Many customers have asked us about using Storm Jackets with on-camera flash units and tripods.

While while we have not found a "perfect" way to accommodate these accessories -- and still keep Storm Jackets affordable, small, and simple to take on and off -- there are ways to use them and still keep your camera protected from the elements.

In the photo to the left, two colors of Storm Jackets are being used for demonstration purposes. You will probably want to choose a single color for a more cohesive appearance.

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Equipment info:
The camera seen in this series of photos is a Nikon D1H with a 17-35mm f/2.8 lens and hood. The flash is a Nikon SB-80DX with the stock flash diffuser attached. The tripod head is a Bogen/Manfrotto 3265. Both the yellow and black Storm Jackets are the small size.

To use a tripod or monopod that is mounted to the base of the camera, you can easily just push the Storm Jacket a little out of the way and attach it to the tripod head or quick-release plate.

You will give up some coverage under the camera, but most water will just run off the sides like an umbrella.

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If you've got a large lens, like a 300mm or 400mm f/2.8, and you want to mount the tripod or monopd to the lens collar, you will have to cut a small hole (see below) in the Storm Jacket to accommodate the screw. We recommend that you put the Storm Jacket on your camera . . . determine the best placement for the hole . . . and then cut it exactly (see below) the way you need it to fit your particular mounting system.

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How tight you want the rear closure to be is entirely up to you. In these photos the camera strap has been left on the body, but you might want to remove yours for even better coverage.

The viewfinder can be left exposed, as seen here, or the cover can be pulled over the viewfinder to hang above it like a visor.

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To use a flash unit with a Storm Jacket, you actually need two Storm Jackets. One for the camera and one for the flash. In this photo we have used two different colors, but you can choose to use any combination you want.

We recomend that a flash diffuser (not seen in this photo) should be attached to provide better coverage to the flash head.

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At this time, we do not make a special Storm Jacket to fit a flash. However, the small Storm Jacket size, as seen here, can be cinched down to cover nearly any size flash quite nicely.

The top bungee cord can be adjusted to fit any size opening. Since no fabric gets in the way of the light, there is no interference at all with the flash power or coverage. However, note that the infrared sensor is covered.

The lower bungee cord can be wrapped around the flash body to provide a snug fit with no loose ends or fabric to get in the way or flap in the wind. It's very easy to unhook the bungee cord and get access to the the flash controls in a matter of seconds.

Because this is just an ordinary small Storm Jacket, you can still use it on an SLR body when it's not needed for the flash.

Tip: Put the flash on the camera BEFORE putting the Storm Jacket on the flash.

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Here's the tricky part.

To attach the flash to your camera's hot shoe, you will need to cut a small hole in the Storm Jacket as seen here. A similar hole is needed underneath the Storm Jacket if you want to attached a tripod or monopod to a large lens with a tripod collar.

Obviously putting a hole in your Storm Jacket will diminish its ability to protect your camera when the flash is not being used. We recommend using a small piece of plastic electrical tape to patch the hole when it is not needed. Yes, it looks ugly, but it works.

The first step is to put the Storm Jacket on the camera and use a piece of Scotch tape to mark the spot where the hot shoe is located underneath. Be sure to allow enough fabric behind the hot shoe so that you can still pull it down to cover the viewfinder and rear of the camera. This position is different for everyone, so that's why we leave it to you to cut your own hole.

Once the location is marked, take the cover off of the camera and use a very sharp utility knife or Exacto knife to make the incision. We have found that an "X" shape allows the hot shoe to come through the easiest, but you might want to try a single slit first and then add the cross-cut if you feel it is necessary. Note: Be sure to put some cardboard backing behind the fabric so you don't cut through both sides of the Storm Jacket. Also, cutting the fabric will void the warranty and you cannot return the Storm Jacket.

Storm Jackets use a special rip-stop AquaNylon fabric that is difficult to rip or tear. Unless you really try to rip the hole bigger it should not enlarge, run, or fray under normal usage. In other words, don't yank on the it and it will stay solid.

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This is another angle of the flash attached to the camera, and the camera attached to the tripod. When you attach the flash to the camera, make sure that no fabric interferes with the electrical contacts or locking mechanism on the hot show. Failure to do so could result in performance problems or the flash falling off the camera.

We hope this page has helped answer questions you have about using a flash or tripod with Storm Jackets. Please let us know if there is anything else that you would like to know.

More product details.

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