Protecting and cleaning the lens

[sdd]

I was wondering how you seasoned photographers protect and clean the lenses of you cameras.

Is is sufficient to use a digital UV filter for protection?

Also for cleaning the lens surface, is the LensPen ok?

[bwana]

I use rizla cigarette papers to clean the lens and unless manufacturer suggests it or the conditions specifically require it tend to avoid filters. IMO they're a major cause of flaring.

[bwana]

Can you believe it but no one seems to have stock of a clear/UV 82mm filter :eek:

There's a big storm heading this way tomorrow - that, coupled with the spring tide, should produce some spectacular waves but my lens requires a filter in order to weather proof it. :(

[koffiejunkie]

There's a big storm heading this way tomorrow - that, coupled with the spring tide, should produce some spectacular waves but my lens requires a filter in order to weather proof it. :(

Which one?

Speaking of filters, I'm looking for a some sort of filter wallet/case/pouch - you get the idea. If I can fit four in, 77mm being the biggest, that would be great.

[BigAl-sa]

Which one?I'm sure it's the 16-35.


Speaking of filters, I'm looking for a some sort of filter wallet/case/pouch - you get the idea. If I can fit four in, 77mm being the biggest, that would be great.I got one made by Tamrac which hooks onto the side of my backpack. Something like this:
http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=8092

Not sure if it's that specific one though.

To sdd, I use pec-pads and Eclipse fluid.

[GreenPunkt [clone of Skeptik]]

Stick a Skylight filter on the end and leave it there. Best way to avoid touching the lens.

[bwana]

Which one?The 16-35.

@sdd - if you do decide to use Rizla papers make sure not to use the side with the glue :D

[koffiejunkie]

I got one made by Tamrac which hooks onto the side of my backpack. Something like this:
http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=8092

I spent the whole day going from camera shop to camera shop and didn't find anything except some nice ones that are specifically for Memorystick Pro/Duo.

I think in the end I'll keep the CF cards in the little plastic shells they came in, and stick them all into one of these (http://www.crumpler.co.uk/?product=The_P.P._90&page=details&product_line=796&lsc=1), or just go for the Sandisk Extreme IV ones already that come with the little CF wallet. I have one already, it takes two cards. I'm buying at least two more cards, so that will take care of six. They have a little hook with a key ring on, so I can string them all together and tie them to the inside of my bag so they don't get lost.

[koffiejunkie]

The 16-35.

I thought L glass was sealed?

[bwana]

I thought L glass was sealed?According to the manual this one is . . . if you have a filter on the end. :)

[koffiejunkie]

According to the manual this one is . . . if you have a filter on the end. :)

:eek: maybe I should read mine's manual!

[bwana]

:eek: maybe I should read mine's manual!I think it's only because the front of the lens travels so unless yours does I wouldnt worry about it.

[koffiejunkie]

I think it's only because the front of the lens travels so unless yours does I wouldnt worry about it.

What do you mean by the front of the lens travels? Mine pushes foward when sooming, about an inch and a bit, but focus is internal, and the front doesn't turn.

[bwana]

It travels inside the barrel - the length of the lens remains constant. At its narrowest the front of the lens is inset by about 1cm at its widest it is flush.

[koffiejunkie]

So the front element moves then? Sorry, I'm a bit slow tonight, but I dont' get it. On all my lenses the front element is set in the same piece of plastic/metal that the filter screws on, and on some (like the primes), that whole assembly moves backwards and forwards, as you describe. I don't see how a filter will help there, unless the glass doesn't seal properly against that piece of plastic/metal.

[bwana]

The filter would sit on the front and provide additional protection.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/picture.php?albumid=19&pictureid=632

[koffiejunkie]

Picture speaks a thousand words - thanks! I don't think I've ever seen a lens (or noticed, rather) with that particular layout. On my 24-105 all the movement happens behind the front element, so the distance between the filter and the front element neverchanges.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2811503595_52255a5696.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2811503403_bdf4440179.jpg

[bwana]

Picture speaks a thousand words - thanks! I don't think I've ever seen a lens (or noticed, rather) with that particular layout. On my 24-105 all the movement happens behind the front element, so the distance between the filter and the front element neverchanges.Then you get lenses like my 70-200 f/4 which never change in length.

[koffiejunkie]

Yeah, I've been looking at that today, actually. Do you think that's long enough to shoot a football match if I have access to the side lines? We had a company football match between two different offices, and they asked me to shoot. As it happened I was on late shift and couldn't go, but there's another one coming. AI Servo focus isn't so great with my Sigma.

[BigAl-sa]

Yeah, I've been looking at that today, actually. Do you think that's long enough to shoot a football match if I have access to the side lines? We had a company football match between two different offices, and they asked me to shoot. As it happened I was on late shift and couldn't go, but there's another one coming. AI Servo focus isn't so great with my Sigma.70-200 may be a bit short for soccer - range should be better with a 1.4TC though.

[koffiejunkie]

Thanks BigAl-sa. This on a 40D, so it's more a 112-320mm field of view. A 1.4x TC would make it essentially f/4 - is that fast enough? I have no idea what the light will be like (or where the game is going to, at this stage - hard to plan!

[BigAl-sa]

Thanks BigAl-sa. This on a 40D, so it's more a 112-320mm field of view. A 1.4x TC would make it essentially f/4 - is that fast enough? I have no idea what the light will be like (or where the game is going to, at this stage - hard to plan!Light is a nasty one, especially on non-pro grounds at night (or with the weather over there). Looks like you're going to have to haul out big bucks for a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 :(

[koffiejunkie]

Lol. If I'm buying big I'm getting the Sigma 50-500. For my limited use in the longer focal ranges (I'm really at my happiest with my 10-20 on the cam!), I'm one lens will have to do. I don't know how quick it's focus is though - I'll have to go and try one.

[BigAl-sa]

Lol. If I'm buying big I'm getting the Sigma 50-500. For my limited use in the longer focal ranges (I'm really at my happiest with my 10-20 on the cam!), I'm one lens will have to do. I don't know how quick it's focus is though - I'll have to go and try one.I have a Bigma, and it's probably fast enough for sports on a bright day - not sure about under lights though. Was good enough for McNaught's Comet (but that wasn't running around at high speed though :))

http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/124714388_HrHSo-S.jpg (http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/124714388_HrHSo-O.jpg)

[bwana]

Thanks BigAl-sa. This on a 40D, so it's more a 112-320mm field of view. A 1.4x TC would make it essentially f/4 - is that fast enough? I have no idea what the light will be like (or where the game is going to, at this stage - hard to plan!It's already an f/4.

[koffiejunkie]

Oops, sorry. I was thinking about the f/2.8 one. No way I'm buying though - I can rent it for the occasion.