Proper care of lenses

Rgollar · Mar 28, 2012

I just purchased my first real nice lens its a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM. My question is how do I properly protect the lens from mildew. I did not even know this was an issue until I read it on the web. So to protect my investment what is the best way to store lenses? Thanks in advance

vipgraphx · Mar 28, 2012

Don't store them use them...J/K from what I have been told and read is that keep it in a camera bag or if it came with a lens pouch keep it in there. Make sure it is not stored in a very humid and or hot area. You should be good.

WesternGuy · Mar 28, 2012

Where on the web did you read this? I have been shooting film and digital for more years than I care to admit to and I have never heard of this problem - just curious - maybe I don't read the right things(?). For me, the best way to store lenses is to use them regularly and often and in between, they sit in my field pack, ready to go.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

Rgollar · Mar 28, 2012

Where on the web did you read this?

I was just browsing the web and looked up what to look out for when purchasing used lenses. And some articles said to watch for mildew.

2WheelPhoto · Mar 28, 2012

Fungi hates light. I was told to use mine occasionally

Rgollar · Mar 28, 2012

I just found this web page that explain the proper way to store lenses. It helped better educate me hopefully it will help others. Thanks every one for the help.
How to Store a Camera Lens | eHow.com

WesternGuy · Mar 28, 2012

Rgollar said:
Where on the web did you read this?

Click to expand...

I was just browsing the web and looked up what to look out for when purchasing used lenses. And some articles said to watch for mildew.

Thanks. Used lenses - yes that I could believe, particularly if they haven't been looked after properly. I would think that keeping them in a cool, dry place would go a long way to keeping mildew away. I mean, mildew requires moisture and warmth to start and grow - no moisture, no warmth, maybe no mildew. I suppose if you were going to store them for a long period of time, then some silica gel packs might help, but I have never used them and I have never had any problem with mildew in any of my equipment, but then I use it on a very regular basis.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

Josh66 · Mar 28, 2012

I don't think that's really going to be an issue unless the lens has been in long term storage in questionable conditions...

On a new lens ... just use it normally... I keep pretty much everything in a camera bag when I'm not using it. I keep a couple small silica packs in the bag to absord any moisture that might be there.

If the bag got wet in the rain or something, I'll take everything out till it dries.

KmH · Mar 29, 2012

It's fungus that is a long term storage problem. Mildew is a much shorter term storage problem and a damp stoage environment promotes the formation of mildew.

Keep a reusable dessicant or 2 in what ever you store your camera gear in - Pelican 1500D Peli Desiccant Silica 1500-500-000

photographyxfactor · Mar 30, 2012

Basic lens cleaning tools are a blower, a microfiber cloth, and lens cleaning fluid (my favorite: Zeiss). Try to blast dust off the lens with the blower or canned air. Finger prints can be removed with a circular wipe of the new miracle micro fiber cloth (my favorite brand is Pentax because it is nice and thick; about $6). Persistent dirt should be removed with lens cleaning fluid, of which the safest is probably Kodak. Always drip the fluid onto the cloth and then wipe the lens; never put fluid directly onto a lens.

KmH · Mar 30, 2012

Be very careful with using microfiber cloths. They can and will hold dirt particles that can/will scratch you lens coatings.

I use disposable lens tissues instead so I know what I am using harbors no hidden problems.

Rgollar · Mar 31, 2012

Thank everyone for all the helpful answers. I got my new lens thursday and all I can say is wow I will never buy anything unless its a L or prime lens again. What a difference now I just need to upgrade my camera.