How to Make a Cheap DIY Rain Guard for Keeping Your DSLR Dry

I’ve always been asked how I keep my equipment dry while shooting storms, and I figure with Hurricane Sandy on the way, now would be a good time to share! This is a very simple, inexpensive, easy-to-use, and effective solution to shooting in the rain! It costs less than 5 dollars, but I have never felt the need to purchase anything to replace it.

I find this cover works so well because, not only do you have access to all your camera controls, it also provides an extension to your existing lens hood to give it further protection from the rain. So here goes:

Materials

• Lens with lens hood
• Duct tape
• Circular take-out container
• Heavyweight clear plastic bag

Tools

• Marker
• Knife
• Scissors

Step 1: Trace the outline of your lens hood on the back of the container

Step 2: Using the knife, cut out the circle for the lens hood. Leave a 1 or 2mm gap for the lens hood to sit on.

Step 3: Tack the lens hood in place with a few small strips of duct tape

Step 4: Tape the lens hood securely in place

Step 5: Replace the lid and, using the knife, cut out a circle large enough not to obscure the field of view of the lens

Step 6: Cut out a corner of the plastic bag using scissors, place the hood inside the bag, and re-attach the lid

Step 7: Carefully cut away excess plastic

Step 8: Tape up the edge with some duct tape to hold the lid securely in place

Step 9: Attach the lens hood to your camera and get some awesome shots from inside the storm!

---