Questions tagged [equipment-protection]

Equipment protection is the practice of ensuring equipment stays in full working order by avoiding damage.

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73 votes
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Are there any downsides to using a good-quality UV filter?

Are there any real downsides to using a UV filter? I know that a poor quality UV filter can effect image quality ... but, assuming I use a good quality UV filter, will that actually be an issue? Is ...
David G's user avatar
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19 votes
9 answers
5k views

Is a UV Filter required/recommended for lens protection?

Is it still required/highly recommended that I buy a UV or similar filter to 'protect' the front element of my lens? I ask because this advice has been around for 30 years and you would think that ...
pitosalas's user avatar
  • 561
42 votes
8 answers
53k views

What should I consider when using DSLRs in cold weather?

What temperatures can consumer-level DSLRs and lenses typically handle? Are there any precautions one should take too minimize potential problems (e.g. condensating water)? What about moving in and ...
Caramdir's user avatar
  • 523
29 votes
6 answers
14k views

What precautions should I take when taking a camera into humid conditions?

My camera's manual warns about sudden changes in temperature, but there are a few cases when I can't see how to avoid this. These include entering a reptile house in a zoo, or a trip to tropical ...
John's user avatar
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19 votes
3 answers
23k views

What makes a camera 'weather sealed'?

What is the structural and mechanical differences between a weather sealed body and a non weather sealed body? Is weather sealing still effective if the lens isn't weather sealed?
James's user avatar
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47 votes
16 answers
157k views

Why does fungus form in lenses, and how to get rid of it?

Recently I was using an old Pentax 50mm f/2 that had a quite big green spot, and later I was informed that it was a fungus. A couple of questions raised from this: Why does fungus form inside the ...
Andres's user avatar
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44 votes
10 answers
38k views

What are the dangers of removing a lens while the camera is on?

The manual warns that you should turn the camera off to remove the lens, but it doesn't say why. I suspect this may have to do with dust, but I could imagine there are lots of other reasons. I'm ...
Tom's user avatar
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20 votes
8 answers
18k views

Is a UV filter better for lens protection than a protector filter?

I'm usually very good at getting water/finger marks on lens, so I must use something for protection. Is there any downside of using an UV filter instead of a protector filter? Example: Hoya HD ...
alexandrul's user avatar
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22 votes
6 answers
8k views

How do you protect a camera and lens while photographing in rain or snow?

I've been trying to photograph lightning lately, as we have had some great storms in Colorado. I've had some difficulty getting a good vantage point, however, as almost all of these storms include ...
jrista's user avatar
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11 votes
3 answers
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Should I put UV filter to protect the lens even if I put a lens hood?

That's pretty it, usually you buy a UV filter to protect the lens. My question is do I need the UV filter even if I'm using a lens hood?
K'''s user avatar
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3 votes
5 answers
6k views

Do you need a solar filter for a wide-angle camera?

I'm trying to photograph the eclipse and we already have a solar filter for our telephoto lens. However, we have two cameras so we might as well use them. I've spent a fair amount of time searching ...
user3768258's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
10k views

How do I prevent condensation on a lens when outdoors?

I was attempting a time lapse the other evening, outdoors and after a warmish sunny day, with a fairly cool air temp. I set my camera up and set it clicking away and left it for about 3 hours. Most of ...
Designer023's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Does the quality of a UV filter make a difference when used with a cheap lens?

I like to use UV filters to protect the front side of my lenses. I have always used the cheap Tiffen filters, around US$5.00 each, depending on the diameter. My question is, should I spend some more ...
Andres's user avatar
  • 133
26 votes
13 answers
37k views

What are good schemes for storing photo equipment at home?

Do any of you have good schemes for storing photo equipment at home? I'd like to have one canonical place for everything to live, ideally in some kind of squarish container that fit on a shelf or in ...
Reid's user avatar
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26 votes
9 answers
6k views

Is it safe to change the lens on my new DSLR?

I recently bought myself a shiny new DSLR camera. Before I can use it, I had to do something kind of terrifying: mount the lens. Now of course, half the advantage of SLR cameras is that the lenses ...
MathematicalOrchid's user avatar
18 votes
4 answers
4k views

Shooting on the beach: is it dangerous for my equipment?

To what extent it can be harmful for a camera and lens to take shots when being on the beach? I mean the influence of beach sand on the gear. What precautions should be taken to prevent any bad ...
rem's user avatar
  • 1,673
14 votes
16 answers
14k views

Gear for carrying and storing a DSLR on a backpacking trip?

I'm planning on going on a short backpacking trip at the end of this month and would like to take along my DSLR. What are some good options for me to carry and store my camera and a tripod if I'm also ...
Perishable Dave's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
4k views

Can incense damage a lens?

