Your camera lens is some of the most important pieces of gear you own as a photographer. They play a vital role in capturing stunning, sharp images. However, they require proper maintenance and care to keep them in good working condition.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with pro tips and best practices to clean, store, and handle your lenses to extend their longevity. Follow these lens care recommendations and your glass will deliver excellent results for years to come.
Storing Your Camera Lenses
How you store your lenses when they are not in use is extremely important to prevent dust, moisture, and other contaminants from causing damage over time. Here are some key lens storage guidelines:
Use Protective Cases
Invest in dedicates camera lens cases, pouches, or wraps when storing your lenses. These provide padding and protection from bumps, scratches, and the elements. Key features to look for include:
- Soft lining to prevent scratches
- Waterproof exterior
- Padded dividers
- Secure closure
Make sure the case fits your camera lens properly. An ill-fitting case can allow the lens to slide around, leading to damage.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Store lenses in a cool, dry environment away from heat, cold, and moisture. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can lead to growth of fungus and mold inside and on the surface of lens glass.
Ideally, store lenses around room temperature between 15°C and 25°C (60°F – 80°F) with 35% – 45% relative humidity. Dehumidifying packs can help regulate moisture levels.
Store Vertically
Position lenses vertically rather than horizontally to allow venting and prevent gravity from putting pressure on internal components. Storing horizontally can cause camera lens creep over time where gravity pulls the barrels out of alignment.
Detach From Camera Body
Remove lenses from camera bodies before storage. Leaving them connected can cause wear on electronic contacts. The metal camera mount can also scratch the base of lenses if they shift around.
Handling Camera Lenses
Mishandling during transportation, cleaning, and general use is another common cause of camera lens damage. Follow these precautions when handling your glass lenses:
Support Heavy Lenses
Larger telephoto lenses and zoom lenses can become front-heavy. Always support the weight from below rather than letting them dangle off your camera. Dropping them can knock elements out of alignment and negatively impact image sharpness.
Consider using a tripod collar or camera lens support arm for very large lenses. Or carry them in a protective case with padding when not in use.
Avoid Touching Glass
Never touch the actual glass elements with your fingers. The oils from skin leave residue and fingerprints that require cleaning. Only handle lenses by the barrels and mounting areas.
Protect From Impact
Shield lenses from bumps or drops that can shift optics out of place. Keep the front and rear camera lens caps on anytime they are not attached to your camera body. Use padded protective cases when transporting lenses. Avoid tossing camera bags around.
Maintain Proper Balance
When carrying a camera with a camera lens attached, support it from underneath rather than letting it hang off the strap. The strain on the lens mount can cause loosening over time. Grip both the camera grip and lens barrel area to distribute weight evenly.
Watch Extension Tubes and Hoods
Take care when attaching or removing extension tubes, lens hoods, or filters. Dropping any of these items can damage lenses or camera bodies. Ensure a firm grip and keep the equipment over a soft surface when changing accessories.
Keeping Lenses Clean
Dirt, dust, fingerprints, water spots, and other debris on the surface of your lenses can negatively impact image quality. While some amount of cleaning is unavoidable, these tips help you prevent excessive build-up on lenses:
Use Lens Hoods
Equip lenses with hoods anytime you are shooting. Lens hoods act as a barrier to protect the front element from raindrops, dust, stray light, and anything that might physically touch the glass.
Limit Lens Changes
Try to limit changing lenses when outdoors or in dusty/sandy situations. Every time you remove a camera lens you expose the interior to environmental contaminants. Attach all needed lenses from the start if possible.
Face Down When Not in Use
Angle lenses with the front element facing downward anytime camera bodies don’t have one attached. This prevents dust and particles from settling directly on the glass. Avoid laying them horizontally.
Keep Lens Caps On
Keep rear and front lens caps fitted anytime lenses are not in actual use. This reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Store Properly After Use
After each shooting session, give lenses a quick inspection, blow off any loose particles with a blower, and return to proper storage cases. Letting debris sit for extended periods makes buildup more stubborn to remove later.
How to Clean Lenses
Despite your best efforts, lens glass will require periodic cleaning to deliver optimal image quality. Avoid over-cleaning. Excess handling during cleaning risks scratching glass. As long as debris do not appear in photos, cleaning only needs to be occasional.
