Equipment protection is the practice of ensuring equipment stays in full working order by avoiding damage.
50
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10answers
3k views
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 ...
29
votes
17answers
3k 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 ...
27
votes
6answers
2k 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 ...
25
votes
8answers
7k 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 ...
22
votes
7answers
3k 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 ...
21
votes
4answers
11k 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 ...
20
votes
6answers
577 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 ...
19
votes
8answers
928 views
Should I really lug around a lens cap everywhere?
I lose lens caps by the billion. Is there another way to protect my lenses without having to carry these things around with me?
17
votes
7answers
3k 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 ...
16
votes
6answers
2k 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 ...
16
votes
8answers
549 views
Recommendations for insuring camera equipment?
We all have made investments in our camera equipment. From hundreds of dollars to $TEXAS, our gear isn't cheap.
How do we protect against theft, fires, water damage?
Accidental Damage?
What ...
15
votes
11answers
2k 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 ...
15
votes
7answers
5k 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 ...
14
votes
4answers
457 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 ...
12
votes
3answers
935 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 ...
12
votes
5answers
878 views
Where can I find a camera holster or case that stays on the camera?
25 years ago my Minolta camera came with a standard case in two parts. the one part wrapped around the body and never left the camera unless you changed the film. It held on with it's snug shape and ...
12
votes
2answers
700 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 ...
11
votes
2answers
212 views
What should I know about cameras and tear gas?
Asking this now as a "just in case" measure. I may be creating photos this weekend in an environment which has a greater-than-zero chance of involving tear gas.
Anything I should know about from a ...
11
votes
2answers
251 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 ...
10
votes
7answers
1k 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 ...
10
votes
2answers
3k 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 ...
10
votes
2answers
2k 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 ...
10
votes
2answers
161 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, ...
10
votes
2answers
641 views
Removing rust from a lens's mount?
My wife gave me a used Pentax 50mm f/1.7 SMC-M for my birthday. (I know some people get Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctiluxes for their birthdays, but, y'know, kids to take care of and so on. And it's a very ...
9
votes
6answers
841 views
Will I damage my camera carrying it everywhere?
I used to carry my point and shoot with me almost everywhere, and now that I've "upgraded" to a Canon 60D, I've been carrying it around. What I'm wondering is whether I'm likely to damage it or if ...
9
votes
3answers
840 views
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?
9
votes
3answers
720 views
How does altitude affect camera and lenses?
This summer I'll be attempting to get to the top of Kilimanjaro. I'm bringing my Olympus E-30 and a couple of lenses. The instructions I've received mentions that you should check the height range ...
9
votes
4answers
920 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. They events are to be held outdoors, during the day and may become ...
8
votes
1answer
349 views
Is it advisable to bring a camera grip when travelling to China?
I'm heading out to Beijing, China for a week-long trip and I'm trying to figure out how I should pack my gear.
Will a battery grip on a 5D Classic attract too much attention as a tourist?
My general ...
8
votes
1answer
838 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 ...
8
votes
4answers
261 views
How do I choose a camera bag?
What considerations should I factor in when choosing a camera bag of a given style, and how important is each one?
For a question on the different bag styles, see: What different styles of camera ...
7
votes
4answers
373 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 ...
7
votes
14answers
4k 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 ...
7
votes
4answers
429 views
How should I pack my gear for an overseas trip?
I'm about to pack for an overseas trip soon and am looking for some advice on how to protect your gear, whether you take it as carry on or checked (or a combo) and what sort of gear you'd take.
I'll ...
7
votes
2answers
339 views
Caves and 100% humidity..protection?
It looks like I may have the chance to go caving (just a tour) soon and I'd love to take my DSLR (Nikon D3100) ...however, caves are nearly 100% humidity and generally rather wet.
What kind of ...
7
votes
2answers
778 views
Is it safe to use alcohol to clean DSLR cameras?
I'm going to photograph a surgery in an operating room, and although I'll be using an special sterile cover for my camera, I've been asked to disinfect my equipment too.
I wonder if it is ok to use ...
7
votes
2answers
376 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 ...
6
votes
4answers
626 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 ...
6
votes
3answers
526 views
Do I need a special filter to shoot candles without damaging my sensor?
The guy from the photo shop pointed out to me that I need special filters if I want to shoot directly to the sun with long exposures in order to not ruin the sensor.
Is this the same when I shoot ...
6
votes
3answers
188 views
Filming in a steam room?
I plan to film in a steam room this weekend for a cover shoot.
However, I know for a fact there may be difficulties regarding the "steam."
Any tips for filming in a steam room?
6
votes
3answers
803 views
Can a camera or lens get burn in?
I took a picture of the sun today, and I was thinking about how the sun can damage your eye, I was wondering if the camera or lens could get damaged by this, or get burn in like some screens do?
6
votes
3answers
254 views
How do you attach asset tags to camera equipment?
For all you pros out there, how do you handle asset tags on your equipment? It seems easy to apply them to computers, notebooks, external hardrives, and even camera bodies, but how do you handle ...
6
votes
3answers
940 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. ...
6
votes
2answers
222 views
Do rented lenses usually come with cheap filters attached?
I got the Pentax smc DA★ 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM from an online camera gear rental company as part of the Photography Stack Exchange Lending Library experiment. (Thanks, Stack Exchange!) This is a ...
6
votes
4answers
391 views
A small bag for a large pro camera body with a small lens?
The Canon 5D Mark 2 with the 50mm Canon 1.4 USM lens has a pretty odd shape.
It is really short and really wide.
As it turns out, from my visit to two photography stores yesterday, not too many ...
6
votes
0answers
389 views
How do you store your equipment? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are good schemes for storing photo equipment at home?
As my photographic equipment is getting bigger (new lenses, new addons, new bodies) I think I need a better ...
5
votes
2answers
225 views
How to protect camera and lenses against “color bombs”?
India has an annual "festival of colors" where participants throw colored powder on each other. The idea is apparently spreading.
A LensRentals blogpost titled "How to Ruin Your (or Our) Gear in 5 ...
5
votes
1answer
259 views
What environment to store photographic gear?
I currently store my gear in a mansard, which is above my flat in the attic floor, and that I use as workroom too (Computer, NAS, and so on). In summertimes temperature may climb above 30°C/86°F and ...
5
votes
1answer
163 views
At what point does wind become a concern with respect to damaging a lens?
Another question on here revealed the dangers of photography in a desert environment.
What about windy places? Is there a wind speed after which you risk lens damage from particulate impact?
I don't ...
4
votes
8answers
4k views
Do I need a filter for my prime lens in order to protect it from dust, splashes, etc?
From here: http://photo.stackexchange.com/a/569/5205
UV Filters:
Many photographers feel that it is worthwhile to put a UV filter on the front of every lens, on the basis that this will protect ...
