How to Protect Camera & Lens from Scratches? [11 TESTED Ways]
Cameras and lenses are expensive investments, and as a photographer, keeping them scratch-free is essential. Scratches can occur for many reasons, but with the right precautions, you can keep your gear safe. In this guide, I’ll share effective methods to protect your camera and lenses from scratches.
1. Use a UV Camera Filter
One of the best ways to protect your camera lens from scratches is by using a UV filter. You can screw it onto the front of your lens.
So, even if a scratch occurs, it will only affect the UV filter. You can easily replace it.
If you have multiple lenses, consider attaching a UV filter to each one. They are affordable and provide good protection.
However, avoid cheap, low-quality filters. It can affect the image quality.
2. Use Protective Skin for Camera & Lens
Protective silicone covers are available for both cameras and lenses. These skins safeguard against scratches while also offering extra grip.
They now come in different colors and designs, allowing you to customize your gear. In addition, they can help with camouflage and provide some resistance to dust and light rain.
READ MORE : 12 Best Ways to Protect Camera From Rain
3. Vacuum Clean Camera Bag Regularly
Dust particles accumulated in the camera bag can be one of the reasons for the scratches.
It can scratch the lens glass when you keep the camera in the bag without the lens cap.
So, it is always a good idea to vacuum clean the camera bag to remove these dust particles. You need to do it regularly.
4. Clean Camera & Lens After Shoot
When you are back from a shoot, you must clean your camera and lens. Outdoor photoshoots can result in dust accumulating in the camera.
These dust particles can scratch the camera. So, use a camera cleaning brush to remove this debris from the camera.
You don’t have to do an extensive cleaning. A basic cleaning will be good enough.
5. Keep the Lens Cap Attached when Not in Use
When you are not using the camera, make sure to attach the lens cap. Otherwise, dust particles can fall on the camera.
When you move your hands around the camera or try to remove the dust from the lens glass, it can get scratched.
6. Only Use Micro-Fiber Cloth for Cleaning
When you clean your camera and lens, make sure to use good-quality microfiber cloth.
If you use a random cloth for cleaning, you may end up scratching your camera lens glass because of the abrasiveness of the cloth.
7. Always Use a Lens Hood
Try to always use a lens hood when you do a photoshoot.
A lens hood will protect the camera from accidental knocks that can result in scratches.
If there is a lens hood in front of your camera and if the camera hits something in front, the first point of impact will be on the hood. The front glass of the lens will be safe.
If you are seeing any scratches on your camera lens, check out these 9 unique ways to fix camera lens scratches.
8. Use A Good Camera Bag
Make sure to invest in a good camera bag that can carry all the necessary camera gear for the shoot.
It is always good to go with branded camera bags. These camera bags will have sufficient padding protection to keep the gear safe from accidental knocks and hits while traveling.
READ MORE : Must Have Camera Bag Features
9. Proper Organization of Camera Gear Inside Camera Bag
Many times, people tend to keep the camera bodies, lenses, and other camera accessories in an unorganized manner.
When you hold such a bag and move around, each of your gear items inside will rub against each other, resulting in scratches.
If you have not kept the lens cap on the camera lens, there is a high chance that the front glass of the lens may get scratched.
To avoid such scratches, you need to divide the inside of the camera bag into different compartments where you can keep the gear and avoid contact with each other. The padding in between will help to avoid scratches on the gear.
10. Store Camera Properly When Not in Use
When you are not using the camera, you must store it properly inside a cupboard or dry cabinet.
Make sure there are no sharp things near the camera gear. Also, don’t keep one gear over another.
11. Invest in High-Quality Camera Straps
Many photographers do not like the regular neck strap that comes with the camera.
So, they tend to go for other types of camera straps. It includes the crossbody, harness, sling, and wrist strap. When you go for such straps, make sure to buy high-quality ones from good brands.
Don’t go for cheap camera straps. If you use such straps, there is a high chance that you will drop the camera at some time. It is because of the poor-quality materials in these straps.
Even if you want to replace the existing standard neck strap, go for high-quality neck straps.
READ MORE : What to Do When Your Camera Gets Wet & Won’t Turn ON?