Follow these professional cleaning techniques:
1. Use a Rocket Blower
Use a simple rocket blower (rubber bulb air blaster) as your first line of defense. The burst of air dislodges dust and other loose particles. Tilt the lens down to prevent blown particles from resettling.
2. Inspect for Smears or Stains
Inspect front and rear lens elements closely under a bright light. Determine if any droplets, oily fingerprints, or other stains remain. A blower cannot remove stuck-on grime.
3. Wipe Gently If Needed
If smears or stains are visible, use professional lens cleaning wipes or swabs dampened with lens cleaning fluid. Wipe gently using a circular motion. Avoid rubbing vigorously.
4. Use Proper Materials
Use lint-free microfiber cloths designed specifically for lens cleaning. Standard cloths can leave cloth threads or lint behind. Never use paper towels or tissues.
5. Don’t Over-clean the Center
When wiping lens elements, clean the center area last. Oils from your fingers naturally accumulate in the center as you handle lenses. Over-cleaning deposits grime at edges.
6. Rinse and Dry If Using Fluid
If using cleaning solution, rinse residue off with more fluid and wipe dry with a fresh microfiber cloth. Fluid residue can leave streaks that degrade image quality.
Safely Cleaning the Camera Body
While less delicate than lenses themselves, take care when cleaning the camera body and mirrors as well. Follow these tips:
- Use a Rocket Blower First: Try a simple burst of air to dislodge dust before resorting to contact cleaning methods. Air keeps cleaning to a minimum.
- Brush With a Soft-Bristled Lens Brush: For more stubborn particles, use a soft brush to loosen debris before blowing/brushing away. Avoid hard bristles.
- Wipe Gently With a Microfiber Cloth: Dampen the cloth slightly with cleaning fluid to cut through oil and grime buildup. Apply using minimal pressure.
- Keep Moisture Out: Be extremely careful not to allow moisture into openings like the lens mount. Only wipe outer surfaces.
- Avoid Excessive Handling: Try to minimize unnecessary handling and cleaning to prevent wear and tear over time.
Best Practices for Lens Maintenance
Implementing consistent lens care habits is just as important as knowing how to clean them properly. Make these tips part of your regular camera maintenance routine:
Inspect Regularly
Make it a habit to periodically inspect lens front and rear elements under bright light. Catching issues early makes correction easier.
Cover Lenses in Rain/Snow
Use weather sealing tape or a shower cap to protect lenses from precipitation if shooting outdoors. Prevent moisture from getting on or inside glass.
Wipe Down After Beach/Pool Shooting
Rinse any lenses used in saltwater or chlorinated environments. Wipe down thoroughly and allow all moisture to evaporate before storage.
Clean Lens Cases Too
Dust and debris accumulate in lens cases over time. Give cases an occasional cleaning using microfiber cloths dampened with cleaning fluid.
Store Properly After Every Shoot
Never leave lenses lying around after use. Wipe down, cap front/rear elements, and return to proper storage cases after every shoot.
Check For Fungus Regularly
Inspect lens interior when changing aperture settings. Persistent fungus can etch glass permanently if left to spread.
Signs of Lens Problems
Lens issues like fungus or haze may start subtly but can degrade all photos if left unchecked. Catch problems early by looking for these warning signs:
Decreased Sharpness
If images seem less tack-sharp than your lens is capable of producing, inspect closely for haze or residue on glass elements interfering with light transmission.
Circular Shadows
Dark circular patterns visible in images point to problems with lens elements, often fungal etching. A single damaged element impacts the entire optical path.
Visible Dust Spots
Dust that is visible in your photographs means particles have gotten inside the lens barrel and settled directly on internal glass elements.
Aperture Blade Error Messages
If camera bodies display aperture-related error messages, sticky aperture blades could be accumlating grime. This may require internal cleaning.
