The eye of the digital SLR camera is its lens. The bulk of money you’ll be spending in your photography equipment will be allocated for your digital SLR’s lenses. So maintaining your camera lens is just as important as taking care of the digital SLR body. A damaged lens affects the quality of your image, big time.
There are four main types of external damage that you can do to your digital SLR camera lens: dirt, water, shock and scratches.
Dirt is a problem when strays of dust of collect in your camera lens. Dirt causes even more trouble as it is more difficult to remove from your lens’ surface.
Shock is when you bang or hit your digital SLR camera lens with force. If you drop your lens, hit it in a metal surface, it will most likely be damaged.
Scratch is the most annoying and most damaging factor in your lens. There is no way to repair a scratched lens.
Water- Your digital SLR lens plus water, equates to disaster. The electronic circuits and motors inside most of today’s lenses can be destroyed by water. Camera lenses have several elements or other lenses inside them. Once water permeates through the internal lens there it will leave a damaging water spot.
You know the culprit to camera lens damage, now here are the tips for taking care of your precious camera lenses.
DIRT:
1. Use a microfiber lens cloth to remove dirt from your camera lens.
2. When wiping with the lens cloth use light strokes working outside of the lens.
3. For mud and stubborn dirt use a cleaning solution specifically for photographic lenses. Don’t use ammonia or household cleaning solution.
SHOCK:
1. Use a padded camera bag and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Make sure you’re digital camera’s next strap is secure. Consult your camera manual on how to attach it properly.
SCRATCHES:
1. Protect your digital camera lens by buying a filter that will fit in front of your lens.
2. Use high quality filters as not to compromise your camera lens’ quality.
WATER:
1. Use a rain hood when shooting in moist environments.
2. When moving between temperatures of hot and cold your should slowly introduce the new air into the bag, it will help prevent condensation.
3. If you digital SLR lens does get water inside you should… a. Turn the lens so that the lens mount is down to help water drain from the lens.
b. Wrap the lens in very absorbent towel
c. Take the lens to the nearest professional repair shop immediately.
For more lessons turn to our digital photography tips .
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