What to do with lens cap?

krypticide · 12-15-2007, 08:26 AM

Hey guys, I'm new to photography. What do you guys do with the lens cap? Do you still keep it on when you're not using your camera? And when you're out, do you just put it in your pocket?

I know, it's a basic question...

loudbay · 12-15-2007, 08:36 AM

Keep that lens cap on to protect your lens whenever possible. I usually put the cap in my pocket. You could glue a piece of elastic to the lens and tie the other side around your lens if you don't mind a dangling lens cap, but then you won't lose it. One of my second hand lenses came this way, and I use it, doesn't bother me at all.

If you want to protect your lenses, but don't like the idea of putting your lens cap on and off all day, buy a uv filter or a clear filter to screw onto your lens. That way, god forbid, something does happen to your glass, it just scratched/broke your $10 filter and not your lens.

Matt

**LeoTaylor** · 12-15-2007, 09:17 AM

For all my cameras I use one of those inexpensive kits that glues a pad to the cap and has elastic to go around the lens.

My Fuji S-5200 has the best cap design to avoid the cap dangling from the cord. You squeeze the tabs to clamp it on the camera strap. The Pentax cap with some effort can stay on the strap. The beveled notch is the right width and may have been intended to make the cap stowable.

regken · 12-15-2007, 09:34 AM

This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me.

Fast Cap | Demo Page

They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open.

JahJahwarrior · 12-15-2007, 09:54 AM

I don't see why you all need to protect your lenses that much...I keep all of my lenses in my bag, and sometimes have a rear cap on them, but never a front cap. I do have UV filters on most of them, though.

I also don't use a camera strap.

But, I do have insurance that covers my gear...

Confused · 12-15-2007, 11:26 AM

Hi krypticide

Try this link which illustrates a solution to your dilemma. These stick-on accessories should be widely available from most good photographic dealerships or else on-line.

http://www.photosolve.com/Shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=6&cat=Lens+Adapter...nd+Cap+Leashes

Best regards
Richard

Finn · 12-15-2007, 12:37 PM

I always keep a lens cap on, although I may keep it off if I'm shooting a lot of pictures in sequence. The more it stays on, the more dust, grime, and funk stays off the lens (or filter), so the less cleaning you have to do. I try to clean my lenses as rarely as humanly possible, so I don't scratch them. For some reason I am paranoid about such things, even though rationally I know that lenses are MUCH more scratch-resistant than most lens owners make them out to be. It is actually very difficult to scratch a lens under normal circumstances.

Of course, it is those out-of-the-ordinary circumstances you have to watch out for...

PDL · 12-15-2007, 01:02 PM

I just put the caps in my pocket when out shooting. I also have UV/Haze filters on all my lenses too. When changing lenses, I always put the lens cap back on (different sizes for different lenses so I can not just swap the lens caps out). If I kept the lens cap off and put my lenses in my bag - the filter could be scratched (think small desktop tripod in the bag). Just habit I guess - been doing this for some time. I do forget what pocket I put them in though.

Just be sure to clean the pocket droppings off of the lens cap once in a while. Sort of clean the equipment before going out, including the inside of the lens/rear caps.

The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

kb244 · 12-15-2007, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by regken

This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me.

Fast Cap | Demo Page

They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open.

We got a crap load of those in the store that we were selling cheaply, since most customers find them annoying so not very popular.

Bramela · 12-15-2007, 02:33 PM

To me the most important thing is "just in case'. I take steps to protect my gear, 'just in case'. Clear filter, cap and strap are all most important, I think.
The comment above, that indicates no strap attached, makes me shudder. Insurance or not,, accidents happen and in a split second something may happen that may be regretted for a long time.
But then " to each his own!"

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-15-2007, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by regken

This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me.

Fast Cap | Demo Page

They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open.

These make the lens hood a bit difficult to put on, don't they? The best protection for the front element of your lens in the great outdoors is the lens hood. It hits the branch first, protecting the valuable part.

Whichever lens I have on my camera will not have its lens cap on, but will have its lens hood on. The lens cap is in my pocket. In the bag, all lenses are stowed with both caps, but not in their fitted sheaths. I use UV filters only in salt/sand situations.

Mike Cash · 12-15-2007, 06:45 PM

I'm so adament about lens caps that I kept the cap on the lens for three photos at a party last night. How's that for dedication? (It was a rangefinder).

Rusty · 12-15-2007, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by krypticide

Hey guys, I'm new to photography. What do you guys do with the lens cap? Do you still keep it on when you're not using your camera? And when you're out, do you just put it in your pocket?

I know, it's a basic question...

Super glue a strip of Velcro onto the outside of the cap and onto the camera strap. The cap grips onto the Velcro on the strap and doesn't fall off.

Works for me.

Rusty

SpecialK · 12-15-2007, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by Bramela

To me the most important thing is "just in case'. I take steps to protect my gear, 'just in case'. Clear filter, cap and strap are all most important, I think.
The comment above, that indicates no strap attached, makes me shudder. Insurance or not,, accidents happen and in a split second something may happen that may be regretted for a long time.
But then " to each his own!"

My "own" is with strap, no filter, with hood, cap in bag or pocket when actively shooting or have the expectation of shooting within minutes.

**rogerstg** · 12-16-2007, 09:24 AM

FWIW, My cap usually goes in my left rear pocket and I habitually put it on the lens when not actively shooting.

Also, I don't use "protection filters" unless needed (saltwater spray, etc). I use a wrist strap 90% of the time, and a shoulder strap 5%. The other 5% I just grab and shoot without putting my hand through the wrist strap.

