D500 and rain (Page 2): I talked to a Nikon Company Ambassador at a presentation when the D850 was first introduced and he said that Nikon moisture seals their higher end bodies and...

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

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 talked to a Nikon Company Ambassador at a presentation when the D850 was first introduced and he said that Nikon moisture seals their higher end bodies and lenses and showed me pictures he had shot in the driving rain. I would consider, however that Nikon provides all his equipment and if there is a failure they provide him replacements free of charge. You should check your manual to see if the D500 is one of the sealed models. Both the body and lens must be the sealed models to afford protection. My Nikons and most lenses are sealed, but I still use a rain cover when shooting in rain for added protection.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

If I was going to use my camera in inclement weather (and I do) I would take my Pentax :)

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, 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.

You have to also consider if the lenses are water resistant/ sealed also... If you have a weather sealed body but the lenses are not what's the point? Dust and moisture can enter the camera through the mount...usually in more extreme or longer term exposure to rain/elements. They do sell "rain coats" for the lens/ camera so that will give you extra peace of mind.

Bill Waxman Loc: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

Just shot a bike event in a quick downpour with D500 and 16-80mm lens, both weather proof with no problem. Left the lens shade on, of course. Did another shoot the next day having done no more than wipe off the water from the camera. All is well. The rubber ring at the mount end of the 18-200mm as well as 16-80mm both protect the front of the camera. The solid top does the rest (no flip up flash) I'd be careful about pointing the camera straight up to shoot clouds in rain as I suspect that the zooming portions are not quite so well protected. Otherwise, short of a typhoon or hurricane I would think that ordinary rain is no problem. Common sense helps too.

Bill Waxman

Haenzel Loc: South Holland, The Netherlands

+1

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

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 am very conservative and I always use a camera rain coat to protect my camera and lenses when I use either my D500 or my D5. Just me.

the rain covers are very inexpensive, two for around $5.00. I would rather be safe than sorry.

sclay1234 Loc: Ocean county nj

Thanks to all hogs I will take all your helpful ideas all were very good sulution to a potential hazard for me thanks again

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Bill_de wrote:

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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D500, D7200, D800

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I've used my D500 with a 300PF attached in moderate rain several times without issue. Best of luck.

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

Last year we went on a day hike through the Milford Sound in New Zealand. It rarely stops raining there and that day it was often very heavy. One of our party was shooting a D500 with the nikon 80-400. He did keep it covered under his poncho as much as possible, but we were there for the wild life photography so by the end of the day, everything was soaked. NO problems. Held up well. Performed like a champ, GREAT shots!