I'm a bit paranoid about doing harm to my camera and lenses ($$$). I have the 350XT. The lenses that are supposed to be weather-sealed are the 24-105 and 17-40. Could someone tell me exactly what "weather-sealed" means? Can these lenses get wet without any damage? And what do I do if they do get wet when I get home?

Adding to my confusion is the fact that more expensive equipment include statements as "better weather sealed." Whatever better means! Either it's sealed or not. No? :rolleyes:

I also have the 35mm/f2.0 which is my least expensive, but not weather-sealed. However, I would rather use this one if there is any chance the others might get damaged.

I know I can use a baggie since I have nothing else to protect the equipment. However, they could still get wet.

We have about 10 inches of snow and it's still snowing - and I'd love to get out. Maybe I should give in to my paranoia and wait. :confused:

Thanks for any information.

Liz

If you're paranoid, make or buy a camera cover.

I googled a few...
http://www.aquatech.com.au/products/sportshields/sportshields_basic.htm
http://www.aquatech.com.au/products/sportshields/sportshields.htm
http://www.rue.com/raincovers.html
http://www.ewa-marine.de/english/e-cape.htm#Raincapes%20for%20SLR%20cameras

The ewa marine is intersting becuase it has an optical glass port sealed into the front of the cape, rather then relying on the lens hood to protecnt the lens front element.

For racing, I was wearing a light plastic rain poncho and put it on over the top of the camera.
Because it was transparent, I was able to use flash too !
Just took a little fiddling about to make sure it didn't cover the end of the lens.

A simple one can be a hand towel and an elastic band.
Fit it around the lens hood with the elastic band and then drape it over the top of the body.
Doesn't work with flash obviously, and it's best against weather falling from above.

A modern trick would be to use clingfilm.
It's not optically flat enough to ptotect your front element, but it'll cover (literally) everything else.
But you wouldn't be able to zoom, or use manual focus.

This is rather over the top for a home made alternative, perhaps:
http://markhancock.blogspot.com/2004/09/how-pjs-deal-with-rain.html


Don't forget to have a towel in the car, or at home to wipe off the worst of the moisture.
Also if you're coming in from the cold, let the camera warm up slowly.

Thanks for all the links and information. I'm surprised there are so many options. Some are a bit expensive, but of course, worth it for the photogs who do a lot of work regardless of the weather - PJ's etc.

It also gives me more ideas about a home-made cover.

Liz

If you're paranoid, make or buy a camera cover.

I googled a few...
http://www.aquatech.com.au/products/sportshields/sportshields_basic.htm
http://www.aquatech.com.au/products/sportshields/sportshields.htm
http://www.rue.com/raincovers.html
http://www.ewa-marine.de/english/e-cape.htm#Raincapes%20for%20SLR%20cameras

The ewa marine is intersting becuase it has an optical glass port sealed into the front of the cape, rather then relying on the lens hood to protecnt the lens front element.

For racing, I was wearing a light plastic rain poncho and put it on over the top of the camera.
Because it was transparent, I was able to use flash too !
Just took a little fiddling about to make sure it didn't cover the end of the lens.

A simple one can be a hand towel and an elastic band.
Fit it around the lens hood with the elastic band and then drape it over the top of the body.
Doesn't work with flash obviously, and it's best against weather falling from above.

A modern trick would be to use clingfilm.
It's not optically flat enough to ptotect your front element, but it'll cover (literally) everything else.
But you wouldn't be able to zoom, or use manual focus.

This is rather over the top for a home made alternative, perhaps:
http://markhancock.blogspot.com/2004/09/how-pjs-deal-with-rain.html


Don't forget to have a towel in the car, or at home to wipe off the worst of the moisture.
Also if you're coming in from the cold, let the camera warm up slowly.

Roberts Distributors of Indianapolis has an inexpensive rain cover that will work. It's better suited for larger bodies and lenses but it will work with any setup. I can't remember but think it was $35. Do a google for them...I lost the link :(

JS

Thanks! I appreciate this info..

Liz

Roberts Distributors of Indianapolis has an inexpensive rain cover that will work. It's better suited for larger bodies and lenses but it will work with any setup. I can't remember but think it was $35. Do a google for them...I lost the link :(

JS

I found online some $2.50 emergency clear ponchos that would do the job.
They look just like the ones I bought for €0.50 in Spain two years ago !

I'm a bit paranoid about doing harm to my camera and lenses ($$$). I have the 350XT. The lenses that are supposed to be weather-sealed are the 24-105 and 17-40. Could someone tell me exactly what "weather-sealed" means? Can these lenses get wet without any damage? And what do I do if they do get wet when I get home?

Adding to my confusion is the fact that more expensive equipment include statements as "better weather sealed." Whatever better means! Either it's sealed or not. No? :rolleyes:

I also have the 35mm/f2.0 which is my least expensive, but not weather-sealed. However, I would rather use this one if there is any chance the others might get damaged.

I know I can use a baggie since I have nothing else to protect the equipment. However, they could still get wet.

We have about 10 inches of snow and it's still snowing - and I'd love to get out. Maybe I should give in to my paranoia and wait. :confused:

Thanks for any information.

Liz


your rebel XT is NOT weather sealed, no matter what lens you put on it. just make sure that you keep that in mind. "weather sealed" refers to the way the lenses (and some camera bodies) are made, using special rubber gaskets and sealed construction to keep moisture and dust out. being a newspaper photographer, i shoot in many extreme conditions. since i went to canon 1D series cameras (1D Mark II N as primary body now) i dont have to worry about my stuff, as long as i have an L lens on my camera. i have shot in the pouring rain with no rain covers many times, and i have never had a problem.
you probably dont want to take your XT out in the rain or snow. i would suggest using plastic bags or ponchos, or something along those lines. theres a big difference between that camera and a pro body.