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.
I have 2 lenses. Thanks!
I only own two lenses.
I own two lenses at the moment.
I have 3 lenses
I own two lenses.
I own two lenses. Thanks!
I have 4 lenses that I use and others that are retired.
I have 4 lenses right now and that pen just looks fabulous!! 🙂
I own three lenses: the lens that dame with my Nikon D3000, a Tamron telephoto/macro lens that is amazing and a Nikon wide angle lens. I’m hoping to be able to afford a super telephoto for bird pix. Would love that Nikon brush/smudge cleaner. Will fit nicely in my kit!
At the moment I only own 2, but I always have my eye on more! 🙂
Wow, thanks for the giveaway! I have four lenses, two that I use 98% of the time. What a handy idea these pens are!
I currently own 3 lenses – hoping to add a 4th this year if business goes well 🙂
I own 3; the two that came with my Nikon D40 and a 50mm prime. I’d love to get a bigger zoom, though…
I own 3 lenses. I wish I could afford more!!
I own three lenses : ) Two came with the camera (cannon) and the other one my husband bought it for my b-day! =)
I own 5 but on the lookout for a couple of new ones
What a fabulous little gadget! If I’m not fortunate enough to win one, I will definitely have to purchase one. Thanks for sharing these with your readers! I only have two lenses so far, but this is just the tool to keep them clean. I am new to your blog, but I have been reading through your posts and have learned so much already. Thank you for all this wonderful information!
I don’t own any …….yet. I am hoping to start by the end of this year. I am saving my pennies.
I own 2 but only use one of them 😉
I have many more on my wish list…
I own three lenses….thanks for the giveaway!
I have 3 lenses!
I own 5 lenses – nifty 50, zoom, macro and 2 standard!
Only 2 lenses so far, but adding a third this month!
I own 5 lenses. I’d love a lens pen.
I own just one lens and, holy cow, it sounds as if I could stand to take care of it better!
Fun! I would love to win this lens pen. I’ve never seen or heard about it before. But you can bet if I don’t win one, I’ll buy one for sure! I have 6 lenses, so lots of lenses to keep clean!
I currently own 4 Nikon lenses and one Lensbaby! But am definitely looking to add to that number! 😉 Thanks for offering such a fun giveaway!
Six. And I just traded one for this phenomenal Slappa Portable Studio camera bag. It’s like a small suitcase that holds everything. So, six.
What a fantastic idea! I have 3 lenses…18-55mm, 70-300 IS, and 50mm. I’m interested in so many others it’s so hard to choose! Thanks for the opportunity to win these cool lens pens!!
I own 3 lenses.
I own 2 lenses
3 for me! Thanks!
I own three lenses. Thank you for the giveaway!
Just getting started with my photography hobby. I only have 1 lens so I really could use another one!! Thanks!
I have 7 lenses! My zooms 16-35, 24-70, 70-200, and my primes 50, 85, 135, and a 100 macro! Hubby knows I prefer glass over diamonds! 🙂 I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of this product! I definitely need me one of these!
What a great giveaway! I have 3 lenses. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’m still in the begining stages of photography and have a nikon d90. The lenses I have are the 18-55mm and a 70-300mm lense.
Just found your site and blog. I was a professional photographer and videographer in the 1980’s (Hasselblads and Vericolor III film). Having fun re-learning with a DSLR and Photoshop.
Oh, BTW, I have two lenses for my Canon DSLR, three for the old 35mm SLR and a few for my antique 8×10 view cameras!
I have 2 lenses.
I have two lenes I just got my first DSLR camera two months ago. I’m enjoying learning and shooting.
Thank you
I own three lenses.
Thanks for a chance to win, and for all the great tips you share!
I have 4 lenses!
I own 3 lenses!
I own 3 lenses
I have 3 lenses, that could definitely use a cleaning 🙂
I own 3 lenses, kit lens, 100-400mm f 4.5 , and 18-135mm f 3.5
I own five lenses.
I loved my Nikon LensPen, before losing it. I have 2 lenses, the kit and a zoom. I got both when I bought my D40. Someday, I want to move into a true macro lens. Maybe with a camera body upgrade.
I have two. For my Rebel SLR….Still working on a DSLR. 🙂