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| Lens Cleaning/Protection Accessories | Rating: 
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| Author | Post |
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| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 00:05 | 1st Post |
| I like to take very good care of my things because I want them to last! I have a lens cleaning cloth, but that's about it. I went to Best Buy (all sorts of electronics store for those not in the States) and noticed they carried things like a lens pen/cleaning brush and an air blower. Would anyone recommend these things? Are they a good idea to have around or not really necessary? The guy at the store also suggested I get a UV filter because I can keep that on my lens at all times and it would add some protection. Is this true? I wanted to ask here because you never know if the guy was just trying to sell something! Thanks everyone!
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 23rd, 2012 03:31 | 2nd Post |
| The UV filter thing may just start a war!!! LOL I never use a UV filter to protect my lens for two reasons, firstly it *can* cause reflections in the image and reduce colour contrast in backlit situations (when light is behind the subject). I have done tests on this and it makes no difference what UV filter you use from the best to the worst, they all do it. Secondly I won't use a 'cheap' piece of glass in front of an expensive piece of glass (the lens). Additional layers of glass introduce distortions and other anomalies. I use the best lenses I can afford, I don't believe in negating some of that quality. I know it's easy to damage a front element, no matter how careful you are, I am not kind to my gear, it just get's thrown in a case and has to take it's chance. To date I haven't damaged a front element. (Kiss of death there!!!) Many here will disagree. 
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by richw: Wed May 23rd, 2012 05:35 | 3rd Post |
| Topics to set photographers off: UV Filters HDR Apple vs Windows DNG (I'm in a minority of 1 here though!) I sure others can think of some! In regard to lenses when I started out I listened to the camera sellers and dutifully bought UV filters to protect all my lenses. I then found out that you can put quite a bad scratch on the front element of lens and unless you point it right at the sun - you won't even notice! The interior woking of the lens are much more important than the front element and take especially good care of the rear element problems here definitely show. I am now firmly in the camp that the only time I would use a filter is to achieve a photographic effect. UV protection is not an effect. Use a lens hood for protection. I think UV filters are like extended warranties, the sales person gets more for selling these than the main item! Be gentle when you clean, a lot of lenses have multiple coatings, you can damage these, but in general don't worry about it too much. You would be astounded how rough a lot pros are with their gear. The main problem with cosmetic damage is it will reduce resale value, but normally it won't impact image quality too much.
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| Posted by Iain: Wed May 23rd, 2012 06:05 | 4th Post |
| I'm with the man above. A friend of mine spent £4700 on a new lens and was then going to put a filter on it, till I begged the question "why put a £100 bit of glass in front of £4700 pounds worth of glass". He never did buy a filter for it. If I buy a secondhand lens and it comes with a filter on, the first thing I do is take it off and throw it away. As for cleaning, all I use is a lens cleaning cloth.
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| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 10:13 | 5th Post |
Robert wrote: The UV filter thing may just start a war!!! LOLA war?! Oh dear, what have I done! Well, it was not my intent to start a war. I only start wars if I can win them and in a forum of experts I would only lose! :P The whole placing something cheap in front of something expensive makes sense. I'm glad I asked though, even if it may start a minor war. Okay, no UV filters. You throw your gear into a case? I treat mine like it's my first born child or something like that!
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 10:24 | 6th Post |
richw wrote: Topics to set photographers off:I would ask you what DNG means, but then there may be another war so I will just look it up! lol Apple vs Windows is a whole nother battle that I have been battling for quite some time. I briefly looked at lens hoods, but there were different kinds so I wasn't sure which would be the better one. I remember seeing round rubber ones that extended, plastic "tulip" ones, round rubber ones that didn't extend...any suggestions on which would be best? Also, would the size for it be a thread size...or the name of the other value that I cannot think of...? That may seem like a silly question, but I honestly don't know! Be gentle when I clean. Got it =] Thanks!
