2012Arms forum
Effectiveness of rain covers for camera crane arms and alternative waterproofing solutions
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Commercial rain covers marketed for crane arms often fail to provide adequate water protection, with water seeping through the material during rain.
- Camera Essentials arm covers have a wax-like coating on some sections that provides better water repulsion than others, with the rear velcro section offering minimal protection.
- The wax coating on rain covers degrades over time with repeated folding and packing, eventually cracking and peeling away.
- Waterproof athletic clothing can be repurposed as arm covers by cutting off trouser legs and adding drawstrings, providing complete waterproofing at minimal cost.
- Spray-on waterproofing treatments designed for breathable fabrics, such as those meant for Gore-Tex, can improve water repulsion on existing covers when reapplied annually.
- Scotchgard waterproofing spray may clog fabric and trap moisture, whereas Nikwax TX Direct wash-in waterproofing is more effective and longer-lasting for breathable materials.
- Mountain climbing gaiters serve as ready-made arm covers with superior waterproofing, ease of installation, and access to controls, with inexpensive non-breathable options performing adequately.
- Arm covers with velcro attachment systems along the bottom allow for easier installation compared to slip-on designs.
Depends on
- The discussion does not resolve the specific compatibility of Camera Essentials battery base covers with PRO III models after XCS conversion.
- No comprehensive testing data provided for alternative solutions beyond individual user experiences.
- Recommendations are based on anecdotal reports rather than controlled comparison testing.
- The original commercial covers mentioned were not definitively identified as identical products by different manufacturers.