What’s the best way to change lenses safely outdoors?

Question

I often switch between a telephoto lens and my kit lens on an Olympus camera. Usually I just cap the lens I’ve removed and put it in my bag, but in bright, cold weather I started wondering if there’s a better technique.

Is there a recommended way to swap lenses to reduce the chance of dust or moisture getting into the camera? Should I avoid direct sunlight, wind, or rain, and is there a preferred camera position while changing lenses?

user1375 · Answer

The best method I've found for general situations is:

Turn your back to the wind (if it's raining or extremely windy you should seek additional shelter).
Use a neck strap so you can let go of the camera.
Select the next lens, remove the back cap and pocket it (choose a clean pocket).
With the camera still hanging around your neck, with your free hand, press the lens release button and twist the lens, whilst pressing the camera into your body to prevent it moving. Remove the lens fully.
Mount new lens, ensure it is fully locked and let of of the camera / lens.
Retrieve back cap from pocket and replace it on the newly removed lens, and put the lens away.

Notes:

In normal conditions don't worry too much about changing lenses and dust, they're designed to be changed as often as you want.
With practice it gets more fluid.
After a while you'll find you can save time (and dust) by not pocketing the back cap, but keeping it in the hand you're holding the new lens with.

What’s the best way to change lenses safely outdoors?

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