RainCoat RS Large: Choosing a Long-Lens Rain Cover
By Lenscoat | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Buying Guides
Decide whether the RainCoat RS Large fits your telephoto setup, how to measure correctly, and when a smaller size or different cover makes more sense.
Quick answer
Choose the LensCoat® RainCoat RS Large when your camera-and-lens combination measures up to 21 inches from the back of the body to the front of the lens. If your setup is shorter, the Small or Medium size gives a closer, less bulky fit.
Why the 21-inch limit is the deciding number
The RainCoat RS is sized by the length of the camera body plus lens, not by lens focal length or front filter size. The Large is rated for combinations up to 21 inches, so a compact 70-200mm on a body may leave a lot of excess material, while a long telephoto with a body and tripod collar can sit near the limit.
Excess material is not automatically a problem, but it can catch wind, cover controls you need, and make the sleeve harder to manage on a tripod. Measure the actual setup you plan to use in the rain, including any lens hood or teleconverter that stays attached.
What the cover protects and what it does not
The supplied product description says the RainCoat RS protects the camera and lens from rain, snow, salt spray, dirt, sand, and dust while allowing access to controls. That makes it a weather and environmental cover, not a waterproof housing or a substitute for sensible care.
No supplied specification states a waterproof rating, so treat it as a barrier that keeps most precipitation off the gear and keeps you shooting. If you routinely work in sustained heavy rain or near surf, plan to dry and inspect your gear afterward rather than assuming the cover makes the camera immune.
When a smaller RainCoat RS size is the better buy
The same RainCoat RS line comes in Small for camera-and-lens combinations up to 10 inches and Medium for combinations up to 15 inches. If your telephoto setup measures comfortably under 15 inches, the Large adds fabric without adding protection.
Size down when you shoot handheld and need fast access to zoom and focus rings. Size up to the Large only when the measured length genuinely requires it, not because you expect to add a longer lens later.
Decision rules for buying the RainCoat RS Large
- Measure body plus lens: Attach the lens, hood, and any teleconverter you normally use, then measure from the back of the camera body to the front edge of the lens. If the result is over 15 inches and up to 21 inches, the Large is the correct size in this line. Write the measurement down before ordering so you are not guessing between Medium and Large.
- Check the 21-inch ceiling: If your setup measures more than 21 inches, the RainCoat RS Large is not rated to cover it. Do not buy it hoping the fabric will stretch; look for a cover designed for longer combinations instead.
- Match the cover to how you shoot: For tripod work with a long telephoto, the Large gives room to drape over the body and lens while leaving controls reachable. For handheld shooting with a shorter lens, choose the Small or Medium so fabric does not hang over the barrel or your hands.
- Accept the access trade-off: A larger cover means more material around the camera, which can slow down finding controls and can flap in wind. Practice fitting it at home before you rely on it in bad weather.
- Plan for care after wet use: The cover keeps rain, snow, salt spray, dirt, sand, and dust off the gear, but no waterproof rating is supplied. Dry the camera and lens afterward and check for moisture before storage.
Product facts
- LensCoat® RainCoat RS Large: The RainCoat RS Large is sized for a camera body and lens up to 21 inches. Measure your longest likely setup from body to lens front; that number decides whether Large is necessary.
LensCoat® RainCoat RS Large - LensCoat® RainCoat RS Large: The RainCoat RS comes in Small, Medium, and Large, with the Large covering the longest combinations. Comparing your measurement against all three sizes prevents buying more cover than your setup needs.
- LensCoat® RainCoat RS Large: The cover is designed to protect against rain, snow, salt spray, dirt, sand, and dust while allowing access to camera and lens controls. It suits active outdoor shooting where you still need to adjust settings, rather than a sealed hard housing.
Who should choose the RainCoat RS Large
Best for
- Photographers using a camera body and long telephoto that measure between 15 and 21 inches together
- Tripod-based wildlife or sports shooting in rain, snow, or dusty conditions where controls must stay reachable
Not for
- Setups shorter than 15 inches, where a Small or Medium RainCoat RS gives a closer fit
- Combinations longer than 21 inches, which exceed the Large size's rated coverage