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 10:25 | 7th Post |
Iain wrote: I'm with the man above.I'll just stick with the cleaning cloth for now then. Thank you! =]
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 23rd, 2012 11:11 | 8th Post |
| DNG = Adobe's Digital Negative format. The pro's and cons of DNG are something that you need not bother yourself about at this stage. I am firmly in the Apple camp  Have been since 1988 and before. Funny, there are some subjects that seem to raise emotions in forums, I think we are passionate about some things and find it hard to accept another point of view My eBay username is - ireallyhatepcsalot I quite often get complimented on that! Dates from endless battles with DOS and Windows 3.1. On the whole Apple stuff just works. Oil threads in motorcycle forums are guaranteed to raise hackles! LOL Back on topic! You also asked about blowers and brushes. A good blower is a very useful tool, Look for a Gitzo Rocket blower. A soft brush is also worthwhile, a large fluffy artists brush is good. I also have a 'lens pen' which used carefully can remove finger marks from lenses and viewfinders but always be careful to remove all dust and grit before using a lens pen otherwise you could scratch the lens. I have these in my case and take them on trips with me. A little Isopropyl is good to have around too, maybe not for trips, especially on aircraft. My son Michael has always been very interested in my cameras and when he was about four he decided to "clean" all my lenses... It took me hours to get all the marks off with lens cloths and spray isopropyl, I also explained to him that daddy was non too pleased and to leave 'cleaning' the lenses to me. He didn't clean them again. Michael is now 11 and quite keen on photography he takes some nice pix of his own.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Squarerigger: Wed May 23rd, 2012 13:00 | 9th Post |
| Just my two cent's worth and I don't have the experience level of the folks who have already given you their opinion. I used to keep a protective filter on my lenses at all times. I don't do that anymore. I do however slap one on when I am going to be in a hostile environment (sounds like war) such as salt water, sand, or taking shots of friendly dogs which have a habit of getting close then licking the lens. So, contrary to my overwhelming desire to protect my gear, I have been persuaded to remove the protective lens by these very folks and I do it most of the time.  I always use a lens hood. I use a microfiber cloth, a rocket blower, and I have the lens solution for when I get a caked on piece of grit, or a dog tongue stuck to my filter. I always apply the liquid to the microfiber cloth. Enjoy your gear and I have found out it is a lot more resilient than I give it credit for.
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by blackfox: Wed May 23rd, 2012 13:08 | 10th Post |
| i,m in squareriggers camp ,only when totally needed does a filter go on ,a good kodak spectacle cleaning cloth never leaves me ,but they do get washed frequently to remove any trace of contaminants ,a good strong blower and a good brush should complete your bits and bobs
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| Posted by Ed Matusik: Wed May 23rd, 2012 13:37 | 11th Post |
| UV filter. circular polarizer. Lens pen for cleaning.
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| Posted by Squarerigger: Wed May 23rd, 2012 14:10 | 12th Post |
blackfox wrote:i,m in squareriggers camp ,only when totally needed does a filter go on ,a good kodak spectacle cleaning cloth never leaves me ,but they do get washed frequently to remove any trace of contaminants ,a good strong blower and a good brush should complete your bits and bobs Very good advice washing the cloth frequently. Something I am guilty of not doing I am afraid.
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 14:59 | 13th Post |
Squarerigger wrote: I always use a lens hood.I'm probably just being overly cautious, but I'd rather do that than be overly careless for right now. Looks like I should find myself a lens hood. I'm open to suggestions on brands, materials, etc. I'll have to do a little more research on the brushes because there seem to be different kinds out there. I tend to order my things from amazon because it's cheaper and I have more to choose from. Ed mentioned a "circular polarizer". Pardon my ignorance, but what is that? Blackfox, excellent point in washing the cloth! Thank you! Robert, I am also a part of the "Apple camp", but only since 2007. I guess more research is called for cleaning supplies. Might post some links once I find things that I think are good and get a yes or no from some folks. Well, four year olds do like to 'help' lol. You should post some of the pictures your son takes! I'd love to see some!
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 15:02 | 14th Post |
| I sure did pick an expensive hobby by the way...
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 23rd, 2012 15:22 | 15th Post |
moonlight1811 wrote:I sure did pick an expensive hobby by the way... We cal it NAS, Nikon Acquisition Syndrome. There is no cure. 
