Is lens fungus still a risk with modern lenses, and how can you prevent it in humid climates?
Asked 11/18/2019
2 views
2 answers
0
I’ve read that fungus is less common in newer lenses because lens construction and materials have improved over time. Is that generally true, or can modern lenses still develop fungus?
If fungus is still a concern, what’s the best way to store and care for lenses in very humid environments such as Southeast Asia?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
1
Modern is a very ambigous term.
1990s and 2000s lenses are (speaking from experience as an avid user of adapted vintage glass) certainly not less susceptible to it - and they tend to be harder or unrealistic to repair if it happens.
There are lenses notorious for easily developing fungus on certain elements (as in, many copies will have a similar pattern, and there is a high likelyhood of ANY secondhand copy having some), which appears to empirically suggest that a) there is indeed a heavy dependence on glass type, coating type, and lens barrel design (condensation lock in?) with regards to whether you will rarely get fungus, or easily get fungus that does no irreversible damage, or easily get permanent damage, b) that it is a myth that fungus spreads indiscriminately and easily to other lenses - if that were the case, you would often find lenses with fungal growth on every element, which is actually uncommon unless they were really stored in pessimal conditions.
Originally by user58185. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user58185
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Lens fungus is still possible, especially in hot, humid climates, but some newer lenses may be less prone to it than older designs.
One reason is that older lenses often used organic cement such as Canada balsam to bond elements, which could provide food for fungus. Fungi generally need moisture, an organic food source, and protection from UV light. Modern materials may reduce the risk, but they do not eliminate it.
Susceptibility also varies by lens design, coatings, glass types, and how easily moisture gets trapped inside. Some lens models are known to be more fungus-prone than others, so “modern lenses don’t get fungus” is too broad a claim.
In humid regions, prevention mainly comes down to storage: keep lenses dry, and use a dry box or other humidity-controlled storage. That’s a common solution in tropical climates. In short: improved construction may help, but fungus is still a real issue where humidity is high.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI6y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why fungus grows in camera lenses, how it affects images, and what to do about it
Can a DSLR camera body get fungus like a lens, and should I store it with silica gel?
Do dry cabinets or desiccator boxes really help protect camera gear from humidity?
Why did many lens barrels change from metal to engineering plastics?
Should camera lenses be stored with caps on in a dry cabinet?