Camera Protection

DSLR (digital single lens reflex camera) used to be luxury items. With the price drop in the last few years, more and more people own them. Today, when I stroll along the street or shopping mall, I often see people with DSLR dangling around their necks or shoulders. In many cases, the lens caps have been removed.

How do you protect your camera lens from accidental damage?

Rule #1: Always replace the lens cap when you are not taking picture.

Rule #2: If you are not going to take picture in the next 10 minutes, keep the camera inside the bag.

One common way to protect the lens is to attach a UV filter over it. When I bought my Canon 50mm f1.8 lens for RM300, I invested another RM60 for a UV filter. However, after comparing the pictures taken with and without the filter, I regretted.

UV filter degrades image quality. This is particular true if you use a low-quality filter. High-quality filters, such as those made by B+W, fare better, but they are pricey. As such, I suggest that you only buy a protective filter for the expensive lens. Never attach a low-quality UV filter to a high-grade lens.

Another way to protect the lens is to use the lens hood. Unlike UV filter, lens hood does not degrade image quality. However, hoods for wide-angle lenses may be too shallow to be effective.

Rule #3: Hang your camera over your neck, NOT shoulder.

If, on the other hand, you use a compact camera, remember to power it off when not taking picture.

Lens hood for protection