WR lenses

I'm curious about how people use their WR lenses. Are people actually using them in full-on rain or they using them more in just inclement weather? If the former, isn't there a problem with rain getting on the front element?

Also, how frequently are people taking advantage of the weather resistance?

One other query - I had previously assumed that all weather resistant lenses had the same degree of resistance. But I gather now that it is only the DA* ones that offer full resistance. So what conditions are the WR-designated ones good for? I assume you wouldn't be taking a shower with one like that guy and his 50-135 on Youtube.

I have used the WR lenses in full rain, and quite heavy full rain. The lens hood protects the front element quite well, but it has to be constantly checked. Keeping the lens pointed downwards protects it from most of the water.

I still protect camera and lens as far as possible, but it all gets pretty wet without any ill effects.

Just go for it!

And the photographer too, presumably!

Do you know if there's a resistance difference between the DA* & WR lenses, John - and if so how that is described?

DA* lenses: "The following lenses are dust and water resistant because each part is individually sealed. This makes it difficult for dust and water to enter inside the lens." 300mm, 200mm, 55mm, 60-250mm, 16-50mm and 50-135mm are listed in my 2009 booklet.

WR lenses are "Lenses with simplified weather-resistant construction" and are described as being "made with a simplified weather resistant construction using DA* lens sealing technology which makes it difficult for water to enter the lens."

Thanks John - so in practical terms they sound quite similar. Perhaps I will have a shower with an 18-55!

I've used the WR kit lenses in pretty heavy rain without problem. However, if I have extended them, if I have the opportunity I do try and dry the barrels before zooming back in. This may, of course, be utterly pointless - but such compulsions keep me happy!

I use the WR lenses in a different envirnment, the desert, and so far have had nor problems with sand getting in anywhere, though I am careful about stuff getting on the barrel when zooming. I have used them in rain without any problems too.

The Only WR lens I have is the 50-135 and I have used it in a monsoon in Blackpool a couple of years ago. It was on my K10D.

Result? It REALLY works. CaNikon friends of mine were putting their gear in their (soaked) bags, and I continued to shoot. Only when I put my non WR 50mm did I get some misting on the LCD on the camera.
So, yes, don't worry, the WR does work, as long as the camera is WR too.

(note, after a couple of days in the dry Both the K10D and nifty were fine again)