Changing lenses in the field

[Dweller]

How do you guys handle lens changes when you are out and about taking shots?

I have 3 lenses and a 2x teleconverter and a few filters and find myself fumbling to juggle all of this stuff in and out of the bag while making changes for different shots. The bag I have is partly to blame for this I think. I imagine something that would allow me to drop lenses in vertically would be more convenient but I have to work with what I have for now.

The lenses I have are 28mm 2.8 a 50mm 1.8 and a 70-200 4.0 that I am not completely happy with but its the only zoom I have so I find it coming out at least once a session.

Any tips? I have considered a second body (both to keep a different film loaded and for a different lens configuration ready to go) and a different bag but have not found the right one.

 

[vonDrehle]

I currently only have 2 lenses (Kit 28-105mm and 17-40mm) but I have a small bag to carry them in. I can never keep either lens on while traveling because it wont fit in the bag so I am always having to take it on and off.
What I normally do if I am switching lenses is I place the lens I am switching to upside in my bag and unskrew the back cover. Then I take the lens off my camera, put the cover from the other lens onto it and quickly place the other lens onto the camera. I normally try to do this quickly because many times I am out in the woods where there are things floating around everywhere. Using a tripod always make it much easier.

I am currently looking into purchasing a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II Backpack. I'm sure I will have to use the same method to change lenses but atleast I will be able to leave a lens on my body (My first backpack broke the second week I had it.

 

[tirediron]

I use the same method vonDrehle uses; lens off the body, rear cap on, second lens on the body. BTW, you won't be worry about the bag purchase, I've got a Rover II AW, which is perfect for hiking my stuff into the areas where I often do landscape/nature shoots.

 

[AlmightyWa]

I use the same method vonDrehle uses; lens off the body, rear cap on, second lens on the body. BTW, you won't be worry about the bag purchase, I've got a Rover II AW, which is perfect for hiking my stuff into the areas where I often do landscape/nature shoots.

I usually try to do this, with six things hanging round my neck, and make a pigs ear (mess) of it.

Think it's time for a new bag

 

[wjastrow]

I travel for business weekly and "TSA regulations" (for some unknown reason, the screeners are prone to asking if I'd like to supersize.... *end of rant*) make a formal camera bag difficult.

I use individual padded Tamrac cases for my 18-70mm and 70-300mm which also come in handy during the "lense shuffle", especially when I'm primarily using one and have a brief need for the other.

Basically, I tuck the swapped lense into its case (which protects it) and mount the other. When I'm fortunate enough to have my Photographer's Assistant at hand, I ask that they hold a spare lense (hopefully with the same tender, loving care I would).

There are no "good" solutions to this problem but I am intrigued by a very promising 50-500mm lense I saw.....

 

[Vmann]

I currently only have 2 lenses (Kit 28-105mm and 17-40mm) but I have a small bag to carry them in. I can never keep either lens on while traveling because it wont fit in the bag so I am always having to take it on and off.
What I normally do if I am switching lenses is I place the lens I am switching to upside in my bag and unskrew the back cover. Then I take the lens off my camera, put the cover from the other lens onto it and quickly place the other lens onto the camera. I normally try to do this quickly because many times I am out in the woods where there are things floating around everywhere. Using a tripod always make it much easier.

Agreed... go look at bags and find one that will really suite how you move and handle your equipment. A good bag will definatilly help alot with this.

I also make sure I always carry lenses clothes a soft microfiber cloth or two and a babies nose sucker to blow things of sensers or in tightspots on lenses etc.