Protect Your Lens! | Sony 200-600mm Wildlife Rain Cover Shootout & Review!
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2023
- I love shooting wildlife photography with my Sony 200-600mm lens BUT it also means standing in the rain A LOT. So, I had to figure out how to protect my beloved camera gear so that I can get out there shooting in any weather! I tried 3 different solutions and finally settled on what I think is the perfect solution!
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📸🌧 THE LENSCOAT RAINCOAT (My ideal rain cover for the Sony 600mm Lens): geni.us/Best600mmRainCover
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☁️ Peak Design Rain Cover (wasn't for me, but you might like it! For a smaller lens, this might be great. PS: make sure you get the right size for your camera/lens): geni.us/PeakDesignRainCover
--- STUFF I MENTION IN THIS VIDEO OR USE IN MY KIT (These are affiliate links that don't cost you anything additionally, it just also helps support me. Thank you!)
🦅 Sony 200-600mm Wildlife Lens! geni.us/BestWildlifeLens
Peak Design Camera Strap: geni.us/SlideStrap
My Camera Body (Sony A7C):geni.us/MySonyA7c
The Lens I Use For Most My Videos (Tamron 28-75mm f2.8): geni.us/myUA-camLens
Peak Design Camera Strap Clips/Anchors: geni.us/peakanchors
Super Affordable Light Reflector I use: geni.us/AffordableLightBounce
Crazy affordable key light (ring light) that I use: geni.us/BudgetLightRing
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#sony200600mm #wildlifephotography #wildlifevideography - Фільми й анімація
I have the lens coat neoprene covers (not the rain fly). I mainly bought it for protection against bumps and scratches, mild weather and the camo. You can overlap them to get better weather proofing. I wouldn’t go out in a monsoon but if it starts raining some then I feel better. I also have a small rain fly for back up. It doesn’t rain much where I live. My biggest complaint is the chemical smell. I’ve had it for about a year and it still smells.
After a few more days of walking around with my Lenscoat on I think I see the advantage of the neoprene covers now. While it’s totally possible to maneuver the controls of the Sony 200-600mm with the Lenscoat cover on, it would be much easier with the sleeves for sure!
Im not gonna rush to get them, but I could see myself wanting them for the summer!
And maybe I’m crazy, but I swear the camouflage pattern is helping 😂 so having one of these options on the lens seems like a good idea!
Thanks for the insight Micah!
Remember, a lot of manufactures state a filter must be screwed on front of lens to achieve their weather sealing claims. A UV filter with front threads works the best but I would always use a lens hood to cut glare on filter.
This actually wasn't something I had heard before, thank you for sharing and watching eh!
Intersesting! I thought water damage would be from water entering the mount, zoom ring and switches, not the optical. That's how it's explained in the manuals at least. Could you tell us more about water entering the actual optics?
I made my own rain cover on a sewing machine. Its made from three layers. The outer is waterproof camouflage the inner is some spare camouflage cotton and in between I used the some thick curtain liner to give the lens some impact damage protection. It is tiewrapped around the lens hood and attached to the camera strap rings bysome small lobster claw catches, but otherwise just hangs. I did this so I could still reach all the controls with my thumb and it is a place to hide my hands, which can sometimes draw attraction when your trying to be inconspicuous. On either side I sewed in a pocket to hold a spare battery in each, which improves how the thing hangs.
I also changed out the foot for an Arca Swiss compatible one and in that I screw a handle about three inches long. When I hold the lens with that, my elbow rests on my chest, so that my whole body supports the lens and not my left arm muscles and I can hand hold for much longer periods.
Finally I change the strap, making my own from 40mm wide camo nylon strapping with 2 separate pads, one for the shoulder and one for the chest, so that there is no rubbing on my collar bone.
I have made one more aid too. I have a short bit of plastic pipe with a cutout in the middle to enable it to slip under a tie wrap, placing on the lens hood left hand side. I use as an unmagnified "gun sight" and I use that to acquire and track subjects. I look through that first and find the target with my left eye, whilst I switch on the camera and the subject then appears in the viewfinder. I find it far more simple than zooming out then in. When birds are in flight it is easy to lose track on them if they veer in any direction and the sight makes it easy to reacquire.
