Lenses are one of the most important components of a camera. They are also made of glass, and therefore can easily scratch on metal objects or crack if you accidentally drop your lens. In addition, the lens coating can be damaged by fingerprints, dust, and other debris. As a result, it is important to know to how to store camera lenses so they won’t be subject to the forces of nature or accidental mishaps.
There are several different storage solutions available for lenses. We will be covering each in this article. But, before we get into the different options, let’s explore why lens storage is essential for photographers and cinematographers.
Why It’s Important to Store Your Lenses
It is important to store your lenses properly to protect them from damage. The last thing you want is humidity, water, chemicals, dust, sand, dirt, and extreme weather to find its way into the elements of your lens. This can impact the optical integrity and, ultimately, the image resolution.
What Can Damage Your Camera Lenses
As mentioned, various harmful debris can easily find their way through the lens barrel and cause much damage. Some of the debris you want to avoid include the following:
Humidity/Water
Humidity can be harmful to both photographic and cine lenses, as it can cause a number of different types of damage. Water can cause lens element components to swell, leading to distortion and reduced image quality. In extreme cases, water can even cause the lens element coatings to delaminate, causing permanent damage to the lens. In addition, humidity can also lead to the formation of condensation on the lens elements which can further degrade image quality. Therefore, it is important to take care when storing lenses in humid conditions and to ensure that they are thoroughly dry before use.
Oils and Chemicals
Many modern lenses are made at least partially from glass, which is a non-porous material. This means that it does not absorb oil or chemicals, which can be harmful to the lens. When oil or chemicals come into contact with the lens, they can cause the following problems:
- The oil can smudge the surface of the lens, making it difficult to see through.
- The chemicals can react with the glass, causing it to become cloudy or opaque.
- The oil or chemicals can also seep into the inner workings of the lens, causing damage to the delicate components.
Dust, Sand, and Dirt
Dust can be harmful to photographic and cine lenses because it can scratch the surface of the lens and cause aberrations or soft edges. In addition, dust can absorb light and even cause havoc to the aperture blades making it difficult for the lens to focus properly or, worse, making the image appear dark and distorted.
Extreme Weather (Hot or Cold)
Hot weather can cause the glass elements in the lens to expand and contract. This can lead to warped optics and decreased image quality. Cold weather can also damage lenses, as the water vapor in the air condenses on the cold lens surface. This can cause the lens coatings to deteriorate and the optics to fog up. In addition, extreme temperature changes can cause the internal lubricants in the lens to break down, leading to mechanical problems.
How to Store Your Camera Lenses
Fortunately, various products are available to protect your precious glass to avoid the catastrophes described above. Some will vary depending on the size and quantity of lenses you have, but all will go the extra mile to ensure your lens has the best chance of being handed down to a new generation.
Camera Bags and Lens Pouches
There are a plethora of camera bags that are ideal for storing one or more lenses. Bags come in all shapes and sizes. Some popular lens storage options include top-loader lens cases, messenger bags, slings, and backpacks. Camera bag sizes range from small to large. Shape options include rectangular, square, and cylindrical, with the latter being one of the best ways to store individual lenses.
Check out How to Pick the Right Camera Bag for more advice on this topic.
Each bag protects lenses from scratches, dust, and moisture. They also have padded walls and adjustable dividers that keep lenses safe and secure in transit. Some popular options for storage that I see photographers and filmmakers using include:
Lowepro ProTactic Lens Exchange 100 AW Case
The Lowepro ProTactic Lens Exchange 100 AW Case is a small, rectangular bag that can hold up to two lenses. It has padded walls and an adjustable divider, making it perfect for protecting lenses during travel.
Think Tank Lens Changer 35 V3.0 Pouch
The Think Tank Lens Changer 35 V3.0 Pouch is a small, cylindrical bag that holds one lens. The drawstring bag has padded walls and can easily sit inside a larger camera bag for safe storage. It’s one of the best bags for storing wide-angle to medium telephoto lenses while hiking or traveling abroad.
Tamrac Stratus 15 Shoulder Bag
The Tamrac Stratus 15 Shoulder Bag for DSLR Camera and Lenses is a medium-sized, rectangular bag that can hold multiple lenses with a few camera bodies. Its padded walls are sufficient for travel, with adjustable dividers to ensure a snug fit.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera & Laptop Backpack
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera & Laptop Backpack is large enough to hold up to four lenses, a flash, and a tripod. Still, it is also lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. This popular bag also features a water-resistant exterior to keep all your equipment, including your lenses, away from harm’s way.
