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

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

 

[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, 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.

maybe I should read mine's manual!

 

[bwana]

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.

 

[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.

 

[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.