How can I minimize dust entering my camera when changing lenses?
Asked 11/27/2012
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2 answers
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I’m worried about dust or debris getting inside my camera during lens changes. What are the best practices to reduce the risk? Are some environments better than others, and is there a good technique for making lens swaps quicker and cleaner?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
8
Other than the obvious advice of avoiding switching lenses when you're in a an old barn or a flour mill or other particularly dusty environment, the main thing is be fast.
And the way to do that is to practice. With modern automatic sensor cleaning, dust isn't the plague it was in the earlier days of digital SLRs. So, don't be afraid to just start changing your lens more often. As with anything, as you repeat the task, you'll be able to do it more certainly and more quickly each time.
Many people carefully turn their camera so the lens mount is facing down when changing lenses. I don't think this really helps — dust is so light that it only settles downward in still air over a period of time, which isn't going to be the case when you're changing lenses. Since flipping the camera slows you down (by making it harder to see what you're doing and by simply making the process more awkward), I think it probably actually makes the situation worse.
If you are in a dusty environment, can't avoid a lens change, and are practiced at changing the lens without looking, you could change the lens inside a bag (one designed for this, a simple plastic trashcan bag, or your camera bag in a pinch if it's big enough). Under most circumstances (again, particularly because of the automatic cleaning) I don't think it's worth bothering.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there are a few practical ways to reduce dust when changing lenses:
- Change lenses in the cleanest, calmest environment you can. Avoid obviously dusty places or moving air when possible.
- Be quick and deliberate. The less time the camera body is open, the less chance dust has to get in.
- Practice the swap so you know the alignment marks and can change lenses confidently, even without much looking.
- If conditions are very poor, change lenses less often or use a more versatile lens so you don’t need to swap as much.
- Many photographers point the camera mount downward during the change. This may help somewhat, and it’s a common habit, but speed and a clean environment matter more.
- Keep your gear clean. A microfiber cloth and a hand-squeeze blower are useful for external dust on lenses and around mounts.
Also, modern cameras often have automatic sensor cleaning, so a little dust is usually less of a problem than it once was. The main takeaway: avoid dusty environments when possible, know your gear well, and make lens changes fast and controlled.
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