How careful should I be about dust getting into a DSLR when changing lenses?
Asked 7/15/2010
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I changed lenses several times at a dusty outdoor motorsport event and tried to keep the camera body exposed for as little time as possible. Is dust getting into a DSLR body during lens changes a real concern, especially in dusty conditions, or am I being overly cautious?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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In my experience, it is pretty easy to get dust...as well as other unwanted junk, inside your camera body fairly easily. I follow a pretty rigorous routine when changing my lenses so that I minimize the world-exposure time of anything...sensor, back lens element, etc. Despite my attempts to be careful, even a short, random gust can blow in the most astonishing things and they can drastically effect your photos.
A couple months ago I was out taking shots of birds (one of my first times trying bird photography) and I changed a lens. I had exposed the camera sensor for only a few seconds, but a dried fragment of a grass blade ended up inside my camera body. It took a while to find it at first, as I was looking at the shutter and sensor assembly. After some time, I finally realized it was actually stuck to the prism that redirects light to my viewfinder.
Since then, I've completely accepted my paraniodism about switching lenses. Better safe than sorry. ;)
Originally by user124. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user124
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—your caution is justified. Dust and debris can get into a DSLR body quite easily, especially in dusty, windy environments, and it can happen even with very brief lens changes. Sometimes contamination happens even without changing lenses at all.
The main issue is dust reaching the sensor area, where it can show up as repeated dark smudges in photos, especially in plain areas like sky. Larger bits of debris can also get inside unexpectedly.
Good practice is to minimize how long the camera is open, avoid changing lenses in dusty or drafty places when possible, and move indoors or to a sheltered area if you can. If you expect frequent lens changes in those conditions, using a second body can help.
If you suspect dust, test by photographing a plain bright surface or the sky and checking the files on a computer. Minor dust can often be removed with a blower in a clean, still room; otherwise, have the camera professionally cleaned.
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