06-21-2011, 08:37 PM
On a recent trip out in persistent rain, my fave long lens the 100-400L got condensation inside which reduced contrast and reduced AF accuracy that I had to give up using it. The lens was unprotected and I have used it in rain before without ill effect, but I think given enough exposure it built up to significance. That was the second time it happened and I don't think it would be the last, as I can't choose the weather when I'm out.
I'm now wondering if the 70-300L is much better in that regard? Anyone have experience of it in persisting rain conditions or similar comment? The weak point of the 100-400L is of course the extension, which is present in the 70-300L too. But is it better sealed enough such that the zooming action wont draw in water?
Thinking more, should I even consider the 70-200 f/2.8 II with teleconverter(s)? The aperture is not important at all, but 280mm is even shorter than 300mm however slightly, and I'm not sure on the quality at up to 400mm. Plus how's AF speed under those conditions? I don't foresee using it as a 70-200 in itself. The short zoom range is also a concern.
I'd consider the 100-400L as the reference optical condition to match where possible. Primary application is wildlife. A 300mm zoom would be adequate. 200mm definitely isn't. I'll only be using these on APS-C body.
Is there any other non-lens related workaround I might have overlooked? I'm really not keen on rain covers and I'm really not sure they'll work that great on extending lenses anyway.
I'm now wondering if the 70-300L is much better in that regard? Anyone have experience of it in persisting rain conditions or similar comment? The weak point of the 100-400L is of course the extension, which is present in the 70-300L too. But is it better sealed enough such that the zooming action wont draw in water?
Thinking more, should I even consider the 70-200 f/2.8 II with teleconverter(s)? The aperture is not important at all, but 280mm is even shorter than 300mm however slightly, and I'm not sure on the quality at up to 400mm. Plus how's AF speed under those conditions? I don't foresee using it as a 70-200 in itself. The short zoom range is also a concern.
I'd consider the 100-400L as the reference optical condition to match where possible. Primary application is wildlife. A 300mm zoom would be adequate. 200mm definitely isn't. I'll only be using these on APS-C body.
Is there any other non-lens related workaround I might have overlooked? I'm really not keen on rain covers and I'm really not sure they'll work that great on extending lenses anyway.
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.