Keeping super-telephoto front elements clean

[MarkE]

I've just acquired a Canon 300mm F2.8, and it's the first "super telephoto" lens I've had. Has anyone got any clever tips for keeping the front element clean and free from water marks etc?

On all my other lenses, I've got UV filters tacked on the front, so it's less of an issue but this is the first one I've had where you can't.

I'm thinking just a normal lens cloth and Eclipse fluid? Cheers for any suggestions.

 

[Pookeyhead]

Yeah.. just a lens cloth. Make sure there is no particulate debris on the lens first by using a blower.. but apart from that, no special requirements. Lenses are more robust than people give them credit for and you've be amazed at how bad a lens has to get before it affects the image quality.

A decent lens hood will help too.

 

[Chris Wilson]

for the lens hood - that kurtmunger article is terrifying!!
cheers, cw

 

[hollis_f]

The hood for my 300 f2.8 lives on the lens full-time. It's only ever removed when the lens will be travelling long distance.

 

[Laudrup]

The older 300mm f/2.8 IS had a protective front element as far as I remember that could be replaced relatively cheaply if it suffered catastrophic damage. The new 300mm f/2.8 IS II doesn't have this element so I have read. When I had the 300 2.8 IS the hood, a rocket blower, a Hama lens pen and a cleaning cloth was all I needed. They are built like a tank. Maybe look into a Don Zeck lens cap or a neoprene cover as that leather gimp hood is terrible.

 

[GeeJay57]

Lens hood is a must. I also recommend a neoprene lens coat of some sort especially if birding or wildlife shooting.

Gentle use of a microfibre cloth should be enough to keep it clean. If you're shooting with the light behind or from the side, minor spots and marks will make no difference to the images. It's common to see sports shooters with their fingers hooked inside the lens hood. Still doesn't show in the images.

Congrats on your new lens. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[MarkE]

Thanks a lot guys, all good info - cheers.

I've got the 300mm MkI, so it's got the protective element on the front, which I guess should help. I do wonder about the sense of removing this from the MkII. Sure, it saves weight, but I would have thought the risk of damage would be too much.

I'm now just hoping that the weather forecast that is fairly good for Sunday proves to be the case so I get out with it. Had enough of all this wind and rain now!