Do I need to reset custom white balance after changing lenses?
Asked 12/4/2012
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If I set a custom white balance using a gray card from a fixed tripod position, then swap to a different lens without changing the scene or camera position, should I create a new custom white balance?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Different lenses have different transmission curves regarding to different wavelengths. This will be more visible with older lenses, which can have a significant yellow cast.
In macro/close-up photography, a lens of different color or size can affect the light that reaches the subject.
In most cases though, the differences are negligible. Different light sources, moving clouds and reflections from surrounding colored objects skew colors more than a lens could - so outside studio, the custom white balance is really precise only for the spot, angle and time it was metered.
So, if you do need very precise white balance in controlled lighting, you should re-calibrate. Otherwise, unless you use lenses of different eras, no need to worry too much.
Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4390
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no. In most real-world shooting, changing lenses will not alter white balance enough to matter.
That said, lenses can have slightly different color transmission, and older lenses may show a more noticeable warm/yellow cast. In close-up or macro work, a different lens can also change how light reaches the subject. If you need very accurate color in controlled lighting, it’s best to recalibrate after switching lenses.
In less controlled situations, changes in the light itself—such as clouds, reflections, or nearby colored surfaces—generally affect color more than the lens does. Also, a custom white balance is only truly exact for the specific spot, angle, and moment where it was measured.
So the practical rule is: for studio or color-critical work, redo the custom white balance after a lens change; for everyday shooting, it’s usually not necessary.
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