8 Best Camera Rain Covers to Protect Your Gear in Bad Weather

Keep your gear dry in bad weather with these camera rain covers.

Even if your camera features a water-resistant body, the manufacturers cannot ensure absolute protection. Therefore, acquiring a rain cover or waterproof sleeve is a great idea to provide your gear with additional protection in humid conditions. With a high-quality rain cover, you can safely continue to conduct a photoshoot during a sudden shower, snowfall, and even sandstorm.

Beginning photographers who are not ready to invest in pricey gear can opt for budget models, the price of which does not exceed $10. More qualitative models are more expensive: their price range starts from $50+. The top-notch models can even cost 200 bucks. As the market is abundant with various options, this guide that describe both affordable and functional rain covers will definitely come in handy.

In this article, I’ve listed traditional raincoats that do not interfere with shooting, as well as less sophisticated options designed to serve as a pouch for hiding your gear in case of a passing shower. This review will tell you about rain jackets for various types of cameras to protect your shooting gear. Here you will find both budget and high-end models.

Weight: 4 ounces | Material:  70D Taffeta Nylon| Color: Cruz V2 Fresh Foam | Dimension: 6.3 x 6.1 x 1.9 in

A stress-free fitting of the Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover is a considerable advantage for those who shoot in unpredictable weather conditions. You can attach it to a hot shoe mount and be sure that the coat stays securely in place. Durable Water Repellent coating prevents moisture from penetrating inside, whereas extensive seals guarantee that the water does not silt through the material.

After folding it down, it is possible to use it as a compact carrying pouch. Besides, if you need to capture stunning rain photography, the coat is easy and quick to unfold whenever it is needed.

The camera’s display and controls are well visible through an oversize window. It is easy to tweak your camera controls through the oversized collar, even if you are shooting using a tripod.

Weight: 6.4 ounces | Material:  Nylon | Color: Black | Dimension: 13.94 x 7.99 x 0.94 in

If you are looking for robust camera rain protection, turn your attention to the Professional Camera Rain Cover designed by Altura Photo. You won’t only be pleased with its moderate cost, but with its excellent quality. This is the best solution for compact cameras with short lenses. Besides, the producers used lightweight, long-lasting, and water-resistant nylon to make this cover. It is easy to fold down to a compact size and sits perfectly protecting the whole camera body.

The Velcro strap and double zipper along the whole length contribute to more robust protection for tripod-mounted gear. The cover does not sit tight on a camera providing you with enough space for accessing the lens barrel and camera controls. Although this Altura Photo coat cannot handle hazardous weather conditions, this is a stunning budget option for protecting compact setups during sudden rain.

Weight: 3.98 ounces | Material: 4-way weatherproof stretch fabric | Color: Black | Dimension: 10 x 7 x 2.7 in

The Peak Design Shell is probably the best camera rain cover for compact shooting equipment. Produced from elastic cloth, this model envelops your camera perfectly repeating its shape. Damp-proof membrane guards against abrasion and can resist moderate rain or snow providing an excellent shelter for your camera.

As the coat features anchor ports, you can easily attach straps produced by Peak Design without trouble. Besides, you can use this cover for secure and long-term storage. Another aspect that should be mentioned is that Peak Design Shell is also meant to safeguard your shooting equipment when carrying around attached to your body or in or camera bag. However, you cannot use this cover for sheltering your camera when photographing.

Weight: 5 ounces | Material:  Nylon and transparent TPU | Color: Black | Dimension: 10.2 x 8.7 x 1.4 in

The shooters who have not acquired a waterproof camera, should think of purchasing Venterior, which is a robust camera protection cover produced to shelter full gate and more compact DSLR cameras. This model is fitted with a customizable velcro strap for securing the nylon sleeve of the short camera lens in place.

Made of top-rated water-repellant nylon, Venterior is one of the most reliable waterproof covers for cameras that can shield your gear from rain, storm, sand, and similar natural phenomena. Other appealing features are flexible sleeves and a double zipper that enable convenient camera control when shooting handheld or using a tripod. It is convenient that the cover can be easily folded into a pouch.