Lately, I have been photographing a lot of temples. One thing that is quite common is incense smoke, which I was almost never around before. After shooting, I noticed my lens gets covered in white ...
Itai's user avatar
  • 103k
12 votes
2 answers
17k views

How do I dry water condensation off my camera?

OK, I did something very very stupid. I know it. I just wasn't thinking. :( In a nutshell, I didn't follow the advice here: How do I prevent condensation on a lens when outdoors? So it's a very hot ...
cabbey's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
1k views

Special Care for my Canon in the Alps

I have a Canon XSi, with the kit lens and a Canon 50 compact macro with the converter. At some point before the trip I also plan on buying a telephoto. This coming January, I will be headed to ...
BBischof's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
5k views

What safety precautions should I take when taking photos in the snow?

I’m going to Queenstown, NZ in a couple of weeks and want to take my (very new, very precious) Canon 7D with me. I’ve done a little bit of research on how to protect my baby from cold climate (e.g. ...
Chard's user avatar
  • 700
18 votes
7 answers
7k views

Tips for Shooting Crowds, Political Demonstrations, Rallies and other 'Lively' Events

Over the next few months I'm going to be spending weekend time documenting a number of demos and rallies here in the UK. The events are to be held outdoors, during the day and may become ...
immutabl's user avatar
  • 852
14 votes
2 answers
6k views

Is there any protection ring available for reversed lenses?

I've started reversing lenses for macro photography and I'm loving it, but something bothers me: a lot of articles say that it exposes the rear element of the lens. Are there protection rings ...
eephyne's user avatar
  • 243
8 votes
4 answers
6k views

How can I find the right lens cap for my lens?

I own a Nikon D3000 Camera with the AF-S 18-55mm VR Kit Lens. Last week I lost the lens cap and now I want to buy a new one. But when I went to this online store, I got confused with the different ...
Veera's user avatar
  • 183
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

What are the right cleaning tools for an APS-C sensor?

I have got my gear ready for a long holiday in next month, but I'm pretty much confused when it comes to having the right tools for cleaning a sensor. The typical procedure I have experienced from ...
JavaCake's user avatar
  • 379
4 votes
5 answers
26k views

Is the Canon 60D weather proof?

Is the Canon 60D weather proof? I know it is not stated in the manual, but has anyone tried using it under light rain?
Ahmed's user avatar
  • 69
4 votes
4 answers
8k views

Can a camera be affected by fungus?

I have heard lenses are pretty much vulnerable to fungus. That's why I protect my lens with silica gel. Can a DSLR camera also be affected by fungus? Should I protect them with silica gel, too?
Mithun Sarker Shuvro's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
4k views

What LCD protector should I get for a Nikon D5100?

Just bought my wife the D5100 as a gift and I was looking for recommendations for a LCD screen protector. The articulating screen was part of the reason I got the camera, but it obviously limits the ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
4 answers
5k views

How should I take care of my new DSLR?

I am getting a new Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit). This is going to be my first DSLR. I wanted to get some tips from you guys on how to maintain it in the long term. I am getting a 52mm UV ...
Sabeen Malik's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

If fungus affects my camera, is there risk of it moving to the lens?

One of my DSLRs is affected by fungus, and I have a query that keeps on revolving around my mind. If i keep any lens attached to this DSLR and use it, will the lens also be affected with the fungus?
Scarlet959's user avatar
34 votes
19 answers
20k views

What options are there for a camera bag that does not look like one?

I need to carry around some camera equipment (lens, flash, cables, cards, accessories, etc) but don't want a flashy camera bag attracting attention. What suggestion do you have? Please only post one ...
29 votes
8 answers
25k views

How can I photograph welding?

My partner is creating a sculptural work using MIG welding and has asked me to document the process. I have a few questions regarding how to photograph it? Looking at the arc can damage your eye-...
fmark's user avatar
  • 2,641
21 votes
6 answers
3k views

What special care do large telephoto lenses require?

I am a somewhat paranoid person when it comes to expensive things. I am about to buy my first telephoto(70-200mm f4 L in case you are wondering). This lens is much larger than I am used to wielding(I ...
BBischof's user avatar
  • 3,750
12 votes
6 answers
41k views

Which filter is the more generally useful: Skylight 1A or Skylight 1B?

I'm looking to buy a Skylight filter leave permanently attached to a lens for the primary purpose of protecting it. I don't really understand the difference between Skylight 1A and Skylight 1B filters....
vanden's user avatar
  • 1,154
11 votes
2 answers
838 views

How do I protect my camera in a smoke filled environment?

