Weatherproof camera with long reach?

Jock Elliott

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Location
Troy, NY
Earlier today I found myself trying to photograph a hawk in a snowstorm. Got this:

hawk_in_snowstorm_006-001_Medium_.JPG
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I also found myself concerned about the FZ200 in the snow.

So, any nominations for a weatherproof long-reach camera . . . even (gasp) a system camera (both camera a lens have to be weatherproof)?

Cheers, Jock
 
I was dearly hoping the new Olympus Stylus 1 would have WR. That might have been the perfect, compact solution. Alas, that was not to be. But until something like that happens, here's another vote for the Pentax K-30 or K-50 with the DA 55-300 WR. In fact, that lens would make a good combination with the DA 18-135 WR, which is often sold as a kit with the K-30 and K-50. Pentax's DSLRs aren't much bigger than the Panasonic GH3 and Olympus E-M1 and they are good equipment.

But, here's a thought: Just how vulnerable are most non-WR cameras during snowfall? It seems that is somewhat less of a risk than rain - and most cameras can take some light rain without damage. Does anyone have any thoughts or personal experience to follow this up?
 
Good idea! Maybe some kind of rain cover IS what I need.

Cheers, Jock

Or a butler.

I've shot with non-WR cameras in some dreadful conditions, and as long as you are careful – tucking the camera away when not in use, not putting under a running faucet, etc... – you can use them in the snow. It would take a pretty determined drop of water to work its way deep enough into the camera to short anything out.

This post contains no warrantees, guarantees, or anything. Your mileage will probably vary.
 
Or a butler.

I've shot with non-WR cameras in some dreadful conditions, and as long as you are careful – tucking the camera away when not in use, not putting under a running faucet, etc... – you can use them in the snow. It would take a pretty determined drop of water to work its way deep enough into the camera to short anything out.

This post contains no warrantees, guarantees, or anything. Your mileage will probably vary.

and make sure a very absorbent lint free towel is part of your kit and dont shut the lens down til you dry it off. Works for me, though I do have 2 Pentax WR lenses. I'm seriously considering selling my regular 55-300 and getting the WR version.
 
I agree with Sue and John, it is certainly possible to use a non-WR camera in inclement weather if one is careful. A little rain never bothered me, nor a moderate snow; I'm always careful to wipe away the moisture, and not retract the lens until it's been dried.

I took these a couple years ago with a Pentax K-x & Sigma 170-500...



 
Yes. Weathersealed camera, weathersealed lens, weathersealed adapter. The catch is that the 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 was designed for the 4/3 DSLR range so the focus is quite slow on any Micro 4/3 body except the new E-M1 which has on-sensor PDAF that actually works very well.

I actually have the E-M1 + 50-200 combo (non-SWD version). Focus is a non issue during daylight, but I'd like to point out that in low light it still fails miserably long before a native m43 lens, so I don't think this combo would be suitable for nighttime sporting events. I've also noticed that the lack of "cross-type" PDAF sensors means that it's very helpful to put a vertical or horizontal line on the focus point.

Sure doesn't stop the combo from producing beautiful results though! This shot is racked out to 200mm (400mm equivalent on 35mm). Also note that this lens can take the 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters for more reach.
 

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