Vanguard Alta Sky 51D Backpack
The Vanguard Alta Sky 51D is a large backpack that can hold up to five lenses or a smaller amount with a camera body and flash units. This bag is an excellent storage method if you have a mixture of medium telephoto and prime lenses.
Dry Cabinets
A dry cabinet is a storage unit that keeps its contents dry by regulating the humidity levels inside. These are by far the best solution for storing lenses for longer periods as they prevent mildew, rust, mold, fungus, rust, oxidation, and even insects.
Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet
Available in various sizes, choosing the right dry cabinet will depend on the number and size of lenses you need to store. For example, some of the more popular models include:
- The 2-Shelf Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet (35L) is the smallest dry cabinet in Slinger’s range. The unit can accommodate three lenses and a camera body.
- The 4-Shelf Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet (90L) almost triples the capacity and doubles the shelf space allowing around eight to nine lenses to be protected.
- The 4-Shelf Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet (300L) comfortably holds up to eight lenses with camera bodies.
All of these models feature LED lights and adjustable shelves, so you can customize them to fit your specific needs.
Cleaning Accessories
If you are using a camera lens, keeping it clean and free of any oil or chemicals is important. You can do this by using a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the lens after each use. If you must use a cleaning solution, be sure to choose one specifically designed for photographic lenses. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the lens beyond repair.
Some popular products include:
LensPen Lens Cleaner
The LensPen Lens Cleaner is designed to remove fingerprints, smudges, and dirt from your lenses. It comes with a soft brush for dusting and a tip with a special cleaning compound for removing tougher debris.
Zeiss Pre-Moistened Cleaning Cloth for Camera Lenses
The Zeiss Pre-Moistened Cleaning Cloth is great for quickly cleaning your lenses without carrying around a bottle of lens cleaning fluid. They’re also safe for all types of optics, including binoculars, telescopes, and eyeglasses.
Giottos Rocket Air Blaster
The Giottos Rocket Air Blaster can be used to blow away dust and debris from your lenses before you start cleaning them. Its larger size provides a puff of strong air that will assist in removing sand and dust in harder-to-reach places.
More Tips for Storing Gear
Aside from camera bags, dry cabinets, and cleaning accessories, there are additional things you can do to store your gear for safe-keeping.
Remove Camera Batteries and SD Cards When Not in Use
When it comes to storing your photography gear, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind. First, removing camera batteries and SD cards when not in use is important. This helps to prevent wear and tear on the battery contacts and keeps the cards from being damaged by static electricity. Second, camera batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place, as exposure to extreme heat or cold can shorten their lifespan.
Use a Screen Protector on Camera Screens
A camera’s LCD screen is one of the most important components of the camera. It allows the user to see what the picture will look like. However, LCD screens are also very fragile and can be easily damaged. Installing a screen protector will help protect the LCD screen from scratches, fingerprints, and other types of damage.
Don’t Leave Gear in Your Car
Leaving camera gear in a hot car is a recipe for disaster. High temperatures can cause the camera body and lenses to warp. In addition, thieves are often on the lookout for valuable items like cameras, and leaving them in plain sight is an invitation for them to break into your car. Even if your gear doesn’t get damaged or stolen, constant exposure to heat and sunlight can degrade the quality of your photos.
Use a Rain Cover When Shooting in the Rain
When shooting in the rain, protecting your camera from the elements is important. A Think Tank rain cover is an excellent way to do this. The well-known brand makes three main sizes — large, medium, and small — to suit a variety of camera and lens combinations. The cover has a clear window that lets you see the LCD screen and controls, making it easy to take pictures in inclement weather. It’s a perfect way to protect your gear if your camera system doesn’t have weather sealing.
Use a Hard Case to Store Your Gear
A hard case is an excellent choice for storing camera gear. These solid cases offer protection from the elements and impact, keeping your equipment safe from damage. They are also typically waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your gear getting wet if caught in a rainstorm.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a camera bag, dry cabinet, or cleaning accessory is a good idea when it comes to protecting your photography or cinematography gear. Camera bags will help protect your gear from weather and physical damage when you are on the move. Meanwhile, dry cabinets keep your equipment clean and dust-free in a home, studio, or office environment. Between these movements, it’s best to rely on cleaning accessories to help extend the life of your gear by removing dirt and grime build-up. In summary, the more you care for your gear, the greater it will reward you with high image quality and a higher resale value.
