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
I own 3 lenses….but am coveting many more!!
I only own one lens but hope to add a 50 soon! Thanks for the giveaway! I like the larger end on this pen.
Haha…I have 5 lenses right now! Love them ALL for different reasons!
Yay! This is so exciting! I just realized that I need something better to clean my lenses. i would love to get this in time for my trip to Jamaica. I am a noobie and as of right now I have two lenses (with another one in the mail on the way.)
http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com
Thanks for all of the wonderful information that you provide! I have acquired 6 lenses over the years. I’d love to have a lens pen, too. 🙂
Right now I own 5 Canon lenses – 85 mm 1.8, 50 1.8, 28-135 mm 3.5/ 70-300 mm 4.0 and the kit lens that I never use. I hope to buy the 50 mm 1.4 soon!
I currently only own the kit lens that came with my camera, but hopefully by the end of the year I will own another one!!
I currently own 5 lens, but have 2 more on order. I don’t know if I could ever choose a favorite they all are have there own perks 😀
I currently own 2 lenses but I am looking to get a better zoom! Love Everyday Elements and can’t wait to meet you April 30!!!
I’m a beginer so only two lenses. 🙁
Sounds like a great product!! I own only 1 lense so far but have access to a few others of my dads!!
I own 3 lenses!
Cool little tool, and great tips!! I have 3 lenses currently: Kit lens (18-55mm), nifty 50, and a long lens (70 – 200mm). I think wide lens is the next on my list.
I have two lenses 🙂
I have 2 right now and 2 in my Amazon cart…..tax return needs to come!
I own 2 —a Tamron and the Nikon kit lens. Love knowing about this…thanks!
i only have one lens .. so far 🙂
2 lenses – 50mm 1.4 and Canon 24-70mm 2.8; now I’m saving for a camera upgrade…hopefully by the end of the year!
i own three lenses!
I have 5 lenses. two kit lenses and 3 prime: 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 135mm 2.0, 17-59mm 2.8,
Lens pen – how clever. I need one of those. I have 4 lenses that I use regularly. I have a couple others that I don’t use at all that came with my rebel.
I own 6 lenses, but that includes two kit lenses which really don’t count. 🙂
i own 4 lenses, and would love to have such a compact and versatile tool handy! Thanks!
I have 4 lenses…three that I mainly use. Thanks for the tips!
I own 4 lenses.
I have 3 lenses. Thank you for your tips and give away! I hate to correct an expert, but I believe the quote is “An ounce of prevention…” I knew it was probably a typing error.
How fabulous! I own one lens – but of course, would love to have another! 🙂
I Only have one lens. I would love to get another one. Someday!
I currently have 3 lens, and would love to win this nifty tool. Thank You for your generous offer!
I own two lenses, and this lens pen looks great!
3 right now.
I have 3 lenses……..but really only use one.
I have three lens. A 50mm f/1.4, a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, and & 55-250 mm f/something-something.
~ingrid
I own 4 lenses. Canon 18-55mm kit lens. Canon75-300 non IS. Canon 50mm 1.8 and Sigma 18-250.
The lens that is on my camera at the present time.
I own 4 lenses right now.
I own 2 lenses. 🙂
I have three lenses. My favorite is the 50 mm lens.
I own two lens.
Since I just bought another one the other day, I now own 6!
Thanks for the info on the pen – if I don’t win, I’m going to buy one!! Thank you!
I own two lenses for my dslr, and two for my older slr cameras.
I have, 12-60mm (my favorite), 20-300, 50mm macro with extension tube, and 2 kit lenses for use on my Olympus 510. This pen is terrific! Even if I don’t win one, I will definetly buy one for myself….and for gifts. Very nice. Thanks for the tips!
This would be great for my bag!! I currently have 4 lenses and am really bad about cleaning them….maybe this would motivate me!
recently found you blog and LOVING IT!
Just getting ready to buy my first Digital SLR and so excited .
Thanks for the giveaway
I have 2
We have 5 lenses…but primarily use two and then the wide angle from time to time. The other two are rarely used ever. 🙂
I have 3 lenses…..and a couple on my wish list!
I own two lenses…I but I am hoping to get more soon. The lens pens is awesome thanks for the change to win one!!
I have 1, yep just 1, I have only had my DSLR for a little over a month and still deciding what should be the next one to add to my collection.
Wow, that’s cool! I’ve never seen one of those. It’s brilliant!
I have 4 lenses and a little disease called Lens-Envy. 🙂 I can’t wait to add more!