I can send a few pictures if anyone is interested.
This sounds pretty amazing! You should make a video on it!
I'd definitely like to see photos of your setup. I'm always trying to track birds in flight and then lose them
Let us know if you make a video or get some photos up for your cover Paul! I've super curious!
@@malcomshootseverything Hi I made a video (its not very good, but who cares) let me know what you think. The reference is ua-cam.com/video/9M3F2oaje0o/v-deo.html description is Long Lens DIY Rain Cover and Other Improvements.
@@genebratman2523 Hi I made a (pretty rubbish) video and it shows the target acquisition device I made too.The referernce is ua-cam.com/video/9M3F2oaje0o/v-deo.html the description is Long Lens DIY Cover and Other Improvements. I would be interested in your viewpoint.
I have used the Lenscoat rain covers for about four years now. On a recent trip to Alaska I was photographing whales around Juneau in a downpour. The raincoat kept my camera and lens completely dry during the three hour tour. A great, well made product.
Thats awesome Mark! I’d love to take the camera up to Alaska! That sounds like a dream!
I live in the Puget Sound area so I know a thing or two about rain, especially when I head to the Olympic Peninsula and go to Forks.
I use a similar rain cover when it is raining hard. Both my lens and camera are weather sealed but I am still careful.
I have the Lens Coat neoprene covers. I got them for the camo and scratch protection. The camo helps make the big white lens a little less noticeable. I don't rely on it for rain protection though.
I also use a silicon camera body cover to protect from scratches, dust, and sand.
Oh ya, you're in a very similar rain climate to me on Vancouver Island I think! I hadn't considered the silicon cover, that could be a great investment for some of my more adventurous expeditions! Thanks for the insight on the Neoprene covers too!
I picked up the 200-600 about a month ago and like you, have been on the search for a weatherproof covering. I like the LensCoat overall, plus the ability to still access everything is awesome. I'll pick one up for when I'm out shooting in the snow and maybe when summer rolls around I'll look into the foam covers. Don't think I'm ready to bring my kit into the rain just yet! Great videos by the way, glad I found your channel.
Hope you enjoy the rain cover! I work (as a sound mixer) in the field on some reality tv shows where we are eventually bound to be in torrential downpours of rain or even snow, so I’ve come to trust that good quality gear (with good quality rain gear) is up to the task! Plus, I think the rain does offer some advantages for getting close to the animals in some situations too! Appreciate the comment eh!
@@malcomshootseverything That is a good point about getting closer to wildlife with the inclement weather, guess I need to get out there more!
It also seems to mean less light though, so I guess it’s a trade haha
@@malcomshootseverything Yea I've been chasing some swans here that are a little bit beyond the 200-600mm reach and it's been a struggle in our dreary winter weather. But still out there trying!
This is PERFECT!! I've been looking for a long time for a solution that addresses all your concerns and also lets me still use my Cotton Carrier. Btw, I also have the Rolan Pro lens cover. It is as you suspected, for looks and to protect the lens a bit from people like me that would bang it up. Thanks a bunch. I'm now subscribed.
Cheers! Glad the rain covers the right solution for you and your camera! Appreciate the insight on the Roman Pro lens cover too!
I have used a clear plastic rain Pancho. Got it in the sporting goods department at Walmart. Bought 2 one for me the other for my lens/camera.
I keep one of these tucked into the laptop pocket of my backpack just incase I forget my LensCoat rain cover! Haven’t had to use it, but the back up peace of mind is nice and they are incredibly affordable so it’s a no brainer to grab a couple for sure!
I was in Berlin in a zoo last year, had my Canon 100-400 II out on my R6 and it was pouring down rain on that thing, the seals might be better than you think!
not that I recommend putting your Camera out in the rain all the time but for what I know it's not going to creep into the camera or Lens so I would go with a neopren protection solution and a trashbag just in case it's really going to go wild.
