Lens Maintenance — Protect Your Priced Possession

You spent what on that lens?!? You invest so much money on quality lenses, you need to treat them better than a new born baby.  After all, it’s one of the major factors behind quality photographs.

Before we get started, make sure you have a good quality camera strap WHICH YOU USE! Wear it over one shoulder and under the arm on the other side of your body. Like a messenger bag. Wearing your camera in this fashion will not only protect your camera from crashing to the ground or being stolen, but it will also reduce the strain on your neck.

Cleaning Lenses
A lens accumulates dust from regular use. The safest and easiest way to clean a lens is by breathing on the surface of the lens then wiping it with a clean microfiber cloth. The microfiber cloth should be kept in a storage bag when not in use. This will help keep it clean for the next use.

If the lens has heavier buildup on it, a few of drops of lens cleaner fluid should be applied to a lens tissue/cloth. ONLY use lens cleaner -- No Windex! Also, using a dry lens tissue on your lens can cause scratches to its surface.

Maintenance and cleaning should be carried out often. But over-cleaning a lens can cause damage……This leads us to the benefits of a UV filters.

UV Filters
I strongly recommend permanently mounding a UV filter on ALL your lenses. UV filters block UV rays from changing the colors of your photograph. It also protects the outer glass from scratches. After spending $1,200+ on a lens, a $50 filter will protect your investment.

Lens Caps
Use lens cap over both the front and rear elements when your lenses are not in use. Keep the font lens cap on the lens when it’s mounted to the camera and you're not actively shooting. This will protect the glass from the environment.

Lens Hoods
A lens hood should be attached to reduce glare when shooting. A hood also protects the lens from being scratched if you walk too close to a wall, etc.

By following these guidelines, your lenses will stay in pristine conditions for years to come.

My grandfather took excellent care of his photography equipment….. Hell, I have a Nikon 55mm F1.2 lens from the mid 70s that was passed down to me. It still looks brand new!