4 things you need to make your camera and lenses last longer

Whether it’s for a hobby or a career, experimenting with camera gear is always exciting – and some of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners don’t even cost a fortune anymore. Still, every photographer and videographer knows how much investing in a camera can eat into your pocket over time – especially when you’re trying to purchase essential camera lenses for different needs.

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Buying expensive glass can be both scary and exciting. A single accidental drop can cause damage that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Even if you manage to be extra careful when handling glass, general wear and tear will occur over time. In addition to a loss of visual appeal, this can sometimes also lead to a deterioration in image or video quality.

From temperature changes to physical impact, delicate equipment like cameras can be damaged to varying degrees. That’s why it’s important to follow certain practices that will not only keep your camera and accessories safe from harm, but also keep them in top condition. After years of experience with the camera hardware I use for my hobby video shooting, here are four things that have made my equipment last longer.

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Camera lenses are essentially made of expensive pieces of glass stuck together – and glass happens to be one of the most easily accidentally smeared materials. As tempting as it may seem to use the nearest rag to rub dirt and smudges off the lenses, it’s a terrible idea. While most camera lenses score quite well in terms of scratch resistance, it’s just not worth taking the risk.

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You can find a variety of camera and lens cleaning kits online and in stores. While you don’t need the most expensive cleaning kit, some of the most important ones are cleaning sprays, brushes, and blowers. It’s best to start by using a blower or brush to remove any visible dust particles on the glass, then use an alcohol-based solution and a microfiber cloth to wipe evenly, being careful not to leave any additional stains.

Your camera also needs to be cleaned regularly, as changing lenses can cause dust to get on the sensor. There are several tips and hints when cleaning your camera lenses – even cleaning them too often is not a good idea.

Excessive humidity can cause moisture to build up inside lenses and cameras – which can destroy electronics and circuitry. Be sure to wipe down your gear after use in humid environments, and avoid storing it in damp places or in damp backpacks. Something as simple as placing your gear in the same room as a dehumidifier can go a long way.

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If you really want the best security, you can get a drying cabinet from Amazon or a store near you. These cabinets can hold up to a few cameras and lenses and often have temperature and humidity sensors that automatically initiate the dehumidification process – giving you peace of mind.

Proper storage also applies when you’re carrying your gear around with you. Simply stuffing your gear into a regular backpack full of other items can be disastrous, as cameras and lenses contain a lot of moving parts. Be sure to invest in a dedicated camera bag, or at least a pouch. Some options, like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack that SlashGear tested, have dividers and plenty of padding, making them suitable for hauling camera gear.

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There are many things to consider before purchasing a camera lens, such as aperture, focal length, and form factor. But the decision-making doesn’t end after you’ve made your purchase. In anything but perfect lighting conditions, you may have lowered the ISO or increased the shutter speed to counteract the excess light in the image.

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While these camera settings work wonders, they ultimately ruin the end result, especially when shooting video. Consider the ND filter – a physical solution that screws onto your lens and allows you to control the amount of light coming in. The same concept applies to protection from the sun’s ultraviolet light. UV filters meet these needs, and some of the expensive options include variable levels of natural density filter, so adjustments can be made quickly and effortlessly.

While there is some debate about whether UV filters are even necessary, they at least serve as a protective layer of glass on the lens. This can be paramount for protection from drops, scratches, or severe elements like water and fire. You can also purchase cases or straps for the actual camera. I have been using a screen protector on my camera since day one, which gives me a sense of security when interacting with the touchscreen.

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Perhaps the most annoying thing about working with cameras is the constant draining of the power source. Most combat this by buying spare batteries and swapping them out between shoots. You may have noticed that first-party batteries for most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are often more expensive compared to the numerous cheaper options you can find online. However, sticking with official accessories is always the wiser option.

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If you don’t use your camera that often, removing and storing the battery will prevent it from discharging over time and affecting the cell’s functionality. Store spare batteries in a cool place and avoid exposure to sunlight or heat. Nikon also recommends charging and discharging any batteries you own every six months for optimal preservation.

Although modern electronics handle power management quite well, you shouldn’t leave the charger plugged in after the batteries are fully charged. If you use your DSLR for hours at a time, such as when streaming, it’s worth buying a dummy battery that plugs into the wall socket and powers your camera directly.

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