Changing lenses quickly or safely in the field

[Stu_bert]

I'm curious. How many of you switch off the camera in-between swapping lenses?

 

[Loswr]

I'm curious. How many of you switch off the camera in-between swapping lenses?

I do (usually, but sometimes I forget...). Also, I switch off when changing the CF card.

 

[ianhar]

I lost files before when i change a cf without turning it off. Since then i always turn my camera off to do anything

 

[dr croubie]

I'm curious. How many of you switch off the camera in-between swapping lenses?

Always, for EF-mount lenses. I read somewhere (probably in a lens manual) that taking the lens off while the IS is active can damage the IS, so to be safe I just turn the whole camera off.
For manual focus, old lenses on adapter, lensbaby, pinhole, it doesn't matter so much, depends on if I remember.

For generally changing, i've got a Lowepro 350AW backpack. It's not as fast as one of the other types or brands, but I prefer it as a travel pack and it takes my laptop. I just put it flat on the ground, open the flap, face the lens into a pocket and disconnect it, swap the lens caps over, then put the body on the new one, this way the body stays pointed downwards the whole time.
I've got big enough hands that I can hold everything standing up if I have to, even swapping my biggest lenses (like 70-300L to Pentacon Six-mount Zeiss 180/2.8) I can accomplish without dropping or putting down anything.

 

[Meh]

I'm curious. How many of you switch off the camera in-between swapping lenses?

I have forgotten several (many!) times to turn off the camera when changing lenses and even when removing the CF card but normally it's because I've put the camera down for a few minutes so technically it was off I suppose.

 

[mreco99]

However precaution you take, dust will find it way while changing lens. For me its either i used my lowepro lens exchanger, or if i did not bring it i just do it in a corner of a wall to minimise wind etc. the most important step is when i get back. I will clean all my lens and sensor with a blower thoroughly.

I have never cleaned or had cleaned a sensor. My old canon 450d was used for 3 years never cleaned. Yes i do change lenses.
Whats the chances its dirty?
Is it safe to really clean it yourself? and whats the best way?

 

[Loswr]

I have never cleaned or had cleaned a sensor. My old canon 450d was used for 3 years never cleaned. Yes i do change lenses.
Whats the chances its dirty?
Is it safe to really clean it yourself? and whats the best way?

Possible, but maybe not. Mount a lens longer than 50mm, stop it all the way down (f/22 or lower), set to manual focus and defocus the lens, and shoot a bright, featureless subject (a clear blue sky, clean wall or sheet of paper, etc.). If you see spots, that's sensor dust.

It is safe to clean it yourself, have a fully charged battery, activate the manual sensor cleaning mode in settings, remove lens with camera pointing down. First thing to try is blowing it off with a rocket blower (not canned air!!). If that doesn't work, use a commercial product. Personally, I use a Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 724 Super Bright.

Your 450D has a built-in sensor cleaning system. So do our 5DII's, and my 7D does, too. I've had the 7D longer, and used it in worse conditions, and it has no dust. OTOH, I've cleaned my 5DII several times, and it needs it again. So, even if your 450D is clean, the FF sensor seems to attract more dust (Canon thinks so, too, which is why the 1D X is getting an updated self-cleaning system for the sensor).

 

[mreco99]

thanks neuro, like this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenspen-HURRICANE-Rocket-style-Sensor-Dust-BLOWER-/160675746504?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25690552c8
If you touch the sensor at all, will it get damaged? or can you give it a light brush?

 

[Loswr]

thanks neuro, like this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenspen-HURRICANE-Rocket-style-Sensor-Dust-BLOWER-/160675746504?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25690552c8
If you touch the sensor at all, will it get damaged? or can you give it a light brush?

Yep, that's the same as a rocket blower. If you touch the sensor with the tip of that, it might get damaged (although technically, you'd be touching the AA filter, not the sensor itself). If you touch it with your fingertip, or anything you're touched with your fingers, the oils will be very, very difficult to remove.

But, if you touch the sensor lightly with a delicate brush or swab that's designed to clean a sensor, you will not damage it.

 

[ianhar]

It depends on the environment where you live and do your shooting. Dusty environment could lead more dust going in while changing lens.

I have yet clean my 7d sensor but my 5d need to be clean soon. It is easy to check if your sensor is dirty or not. You might not see at wide apperture as in does not give much focusing layer and detail. But if you shoot at really narrow aperture say 16 or 22 you will see it. I always check my sensor before going on major shoot. Shoot at blank white canvas or wall, and voila all the dust specks can be seen.

There are a lot of sensor cleanin kit out there. Be very carful when cleaning your sensor. If you are not too sure jus send it to the shop and they will do it for you.

 

[mreco99]

Does anyone actually use the lens case the 70-200mk2 came with, in the field, ie on the belt?

 

[Caps18]

I have always considered getting a 50D or 60D to put my 300mm prime on... one of these days...

I will need a girlfriend to carry the other camera that I'm not using at the moment though.