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
Currently, I have the canon 28-135mm and the 50mm. The 50mm rarely leaves my camera. I have my eyes on the 28mm and hope to get it very soon.
I love your site. First time poster.
i own 2 lenses
I own 4 lenses and really NEED two more. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway.
I currently own four lenses… I am not a professional photographer, but rather a newbie hobbyist trying to learn all I can about photography… In hopes of one day being professional. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
I have 3 lenses – thank you for helpful posts!! I really enjoy following your site.
i have one lens but would really like to have more. I am new to dslr with much to learn. Love your site.
Love the blog. Please enter my name for the giveaway. Thanks for all you share.
I have just purchased a new camera and 3 lenses so that I can finally embrace my long time love for photography. I would love a chance to win one of these Nikon LensPen’s .
I only have 2 kits lenses right now. I’ve been saving up for a 50 mm. Thanks for the giveaway and the tips!!
Currently I have 3 lens and am looking to aquire one more this year.
Hi Amanda – So thankful for all the tips and tutorials you prepare for us newbies!
I am relatively new, so I own only 4 lenses that I can use on my Nikon. One is one that my husband has for his film Nikon. I use three most ALL the time. I take pictures every day. I am trying to learn this craft and do it well. My Grandchildren (their parents) will benefit hopefully. Thanks for the give-a-way. Hope your allergies are some better by today.
Jan
I just got a 35 mm prime and am loving it! I also have a 18-200, 60 mm macro, and thanks to my dad’s hand-me-downs, a Tokina 12-24. I so glad I found this website ~ very fun and informative ~ thanks!
I have 2 lenses, hoping to get more soon 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win, love your site!
This is so cool…did not know these were around! I have 4 lenes..the kit lens I never use, the 50mm 1.8, the 70-200mm . the 28-75mm ( I think wihtout looking).
Hope to win!! Need all the help I can get..just starting out!
I have 3, but have my eye on another one!
I just got my first non kit lense, a 50mm! So far I love it.
I own four lenses. Would love to win this. I have one but I would give it to my friend that is a Nikon user. 🙂
I have two lenses and LONG for one more that I have my eye on! Thanks for the opportunity at a great prize!
I have a total of 4 lenses…..one zoom, one 50mm, one macro, and the kit lens that came with the camera.
Thanks for the chance to win the lens brush! Cool tool!
I have two lenses – a 18-200mm and a 50mm. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have the Nikon 35mm 1.8, the 18-55mm kit lens and a tamron 70-300. 35mm is my fave!!!
I own 5 lenses!!!
I have 2 kit lenses and 3 lenses I bought.
I have 4 or 5. I don’t really remember.
I own 3 lenses! And I am terrible about cleaning them!! This looks like a great tool. Thanks!
I own 4 lenses…and have my eye on a 50mm!!
I have 5 lenses! Thanks for this contest and for all your information and support….like I said before YOU ROCK!! 🙂
How neat!!! That is one nifty little gadget. 🙂
I own 2 lenses at the present time. I am working on my third. Hopefully soon!
Thanks for this opportunity!
These look really cool and super helpful! BTW I just tried some of your actions and am in LOVE with “Florida”!! Thanks!!
I own 3 lenses. I am a Canon girl.. so i have the 24-70 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/2.8L IS, and the 50mm f/1.4. Great information on the keeping the lenses clean! I do have the brush, but not with the spot remover on the other end. Very cool!
Thanks!!
I have 4. The 50mm, 60mm, 85mm, and 24-70mm. But no pen 🙁
I have 3! though I use my 50 1.4 about 95% of the time! hehe
traci.ryant@yahoo.com
I currently own 2. I am, however, drooling over two others I hope to get in the future.
I own 2 lenses, but I’m hoping to add a third this summer (*crosses fingers*).
I own 2 (kit lenses).
That’s an awesome gadget! I wish I had known about it when I ordered my Nikon microfiber cloth recently! I won three lenses and do everything you recommend. This is a good subject for a post because you’d be surprised how many folks don’t spend a few dollars for a UV or skylight filter, after spending BIG dollars on their lens and camera!
I own 3 lenses right now. I hope to buy another soon!!
I own 5 lens.
My newest quest it to buy the 85mm (used).
i have three lenses…
Six! Today I am going to give most of them a workout at a Photo Safari taught by @Val Westover at the Dallas Arboretum;)
My new 50mm, stock Canon 18-55mm, 55-250mm, have 3 other old Tamaron lens from pre-digital days – they may turn into art work or go to the local high school –
For the safari I brushed up my skills using your great online tutorial will be sending my work for review:) Have a great day!!
I have 4 lenses and could really use this. thanks!
Thanks for the timely tips…I just got a new DSLR 2 weeks ago! I have a Nikon 18-105 and a Nikon 55-300. Thanks for the chance to win this pen…it’s so cool!!
I own 3 lenses and would love to own more 🙂
I have 3 lenses! And thanks for the chance!
I currently have two lenses. Both Nikkor. One is a 18-55mm and the other is a 50-200mm. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have only one the one that came with my Nikon D3000. Hopefully a zoom lens is in the future.
Hi there. I love visiting your site. It is full of valuable information. I’m currently working with only one lens. The Canon 50mm 1.2. I love it, but I’m realizing that it isn’t the right guy for every job. Lenses can be a big investment (as everyone knows). It will be a while before I can expand my collection.
I currently only have one lens but I’m saving my pennies for MANY more! 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! Lens care is so important!
I am so glad that you are sharing info on equipment maintence! This is an area that few talk about but is needed. Thank you!!! I currently have 3 lens, all Canon. I just switched from Nikon to Canon in January,
I would love to win one of the pens, thank you for your generous offer.
I currently have 2 lens for my Nikon. Thanks for the great giveaway!