That's pretty cool that the manufacturers are doing such great work, but regardless I think I'd be too stressed out without a cover 😂.
I do think I'll also be getting the neoprene sleeves for when I'm not experiencing rainforest downpours!
Thanks for the comment and for watching eh!
Gave this a thumbs up earlier today but this is the first time I have had a chance to comment. That is an awesome bit of kit and another awesome review. I do have a cover, but I have to admit that I have been out many times in the rain with no covers on my gear..... well, I covered my Canon stuff but not my Nikon that I was shooting on. We dont get enough rain here in California like you do there, but man that is awesome!! Thank you for sharing. 🙏❤🤗
I’ve seen some videos of people getting pretty darn soaked without rain gear covers for their camera - so I guess the weather sealing the manufactures provide is working - but I also don’t want to take any chances haha. It’s worth it for the peace of mind for me 😂
@@malcomshootseverything I get it. Nikon is known for their weather sealing so I was not worried about it. But if I were there where you are - I would at least use the trash bag - I LOVE that. 💖🤗
PS - I carry a plastic grocery bag IN my bag just in case!!
I do the same thing 😂 plastic bag always stashed away. They don’t take up any space in the camera bag so I figure why not!
@@malcomshootseverything ❤ I forget its there until I stumble upon it!! Hey - it works!!
I used that kind of rain cover but I have to to use another brand. Lenscoat is expensive and did not keep my camera and lens completely dry after a whole morning of rain.
First a white lens shouts EXPENSIVE, so any kind of cover keeps a thief from spotting. Also birds are not color blind like the deer family of critters and white seems to keep birds further away and that is where the neoprene cover comes in and for us down in the lower 48 helps keep the lens cooler also (maybe why the lenses are white to reflect heat!) also camo like Marine Corps desert camo does great to wear but in fall the blaze orange sweat suit hey deer season. I do like the Raincoat but can be bulky. there are smaller rain/snow coats that I use on smaller lenses for astro Milky Way/Lunar eclipses capture to keep lens warm, on Jan. 20th '19 did a Lunar Eclipse for 8 hours in 15 degree weather with the Sigma 150-600mm, the Sony did not come out till June '19, But the lens glass frosted up a lot even being in a tent with a couple of buddy heaters Also when out at night doing astro milky ways a lens will fog/frost up and any kind of heavy coat helps. Also using a binocular harness makes for a quick action when on a walk about but a monopod will held steady or say a day at the Zoo keeps the weight centered and less tiring.
Cool! Very interesting to learn about how birds see colour especially. And thank you for the insights on the neoprene covers as well, that was helpful!
good info, I am doing an Alaska cruise this May and I know it may be wet. I just bought the Sigma 60-600 and looking for covers for that and my camera. But the lens extends out quite a bit so looking for something that is flexible for that. I have seen cheap clear plastic ones for like $6 all the up to pro stuff for over $100. I actually live in Vegas so we don't get much rain and probably wouldn't use it much like you do.
Sounds like that will be an amazing trip! Always wanted to do a trip up there as well, and I'm sure I will one day!
How are you liking the new 60-600mm Sigma? They look killer!
As far as a cover goes, I could see that being tricky to find something for it. If LensCoat makes anything long enough, it would probably work with it strapped up tight, the fabric would likely compress and open nicely (I can use my 600mm cover on my Tamron 28-75mm pretty effectively as an example), but I don't know if they do have something long enough for you! May have to go with a less visually pleasing plastic bag solution haha!
@@malcomshootseverything I haven't gotten the lens yet, I think tomorrow. lol well take it out and see what I can get around my neighborhood, we have birds in our back yard but even my 24-70 doesn't get very close so this will do the job for sure. lol thanks I will see what I can find, might just cheap plastic cover as I wouldn't usual shoot in the rain.
Keep us updated! I might be trying the Sigma 60-600mm sooner than I thought myself!
@@malcomshootseverything I did get it and did some testing around the block, got some nice bird shots. Really nice so far. I am doing video and photos at an Off road race Tomorrow so hope to get some epic action shots!