Weight: 2.4 ounces | Material: Polyethylene | Color: See-Through | Dimension: 7.2 x 6 x 0.7 in

Nowadays, the market offers only a few budget camera rain covers made of plastic. In my opinion, Ruggard P18 is the best of this type as it features additional plastic at the back to shelter your hands as well. Produced from polyethylene, the cover features windows for your camera and a lens sealed with drawstrings. Another bonus is that the coat can also shield your lens hood.

The good news is that you won’t have troubles mounting the camera and lens fitted in a raincoat. But make sure to attach your shooting gear to a stand and only then put the cover over the whole construction. Another outstanding feature is a transparent design that allows you to monitor camera controls and eyepiece. Moreover, it is possible to cut a hole in the coat to fit your viewfinder outside. If you are tight on budget, this is an excellent match.

Weight: 1.37 lb | Material: Nylon | Color: Black | Dimension: 12.28 x 9.33 x 1.5 in

Movo CRC01 is a high-quality camera raincoat designed to shelter your medium-range lens from rain, frost, and even dust. Overall control over your camera is what allows naming this model the best camera rain cover. Fitted with sizeable window sleeves, the raincoat allows controlling every setting of your DSLR with ease.

Another considerable advantage is its compatibility with almost all types of camera models, including Canon EOS, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, etc. Its flexible sleeve conforms to the shape of your gear tightly enveloping its every element. Thanks to its waterproof ballistic nylon design, Movo CRC01 can provide long-term and reliable protection for your camera.

Weight: 15 ounces | Dimension: 8.3 x 7.4 x 3.1 in

Produced from a 3-ply material, Think Tank Hydrophobia V3.0 can make sure that your shooting equipment remains dry even under a downpour or sandstorm. This model does not only boast a top-notch material, but offers a range of other advantages like cinchable sleeves, a large window, and a water-repellant shoulder strap to ensure speedy access to a device wherever you need it.

An oversize window allows monitoring the camera screen and viewing every button to manage your device without any hassle. Besides, it comes with a protective eyepiece that delivers access to the viewfinder and shields your camera as well. Professional shooters who often shoot in the open air will definitely appreciate the Photo Hydrophobia V3.0 rain cover, especially when pairing it with the best gloves for photographers.

Weight: 9.5 ounces | Material: Silicone, Neoprene | Color: Gray | Dimension: 8.66 x 8.27 x 1.81 in

AquaTech’s SSRC Sport Shield Rain Cover is among the most popular waterproof covers for cameras with telephoto lenses, the length of which can reach up to 300mm. To provide robust protection, manufacturers used a robust three-layer, water-repellent, breathable cloth. Moreover, it ensures extra protection for a neoprene front panel securing the lens’s hood with a waterproof seal.

Another advantage that appeals to professional shooters is a watertight and silicon-sealed oversized window that provides a clear view of the camera screen for overall control. Stress-free access to all camera buttons is ensured with weatherproof sleeves. Moreover, it is possible to shoot with a mounted lens or mic during the rain thanks to an expansive camera hot shoe.

Many photographers get confused when it comes to choosing a decent and reliable rain cover. Therefore I’ve decided to describe the most important aspects you need to take into account. 

Make sure that the size of a raincoat perfectly matches your camera model so there won’t be any excess material that interferes with the operation. Whereas too small cover won’t provide protection for the lower part of your shooting assembly that could be exposed to rain.

Easy and quick hand access is very important to get to your camera buttons and press the necessary one at the right moment. Coats fitted with sleeves and cinchable collars are especially convenient in this aspect.

Of course, the raincoat should cover a camera completely to provide robust protection. But in this case, the cover prevents you from viewing images and configuring the device. Therefore, opt for models that feature a clear plastic panel for viewing your camera LCD. Sometimes, the plastic window can get misty, so some models feature a small hole for keeping your viewfinder visible.

If you want your rain cover to occupy little space in your camera backpack, decide on models that you can easily fold into a small pouch. Besides, we recommend choosing the raincoat with straps for trouble-free holding.

Choose a rain cover that is easy to put on and take off quickly, especially if you're shooting in changing weather conditions. Some covers have zippered openings or Velcro closures for easy access to camera controls.

Look for rain covers with secure seals or closures around the lens area to prevent rain from entering. Elastic cords, drawstrings, or hook-and-loop fasteners are commonly used to secure the cover around the lens.

Some rain covers offer extra protection against splashes and light impacts. Consider whether you need additional features like reinforced seams or extra padding.