Switching lenses "in the field"

Another newbie question from an DSLR newbie:

For the first time in my life, I am facing the prospect of traveling with a DSLR and multiple (2) lenses... , and the prospect of switching lenses while standing somewhere "out there" is worrying me.

My question is - is switching lenses in the field a ho-hum no-problem kind of activity, or is it something that is fraught with peril? Do you guys minimize the number of changes you would need to make by planning your itinerary a certain way? Or do you just go ahead and switch back and forth multiple times during the day?

Am I worrying about nothing?

Worrying about nothing. One massive advantage of an SLR is the ability to change focal length to suit, if you avoid that, what's the point of an SLR?

After a few changes of lens, you'll be fine.

Just go ahead and switch.

The only thing I do is try to keep the camera aperture facing downwards to keep out any rain or dust should any be flying around.

About the only times I would not change a lens are when the air is very dusty or the camera is colder than the surroundings. The extreme example of the later that I have seen was the mother of a swimmer at a winter swim meet. She kept her camera bag in the trunk of the car, the camera was cold when she brought it into the natatorium (a big hot, humid room with a swimming pool) and changed the lens. There was condensation all over her camera, inside and out. She would have done better to leave the camera in the bag (preferably, in a large zip-lock bag) until it had warmed to room temperature.

I still follow a quick and simple procedure when changing lenses (in the field) to minimize the dust that might get into the camera. I got flamed on this board when I mentioned it once -- I still follow it and I have still never had to clean a sensor (other than the built in vibration cleaning, which I keep turned off for the most part and only do occasionally.)

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?p=9587867

hairy_moth wrote in post #14840560
I still follow a quick and simple procedure when changing lenses to minimize the dust that might get into the camera. I got flamed on this board when I mentioned it once -- I still follow it and I have still never had to clean a sensor (other than the built in vibration cleaning, which I keep turned off for the most part and only do occasionally.)

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?p=9587867

Whoever flamed you is an idiot, that's the same procedure I have always done.

Harry, I do a very similar efficient procedure too.

Swap as quickly as you can to avoid exposure to dust/etc & don't drop anything. Oh & use common sense

Thanks! Makes me feel much better. I've only switched at home, but every time I do it, I do follow the general principle, as indicated above, of leaving the caps on as long as possible and minimizing the "open" time for the body as well as the rear of the lens. Now to just enjoy the trip and get some good photos!

maverick75 wrote in post #14840574
Whoever flamed you is an idiot, that's the same procedure I have always done.

I guess, written out, it looks more involved than it is: several steps are probably sub second in duration.

I was amused, another person finally chimed in with a procedure much more involved than mine that included turning off the camera (good advice) checking the state of the Manual Focus switch and doing some white balance shots and setup and even some test shots in Av with the exposure out of range.

I think a procedure that costs but 2 or 3 seconds (tops) that helps to reduce the dust on the lenses and in the camera is well worth it.

Is your main worry environmental, or people seeing your goods? If environmental, everyone has already covered that. If people wise, I'm not sure the solution, other than hiding behind a dumpster while you change lenses, or maybe slapping a big temporary tattoo on your face.

I always get the new lens ready to mount, set aside, pop off the old, toss on the new, rear cap the old. im conscious of dust in the rear element and keeping the body face down. But it's not some surgical procedure for me. Usually my more expensive lens gets priority capping for inherent reasons.

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #14840692
Is your main worry environmental, or people seeing your goods? If environmental, everyone has already covered that. If people wise, I'm not sure the solution, other than hiding behind a dumpster while you change lenses, or maybe slapping a big temporary tattoo on your face.

No, couldn't care less about people seeing me. My concern was mainly environmental, keeping dust out of sensitive optics, etc.

Well put your mind at ease and read this internet gem:

http://kurtmunger.com/​dirty_lens_articleid35​.html

hairy_moth wrote in post #14840560
I still follow a quick and simple procedure when changing lenses (in the field) to minimize the dust that might get into the camera. I got flamed on this board when I mentioned it once -- I still follow it and I have still never had to clean a sensor (other than the built in vibration cleaning, which I keep turned off for the most part and only do occasionally.)

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?p=9587867

I follow pretty much the same procedure, it just seems more lengthy written out. If I don't have anything to lay the lens on I'll just hold it between my arm and body.

As said above, if in a dusty environment I try to avoid changing lenses. For example, at a racetrack or near a busy road or construction site etc.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #14840473
do you just go ahead and switch back and forth multiple times during the day?

Am I worrying about nothing?

yes and yes