I know this could sound stupid but should I clean the barrel of this lens off ever?
I'm curious as to whether dust and debris can get into the lens via the push/pull mechanics of this lens. Such as when I have it at full zoom....fully extended, and then pull the lens back together.
If there is dust on the part of the barrel (with the 100-200-300mm markings on it) that is covered by the front of the lens when I pull it back together can this dust get into the lens body? If so then what should I do to prevent this from happening??
I hope you guys understand what I'm trying to ask.
Yes, dust getting into the lens is a common problem with all zoom lenses that physically extend. For the most part it's not a huge deal and the lens is fairly well sealed, but it can't really hurt to wipe it down every now and then.
Guy
Posted by Don George on January 17, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Also you can use air to blow it off. I wouldn't however use air on the glass !
Posted by Steve Foss on January 17, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I clean mine whenever it looks dusty.
I've had it over four years and have used it heavily in all weathers and conditions and have very little dust on the inside of the lens.
Kyle, I wouldn't worry about using it in the rain. Just make sure to let it dry properly after use. Definitely use the lens hood though to keep water off the front element.
Guy
Posted by Steve Foss on January 18, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Kyle, Guy is right.
However, I don't have weather sealed camera bodies (nor do you, if I remember correctly,) so I made a camo weather sleeve out of the pants leg of a piece of PVC rain gear. I slip it over the lens/camera with the narrower end at the front and lock it in place with a tight rubber band around the outer edge of the hood and another in the depression just behind the hood on the lens itself. The sleeve is long enough so it covers the whole body even when the lens is extended, but I can poke my face into the opening to see through the viewfinder, as well as popping up the rear edge of the sleeve to adjust the top buttons.
Cost was basically zero since it was an old piece of worn out rain gear, and now I take my lens/camera out in snow/rain/sleet and don't worry about it at all. Well, as long as I don't point it upwards.
Discussion
7 repliesI'm curious as to whether dust and debris can get into the lens via the push/pull mechanics of this lens. Such as when I have it at full zoom....fully extended, and then pull the lens back together.
If there is dust on the part of the barrel (with the 100-200-300mm markings on it) that is covered by the front of the lens when I pull it back together can this dust get into the lens body? If so then what should I do to prevent this from happening??
I hope you guys understand what I'm trying to ask.
Thanks!!
Guy
I've had it over four years and have used it heavily in all weathers and conditions and have very little dust on the inside of the lens.
How would you take this lens out on a rainy day?? WOULD you take this lens out in the rain for that matter!?!?!
Thanks!!
Guy
However, I don't have weather sealed camera bodies (nor do you, if I remember correctly,) so I made a camo weather sleeve out of the pants leg of a piece of PVC rain gear. I slip it over the lens/camera with the narrower end at the front and lock it in place with a tight rubber band around the outer edge of the hood and another in the depression just behind the hood on the lens itself. The sleeve is long enough so it covers the whole body even when the lens is extended, but I can poke my face into the opening to see through the viewfinder, as well as popping up the rear edge of the sleeve to adjust the top buttons.
Cost was basically zero since it was an old piece of worn out rain gear, and now I take my lens/camera out in snow/rain/sleet and don't worry about it at all. Well, as long as I don't point it upwards.
Thanks for the info!