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 currently use 3 lens, but wouldn’t be disappointed with 1 more!
I own 8 lens……some old some new…probably use 3 of the 8 on a regular basis. I do a lot of shooting outside in the country, dust is always a problem. I have seen the pens but never tried one. Winning one would be the best! Fingers crossed!! 🙂
I own 4 lenses and will be adding to my collection eventually 🙂
I own 3 lens but would love a 28-70 2.8
I own 3, but my 50mm f/1.7 is broken. The aperture ring won’t work after a toddler induced fall.
Great post! I am just learning how to use my DSLR, so I only own 1 lens for now, but am researching my next lens purchase.
I have 4 lenses that I could use this cool pen on. Thanks for all you do! I learn a lot from your site and I love your actions!
I have 3 lenses.
I own just my basic kit lens right now but I am paranoid about keeping it in good condition! This was a fantastic post, as I was just wondering to myself the other day how I should be cleaning my lenses. I have a padded camera bag, lens caps are always on, so I think so far I’m in good shape.
Would love to win one of these lens pens! Thanks, Amanda!
I own 5 lenses and am always looking for more!
Awesome pen & post! I use 3 lenses 🙂
I have 5 lens but only use 2 on a regular basis.. This pen looks like an awesome tool to add to the camera bag.
I have 2 lenses.
If I don’t win, I am totally getting one! They are cool! Thank you for hosting!
I own three lenses.
Thanks for the opportunity, and the wise words on lens cleaning.
xo
D.
I own three lenses : ) Two came with the camera and one fixed 50mm… New camera and lens are on the Christmas wish list ….
I own 2 lenses right now. I’d love to buy another one but am clueless as to what to get. A post on different lenses and what they will do for you would be AWESOME! =)
What a cool tool! I own 2 lenses the kit lens 18-105 and my 50mm, I really want another lens, but that’s in my bag right now!
I have four lenses. 3 nikon and 1 canon. I’m a photojournalist, so I’m very tough on my equipment, so this would help keep things clean. Thanks!
I own 3 Nikon Lenses. The 18-270 kit lens; a 50mm; and 70-200mm.
I just have the one lens that came with my camera, but planning to get another very soon! Thanks for the info today! I’d love to win one of these!
Great tips! I am printing them off to read over again. I’m a newbie to DSLRs and have only one lens at this point. After I learn more, I hope to begin adding. There’s lots to a DSLR and I am no master on the topic. Blessings
I own and use three lens. I have not seen these pens before…what a great idea. Hope I win one.
I have three lenses (if I count my macro conversion lens). I always worry about using a lens cloth on my lenses, and have been looking for something that works well, but is small and easy to use. The pen sounds perfect!
I have 3 Nikon primes.
I am now up to 3 great lenses 🙂
Great giveaway!! I only have two lenses and am trying to get into things more!
I own four lenses!
I own 6 lens, and thanks for the info on the nikon lens pen.
How neat! I got my Canon T2i for Valentines Day and only have one lense (FOR NOW=)
Hoping to get much much better, thanks to the tips on your blog!
I have 3 lenses
I own 8 lenses and use them all, however, I use my 70-200 2.8 the most.
I have 2 lenses.
I own 3 lens and daydreaming to add another lens.
Oh, I haven’t heard of those lens pens and they sound so cool!! I hope I win. I have two lenses, but I got my eye on lots more 🙂
I’m an amateur photographer and only own 2 lenses but I make the best of it when I photograph my family.
Hi Amanda,
I own three lenses.
I own 3 lenses and am looking to add to the collection!
I own 3 but I definitely want more lol
hypersky5athotmaildotcom
Just 3 right now…but lots in my cart at amazon!!
I have 2 lenses. Wish i had more!
I own 2 lenses.
I currently own zero lens- I am actually getting my 1st DSLR next week!! sooo excited and would LOVE to have one of these pens!
I have three lenses.
Love this giveaway! I own 4 lenses… oh how I’d like 12 more 😉
If I don’t win, I plan on purchasing this anyway! Such a good idea!
I have 2 Nikon lenses. I would love more!
I own three lenses, but use one a lot more than the others. 🙂
I currently have 2 lenses but have my eye on a macro lens for my next purchase.
I am a beginner so I only have my first lens, but I am loving exploring the vast realm of photography, and am looking forward to getting more accessories!!!!
I have 3 lenses, one being a kit lens which I never use. I went to my local photography store to pick up one of these handy-dandy pens and they didn’t carry them…such a shame!
Thanks for everything Amanda!
I own 3 lenses – which are in need of cleaning… I’ve never tried the pen before – just a microfiber cloth…