Fungus Visible on Glass Edges
Inspect lens barrels under bright light for fuzz or clouding around the edges of glass elements, signaling moisture and fungus penetrating lens interiors.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning/Repair
For best results, professional camera technicians have commercial equipment and expertise beyond what is safe for regular users. Seek professional help if:
- Fungus, haze, or etching is visible on internal lens elements
- Dust or oil is clearly embedded within lens components
- You witness lens impact damage such as a dropped lens
- Aperture blades or autofocus seem slow/inaccurate
- Image quality seems degraded without visible exterior contaminants
Avoid taking lenses apart yourself to clean inner elements. You risk damaging alignment and optics in ways that permanently reduce performance.
Technicians have calibrated tools, clean room environments, and specialized techniques to clean and realign lenses safely. The cost is well worth it to restore lenses fully.
Safely Shooting in Extreme Conditions
For photographers who shoot in weather, wilderness, sports situations or other challenging conditions, take these added lens care precautions:
Weatherproof Gear
Invest in professional-level lenses and pro camera bodies with extensive weather sealing to prevent moisture intrusion in wet environments. Consumer models lack sufficient protection.
Use Lens Coatings
Apply commercial lens coatings like LensArmor to create a hydrophobic barrier, preventing buildup of water and grime on the glass. Reapply as directed.
Wear a Lens Hood
Keep a fitted lens hood on at all times when outdoors. Hoods shelter lenses from precipitation and also provide critical protection if gear gets dropped or bumped in action situations.
Clean Promptly After Exposure
When subjecting gear to extreme environments, clean lenses immediately after use before contaminants have time to settle in. Don’t delay maintenance.
Inspect Frequently For Damage
Closely check lenses for signs of internal dust, fungus, or water spots after using them in high-risk conditions. Catching problems quickly is critical.
Service Annually With Extreme Use
For lenses subjected to frequent harsh treatment, schedule annual professional cleanings and calibration. This prevents gradual unseen misalignment over time.
Lens Care While Traveling
Travel photographers require diligent lens care to ensure gear lasts across years of globetrotting adventure. Implement these practices:
Travel With Desiccant Packs
Keep lenses in humidity-controlled cases using descant packs that prevent condensation and moisture damage as gear travels through diverse climates.
Allow to Acclimate Before Use
After flights or entering a significantly warmer/drier climate, allow lenses to sit powered off for a few hours first to acclimate before exposing them to new environments.
Clean Lenses Daily
Clean lenses thoroughly at the end of every day of travel shooting rather than letting layers of grime accumulate across weeks/months before addressing.
Inspect Regularly While On The Road
Take time periodically while traveling to closely inspect lens glass under bright light for early signs of fungus or internal dust.
Protect Gear Properly on Vehicles
While moving between locations, cushion cameras carefully to protect from vibration damage. Never leave loose inside vehicles.
Use Humidity-Controlled Storage At Home
Invest in powered humidity-controlled storage units at home base to provide an ideal stable environment for lenses between adventures.
Safely Shooting Around Saltwater
Photographing oceanside carries extra gear precautions. The sea spray and sand-filled air causes havoc with camera equipment. Take these lens protections when beach shooting:
Wash Hands Before Handling Lenses
Ocean swimmers should thoroughly wash hands before touching camera gear to rinse away salt and sunscreen residue that quickly damages equipment.
Use a Protective Filter
Affix high quality protective UV filters to oceanfront lenses. It preserves the actual glass if salt spray or a rogue wave drenches your setup. Wash and replace filters instead of entire lens.
Waterproof Cover Connectors
Use weatherproof tape or elastic covers to seal off electrical connectors between camera and lenses against moisture and grit.
Face Gear Out To Sea
When possible, position gear so lens faces out toward ocean rather than back toward beach. This exposes them to less airborne sand accumulating on glass.
Clean Right After Shooting
After coastal shoots, meticulously clean lenses to rinse any saltwater residue or airborne grit before it has time to dry and solidify on glass.
Detail Clean Annually
Schedule intensive detail cleaning annually for lenses you use regularly around ocean environments to prevent gradual buildup of corrosion over time.
Final Lens Care Tips
Your lenses represent a significant gear investment. Keep them in top condition by making ongoing maintenance a consistent habit. Avoid over-handling lenses, but inspect them frequently for signs of trouble. Store them securely when not in use. Clean gently when needed using proper materials. Implement these best practices regularly and your glass will deliver pristine sharpness for years to come.