Protecting a lens

Skorri

I have seen LensCoat as well as Lens Skins. Are they any other options out there?

ziggy53

Here's an article from someone who made their own protective "skins" from carefully cutting inner tubes into sections, and rolling the sections onto the lens.

http://www.apt8h.com/Technical/using-a-bicycle-tube-to-protect-your-camera-lens.html

puzzledpaul

Been using inner tube rubber / 'laggy bands' for years, for all manner of tasks - including lens coats

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/pppix/5456-800.jpg

pp

Skorri

Absolute genius guys, thanks. Just picked a shoot in Moscow and St Petersburg and want to disguise/protect my L glass as best I can.

puzzledpaul

Skorri wrote: »

...and want to disguise/...

Something else I use is self-adhesive plastic film - as used for covering kitchen worktops (cheapo approach) -which comes in all manner of colours / designs incl. camo.

One of the trade names in the uk is 'fablon'

Once applied to the lens itself, you can then add any old rubbish / bits of tat to this 'substrate' - like old floppy disk labels / its of gaffar tape etc to really get it looking messy

My 500 has been so treated / 'customised' (altho it was already cosmetically challenged when I bought it used)

Have a good (+safe) trip.

pp

Manfr3d

And I tought these covers where for camuflage?!

jww

puzzledpaul wrote: »

Something else I use is self-adhesive plastic film - as used for covering kitchen worktops (cheapo approach) -which comes in all manner of colours / designs incl. camo.

One of the trade names in the uk is 'fablon'

Once applied to the lens itself, you can then add any old rubbish / bits of tat to this 'substrate' - like old floppy disk labels / its of gaffar tape etc to really get it looking messy

My 500 has been so treated / 'customised' (altho it was already cosmetically challenged when I bought it used)

Have a good (+safe) trip.

pp

After reading this I started thinking about custom made trashy cardboard tubes, old tin cans, twine, a semi smashed box and other bits of junk to wrap cameras and lenses in. Ending effect makes it look like you are shooting with some funky homemade junker of a camera.

Manfr3d wrote: »

And I tought these covers where for camuflage?!

Yeah me too... but I guess another niche is urban camouflage to guard against disreputable humans.

puzzledpaul

Manfr3d wrote: »

And I tought these covers where for camuflage?!

Yes - in my case, for the gear I mainly use atm (500 f4) the covers / protectors etc happen to also be mainly green - altho the lens was somewhat cosmetically challenged when I bought it.

jww wrote: »

After reading this I started thinking about custom made trashy cardboard tubes, old tin cans, twine, a semi smashed box and other bits of junk to wrap cameras and lenses in. Ending effect makes it look like you are shooting with some funky homemade junker of a camera.

Whilst I've not actually done / tried this - at least not for a lens cover - I'd be tempted to try a paper mache one.

Cover the lens with several layers of cling film to produce a male 'master' ... and then make the 'cast' ... split it to remove, seal with varnish or similar ... then cover/finish /daub as you feel fit

If done carefully - it could also offer additional weather protection?

pp

jww

puzzledpaul wrote: »

Whilst I've not actually done / tried this - at least not for a lens cover - I'd be tempted to try a paper mache one.

Cover the lens with several layers of cling film to produce a male 'master' ... and then make the 'cast' ... split it to remove, seal with varnish or similar ... then cover/finish /daub as you feel fit

If done carefully - it could also offer additional weather protection?

pp

Awesome. lol

I am thinking a contest for best shot with what "least looks like a camera" award.