Kata E-702 PL Waterproof Rain Cover Review

Features
Handling & Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Kata E-702 PL is a waterproof cover designed so you can continue to take photographs in rain, snow or sandstorms with your digital SLR protected from the elements. It can be purchased from the Kata Bags website for £69.95.

Kata E-702 PL Features

The rain cover has a Velcro fastening base that provides enough space to insert a camera when it's unfastened. The strip can be shaped around a tripod head so the cover can be used with the camera on a tripod.

It has a draw string hole at the front to poke a lens through with a stiff outer ring that acts as a hood and protector. Two more draw string fastenings are found on the sleeves where you insert your hands. The cover is made from RipStop (weatherproof and tear proof nylon) with a window in clear plastic that allows you to view the camera controls and look through the viewfinder or view the LCD.

It's specified to house a camera with a lens up to 200mm.

Orange Velcro strip to access housing		Drawstring Lens opening with firm hood		Drawstring sleeve

Kata E-702 PL Handling & Performance

Getting a camera in is easy thanks to the wide opening on the base. It means you can be shooting with the camera on a tripod and quickly wrap the cover over the camera if you're suddenly caught in a downpour.

The draw string opening for the lens is large enough to cope with most lens diameters - even the larger bulkier hoods, while the side ones expand wide enough for access while wearing padded outdoor garments.

Once the camera's inside the see-through material is, as stated, "crystal" clear, so you can put the camera to your eye and see easily through the viewfinder with ease, or look from a distance at the LCD or camera controls / menus. The specifications for the E-702 PL suggest is suits up to 200mm lenses, and that's true if you have a fast 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, but it will also accommodate more compact 300mm f/5.6 zooms. The Pentax 80-320mm that I tried almost disappeared inside and there was still plenty of room to add the hood.

I even managed to squeeze in the Nikon 80-400mm zoom on a D700, although the hood was poking through the front when the lens was extended.

No water got in during our test

The seal can wrap around a tripod fastening

The material is, as promised, waterproof and no water leaked through the seams either. If you use in combination with a lens with a hood you should be fully protected. Use a hoodless lens and you're still likely to get caught out with raindrops on the front element or filter.

I did struggle getting my hands in when using the camera hand held and a third hand would be useful to hold back the sleeve as you slip your hand in. I also found the front drawstring caught up on the lens when zooming and focusing. Ideally it's suited to lenses with internal focusing and zoom. Ones where the barrel extends or rotates can cause problems.

Kata E-702 PL Verdict

£70 is quite a chunk of cash for what seems like an insignificant bit of casing, but it does mean you can continue taking photos when others have had to pack up and go home. So for pro wildlife and landscape photographers the more atmospheric picture may catch the picture editor's attention and reap the rewards. And for enthusiasts you can rest assured your kit is safe from the elements and your fun isn't spoiled. The same can't always be said for the cheapy versions that appear on the Internet.

Kata E-702 PL Pros

Waterproof and protection against sand / dust
Full access to camera controls
Enough space for bulky cameras
Compact to carry in camera bag

Kata E-702 PL Cons

Can be fiddly to get hand in when camera is handheld
Front drawstring can restrict zoom or focus

FEATURES
HANDLING & PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT