To "lens coat" or not to "lens coat" (for a Nikon lens)

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RichF

RichF

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I use the term lens coat in quotes since I am not referring to the branded product but putting a protective coating on a lens.

I use to shoot Canon and found that their great white lens tended to show wear easily so it was a no brainer to put a coating on them. However with Nikon's large lens (great blacks ???) the do not seem to show wear.

I know that wear is a major detractor when a lens is sold but how much wear does a nikon super tele show? Any examples?

Just wondering what others think
 
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RichF said:
I use the term lens coat in quotes since I am not referring to the branded product but putting a protective coating on a lens.

I use to shoot Canon and found that their great white lens tended to show wear easily so it was a no brainer to put a coating on them. However with Nikon's large lens (great blacks ???) the do not seem to show wear.

I know that wear is a major detractor when a lens is sold but how much wear does a nikon super tele show? Any examples?

Just wondering what others think
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Black lenses still get scratched and the scratches show. I’ve run without lens coatings and if you’re careful the finish holds up but for wildlife leneses I’ll carry into the field and through brush I cover them up. I’ve used neoprene style lens coverings and they work well but can trap moisture after working on wet days. Lately I’ve gone to the thin adhesive lens wraps that provide scratch protection but are thin and light and don’t get soaked in the rain.

The scratches might show up more on a white lens but black lenses can still get scratched so I coat them with something if they’ll spend much time out in the field.
 
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DRwyoming said:
Black lenses still get scratched and the scratches show. I’ve run without lens coatings and if you’re careful the finish holds up but for wildlife leneses I’ll carry into the field and through brush I cover them up. I’ve used neoprene style lens coverings and they work well but can trap moisture after working on wet days. Lately I’ve gone to the thin adhesive lens wraps that provide scratch protection but are thin and light and don’t get soaked in the rain.

The scratches might show up more on a white lens but black lenses can still get scratched so I coat them with something if they’ll spend much time out in the field.
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thanks for the helpful info. Which adhesive system do you use?
 
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I just ordered "Tiger Stripes" from Alphagvard for my 180-600. (I have that on my 800pf -- looks great).

I just peeled off an Alphagvard coat from my 3-year-old Sony 200-600 as I prepare it for sale, and there's not a mark on the lens even though there are many scuffs and wear marks on the coat itself, so it does the job. The neoprene covers likely do a better job protecting against bumps and drops, but they are bulker and get pretty ragged after a while.
 
As with Canon, all makes of camera equipment are prone to scratches and marks. It doesn't matter how careful you think you are, it will happen.
I live in the UK so my answer on recommended lens coats will no doubt be different.
I found certain companies selling 'lenscoats' to be asking extortionate prices. In he UK I always use a company called Outdoorphotographygear.
They sell a rubber backed neoprene coat that is non slip on the lens, excellent quality and the best part, half the price of other companies.
I would always recommend using a lens coat and I prefer the neoprene as gives you that spongy protection against knocks.
 
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So I've never purchased one, but a friend gave me a RolanPro that he didn't need anymore. No sticky, just a tight elastic fit and I can see where people might like it for the protective value. If I was buying a new one, I'd probably go with this brand. Seems like it is a high quality product.
 
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I put a skin on a 600mm lens but soon removed half of the sections to provide better access to the controls. Now I do not put one on at all as I see no reason to do so with the black Nikon lenses. I don't put my lenses loose in a vehicle unless it is on the back seat while traveling at very low speeds in an area. The rest of the time it is either in my hands or in a backpack or carry case.

I find that the skins makes the lens slippery so it is easier to accidentally drop the lens when mounting or dismounting it from a tripod head.
 
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gdecamp said:
I use protection on all my long lenses. I've switched to Rolanpro since they have all the cutouts for buttons etc. I feel it helps protect the lens and also feels better in my hands. I guess I've become used to having one..
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switch to rolanpro from ?
 
I think I couldn't care less what the appearance is, as long as it doesn't affect the function. Put a cover on my favorite pipe wrench, it is still a pipe wrench. But if you do care, or want that camo or whatever look, go for it.
 
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I buy from Outdoor Photography UK. Thicker than lenscoats and better made. Provides shock and bump protection and probable dust/rain benefit as well.

NIKON NEOPRENE CAMERA LENS COVERS | Camouflage | Camera lens protection

Nikon camouflage neoprene lens cover kits that protect valuable Nikon lenses manufactured in the U.K available in Camouflage and Black protective neoprene suitable for all outdoor photographers.
www.outdoorphotographygear.co.uk www.outdoorphotographygear.co.uk
 
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RichF said:
did you put anything else on?
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I live in an unusual part of the USA. The Pacific Northwest is very rainy and wet west of the Cascade Mountains and at the coast but dry and dusty on the east side of the mountains. I purchased Think Tank raingear and use it for both wet and dusty conditions. It can be a bit cumbersome but it does solve most of the moisture problems (There is still some condensation from my hands insite the raincover) and helps with the dust. I'm not recommending for everyone but it works for me.
 
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I live in Florida, and do some of my shooting in hot conditions. So a long time ago, I started using lens coats/wrappers in the pattern usually considered good for snowy/cold environments to keep the lens a bit cooler than if it had a black coat/cover or none at all. I still do for most of my lenses.

And like CoyoteCreationsNW, I use Think Tank rain gear, mainly their Emergency Raincovers. I have used them since I photographed the 2017 Tournament of Roses® Bandfest, where it poured rain on us and I used plastic garbage bags and rubber bands to keep my gear somewhat dry.
 
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