If there is one thing we can count on during spring in Canada, it’s rain. April showers bring May flowers. Except the rain usually starts in March and carries through until May. At least we’re not in the UK.
I was out field testing the new Tamron 100-400 and, of course, the forecast included a risk of rain. The new Tamron may be weather-sealed, but that doesn’t mean “Rain Resistant”. Weather-sealed lenses are protected from light to moderate dust and water, not from a rain storm. Anyone who has dropped their phone in the pool knows all to well what can happen. You would need a big bag of rice for your camera and lens.
Thankfully, Miggo created this great little Stormproof Raincover that rolls up small. Into my car went the rain cover, just in case.
The main part of the Stormproof Raincover is a TPU coated nylon, which is very flexible. There’s a nice big TPU plastic window that lets you see your camera, all while your camera and lens are protected from the elements. If you’re using a shorter lens, you can see through your viewfinder, as well.
The protection available meets the IPX3 standard – it can resist a decent water spray for at least 5 minutes. I wouldn’t leave my camera out in a rainstorm shooting a time lapse, but this cover will protect my gear long enough to get it packed away or safely back to my car.
At the front of the cover, you’ll find a lens opening with a rubber protector for your lens and a visor that shields the top of your lens from rain. The tightening cord can be cinched tight with one hand around either the lens or the lens hood.
At the back of the cover is a large opening through which you can put your camera and either one or two hands. There is another flexible cord for the back, so you can seal your camera in or cinch it around your hand.
One of the nicest features is the tripod mount hole with rubber gasket in the bottom. I could mount my Vanguard monopod, which helped keep the cover in the same place. That means my camera is more protected as the cover is less likely to slip off.
I had the larger of the two sizes, which covers the 100-400 fully extended and my Nikon D810 with grip. I could see all the camera settings through the clear window. With a smaller lens, the clear window would be over the back screen. If I removed the hood, I would have had a bit more protection. There is a smaller version which is perfect for small cameras like D3500 and T6 with their kit lenses or any mirrorless camera kit.
The material is soft enough that you can still control your camera, and press the shutter button, through the material. That is a nice change from other raincovers on the market – their material is usually stiff and not amenable to working your camera from the outside.
The Medium Raincover is on sale now for $39.99 – regular price is $56.99 and the Pro larger size is on sale for just $49.99 – regular price $71.99. Great value for very functional raincovers and a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new camera and lens.
About the Author – Will Prentice (www.capturaphoto.ca) is a professional photographer based out of Whitby, Ontario and Brand Specialist – Lighting for Amplis.
