D500 and rain: Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the...

sclay1234 Loc: Ocean county nj

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I am not familiar with Nikon but the upper priced Canons are weather resistant and there are test results available if you google for that. You lens should also be weather sealed also. As for being water proofed no that would have to be an under water camera. A plastic bag can work to protect your setup if you want to have some degree of protection.

Bill_de Loc: US

I use my Nikons, including a D500 in all sorts of weather. As mentioned, the lens must also be equal to the task. That's one of the reasons to by higher end cameras.

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HT

My D500 lives with whatever weather I do, if I get wet, so does it. Just make sure your lenses are likewise weather tight, if there is a thin rubber gasket on the mount (it’s on the lens, not the body) then your good to go. If no rubber ring and then be more circumspect about shooting in wet conditions.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Even though my camera bodies and many of my lenses are weather resistant, I always put my cameras in a clear plastic bag taped at the front of the lens barrel and I put on UV filter whenever I expect some bad weather. Can still use the camera controls through the plastic, and the lens zoom and focus rings but keeps things dry. Its not perfect, but allows me to use my camera. Now, if its going to be really bad, I go with the iphone 8+.

Bill_de Loc: US

Strodav wrote:

Even though my camera bodies and many of my lenses are weather resistant, I always put my cameras in a clear plastic bag taped at the front of the lens barrel and I put on UV filter whenever I expect some bad weather. Can still use the camera controls through the plastic, and the lens zoom and focus rings but keeps things dry. Its not perfect, but allows me to use my camera. Now, if its going to be really bad, I go with the iphone 8+.

You didn't mention what cameras you have that you feel need the protection? The OP was asking specifically about the D500.

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J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

sclay1234 wrote:

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

Been drenched out with the D500 and no problems.

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

The D500 is weather protected. I still would be careful, and as others have said here, I would remind that the lenses also have to be weathertight. A light drizzle maybe, a “monsoon,” i would not chance it.

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

sclay1234 wrote:

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

You can buy weather proof camera bags on line for minimal cost, I bought a pair of them and they are in my camera case, but have never needed them yet, but they are there when needed. I think I paid somewhere around 10.00 for them.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

None.

If I had to photograph in the rain, I'd use my Nikonos.
--Bob

sclay1234 wrote:

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Even though the D500 is weather sealed I still use a protective cover on the camera and the lens

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

sclay1234 wrote:

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

I would pretend it's made out of sugar. : )

"Weather sealed" would not hold up in a lawsuit.

Aldente

Don't know much about Nikon's weather sealing on consumer-grade cameras, but this photo was a deal breaker for me, when I went for Canon's 1DMk3. :)

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

sclay1234 wrote:

Hello, kinda new to my d500 was using a d200 for years. My question is how much rain would you expose the d500 to before I should worry about it being a problem for the camera? I am using sigma lenses and nikkor lenses with it. Last week was a light rain when my daughter was playing in the marching band and I decided not to bring the camera out cause it looked like it was going to rain hard , and it was a light mist instead. So I missed some very good pictures.

Check with our local camera shop or with Op-Tech for rainsleeves.
They come in four different sizes and there are two in a package.
https://optechusa.com/rainsleeve.html

Booker

Morning Star wrote:

Check with our local camera shop or with Op-Tech for rainsleeves.
They come in four different sizes and there are two in a package.
https://optechusa.com/rainsleeve.html

I agree. B&H has inexpensive camera "raincoats" that cost, like, $6 for three. I use them all the time and always have one in my camera bag. They weigh virtually nothing. Much better than risking damage.