How Do I Know What Lens Cap To Get?.
How Do I Know What Lens Cap To Get? A Beginner's Guide
Lens Cap Shopping: A Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Lens caps are small but essential accessories for any camera photographer. They protect the delicate front element of your lens from dust, dirt, and scratches when you're not using it. But with so many different types and sizes of lens caps on the market, how do you know which one to get?
This guide will walk you through the basics of lens cap shopping, so you can find the perfect cap for your lens and keep it safe for years to come.
What is a lens cap?
A lens cap is a small, protective cover that fits over the front element of your camera lens. It's typically made of plastic or metal, and it has a small hole in the center that allows light to pass through to the lens when you're ready to take a photo.
Lens caps are essential for protecting your lens from damage when you're not using it. They can also help to prevent lens flare, which is a type of optical artifact that can occur when bright light hits the front element of the lens.
Types of lens caps
There are two main types of lens caps: snap-on and push-on.
Snap-on lens caps are the most common type. They have a small flange that snaps onto the filter threads on the front of the lens. Snap-on lens caps are very secure and provide good protection for your lens.
Push-on lens caps are less common, but they're often used on compact cameras and other cameras with lenses that don't have filter threads. Push-on lens caps simply slide over the front of the lens. They're not as secure as snap-on lens caps, but they're still better than nothing.
How to choose the right lens cap
The most important thing to consider when choosing a lens cap is the size. Lens caps are sized by their filter thread diameter. The filter thread diameter is the diameter of the threaded ring on the front of the lens. You can usually find the filter thread diameter printed on the front of the lens or in the lens specifications.
Once you know the filter thread diameter of your lens, you can choose a lens cap that matches that size. Be sure to check the compatibility of the lens cap with your lens before you buy it. Some lens caps are designed to work with specific brands and models of lenses.
Other factors to consider
When choosing a lens cap, there are a few other factors to consider:
- Material: Lens caps are typically made of plastic or metal. Plastic lens caps are lightweight and inexpensive, but they're not as durable as metal lens caps. Metal lens caps are more durable, but they're also more expensive.
- Features: Some lens caps come with additional features, such as lens straps or lens leashes. These features can help to prevent you from losing your lens cap.
- Price: Lens caps can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. The price will vary depending on the material, features, and brand of the lens cap.
Tips for using lens caps
Here are a few tips for using lens caps:
- Always put the lens cap on your lens when you're not using it. This will help to protect the front element of the lens from damage.
- Be careful not to lose your lens cap. Lens caps are small and easy to lose, so it's a good idea to invest in a lens strap or lens leash to keep your lens cap attached to your camera bag or backpack.
- If you're using a filter on your lens, be sure to remove the filter before putting on the lens cap. This will help to prevent the filter from getting scratched.
Conclusion
Lens caps are essential accessories for any camera photographer. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right lens cap for your needs and keep your lens safe for years to come.
Additional tips for beginners
Here are a few additional tips for beginners who are shopping for lens caps:
- If you're not sure what size lens cap you need, ask a salesperson at your local camera store for help.
- If you're on a budget, consider buying a third-party lens cap. Third-party lens caps are often just as good as brand-name lens caps, but they're typically less expensive.
- If you're buying a lens cap online, be sure to read the reviews before you buy. This will help you to choose a lens cap that is well-made and compatible with your lens.
Conclusion
Lens caps are an important part of any camera photographer's kit. By choosing the right lens cap and using it properly, you can help to protect your lens and keep it in good condition for years to come.