I have written many a photography and editing tutorial, but never one regarding the very equipment that helps us get those beloved pictures. So, I thought I would dedicate a couple of posts to some hardware basics. (I am tackling lenses first because I have goodies that I’ve been dying to give away and cannot wait anymore.)
Most people who follow Everyday Elements have a digital SLR (or DSLR) which means they have lenses for that camera. Both camera and lenses need to be show care and undergo some maintenance to keep them in good condition. How should you be taking care of your DSLR lenses?
- Change lenses indoors, if you can manage it. If outdoors, block the wind with your body. Wind blows dust, dirt and more into our cameras and lenses if not blocked.
- Once you change lenses, quickly place the end cap on the removed lens, to prevent dirt and dust from setting into it. Also, quickly attach the new lens to the camera, to prevent dust and dirt getting into the end of the on-going lens and the camera sensor. And, while changing lenses, point them downward so dust and dirt won’t settle in.
- Keep the lens cap on the front glass when lens is not in use. Even better, place the lens in the protective cover that comes with it, or place in a padded camera bag.
- Use a filter or lens hood to protect the lens glass from getting scratched or broken. I do not use filters, rather I keep a lens hood on all my lenses, at all times; it is just a personal choice not to use filters.
- When dust and/or smudges are on the lens glass, use a microfiber cloth designed for optical lenses to wipe it off. Or, use the lens pen that I am sharing about later in this post. Be careful when cleaning the glass; if there is something like sand on your lens and you rub it with a cloth, you may scratch your lens.
- Use a soft brush to brush off dirt or sand. Do not rub those away as they may cause scratches to your glass. Or, you can also use some type of bulb air-blower to blow the dirt away.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Your lenses will be better served by preventing them from getting too dirty due to poor attention then by constantly cleaning them. This post from Digital Photography school shares this sentiment and also provides some additional tips for cleaning your lenses.
What is the lens pen I keep referring to? It is the Nikon LensPen and I absolutely love it!
One end has a retractable brush to softly dislodge and brush away dirt and particles.
Take the cap off the other end and there is a soft microfiber tip for wiping smudges and fingerprints off the lens glass.
I loved my Nikon LensPen so much that I actually went back to Amazon and bought three to give away here at Everyday Elements. The pen does not cost much, I think less than $10 (the price seems to fluctuate a bit), and there are off brands out there that run around $6. They are slim and oh so handy to throw into your camera bag so you have it with you whenever you need it.
Here is a picture of the LensPens, ready to be shipped to their new owners!
I am giving away a Nikon LensPen to three Everyday Elements readers! Here are the nitty gritty details:
- To enter simply leave a comment here, telling me how many lenses you own.
- One entry per person.
- The giveaway will end Friday, April 8th at 11 PM EST.
- Three winners will be chosen via Random.org and announced here at the blog.
- Winners will be sent an email to the address attached to their comment, so make sure it is the right one to reach you at. If not, leave the correct email address in the comment.
- Winners will have one week to send their mailing address to me, after which I will choose an alternate winner.
- This contest is for the United States only (I am sorry, but I cannot afford to ship globally).
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
9 235 23
Timestamp: 2011-04-09 16:14:21 UTC
Giveaway is over, comment numbers 9, 235 and 23 are the winners. I am in the process of identifying those commenters and emailing them.
About Amanda
Oh, my goodness! I was just thinking the other day that I wished I had something to clean my lenses with!! There’s a few dusty spots that I’m just too afraid to try to clean without the right “stuff”.
I have 3 lenses — my kit 18-55mm, a 55-200mm, and a 50mm. They all (and my camera mirror/sensor thingie) all could use a bath!
Thanks for the give away and letting us know what does work well!!
Right now I own three lenses and have been meaning to get one of these. Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win one! 🙂
Awesome! I need one! I have two lenses!
I have never even heard of these before! What a great tool for keeping my lenses clean. I have been using this eyeglass cleaning kit…should I hide in shame? I was not aware there were other options hehe
Thank you for this opportunity!! I would love to have this pen. My camera is also in need of a little bath. I have 2 lenses that I could really use this on.
Thank you again for the giveaway and also for some tips on handling our camera. Nice reminder!!
Hey..as of right now I only own one lens. Just getting comfy with this photography stuff so hoping soon I will be the owner of more! 🙂
I forgot to mention…I have 3 lenses Opps!
Currently I only own two lenses, the kit lens and 50mm 1.4. Looking to buy another lens later on this spring!
The lens pen looks pretty cool! I always keep a cleaning kit in my camera bag, but the pen would certainly save on space. 🙂
Thanks for the awesome tips on changing lenses!
YAY!!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity.
I’m a newbie, so I have 2 lenses so far. My kit lens and my baby the 50mm 1.4. And let me say the 50 is kinda scroungy looking because I wasn’t sure what I could use on it and not scratch it. Thanks for the info!
