Weather Resistance of Nikon Consumer Grade Lenses

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alasta

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Topic # 161938 23-Jan-2015 22:09

I see that the D7100 is promoted as being weather sealed, but none of the affordable DX lenses are promoted as such. However anecdotes suggest that lenses such as the 18-140 which have a rubber gasket on the mount don't seem to experience any problems in wet weather within reasonable limits.

What are your views on this? Is a bit of occassional moderate rain okay for these consumer grade lenses or are we expected to spend $2k+ on a pro lens in order to take advantage of the D7100's weather sealing? Yes, I know rain covers are readily available but I find them awkward and clumsy.

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Reply # 1221269 24-Jan-2015 09:40

I very rarely use cameras in the rain so I've not given it any thought really. Plus almost all my lenses are pro grade, other than the cheap 50 1.8 G.

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Reply # 1221274 24-Jan-2015 10:00

if it's rated weather sealed body and weather sealed lens

- rain is 100% fine
- snow is 100% fine
- splashes is 95% fine if it's a zoom, to make it 100% you need a front filter
- immersion - no no
- dust - 50-50, it will get in somehow

and afaik canon warranty excludes water and dust, weather sealed or not

alasta

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Reply # 1221289 24-Jan-2015 10:56

joker97: if it's rated weather sealed body and weather sealed lens

I know what a weather sealed lens can and can't handle, but as above none of the DX lenses are promoted as being weather sealed. So, are we to assume that these lenses are weather sealed because the D7100's weather sealing would be otherwise useless?

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Reply # 1221292 24-Jan-2015 10:59

if the lens is not weather sealed it does not have a rubber ring at the body-lens interface and will render your body's weather sealing useless. unless you can protect that bit with some MacGyver then the dials are still weather resistant.

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Reply # 1221293 24-Jan-2015 11:02

ps you might want to extend that MacGyver to the rest of your lens - water can enter anywhere from switches to zoom dials to front of lens to ....

alasta

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Reply # 1221321 24-Jan-2015 12:12

joker97: if the lens is not weather sealed it does not have a rubber ring at the body-lens interface and will render your body's weather sealing useless. unless you can protect that bit with some MacGyver then the dials are still weather resistant.

Most of the DX lenses have a rubber gasket on the mount, including the 18-140, 18-200, 55-300, 35, etc. However the degree of water resistance around the switches and zoom mechanism is unclear.

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Reply # 1221323 24-Jan-2015 12:17

if they have that rubber thing your body is fine in the rain. but if a whole heap of water enters your lens through the other switches and rings then your body could be compromised

rain's fine for your body

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Reply # 1223453 27-Jan-2015 18:57

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Most consumer-grade lenses are neither internal focus nor internal zoom design. It's not possible for them to be properly weather-sealed when they extend/contract when focusing or zooming. They will suck in water.

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Reply # 1223473 27-Jan-2015 19:22

what about professional lenses that extend on zooming and claim weather sealing?

Fred99

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Reply # 1223491 27-Jan-2015 19:41

joker97: what about professional lenses that extend on zooming and claim weather sealing?

Like the 80-400? Despite the ungodly price for the "G" version, I think it's a consumer lens - the "pro" 400mm zoom would be the 200-400.

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Reply # 1223494 27-Jan-2015 19:45

Like the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II

I don't own one but I presume that's as pro as it gets?

alasta

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Reply # 1223608 27-Jan-2015 21:43

Fred99: Most consumer-grade lenses are neither internal focus nor internal zoom design. It's not possible for them to be properly weather-sealed when they extend/contract when focusing or zooming. They will suck in water.

Makes sense. I just had a look at one of my zoom lenses and it appears to have some sort of crude gasket in each telescoping section but it wouldn't be watertight. My 35mm DX prime might be better though as I can't see it extending when focussing.

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Reply # 1223622 27-Jan-2015 21:59

Have asked a guy on twitter that used to work for Nikon NZ. Will reply when he does.

Edit: his reply...

"I don't shoot in the rain so don't really have experience to add. I would say the 18-140 would be better sealed than the low end"

So obviously not factory recommended.

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Reply # 1223623 27-Jan-2015 22:01

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alasta: I see that the D7100 is promoted as being weather sealed, but none of the affordable DX lenses are promoted as such. However anecdotes suggest that lenses such as the 18-140 which have a rubber gasket on the mount don't seem to experience any problems in wet weather within reasonable limits.

What are your views on this? Is a bit of occassional moderate rain okay for these consumer grade lenses or are we expected to spend $2k+ on a pro lens in order to take advantage of the D7100's weather sealing? Yes, I know rain covers are readily available but I find them awkward and clumsy.

Nikon do not claim much in the way of weather sealing, period. Unlike Olympus etc. who do for the EM1.

I have used my gear in monsoon rain, mud and sand but it's all pro grade. I wouldn't trust the cheaper stuff for more than very brief exposure.

If you were going to spend that money, either buy an Olympus EM1 system that actually is weather sealed, or a second hand body (and go FX instead of the IMV pointless DX) like a D700.

alasta

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Reply # 1223655 27-Jan-2015 22:22

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blakamin: Have asked a guy on twitter that used to work for Nikon NZ. Will reply when he does.

Edit: his reply...

"I don't shoot in the rain so don't really have experience to add. I would say the 18-140 would be better sealed than the low end"

So obviously not factory recommended.

Thanks - that's interesting feedback.

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