Lens Fungus Prevention Best Practices

[danimal59]

Good Morning,

I recently purchased a T7 kit as well as two additional lenses. I live in Western Pennsylvania and store my equipment in a LowePro bag.

The other night in the Canon Community I came across some posts about lens fungus and I have been trying to educate myself about  what I should be doing to best protect my equipment. 

Specifically I have read about people storing their lenses in plastic bags with silica gel packs and some going as far as purchasing Ruggard  humidity controlled dry cabinets.

I wanted to see if members here may have some suggestions so that I can find the best solution for my needs.

Thank you,

Dan

[Tronhard]

As I understand it, the issue was more about how the lenses should be stored rather than how they are used in the field, although, to be thorough, I covered both to a degree. 

If one lives in a house that is prone to moisture and the elements, then there could be concerns.  That said, if it's that likely to impact the lenses with fungus, it's not likely to be good for human habitation - something that has been an issue in NZ where houses were, for a long time, very poorly insulated and many in lower socio-economic areas still are.   I know when we moved to the current house, with it's very much improved environment, the occurrence of colds and other cardio-respiratory issues dropped to almost zero.

[ebiggs1]

"That said, if it's that likely to impact the lenses with fungus, it's not likely to be good for human habitation ..."

Good point, Trevor. 😮

"...  the issue was more about how the lenses should be stored rather than how they are used ..."

However, how the gear is used dictates how it should be handled as one puts it away. Even if it is just a quick wipe down with a micro fiber cloth. It is important and I know camera is not cheap, but keep it in perspective. It is only a lens. Use it, enjoy it and don't fret or worry over it, to much. Reasonable care will suffice in most situations.

I know the OP didn't like my first advice but its not logical to spend a lot of money on preventive measures for  something that can be replaced so readily if the worst happens.

[Tronhard]

In NZ we have a legacy of leaky and poorly insulated homes - it was really only until about the end of the last century that double-glazing and comprehensive insulation were mandatory.  Now heat pumps are required on all rentals and new builds as well. 

I fully accept that I am very conservative in my care of my gear, and have clearly said so, but I was brought up with the motto "take care of your gear and it will take care of you".   Doing so does not, in any way diminish my enjoyment of actually using it - it it's pouring with rain, I'm not going to be comfortable in it any more than the camera will. 🙂 

As always there is a spectrum of views on the subject, but at least the OP is getting a range of opinions and that is good.

[Doormat]

All my lenses 

EF, EF-S, EF-M, RF & RF-s  are all kept inside large clear plastic boxes (with lids) each box contain multiple giant sachets of silica gel.

i read that storing gear in camera bags was actually the worst possible idea. Hence everything of mine including bodies and flashes are all stored loosely in the same way as my lenses. 

[shadowsports]

Over a year ago, maybe two, I purchased a Ruggard dry cabinet from B&H.  Maintains temperature and humidity at whatever level you set.  

Everyone has their own methods and opinions on how to store their gear, but I have to say that the dry cabinet has been set and forget for me.  

Mold and fungus can't grow in unfavorable conditions.  Dry cabinets are not affected by external environment.  There's no silica gel packs to mess with or anything you have to watch or remember to change.  

It wasn't expensive and does exactly what I wanted.  Climate control works for a reason.  So my advice is do whatever works for you. 

[ebiggs1]

"There's no silica gel packs to mess with or anything you have to watch or remember to change."

Most people forget silica gel 'wears' out or fills up if you will. It is not a toss it in and forget it. Also they have no idea how much or how big a pack you really need to have any effect at all. It is a lot more than you may think.

[justadude]

"i read that storing gear in camera bags was actually the worst possible idea."


I've heard that too, but I've been keeping my gear in various bags with silica gel packets for as long as I can remember, probably close to 50 years with the silica gel.  I live in Michigan close to the Great Lakes, so the air gets very humid in the summer and often in the winter and spring.  Fall seems to be less humid.  My wife and I don't like air conditioning (prefer the fresh warm and humid air), so our house is often on the humid side.  Anyway, almost all of my gear (current count is 33 cameras of all types, and a few dozen lenses) is almost always stored in the various bags after use, other than a few old ones I keep on a display shelf.  Some of the digital gear I shoot in rainy conditions, but dry it off before putting it back in the bag (same day as it was used).  The film gear rarely gets used in the rain, but it does happen.  Never once had a problem with this worst idea, but that's just me maybe?  I've talked about this before with local photographer friends.  I know one guy who has a dehumidifying case, but the others do similar to what I do about keeping them in a bag (but not all use silica gel).

The difference might be because I rotate the silica gel out roughly every six months?  I keep a half dozen in each case or bag.  Maybe these first 50 years I've been lucky.  Ask me again in another 50, and I may have a different answer.

Bottom line, I think you might be overly concerned.

[justadude]

"Also they have no idea how much or how big a pack you really need to have any effect at all. It is a lot more than you may think."

Personally I've had good luck scattering a half dozen packets in each bag, then changing them out every six months (sooner in the summer).  It's not an exact science at all, but it's been working for decades for me. 

[ebiggs1]

Causation vs correlation my friend. It means the fact it has or apparently has worked to a satisfactory result for you is not proof it works as a certainty. If you opened the bag at any time in that six month cycle you probably ruined the silica gel packs. As long as the bag remained sealed they would probably be good. Personally I do not do any extraordinary measures and have not seen any fungus. My darkroom/storage room does have a dehumidifier as does my music room. Most of my gear is in camera bags, too.

Kansas is pretty dry during the winter but humidity can soar to well into the 90+% range during the summer.