Switching lenses "in the field"

I usually try not to change lenses in the field. If I have to, I will be following the similar procedures noted above. I try and minimize the amount of time the camera and lens is exposed to "outside air" lol. I do this by getting all my lens caps ready to go.

If the location is either dusty, or worse; "da beach", I will take two bodies.

Other than that, why else would you waste money on a body that can accept multiple lenses if you never change them?

Scrumhalf wrote in post #14840473
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?

You don't need to minimize the number of changes, but it doesn't hurt to minimize the amount of time the body goes without a lens on it. Have your new lens ready to go before taking the first one off. Keep the camera pointed down if you can. Turn your back to the wind. Just common sense stuff to keep as much debris from getting into the camera as possible. When it happens - and it will - just clean it. Frequent use of a rocket blower will take car of most of your dust problems.

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

Ditto. I've been doing it that way since your Maverick was shiny and new. Like Rocky Rhode said, two bodies can really cut down lens changes in the field. It does have its own set of drawbacks, though. Weight, expense, looking like a complete dork. I put up with all of them when I need to.

Nature Nut wrote in post #14840731
Well put your mind at ease and read this internet gem:

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

Now that´s a great field test, ty for posting

There's other things that you can do to minimize lens swapping. for one thing, is overlap- if you have some overlap between lenses- you will tend to swap them less. And then there is avoidance of certain types of lenses- using zooms rather than primes- and zooms with wider ranges. All can help to minimize swapping of lenses.
Multiple bodies can also help. Now, if you have two bodies- one full frame and one crop- your lenses also can pull dual duties- provide they fit both formats - it's like having two different lenses- well- two different FOV's.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #14840473
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?

This video might help you can stop worrying: http://youtu.be/RCT-YMgjm9k

My old 20D (2000$ body only) sensor became really dusty after a few years. It was well time I got the camera replaced. Now I have a t3i that is in most aspect better than the 20D and I've paid 300$ for it in a kit. I'll keep changing the lenses where I please and replace the camera in 2-3 years anyway.

Just be sure to dedust your lenses from time to time.

Don't worry, the dust will find the way into your sensor regardless

Earwax69 wrote in post #14842151
My old 20D (2000$ body only) sensor became really dusty after a few years. It was well time I got the camera replaced. Now I have a t3i that is in most aspect better than the 20D and I've paid 300$ for it in a kit. I'll keep changing the lenses where I please and replace the camera in 2-3 years anyway.

Just be sure to dedust your lenses from time to time.

Wow! Is that what the 20D originally retailed for? What currency?

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #14842182
Wow! Is that what the 20D originally retailed for? What currency?

That sounds right.. I paid $1000 US for a 300D when it first came out.

Not changing lenses because dust might get on them or onto the sensor is akin to not eating ribs because you might get your face dirty.

There are times in life when things get dirty; that's why we have the ability to clean them.

Get on with life. Dust will not ruin a lens or a sensor.

Glenn

CAN$... must have been 15% less in the US at that moment.

I change lenses when I need to.

this is like learnin to drive a manual transmission. it takes a bit of practice but when mastered is second nature..