topic Tips for safely changing lenses outside? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Tips for safely changing lenses outside?

Ramsden — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:32:26 GMT

Hello

I feel a touch silly writing this post, but here goes. While I'm at home I tend to swap lenses in the safety of my home, but this summer, while on holiday I changed my lens a couple of times while out on walks. I thought I was very careful but ended up with what looked like a thumbnail shadow on my photos. Quick investigation and worked out it was my camera.

I nervously used a puffer and light brush on the mirrors and it cleared up. Except, it came back this weekend.

So this time I pressed the shutter with the lens off and saw the offending object, which was a tiny hair or fibre. Thankfully I was able to remove it with the puffer. So all good.

My question is based on looking for good ideas for safety exposing the camera and lenses when out and about.

I think I'm careful, but clearly not careful enough.

Any tips welcome

Ramsden

Plus really recommend having a good puffer!

Re: Changing lenses outside

Tintype_18 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:40:40 GMT

One can never be too careful. I read to hold the camera and lens pointing down to prevent accumulation of dust, etc. The puffer and lens brush were some of the first things I bought. So far, only used the brush very lightly on a lens.

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:31:06 GMT

Thanks John

I guess its just common sense at the end of the day.

But as soon as I remove a lens, I feel vulnerable with all those components exposed to the elements.

But if you saw how small this fibre was and the relatively large shadow it created on the photos, you may understand my paranoia!

Ramsden

Re: Changing lenses outside

ebiggs1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:40:30 GMT

"I nervously used a puffer and light brush on the mirrors ..."

Whatever is on the mirror on a DSLR will not show on the image no matter how dirty it is.

I change lens when I need to change lenses. Of course I use caution and wouldn't do it in a dust storm or hurricane but the single most important feature of a DSLR or mirrorless is its ability to change lenses. Sometimes common sense is a good thing to have. But use your camera gear otherwise it's not worth having.

If you camera gets dirt inside have it cleaned or learn how but use it as it was designed. Once the camera becomes the most important thing you will never get the great shots. Once again, I repeat, common sense is a good thing to have.

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:57:30 GMT

Thanks EB

I'm now more aware that my lack of knowledge of how my camera functions is a dangerous thing. Hopefully I haven't damaged anything by cleaning the mirrors.

But I do treat my equipment very carefully and hope my EOS90D has many more years service to give.

Thanks

Ramsden

Re: Changing lenses outside

ebiggs1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:11:07 GMT

"... I do treat my equipment very carefully and hope my EOS90D has many more years service to give."

Very normal especially to us with modest bank statements. Just don't let the camera be the boss but then there's that use common sense factor too. It's a balance for sure.

The 90D is a fantastic camera. It is one that I wished I had bought but just never clicked the button to add it to my cart. It is the best Canon DSLR cropper they ever made. Top drawer!

Here is one little tip, it is more durable than you may think. The whole xxD line is a fairly robust line up. Use it, get your good out of it, if it gets some beauty scars from working hard all the better. You spent your money well.

Or, you can sit it in your sock and underwear drawer and in 20 years or so you will still have a mint 90D. You choice!

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:35:31 GMT

Thanks EB.

I really appreciate this camera and it gets used most days when the weather permits. Its got a quality 'feel' to it, and made to last.

Ramsden

Re: Changing lenses outside

ebiggs1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:15:14 GMT

I got this ole F1n in the early 80's. That's 19 not 18.

It is my friend and it has been with me to the deserts of the great southwest where the temps hit 120+. It was with me through a white out snow storm in the Rockies. All the way down to the beaches of Miami. Both it and I show our wear but here we are. We never missed a beat together.

123.jpg

Your camera is made to use.

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:30:55 GMT

That's really cool EB.

I'm a few years behind with you with the EOS90D, but I share your passion.

This was me - a long time ago. My dad was a keen photographer and its clearly rubbed off on me.

1000073213.jpg

Ramsden

Re: Changing lenses outside

wq9nsc — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:47:05 GMT

Most of my camera time is spent shooting sports; I use multiple bodies so they keep the lens on that was fitted at home. BUT I also do a lot of hiking and for those I bring one body and two or three lenses. Like Tintype, I keep the open area of the camera facing down and also turn the lens upside down to remove the cap from the lens going on and invert it just before installing. This reduces but doesn't eliminate the odds of something getting inside the image chamber but I learned early how to carefully clean the camera when needed.

As long as you minimize the odds of "stuff" getting in and use the proper devices in the proper manner for cleaning, there is really nothing to fear. Although I bought my Canon 1DM2 back in 2005 and it is nearly in full retirement, it was my first DSLR and it traveled all over the place with me by air and by car and has been on multiple trails on two continents along with numerous sporting events along with a ton of casual use. Unlike later models, it didn't have the ultrasonic shaker of modern sensors and I cleaned the sensor numerous times with care and without damage. It is still fully functional now and I keep it for sentimental reasons.

Cameras are wonderful devices as long as you use them instead of keeping them safely secured in a hermetically sealed chamber 🙂

I am about to leave to shoot a high school soccer match, fortunately the heatwave broke. Actual temperature was 101F (38C) an hour before kickoff for the high school football game I shot Friday night with high humidity and delaying the start by an hour put it barely within safety guidelines. There were multiple stoppages for player leg cramps and my clothes were soaked by the end of the game but the 1DX III bodies and EF 400 f2.8 and EF 70-200 f2.8 lenses weren't phased by the conditions. The cameras are tougher than we are!

Rodger

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:03:11 GMT

Roger

Thanks for another motivational post. It must be quite an emotional process resting up a 20+yr old camera. So many memories.

I personally, would be very nervous undertaking a big clean as you describe.

I'll certainly be holding my camera down, if I do decide to change a lens. So I've got something to take away.

This has been such a positive thread, and I'm really pleased I asked the question!

Ramsden

Re: Changing lenses outside

JeffXB — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:53:54 GMT

“I'll certainly be holding my camera down, if I do decide to change a lens.”

In addition to keeping your camera pointing down, put your back to the wind (if there is any). What also do is first place the lens I’m about to use on a flat surface (even on the ground with a rag under it). I then loosen the back cap so I can simply lift it off; be sure to orient it in the right direction (red dot or line pointing the same direction as the camera’s one). Remove the lens on my camera. Set it down next to the other lens, swap the back cap to the “old” lens and attach the “new” lens. Make sure you remember to tighten the back cap before stowing it.

Practicing changing lenses at home also helps to build your confidence and create muscle memory.

Re: Changing lenses outside

ebiggs1 — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:36:00 GMT

Boy, you guys are a lot more "careful" that I am. However, do what you see is best common sense rules.

Re: Changing lenses outside

Ramsden — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:10:56 GMT

Jeff, thanks for those tips.

I'd written (in my head) a short procedure which highlighted that vulnerable second or two when the camera is exposed at the time caps are being swapped, and new lens being offered up.

The back to the wind, and particularly the cloth are great additions.

In my day to day walks, I wouldn't normally be planning to swap lenses, but holidays always throw up something new.

A clean cloth is now in my camera bag!

Ramsden