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 23rd, 2012 15:36 | 16th Post |
moonlight1811 wrote:Ed mentioned a "circular polarizer". Pardon my ignorance, but what is that? A polarising filter, used to cut reflections from some objects, glass, water and cut haze from distant landscape type images. You mount it on the front of the lens and rotate the filter until you get the effect you want. Some lens front's rotate when they focus, that is a problem!!! There are linear and circular polarisers the linear aren't supposed to work well with modern cameras, I think it's the AF they don't like but I still use mine. I don't have a circular one. I have a buddy down the road who deals in camera stuff I tried about six before I was happy. Some don't do much at all. Get a Hoya or one of the other good makes. Like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-Digital-Circular-Polarizing-Filter/dp/B000KL1U1W/ref=sr_1_21?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337801547&sr=1-21 But it's not essential, kinda icing on the cake.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Wed May 23rd, 2012 18:07 | 17th Post |
richw wrote:Topics to set photographers off: I'd agree on the filter thing but then I have a filter on the front of all my lenses since my Hasselblad took a nose dive into gravel and it cost be £450 to have a new front element. There was a tiny dink out of the front element but it caused flare if you did any shots into the light! In reality I also think that around sea coasts where there is salt spray it is valuable. I remember in Oz one day at the coast I came away with a sea salted filter from all the spray. Re the DNG thing there is a QUANTAS jet being sprayed bright yellow and some men in white coats are coming to take you away for re-education  Apple v. Windoze! :popcorn:
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 23rd, 2012 18:17 | 18th Post |
jk wrote:Re the DNG thing there is a QUANTAS jet being sprayed bright yellow and some men in white coats are coming to take you away for re-education 
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Wed May 23rd, 2012 22:25 | 19th Post |
jk wrote: Re the DNG thing there is a QUANTAS jet being sprayed bright yellow and some men in white coats are coming to take you away for re-educationPerhaps I should let them take me away to reeducate me! I could use it if it's regarding all of these things! lol I'll wait on the polarization filter for now. What do you guys think of this? http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7072-Lens-Cleaning-System/dp/B00006JN3G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VJXJQ1IBF97W&colid=2EF3OQ6RBZR0G ...and this http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-CL1001-Cleaning-Rocket-Blaster/dp/B000KZALSG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1H87U26X8GQ1K&colid=2EF3OQ6RBZR0G Good enough? Worth it? Not so much? Looks like I do have NAS, Robert. I'm doomed.
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 24th, 2012 01:37 | 20th Post |
| They look OK and price doesn't seem too bad, for over here anyway? NAS comes in small, regular and large. Some here have large!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by blackfox: Thu May 24th, 2012 03:31 | 21st Post |
| the best place to get a really good lens cleaning cloth is an opticians ,does anyone in the family wear specs ,see if they have one spare or just get mum to pop in and buy one for you ,kodak ones are really good
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| Posted by moonlight1811: Thu May 24th, 2012 09:17 | 22nd Post |
blackfox wrote: the best place to get a really good lens cleaning cloth is an opticians...That's exactly what I'm using =] I wear glasses myself and had a ton of them so I just went ahead and stuck 3 into my camera bag. I did something smart! Yay! lol
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Thu May 24th, 2012 09:20 | 23rd Post |
Robert wrote: They look OK and price doesn't seem too bad, for over here anyway?Price is okay. I just don't want to spend horribly large amounts after just purchasing the camera for nearly $600 (about 380 British pounds, I think). I used to be much more familiar with the conversion rates when i lived in Germany! For now, I think I only have small NAS...I fear it may grow to regular in the near future though.
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 24th, 2012 11:17 | 24th Post |
| You did pretty well at that price. I paid £300 for mine, body only. Which comes out at about $470 according to my converter, I though I had a good deal, retail here is about £450, body only. I am very impressed with it to be honest, if I had enough cash I would buy another and convert it to IR (Infra Red) My current IR camera is a D1. The only bug for me is it needs AFS lenses to autofocus but MF works OK if there is no hurry.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Thu May 24th, 2012 12:01 | 25th Post |
Robert wrote: You did pretty well at that price. I paid £300 for mine, body only.I got it on sale and got a free camera bag with it! =] So, I guess it wasn't a horrible price, but still a very nice chunk of change for me. I had to save for several months and now my list of things I want to add to it has already extensively grown. Must...not...buy...on impulse!! :P
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 24th, 2012 12:51 | 26th Post |
| I bought the body from Calumet, ex demo, with about 100 clicks on it, I got the 18-105mm lens brand new from my buddy, he gave me a new, genuine Nikon camera bag which I use just for the D3100 and a couple lenses.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by moonlight1811: Thu May 24th, 2012 15:37 | 27th Post |
Robert wrote: ...a couple lenses.I feel so inferior with my one little lens! :(
____________________ -Melissa |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 24th, 2012 16:43 | 28th Post |
| I started my digital SLR photography in 2005 with my D1 and a 60mm Micro Non Zoom I used that for nearly a year before adding the 80-200. Mine is very much a budget kit, built up over several years.
____________________ Robert. |
| This is topic ID = 172 | ||
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