DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Right on, Bruce! Why buy an interchangable lens camera and then be afraid to change lenses? When I go hiking, I take at least 3 lenses (tele, wide, macro) and sometimes more. Usually, I employ at least 3.

At the beach or during a storm, caution prevails. But otherwise, I change lenses whenever the shot calls for it.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Two bodies are the best solution to this problem. If not, some consideration of what you will be photographing before you set out and an appropriate lens to do all the images is an appropriate suggestion. If you can't do that, the best solution is the old-fashioned changing bag. No bag, retreat to your auto if you have it nearby, if you must do it in the environment, keep the lens mount facing the ground, have the replacement lens caps off and do it quickly.

gregm Loc: Near Sacramento, CA

I just looked up the OP/Tech double lens mount. This just went to the top of my Christmas list. One for each lens. Sounds quick and easy. Thanks.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I know a little bit about shooting in dusty conditions. Sometimes EXTREMELY dusty conditions...



While I usually shoot with two cameras fitted with the two lenses I use most, I also usually have two or three other lenses in my camera bag and will change out to them as needed, without much concern.

It was a bigger problem with older DSLRs... I had to clean the sensors of my Canon 30Ds pretty frequently... sometimes monthly or more often, but at least 4X a year. And I avoided the original 5D because it was considered by many to be a "dust magnet".

But newer cameras (such as the 7Ds and 5DII I use right now) have self-cleaning sensors that work pretty darned well.

So I don't worry about it. I just use a little common sense about lens swaps (keep the rear cap on the lens until the last minute, try to face camera downwards when swapping lenses, move or wait until conditions aren't too severe when making lens changes, etc.). Thanks to the self-cleaning feature I have little problem and find myself cleaning sensors far less frequently... probably 1X a year or less now, taking between 10,000 and 25,000 images a year per camera.

Besides, dust has always been a problem for photographers. It was no different, back in the days of film. In fact, you had to be extra careful when reloading film, too. Retouching scratches or dust specks on film and traditional silver prints was a whole heck of a lot more difficult than correcting minor flaws in digital images with Photoshop!

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Just looked at Amazon, BH Photo, eBay. They are all similar in cost : $15.95

Decided to go to eBay and buy regular end caps and rivot them together. Found a pack of 5 for less than $5, and ordered 4. That's enough of them to build 10.

From what I read, the Op Tech are snugger and do a better job of keeping out dust. But I really don't have a dust problem in my camera bag. I'm sure the home made ones will be just fine.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

I've got a question for users of the double rig talked about.

For hauling a 2nd kens it seems fine but what really happens with dirt?

Example: When a lens is attached, the 2nd attachment is left open like a small drinking cup. When you remove your camera lens and put on the double lens rig then remove the other lens, it flips over so the lens you just put on is now down.

What prevents any dirt from the double lens rig from falling into the rear of the lens you just put on it?

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

hold dslr facing downward when removing or mounting lens. this will greatly reduce the problem of dust on your sensor. even in a plastic bag, this should be standard practice.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

I wondered the same thing. That open lens cap would surely trap dirt while bouncing around inside a camera case.

An important factor in minimizing dust entry into the camera when changing lenses is speed. Here is my approach, in excruciating detail, that allows me to change a lens in less than 10 seconds.

With the camera suspended by the neck strap, I hold the new lens horizontally in the palm of my left hand with its markings "up". I remove the rear lens cap with my right hand and transfer it to my left thumb and index finger so that it is effectively flat on top of the new lens, open side up, and index mark easily located. In actual fact, I rotate my left hand about 90 degrees so that the open lens cap points horizontally to avoid dirt falling in. With the fourth finger of my left hand I press the lens release button on the camera and remove the old lens with my right hand. Alternatively I can press the release button with the fingers of my right hand as I grab the barrel of the old lens just before I twist the lens off. I transfer the old lens to the lens cap and give it a twist to secure it, let go of the rear lens cap, and simply transfer the new lens to the body with my left hand.

This may not be quite as fast as using the double rear cap, but it is quick, easy, and minimal dust into camera, lens or lens cap.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

:thumbup:

It's very similar to what I've been doing except I often forget to put the "mark" up where I can see it. Sometimes it takes an additional second or two to flip things around, LoL

As for your thoughts about even getting dirt while in a camera case, I rarely use my case when photographing.

It's nornally; plan what is needed, (rarely over two lenses), leave the case in my car and go out and do it for several hours. (Don't have a studio.)

As you say, speed is the thing and I try my best!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

if the plastic bag is not a good idea, then i'll go with a pillow case.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Thanks, I wasn't aware of this device. It looks useful for carrying multiple lenses. But I think it is only half the solution for dust on the sensor since the camera is still exposed when changing lenses.