The ThinkTank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200 water resistant cover has been in development for over two years. It comes with two versions: one for shooting with flash (with a special pocket for the flash unit) and the other is the "normal" version which will be covered in this post. The fabric used on the Hydrophobia is ten times as water resistant as normal fabric. Instead of a "spray" coating, a "film" is applied to the underside of the fabric as well as tricot mesh to protect it, making it a far more impenetrable three-layer fabric. In addition a waterproof tape is applied to all seams, providing an even more water resistant barrier.
Here is our exclusive Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200 water resistant cover specs and features:
The zipper opens at the bottom for easier camera insertion (Nikon D300s and 70-200 VRII fit in nicely):
The zipper is waterproof:
Internal strap fastens the lens to the cover and to the external strap that eliminates the need for removal of camera strap attached to DSLR:
The external camera strap is combined with a internal strap (pictured above) that buckles under the lens and allows the camera to be carried by the rain cover:
continue to read after the break:
Clear back window to view LCD and controls and an eyepiece flap shields viewfinder from rain or dust when not in use (the clear back window is big enough for Nikon D3s or Canon EOS-1D Mark IV):
Eyepiece pocket (eyepiece sold separately - the bag is functional without it, just make sure you close the cover when not in use):
Lens hood cover protects front of lens as needed:
Two pockets - one for the rain cover and another one for memory card/battery:
Over-sized and adjustable right and left hand sleeves (pictured from the bottom):
Mesh bag included for transportation and storage:
Few readers asked me if another lens will fit inside this water cover. The short and unofficial answer is yes. For example the new Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VRII will definitely fit inside - it's 10.5 inches in length and I measured 16 inches from the eyepiece edge to the front (lens+hood+DSLR-mount should fit in 16 inches):
This is how the Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200 water resistant cover looks with the Nikon D300s + Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 combo - definitely usable:
The only problem I saw when using a wide angle lens is with the internal lens strap - if the zoom/focus ring is too close to the mount, there may not be enough space for the strap to go around:
For larger lenses Think Tank Photo also offers the Hydrophobia 300 - 600 water resistant cover.
The rest of the specs:
- Dimensions: 17.5" x 5.5" diam. (44.5 x 14 cm)
- Weight (raincover only): 12.8 oz (363 g)
- Availability: end of January, 2010
- Price Hydrophobia 70-200: $139.00
- Price Hydrophobia 70-200 Flash: $145.00
To get the latest updates from Think Tank Photo about this product (and future new products) you can sign up for their free newsletter or join them on Facebook or Twitter.
Think Tank Photo also still has the free bag special for orders of $50 or more directly from their website (this protective cover will qualify you for a free bag, the free bag selection will appear during the checkout process).
Fine print & full disclosure: I did not get paid from Think Tank Photo or any other party to write this post. I received a free, pre-production version of this product and reported the details exclusively here on PhotoRumors.com. Think Tank Photo is an affiliate sponsor of PhotoRumors.com