I feel like the cover would remove the ability to quickly zoom out to acquire a target and then zoom back in quickly to take the shot, i.e. the cover thus removing one of the main reasons to have this lens. The 200-600 is specified as weatherproof (not waterproof), so as long as one does not submerge the lens, I presume that it wouldn't suffer any water ingression with normal amounts of rain. The main concern may be more that of water getting in through the battery cover of the camera as that was a known issue in some models of Sony camera. I wonder if there is anyone who has ever had water ingression in the 200-600 ? If not I would warn that putting a rain cover on this lens may be a result of anxiety and unnecessary concern rather than practicality.
I think you're largely correct - the lenses probably would hold up fine in most rain situations, but up here in the PNW the rain is akin to submersion haha. I also work in television, often with these lens, and the camera crews always have rain protection on hand incase the weather takes a turn. In my opinion it's not worth the risk, but it's of course up to the user!
The zoom ring is definitely hindered if shooting handheld, but if on a tripod, just open up the bottom velcro slip and you can get your hand in there no problem! This also comes down to shooting style of course, as I would personally prefer a fixed 600mm if it was say an F4, but that's a huge price increase in Sony land, so that's why I have this one!
How do you stop your lens hunting the focus amongst trees.. I just can’t get the focus to move to the bird. I thought it would toggle like my old Nikon did. I’m new to Sony and never owned such I big lens. I have a 200-600.
Hey there! Can you tell me what Sony camera body you’re using with the 200-600mm?
First thoughts (you may already be doing this so excuse me if so):
- make sure “bird autofocus” is turned on
- use tracking spot focus or something similar and select the bird using the joystick (this is how I prefer to shoot wildlife photography personally).
Hope this helps!
@@malcomshootseverything I’ve got the Sony A7 iv. I tried using the toggle. It was really frustrating. I think my settings on the lens aren’t right. I always couldn’t do the update.
I was always an editorial photographer and never owned a big lens. Keen to master it.
The Sony 200-600 does have a focus range setting slider (second slider from the top). I usually have this set to FULL, but occasionally click it to infinity-10m if close foreground elements are causing focus mistriggers!
Aside from that slider, and the more obvious auto/manual focus slider above it, those should be the only related lens controls that would affect your autofocus performance.
Hope that helps!
Hi Malcolm, what is the raincoat product code for the Sony 200-600 lens please? I'll be getting my lens tomorrow.
Hey Brian, thanks for watching! The product name was LensCoat LCRSLM4 Raincoat RS for Camera and Lens, Large (Realtree Max4 HD) on Amazon (where I bought it). It seems to fit great!
PS - I've got a link in the description if you'd like!
@@malcomshootseverything The link takes me into Amazon de and two different products.
@@brianritchie1807 Sorry about that, I'm not sure why thats happening for you! I found it on their website for you if ordering direct is an option for you: www.lenscoat.com/lenscoat%EF%BF%BD-sony-200600-p-3867.html
Another thought for $42 a year I have 0 deductible insurance on all my camera gear which covers all perils everywhere in the world.
With that my Pancho and the number of times amount of times I want to photograph in the rain I’m covered.
If you live in a rainforest you’ll need a raincoat for your gear as a practical matter.
What insurance do you use?
Anyone else getting out there in the rain?!?
I do!!! ❤
Fellow islander (Victoria), so yeah we don't have much of a choice 😂😢 Glad if found your video. Thanks, I used your link.
@@CanadaBlue85 Ha! Yep, rain is a fact of life when shooting here on the island haha. Hope you enjoy it!
I have the sony 200-600mm i thought these are weather sealed?
Yep it is! But that isn’t the same as waterproof. Personally, if planning an all day shoot in intense rain I throw on a cover. If it’s light occasional sprinkles I don’t bother unless I think it will persist. Different people have different risk tolerances though of course!
Price is ridiculous for what it is. Just as good ones on the market for a lot less.
What do you prefer?
Just shoot Pentax and leave the rain cover at home.
I'll admit, I had to google Pentax as I wasn't familiar with them, but they really cool! Tough mean looking machines haha