I'm going to start a new project soon, "People in bars". I think it will be fun, and I think I'll capture a lot of interesting faces. The thing is, bars are harsh environments for DSLRs. Obviously, ...
Tim Post's user avatar
  • 839
11 votes
2 answers
353 views

What different styles of camera bags exist, and how are they different?

As a beginner just starting out in photography, I find myself on the lookout for a good camera bag that will make it easier to keep my camera with me as much as possible. However, without the ...
Sean's user avatar
  • 3,837
9 votes
5 answers
6k views

How can I keep an inkjet printer in good shape when I won't be around for half a year?

In the end of this year, I will have to leave my inkjet Epson SC-P800 at home while I will travel for half a year. I read that inkjet printers should not be left without work for more than a week ...
Alyaksandr Stzhalkouski's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Is it safe to bring my camera with me when cycling?

I use to do a lot of cycling on a relatively difficult trails, especially in mountains. I was wondering how safe is it to bring my Canon 60D with me (in the backpack on my back). Can I damage it with ...
Frantisek's user avatar
  • 2,683
5 votes
3 answers
6k views

How long is too long to leave the shutter open before prolonged exposure to light damages the sensor?

I'm about to start exploring the world of long exposure shots, using my Canon EOS M. The camera has a standard max exposure time of 30 seconds, but in bulb mode I can keep the shutter open ...
CLockeWork's user avatar
5 votes
7 answers
2k views

What are the logistical pros and cons of traveling with a full size tripod?

When I say "full size" I mean what I think most people consider a standard tripod: not something like a gorillapod or super-specialized for portability. I want to purchase a serious tripod and I'm ...
Tom's user avatar
  • 3,149
5 votes
4 answers
575 views

What precautions should I take for carrying batteries/shooting in the heat?

Context So I'll be shooting out in the sun for the next few weeks. My camera was overheating in the sun a few days ago and switched bodies for safety reasons. The flash at the end of the shoot was ...
unsignedzero's user avatar
  • 2,063
4 votes
1 answer
333 views

Can removing the lens while pressing the DoF preview button damage the equipment?

I know there's hardly any risk to your equipment when dismounting the lens while the camera is on, but can you damage it if you dismount the lens while the aperture is closed down? With the Canon EOS ...
Hugo's user avatar
  • 8,288
4 votes
2 answers
14k views

How does lens-hoods for pancake lenses work? (Canon EF 40mm with ES-52)

Normally I use lens-hoods on every of my glasses (flairlight blocker, lens protection). Some days ago a bought the Canon EF 40mm STM (Pancake-Lens). So I look for the fitting lens-hood and found the ...
Micha's user avatar
  • 993
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

I have a Nikon D7000. How can I shoot when it is raining? What kind of raincover should I use?

I have a Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm lens. What kind of rain cover is available for my camera? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types?
user22446's user avatar
31 votes
12 answers
57k views

Are airport x-ray scanners safe for DSLRs / lenses / storage media?

While traveling by air here in India, one is instructed to remove all electronics like cell phones / media players / laptops and pass them thru the X-ray scanners separate from the rest of one's hand ...
Sparx's user avatar
  • 685
23 votes
2 answers
670 views

Are flashes really subject to a "use it or lose it" problem?

I was just reading the manual that came with my new flash and stumbled over this warning: 14.3 Flash capacitor forming The flash capacitor built into the flash unit undergoes physical change if ...
cabbey's user avatar
  • 6,680
18 votes
3 answers
4k views

Will the vibrations of a motorcycle be harmful to a DSLR?

I am considering a Canon 70D for motorcycle touring. Considering the vibrations that a motorcycle will put the camera through, is this a good choice? Are the vibrations a legitimate concern?
Mark's user avatar
  • 181
16 votes
3 answers
9k views

What's the safest orientation for storing a lens in a bag?

You may think that I am a bit crazy, but every single time that I carry more than one lens with me (and I like doing that, since changing lenses is part of the fun :-) ) I cannot avoid to wonder if it'...
Francesco's user avatar
  • 4,079
14 votes
6 answers
6k views

May I hold the DSLR in part by the hotshoe flash?

When shooting with flash attached, I sometimes hold the DSLR with my left hand like this: Am I at risk of damaging the hotshoe, given that weight of the DSLR and the lens is approximately 50 oz. (1 ...
Arseni Mourzenko's user avatar
13 votes
2 answers
2k views

Camera bags for winter

Many people recommend putting cameras in sealed plastic bags when coming from winter conditions back to normal room temperature – see, e.g., here and here. Certainly the trick works, but when you ...
Jukka Suomela's user avatar