Think Tank Emergency Rain Covers for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras with 70-200mm Lens - Medium (Black)
Quick take
This Think Tank emergency rain cover is made for DSLR and mirrorless setups when you want fast protection without turning your camera into a complicated rain rig. It secures to the lens hood with a non-slip Velcro fastening and uses a hot-shoe attachment for stability, with a clear window for the rear LCD and viewing through the window. The main buying caveat is size fit: the Medium cover is intended for specific 70-200mm-style lenses and can feel oversized or restrictive depending on lens shape and shooting orientation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed to attach quickly with Velcro around the lens hood and a hot-shoe mount for the rest of the cover.
- Clear window setup lets you check rear LCD and keep shooting through the cover.
- Adjustable opening for accessing controls and lens area, with a cord stopper for positioning.
- Compact, soft carry design intended for “emergency” or occasional wet-weather use.
Cons
- Fit is lens-hood dependent, so a different zoom size or extender setup may not feel as snug.
- The clear viewing area can introduce some distortion, and access to certain rings (like zoom) may take practice.
- When using shorter lenses, extra fabric can potentially drift into the frame if not managed with the lens hood position.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to a consistent theme: the cover is easy to get on and stay positioned during real shooting. Many users highlight that the hot-shoe attachment stays secure over extended sessions and that the clear window makes it practical to monitor settings without removing the cover. Several buyers also describe the material and build quality as high and the overall concept as “pro-oriented,” particularly for long-lens sports and field use. On the tradeoff side, the most common usability friction appears to be managing access, especially for zoom rings or when the lens length changes, along with some distortion expected through the transparent viewing section. Overall, the review pattern suggests it works best as an emergency rain layer for established lens-camera setups, rather than a universal cover that fits every lens perfectly.
How it protects your camera without killing your shooting flow
The Think Tank’s approach is practical: you get coverage where you need it, while still being able to operate the camera. Instead of a rigid shell, it’s a soft rain cover that compresses for carry, then wraps into place during wet weather.
Key protection and usability features include:
- Lens hood fastening: A non-slip Velcro strap is meant to hold the cover on the lens hood area.
- Hot-shoe stability: An attachment in the camera hot shoe helps keep the rear portion aligned while you shoot.
- Oversized clear window: The window is intended to let you read and adjust camera controls with the cover in place.
- Viewing options: The design supports viewing through the cover using the viewfinder, or via the transparent window depending on your workflow.
- Access opening: There’s an opening you can adjust with a cord and cord stopper to reach the lens and camera functions.
Fit, size, and compatibility considerations
This is the part that matters most when deciding if the Medium cover is right for your kit. The Medium model is intended for certain 70-200mm f/2.8 to 70-200mm-class lenses, and it works on the basis that your lens hood geometry and size match the cover’s range. If you shoot a 70-200mm without major modifications, it’s typically easier to get a secure wrap. If you commonly add extenders, use very large sunshades, or switch between very different lens lengths in the middle of a session, you may need to be more deliberate about positioning so excess fabric does not shift into the frame.
One review theme also suggests that the opening for the lens and hand access can feel tight for certain left-hand or zoom workflows, especially when you are wearing gloves. That doesn’t mean it fails as protection, but it does mean you should plan on a brief learning curve.
Pros and cons for real-world use
Best for
- Sports and field shooters who want quick protection for a long lens setup.
- Occasional downpour protection for travel, events, or “just in case” emergencies.
- Photographers who need to keep shooting while checking the rear LCD and adjusting camera controls through a window.
Who should avoid it
- Buyers wanting one universal cover that fits every lens shape and hood size comfortably.
- Anyone with a lens setup far outside a 70-200mm-class hood range (including very large extender configurations), where the wrap may not stay as tidy.
- Shoppers who strongly prioritize distortion-free viewing through the clear section and do not want to adapt their viewing habits.
Verdict: is it worth it?
The Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover (Medium) is a strong fit for photographers who regularly shoot with a compatible 70-200mm lens and want fast, practical rain protection that still allows real camera operation. Where it may disappoint is in flexibility, if your lens lineup changes often during a shoot or if your lens hood and accessories push the cover out of its ideal size and access sweet spot. If your use case matches long-lens, occasional or emergency rain work, the design choices, secure attachment methods, and window-based operation make it an easy “grab and go” option.
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FAQs
Does this rain cover attach to the camera hot shoe?Yes. It uses a hot-shoe attachment to help secure the cover in position while you shoot.
How does it stay in place around the lens?It uses a non-slip Velcro fastening around the lens hood area.
Can I see the LCD and viewfinder through the cover?The cover includes an oversized clear window intended for checking the rear LCD and controls, and it supports viewfinder viewing through the window or directly depending on your setup.
Is it suitable for portrait orientation?The design has enough material to cover the exposed side when shooting in portrait orientation, though access and fit can still depend on lens hood shape.
Will it work with lenses outside a 70-200mm range?It is designed for specific 70-200mm-class lenses and lens hood sizing. Switching to very different lens lengths can require extra care so fabric does not shift into the frame.
Is this meant for occasional rain or heavy storms?It’s positioned as an emergency or occasional rain solution, and buyers describe it as usable during substantial rain sessions, especially when the cover is properly secured and positioned.
Specifications
| Product Title | Think Tank Emergency Rain Covers for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras with 70-200mm Lens - Medium (Black) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Accessories > Rain Covers |
| Brand | Think Tank |
| Manufacturer | Think Tank Photo |
| Model Number | 6197 |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 4 Ounces |
| Compatible Devices | Cameras |
| Form Factor | Case,Cover |
| Compatible Device Size Maximum | 7.9 Inches |
| Additional Features | Emergency Cover |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Theme | Modern |
| Shell Type | Soft |
| Enclosure Material | Polyurethan |
| Item Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.1 x 1.9 inches |
| Built-In Media | Rain Cover |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00874530006197 |
| UPC | 874530006197 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Mfr Part Number | 006197 |
| Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
Available variants
Color
- Camo
- Black
Size
- 300-600mm
- 70-200mm
- 24-70mm
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