Lens Rain gear... Kata, Think Tank or Aquatec??

[MichaelM]

I'm looking for some sort of rain cover for body & lens (300 & 500mm)

Seems there are three main options for protecting gear from inclement weather...

Think Tank Hydrophobia - Looks to be easy to store on the hood of lens; might be overkill for anything short of a 300mm; Think Tank products generally rock, so I would expect no less from this item; not sure if it can accommodate a shoo mounted flash or if it will work with a side mount gimbal; requires an add-on eyepiece (2 if you shoot different bodies) cost around $160 or so

Aquatech S-300 or S-600- Available in camo; has a nice neoprene leading edge that seals tight on the hood; drawstring armholes, not sure if it can accommodate a shoo mounted flash or if it will work with a side mount gimbal; requires an add-on eyepiece (2 if you shoot different bodies) cost a bit more than the Think Tank product.

Kata E-702 & E-704 sleeves - seems to be sort of modular which could be nice..the E-702 is the main component good for up to a 200mm, add the 704 extension sleeves for up to a 600mm; more clear plastic than anything else; no provisions for an eyepiece so you are looking through the plastic (a razor blade could remedy this); sort of a loss fit on smaller lenses; not sure if it can accommodate a shoo mounted flash or if it will work with a side mount gimbal; cost of the individual components is less than the above, but combined it's about the same price.

Anyone have a strong opinion to share on these? Either way?

I already carry a bunch of Optec Rain sleeve thingys...but I want something more substantial.

[Jim Craig]

I have and use the Kata E-702, and like it. I haven't tried or looked at the others you mentioned so can't offer a comparison. With a Nikon 300mm f/4 ( hood extended) and a teleconverter mounted on a D300, it is adequate length wise but at it's limit. Any longer of a combination would require the extension. "Slitting the clear plastic with a razor" isn't necessary, the plastic is crystal clear and I have no trouble looking through the view finder. You would have to cut it (not something I'd do personally) to mount a flash on the hotshoe.

[Susan Griffith]

I use the Kata with a 5D and a 500mm lense and it works pretty good. I also use it when doing macro work in the rainforests up here in the PNW during the rainy season (which is most of the year :P)

-Susan

[David Billingsley]

I have (and like) the Think Tank for use on a 500 F4.

Have a blessed day - dave b.

[Alfred Forns]

Would recommend the Think Tank Hydorphobia Used it shooting whales in Newfoundland. Heavy seas in a zodiac with green water breaking in the boat ... closest thing to standing in a shower with your camera/lens !!! No leaks and full access to controls

[MichaelM]

Thank you all.. I repurchased the Hydrophobia yesterday.

It's a bit bulky when stored on the hood of the 300, and somewhat interferes with turning the lens in the collar on the 500, but it seems to offer the best access and indeed, it works fine with the Mongoose