to Iceland and have advice, I'd appreciate that, too. We'll be there for two weeks, with our main focus being birds and gorgeous scenery.
May 7, 2023 20:57:03 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
Easy, simple and imnexpensive are OpTech rain sleeves. Used them in winter and on beaches, works well for me.
https://www.optechusa.com/products/rainsleeve?_pos=1&_sid=bfbd5ea1a&_ss=r
https://www.optechusa.com/products/rainsleeve?_pos=1&_sid=bfbd5ea1a&_ss=r
May 7, 2023 22:02:29 #
jdubu wrote:
Easy, simple and imnexpensive are OpTech rain sleeves. Used them in winter and on beaches, works well for me.
https://www.optechusa.com/products/rainsleeve?_pos=1&_sid=bfbd5ea1a&_ss=r
https://www.optechusa.com/products/rainsleeve?_pos=1&_sid=bfbd5ea1a&_ss=r
I second the use of the OpTech rain sleeves, inexpensive and easy to reach the controls.
May 8, 2023 06:23:20 #
Another vote for OpTech. I regularly shoot in wet/sandy conditions - think shooting at a very low perspective on the beach. An additional suggestion is to take along a few elastic bands to better secure the lens end of the bag.
May 8, 2023 07:38:35 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
Another vote for OpTech. I regularly shoot in wet/sandy conditions - think shooting at a very low perspective on the beach. An additional suggestion is to take along a few elastic bands to better secure the lens end of the bag.
May 8, 2023 07:39:53 #
CKAlbion wrote:
I'm going to Iceland at the end of the month, and ... (show quote)
BOTH!!!
We're headed tomorrow to Scotland for the next three weeks and Iceland in June. Spending most of the time in the western islands (Mull & Skye) looking for Puffins and then the highlands. Expecting moist to very wet, cool to cold conditions most of the time.....but like they say in Scotland, there's really no bad weather, its just bad clothing. Even though my camera and associated lenses are all water resistant, I plan to keep it under my w-proof coat when not in use, plus the backpack has a w-proof cover. I've used the rain sleeves on previous cameras, and they work very well. I second the previous recommendation on rubber bands to secure them around the lens barrel and make sure you get the extra-large for your long lens.
My daughter and husband were in Iceland last year and say most of the potential for getting your equipment wet is when photographing waterfalls, which they say are everywhere. Getting close is getting soaked...
The only other thing getting soaked in Iceland is my wallet, those hotels are expensive... 
Cheers have a great trip.May 8, 2023 08:06:06 #
I use a series of 4 remote cameras at launch pads at Kennedy Space Center. Beside launches where everyone involve thousands of gallons of water for noise, vibration in addition to flames, the camera are set up a minimum of 24-72 hours in advance, which exposes them to humidity, rain etc. I tried a lot of "name brand" and finally selected 2 little known brands. JJC found on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Camera-Cover-Raincoat-Sleeve-Protection/dp/B096FCKY85/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2GX8EXR1AGO5R&keywords=camera+rain+cover&qid=1683546998&sprefix=camera+rain+cover%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-8). I like as the sleeve is totally clear & has a cinch pull to snug it against the lens. I still use painters tape to seal it against small critters & dust from working their way in along side of the barrel. The second brand (Altura) also found on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Cover-Cameras/dp/B004AH10K8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2GX8EXR1AGO5R&keywords=camera+rain+cover&qid=1683547407&sprefix=camera+rain+cover%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-4) has a rubbery strip which does a great job at sealing the front about the barrel of the lens...My only dislike on this one, is it is hard when you are working with a smaller & shorter lens. Again, I add a second level of protection by sealing with painters tape.
May 8, 2023 09:56:13 #
May 8, 2023 12:11:38 #
CKAlbion
Loc: Mendocino, CA
Thank you all very much! I went with the Op//Tech sleeve and added a hood cap, too. I think I'm ready techwise for the trip. Crossing my fingers for decent weather, but weather happens and I'll be prepared.
May 8, 2023 12:30:19 #
I'd recommend a Ruggard Fabric Rain Shield. I have a medium size for my R5/R7 and 100-500mm and it seems to fit well, although some suggest a large for this combo. $30 at B&H. I had the cheaper OpTech plastic that I disliked before a pro recommended the Ruggard. It has draw strings front and back, comes with a nice storage bag and has a permanent place in my photo backpack.
May 8, 2023 12:48:45 #
Covered a large part of Iceland in March, would not worry much about blowing sand or dirt - a volcanic island, either rocks or "grass" covered. Waterfalls and geysers be aware of wind direction. Weather can & does change often, often windy.
May 8, 2023 12:49:21 #
CKAlbion wrote:
I'm going to Iceland at the end of the month, and ... (show quote)
Isn't all of the gear you are proposing to take with you on your trip weather proof? Why are you concerned? Do you not trust the manufacturer?
May 8, 2023 13:59:49 #
patgehant
Loc: Florida
Just got back from Iceland and I used a Rainsleeve on my Canon R with 15-34mm and 100-400 mm lenses in the dripping Ice Caves and around misty waterfalls. The rain sleeve was easy to slip on and off and kept equipment dry. If you are able to walk behind waterfalls such as Seljalandfoss, Kvernufoss or the geyser on a windy day you will need protection from the mist and drips. A bag would be clumsy to hold and my hands fit nicely into the sleeve. The weather changes rapidly including winds on a clear day so a bag would be hard to manage. It's a magnificent country.
May 8, 2023 14:12:18 #
May 8, 2023 15:33:57 #
CKAlbion wrote:
I'd rather be over prepared. I'm a worrier.
I understand that you are a worrier but both Canon and Sony have gone to great lengths to weatherproof the equipment that you are taking on your trip. You paid the extra dollars for this high-end equipment, why not take advantage of these features? Adding raingear to your camera is going to proof cumbersome and will ultimately inhibit your ability to capture the action. Just my two cents worth.
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