Suggestions for making my gear uglier

[Z]

Bit of a strange topic, I know. I'm planning on a bit of travelling this summer. My gear is all insured so this isn't life or death, but I'd like to make my shiny red ring lenses a little less attractive.  So I thought 'hey, why not [carefully] cover them in gaffer tape?' ... Opinions?  The main thing I'd like to avoid is leaving a sticky residue on the lenses, but I'm told gaffer tape is designed to avoid this.  I hope I don't sound like a madman here. 

[Canon Rumors]

I have taped red rings with hockey tape before, it worked well. Any sticky residue that might be left behind is easily removed with Goo Gone.

I cover all branding and I don't use the supplied Canon straps.

[lonelywhitelights]

you could try this less invasive kind of stealth conversion for a white lens using neoprene

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myartistsoul/5028405791/#sizes/l/in/photostream/

[NWPhil]

gaffer's tape...
or Nikon stickers 

now seriously:
gaffer tape, will not leave residue behind.
That neprene sleve is a good idea too if, you have a white lens.
You can consider too a neoprene/rubber body armour thing
But last and not least, is all in  the common sense and being discreet. Don't go flashing you camera and lens alone at night, in dark alleys....when in doubt, walk out!
A messenger bag type for carrying the gear, in special if it is a black or dark color one, will help, oposite of the typical gear bag. And get rid of the brand name camera strap. Those neoprene straps do make a difference at day's end, and yes, no logos either.

[unfocused]

you could try this less invasive kind of stealth conversion for a white lens using neoprene

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myartistsoul/5028405791/#sizes/l/in/photostream/

Anybody have a source for these? Are these sleeves cut from sport wear?

[DJL329]

you could try this less invasive kind of stealth conversion for a white lens using neoprene

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myartistsoul/5028405791/#sizes/l/in/photostream/

Anybody have a source for these? Are these sleeves cut from sport wear?

LensCoat is one maker of them; they design them for specific lenses in different colors and patterns, including plain black.  You can check their website or look up your lens(es) on B&H and check out the Accessories Tab under "Hoods & Covers."

http://www.lenscoat.com/

[mws]

Could always get a Nikon strap.........

[Cptn Rigo]

gaffer's tape...
or Nikon stickers 

  LOL

[iaind]

An old Minolta or Ricoh strap

[EOBeav]

When a thief finds a camera, does he/she really look closely to see if it has a red ring?

[preppyak]

When a thief finds a camera, does he/she really look closely to see if it has a red ring?

This is a fair point. Walking around with a camera with a big lens on will draw enough attention that a thief will target you regardless of how it looks.

But, it is a good idea potentially for concert/event photography. Security guards know to look for the white lenses and red rings; they might overlook something a little less shiny looking.

[JerryKnight]

When a thief finds a camera, does he/she really look closely to see if it has a red ring?

This is a fair point. Walking around with a camera with a big lens on will draw enough attention that a thief will target you regardless of how it looks.

But, it is a good idea potentially for concert/event photography. Security guards know to look for the white lenses and red rings; they might overlook something a little less shiny looking.

So maybe the solution would be for LensCoat to manufacture a sleeve system that makes it look like you dropped the lens down a flight of stairs or used it for 30 years. Looks like a Canon lens, but adds gashes, scratches, scuffs, etc.

To potential thieves, the apparent resale value would go down quite a bit.

[AmbientLight]

Perhaps it is just me, but I am getting perplexed here.

I travel a lot internationally (mostly in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the U.S.) and have never gotten into any situation, where I feared my gear might be stolen and yes, I usually carry a lot of equipment including a white lens (70-200 f2.8 IS) with me, so I am not exactly hiding anything. Did anyone experience a situation where you had gear stolen or thiefs trying to steal your gear? Although I travel quite a lot I am not used to it.

All those suggestions for hiding your gear appear to me pretty well thought through, but why would I do this?

[JRS]

When a thief finds a camera, does he/she really look closely to see if it has a red ring?

IMHO, 99% of people don't know what that "red ring" means...

[NWPhil]

AmbientLight:

lucky and smart you to never ever been in the wrong place at the right time - or vice -versa.
I had a few close calls in Boston, and while travelling, I do avoid night photography and wandering around if I am alone, or outside fairly busy/crowded areas

Truth is, most gear get stolen from inside cars or homes. Another percentage is sort of found and never returned, which is technically theft - I think it goes along the lines of any item/object valued more than $100 found, you have the obligation to try to return it to the rightfull owner, or an official entity that can do such.
Don't quote me on this, but I am not too far away from the truth.

Now, go find yourself at night, taking pictures alone in a city street, chances are that you are going to get robbed, if you insist flashing around your big camera. and lens...

Common sense will go a longer way than any lens and camera cammo