Using Telephoto and Zoom Lenses with Outex: Cover Sizing and Compatibility Guide
Jan 04, 2017
Yes — the Outex system works with virtually any zoom or telephoto lens, fixed or variable focal length. The flexible cover stretches to accommodate the physical size of your lens and maintains full tactile access to zoom and focus rings throughout the entire focal range.
How Zoom Lenses Work with Outex
The Outex cover is elastic and conforms to the shape of your camera and lens. For zoom lenses that extend physically when zooming (external zoom), the cover stretches with the lens as it extends. For internal zoom lenses (where the barrel doesn't extend), the cover fits snugly at any focal length.
The key consideration is choosing the right cover size. A cover that is too small for your lens at its maximum extension will be difficult to install and may not seal correctly. The Pro Regular (110) accommodates most standard zoom lenses up to approximately 200mm. The Pro Large (130) is recommended for larger zoom lenses, telephoto lenses, and lenses with battery grips.
For full cover size specifications and dimensions, see the Cover Size Guide.
Outex Pro Cover extended over a large telephoto zoom lens — the flexible material accommodates the full lens profile.
Very Long Lenses (400mm+): The Open-Front Option
For very long telephoto lenses — typically 400mm and above — attaching a front glass port is often impractical due to the lens's physical size and the absence of a standard filter thread on most super-telephoto lenses. In these cases, the recommended approach is the open-front configuration.
In the open-front configuration, the Outex cover is installed over the camera body and extends as far along the lens barrel as it will comfortably reach, leaving the front of the lens uncovered. The cover seals around the camera body and the rear and sides of the lens, protecting all the critical moving parts — buttons, dials, zoom rings, focus rings, and the camera body itself — from rain, spray, mist, and inclement conditions.
This is a water-resistant solution, not a fully waterproof one. It is not suitable for underwater use, but is highly effective for:
- Sporting events in rain or spray
- Shooting from boats or near water
- Wildlife photography in wet or muddy conditions
- Any situation where the lens hood provides additional front protection
Most super-telephoto lenses include protective hoods that shield the front element, complementing the Outex cover's protection of the camera body and lens barrel. Together, they provide robust all-weather protection without the need for a dedicated rain cover.
Open-front configuration in use with a long telephoto lens — the cover protects the camera body and lens barrel while the lens hood shields the front element.
Practical Guide: Which Cover Size for Which Lens?
| Lens Type | Recommended Cover | Front Port | Underwater Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard zoom (24–70mm, 24–105mm) | Pro Regular (110) | Match filter thread size | ✓ Yes |
| Telephoto zoom (70–200mm f/2.8) | Pro Regular (110) or Pro Large (130) | Match filter thread size | ✓ Yes |
| Super-telephoto (100–400mm, 150–600mm) | Pro Large (130) | Open front (water-resistant only) | ✗ Water-resistant above water only |
| Fixed telephoto (300mm f/4, 400mm f/5.6) | Pro Large (130) | Match filter thread or open front | Depends on filter thread availability |
| Fisheye / hooded / unthreaded | Any cover + Dome port | Dome with clamp | ✓ Yes |
If you are unsure which cover size is right for your specific lens, contact the Outex support team with your camera make, model, and lens specifications and we will advise accordingly.
Ready to Shoot in Any Conditions?
Browse the full Outex system — including Pro Kits in Regular and Large sizes — in the Camera Kits section. Individual covers and accessories are available from the Parts page.