12-15-2007, 08:26 AM	#1
krypticide Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,079	What to do with lens cap? Hey guys, I'm new to photography. What do you guys do with the lens cap? Do you still keep it on when you're not using your camera? And when you're out, do you just put it in your pocket? I know, it's a basic question...

12-15-2007, 09:34 AM	#4
regken Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangor, Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,377	Fast cap This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me. Fast Cap \| Demo Page They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open.

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12-15-2007, 08:36 AM	#2
loudbay Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 114	Keep that lens cap on to protect your lens whenever possible. I usually put the cap in my pocket. You could glue a piece of elastic to the lens and tie the other side around your lens if you don't mind a dangling lens cap, but then you won't lose it. One of my second hand lenses came this way, and I use it, doesn't bother me at all. If you want to protect your lenses, but don't like the idea of putting your lens cap on and off all day, buy a uv filter or a clear filter to screw onto your lens. That way, god forbid, something does happen to your glass, it just scratched/broke your $10 filter and not your lens. Matt

12-15-2007, 09:17 AM	#3
LeoTaylor Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Connecticut Photos: Gallery Posts: 679	For all my cameras I use one of those inexpensive kits that glues a pad to the cap and has elastic to go around the lens. My Fuji S-5200 has the best cap design to avoid the cap dangling from the cord. You squeeze the tabs to clamp it on the camera strap. The Pentax cap with some effort can stay on the strap. The beveled notch is the right width and may have been intended to make the cap stowable.

12-15-2007, 09:54 AM	#5
JahJahwarrior Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 102	I don't see why you all need to protect your lenses that much...I keep all of my lenses in my bag, and sometimes have a rear cap on them, but never a front cap. I do have UV filters on most of them, though. I also don't use a camera strap. But, I do have insurance that covers my gear...

12-15-2007, 11:26 AM	#6
Confused Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,067	Hi krypticide Try this link which illustrates a solution to your dilemma. These stick-on accessories should be widely available from most good photographic dealerships or else on-line. http://www.photosolve.com/Shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=6&cat=Lens+Adapter...nd+Cap+Leashes Best regards Richard

12-15-2007, 12:37 PM	#7
Finn Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,056	I always keep a lens cap on, although I may keep it off if I'm shooting a lot of pictures in sequence. The more it stays on, the more dust, grime, and funk stays off the lens (or filter), so the less cleaning you have to do. I try to clean my lenses as rarely as humanly possible, so I don't scratch them. For some reason I am paranoid about such things, even though rationally I know that lenses are MUCH more scratch-resistant than most lens owners make them out to be. It is actually very difficult to scratch a lens under normal circumstances. Of course, it is those out-of-the-ordinary circumstances you have to watch out for...

12-15-2007, 01:02 PM	#8
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,128	I just put the caps in my pocket when out shooting. I also have UV/Haze filters on all my lenses too. When changing lenses, I always put the lens cap back on (different sizes for different lenses so I can not just swap the lens caps out). If I kept the lens cap off and put my lenses in my bag - the filter could be scratched (think small desktop tripod in the bag). Just habit I guess - been doing this for some time. I do forget what pocket I put them in though. Just be sure to clean the pocket droppings off of the lens cap once in a while. Sort of clean the equipment before going out, including the inside of the lens/rear caps. The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

12-15-2007, 02:24 PM	#9
kb244 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 372	Originally posted by regken This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me. Fast Cap \| Demo Page They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open. We got a crap load of those in the store that we were selling cheaply, since most customers find them annoying so not very popular.

12-15-2007, 02:33 PM	#10
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	To me the most important thing is "just in case'. I take steps to protect my gear, 'just in case'. Clear filter, cap and strap are all most important, I think. The comment above, that indicates no strap attached, makes me shudder. Insurance or not,, accidents happen and in a split second something may happen that may be regretted for a long time. But then " to each his own!"

12-15-2007, 03:57 PM	#11
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by regken This is not a very popular solution but it is the on that works best for me. Fast Cap \| Demo Page They screw on to the front of the lens and you pop them open. These make the lens hood a bit difficult to put on, don't they? The best protection for the front element of your lens in the great outdoors is the lens hood. It hits the branch first, protecting the valuable part. Whichever lens I have on my camera will not have its lens cap on, but will have its lens hood on. The lens cap is in my pocket. In the bag, all lenses are stowed with both caps, but not in their fitted sheaths. I use UV filters only in salt/sand situations.

12-15-2007, 06:45 PM	#12
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	I'm so adament about lens caps that I kept the cap on the lens for three photos at a party last night. How's that for dedication? (It was a rangefinder).

12-15-2007, 06:57 PM	#13
Rusty Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sydney Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 73	Originally posted by krypticide Hey guys, I'm new to photography. What do you guys do with the lens cap? Do you still keep it on when you're not using your camera? And when you're out, do you just put it in your pocket? I know, it's a basic question... Super glue a strip of Velcro onto the outside of the cap and onto the camera strap. The cap grips onto the Velcro on the strap and doesn't fall off. Works for me. Rusty

12-15-2007, 07:24 PM	#14
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Originally posted by Bramela To me the most important thing is "just in case'. I take steps to protect my gear, 'just in case'. Clear filter, cap and strap are all most important, I think. The comment above, that indicates no strap attached, makes me shudder. Insurance or not,, accidents happen and in a split second something may happen that may be regretted for a long time. But then " to each his own!" My "own" is with strap, no filter, with hood, cap in bag or pocket when actively shooting or have the expectation of shooting within minutes.

12-16-2007, 09:24 AM	#15
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	FWIW, My cap usually goes in my left rear pocket and I habitually put it on the lens when not actively shooting. Also, I don't use "protection filters" unless needed (saltwater spray, etc). I use a wrist strap 90% of the time, and a shoulder strap 5%. The other 5% I just grab and shoot without putting my hand through the wrist strap.