Long term lens storage: Probably a dumb question, but for long term storage (>5 months) of “heavy” telephoto lenses (e.g. Nikon 200-500) does it matter whether the lens is stored...

grahamfourth

Probably a dumb question, but for long term storage (>5 months) of “heavy” telephoto lenses (e.g. Nikon 200-500) does it matter whether the lens is stored horizontally or vertically? Or to put it another way, is there any slow deformation or creep of the plastic components over time from the overall weight of the lens? Thank you very much in advance.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I never thought about it.
I have two lenses in cases on a shelf, couple of years now.
Don't use them.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

grahamfourth wrote:

Probably a dumb question, but for long term storage (>5 months) of “heavy” telephoto lenses (e.g. Nikon 200-500) does it matter whether the lens is stored horizontally or vertically? Or to put it another way, is there any slow deformation or creep of the plastic components over time from the overall weight of the lens? Thank you very much in advance.

All my long lenses are always stored standing on their hoods vertically. I have about 24 of them between personal, used, and rentals. They take up much less space that way. My dad was a mechanic and he always stored crankshaft standing because laying flat could cause warpage over time. No idea if lenses are affected that way or not but it seemed rational to stand them when not in use.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I also store on end, hood end down, as MT Shooter stated. Also, as he stated, long objects that can bend will over time if stored on their side without proper support. No idea how long that would take for a lens or if it even would, but I have no interest in finding out either!

CO

I store mine the same as MT Shooter and LFingar above - vertical with the lens mount end up (hood end down).

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

grahamfourth wrote:

Probably a dumb question, but for long term storage (>5 months) of “heavy” telephoto lenses (e.g. Nikon 200-500) does it matter whether the lens is stored horizontally or vertically? Or to put it another way, is there any slow deformation or creep of the plastic components over time from the overall weight of the lens? Thank you very much in advance.

I've had diaphragms in larger lenses seize due to lubricant either getting old and sticky or else moving to one side of the lens over a long period. That's why I try to store all lightly used lenses vertically. All of my lens cases are made to hold lenses with the objective (front) element at the bottom.

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

Make sure they are stored in a dry location.
You could always use a large zip lock bag and some silica gel desiccant
Amazon has a 25 pack for about $12.00
Moisture will cause fungus to grow..

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Why-lenses-get-fungus-and-how-to-avoid-it-/10000000014608433/g.html

Canisdirus

No difference between vertical or horizontal. Just place ... for space.
An electronic dry box is a big help. I find the 80l model is of good enough size for a few bodies and 15 or so lenses and a few binoculars.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

grahamfourth wrote:

Probably a dumb question, but for long term storage (>5 months) of “heavy” telephoto lenses (e.g. Nikon 200-500) does it matter whether the lens is stored horizontally or vertically? Or to put it another way, is there any slow deformation or creep of the plastic components over time from the overall weight of the lens? Thank you very much in advance.

For long term storage I lay the camera down horizontally, that was the way it was shipped so that is the way I store it. I also use a Ruggard Dry Cabinet.
My long lenses are never put vertically.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

Glass has fluid characteristics over Geologic Time. One argument to store vertically would be to put even loads on any peripheral seals.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Tjohn wrote:

Glass has fluid characteristics over Geologic Time. One argument to store vertically would be to put even loads on any peripheral seals.

That way the glass will sag evenly.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

I store all of my lens vertically and never even thought about this subject.
If this were an issue, wouldn't the manufacturers have mentioned it in the owners manual?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Howard5252 wrote:

I store all of my lens vertically and never even thought about this subject.
If this were an issue, wouldn't the manufacturers have mentioned it in the owners manual?

One would think so.

marty wild Loc: England

I have 10 lenses, over one year they all get mounted and used. So they are constantly being turned and stored in different bags but always in the same large cupboard with no outside walls. If I get 20 years out of my hardware I will be happy. I am half way there now. In another 10 years I will not be strong enough to carry my bag. So then it’s mission complete! I have took hundreds of fabulous images and thousands of poor ones. I say don’t worry about degradation, get out there clicking before it’s too late.