Great tips and great giveaway! Would love to win one of those!
I have the same lens pen and I LOVE it and would happily welcome another one. 🙂 Great tips as a new photographer I had no knowledge of I appreciate your insight about changing inside and pointing down. I have two lenses right now and am planning to buy a third in about 2 weeks. Nikon 18-55, Sigma 18-200 (of course it’s the fave) and will be purchasing either a nikon 1.4 or 1.8 lens.
I have a 24-70 2.8L and a 50 1.2 on order
I own 2 lenses at the moment! I’ve never heard of the lens pens, but now I am in love.
I own two lenses and I am horrible at maintaining them! I’m just lucky I haven’t ruined one yet! This pen sounds like it’s wonderful! I hope to win it!
OH MY GOODNESS! I heart this!! I currently own only two lenses but am forever worrying about how to properly get the dust particles off without disturbing anything! This would be the perfect thing!! Crossing my fingers!! And thanks for the great informative post!!
Oh my… the lenspen looks awesome.. I so need one!!!! Because I have 3 lenses that are in desperate need of something like that. And my favorite lens 50 mm needs to be taken care of so it could last forever 🙂
I have two lens. They both came with my camera. I really want a 50mm–it will probably be a 1.8 so I can afford it. 🙂
I own 4 lenses for my DSLR. I have 5 film cameras, and between them all I probably have another 10 lenses. The lens pen sounds awesome!
I own two lenses currently. Would love the pen, thanks for the chance to win.
I would love to have a lens pen! So far, I only have one lens, which came with my Nikon D3100 camera. I’m still learning about them, but excited about getting others in the future. I so hope I win one of these! 😀
I own 6 lenses
Thanks for posting! I have 3 lenses. :0)
Three
Thanks for the giveaway! I own three lenses. 50 1.8. 85 1.8 and 28-75 2.8. i also have one on long term loan from my bro 🙂
This is such a great post, looking forward to more helpful ones too! 🙂
I own 3 working lenses and 1 dropped and broken :/
Two.
Right now, I only have 1 lens. Just the basic one that came with the camera – A Sony A100. I would love a new lens, though. I believe that’ll be my next big purchase I save up for! I’ve gotta shop around to see which lens I’d want, though.
Thanks for the giveaway!
what a fabulous giveaway! I’m very excited about this series. Thank you!
There are only 2 lenses in my house. The kit lens my rebel came with and a 50 1.8.
Oh how I could really use one of those! I have one lens currently. My 50mm 1.4. Thanks so much! Crossin’ my fingers;)
I currently own 3 lenses, but can’t wait to increase it to 4 🙂 Thanks so much!
Only 1, but I have my eye on another one right now!
Great tips and awesome (much needed) prize 🙂 Right now, I have 4 lenses. I swear that I could waste all of my time at the camera shop playing around with lenses!
That’s just what I need, I was wondering what to use to clean my lenses. Great Tips! I own 4 lenses, for now!! :o)
I have 4 including the kit lens, which is IS. I am saving to upgrade my zoom and have a few on my wishlist.
I’ve got three and a set of extension tubes (the poor woman’s macro lens LOL).
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My photography is available for purchase – visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
I only own 2 lenses at present and reading about the Nikon pen it sounds perfect and so handy! Thank you for the opportunity to win one!
Great tips- thanks for that!
I have 5 lenses, but I live in Canada, so I’m not eligible for your giveaway. Wanted to comment anyhow, and say that those are great tools to have in any camera bag!
Right now I have two lens. I seen this pen and have been wanting one for a while.. Thanks for the giveaway and the tips to keep my lens clean.
Oh this looks really good, even though I am a canon girl! LOL I have 4 lens. Kit lens 18-55, 60mm 2.8 macro, 50mm 1.4, and 55-250 zoom
3 + 1 sick one = 4
I currently have 3 lenses! I try my best to take care of them, but something so nifty and cool like this would really help so much more!
Thank you for this! Those lens pens look very handy and convenient to take and toss into the camera bag. I own a Nikon. I currently own 2 lenses.
oh this is cool Amanda! I own 8 lenses… all Nikon too! woot!
I have 3 lens…a 50mm, 15-105mm and 55-200
I’ve got 3 lenses (4 if you count the one that died on me a couple of months ago right before a very important birthday celebration).
Love your website, and thanks for the chance to win one of those nifty lens pens. 🙂
I currently own 3 lenses 🙂 I often buy without renting/testing first, decide they aren’t for me, and sell them. I’m trying to stay away from that now 🙂
Thanks for a great chance at a giveaway!
I own 3 lenses for my DSLR. I have 3 more on my “wishlist.”
Thanks for the tips! I have 3 — 18-55 kit, 35mm, 55-200mm
Great info! Thanks Amanda. I own 3 lenses with plans for 2 more in the near future 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I own 3 lenses.