Protecting The Outside Of The Lens - Lens Coats?

What are the best options for protecting the exterior of a lens? Neoprene lens coats? I love the way they look but the prices are a little steep. One could argue that it's a small price to pay to keep your expensive lens/lens hood from getting scratched up, but there's bound to be someone who found a cheaper way, or a cheaper place.

I would say just use normal care and enjoy your lens. A little scratch here or there does not affect the images.

Saran wrap.

*** please don't take me too seriously. I would hate to see someone saran wrap their lens and be caught out in public. ***

jwcdds wrote in post #11058745
*** please don't take me too seriously. I would hate to see someone saran wrap their lens and be caught out in public. ***

That made me laugh... because you know someone was heading for the kitchen...

Hey, my great aunt has plastic on her furniture, that's kinda the same thing. It is from the 70s and still looks new! Of course nobody has ever enjoyed sitting on that couch in the 30+ years it has existed.....

I considered the neoprene covers, but yes their prices are rather high. So I went for a far cheaper solution involving a welly sock and a pair of scissors

I just purchased the 400 5.6L. Planning on just ordering some neoprene fabric and making my own. I watched the 1200mm L get a lens coat made on youtube and how they sew it is just basic sewing and measurments, not hard at all. Based on the prices of neoprene online I can make one for about a 1/3 of the price.
-BB

BirdBoy wrote in post #11059046
I just purchased the 400 5.6L. Planning on just ordering some neoprene fabric and making my own. I watched the 1200mm L get a lens coat made on youtube and how they sew it is just basic sewing and measurments, not hard at all. Based on the prices of neoprene online I can make one for about a 1/3 of the price.
-BB

I made some DIY lens wraps (not coats) to save money. They are like $15 a piece at the camera shop and I figured how hard could they be to make? Mine "only" cost $10 materials+ 2.5 hours of labor + gas and time and the fabric shop for all 3! That's probably only $60 a piece!

Overread wrote in post #11058846
I considered the neoprene covers, but yes their prices are rather high. So I went for a far cheaper solution involving a welly sock and a pair of scissors

And the bonus here is you can use any colour sock you want! And you've always got spare cover too!

Though I'll admit mine was more from a side of wanting to dull the shiny whiteness of the lens rather than "protect" it as such. I think careful use and always having the lens hood on is a significant move toward protecting the gear from general wear and tear.

Better wash it good first, otherwise you'll get a case of "athletes lens".

richardfox wrote in post #11060090
Better wash it good first, otherwise you'll get a case of "athletes lens".

hahaha!

I have tried the cheaper types and have got all my lens from my 70/200 and above covered in lenscoat, got it direct from the USA myself, the cheapest way to go.

I use this!

^
$100

jwcdds wrote in post #11058745
Saran wrap.

*** please don't take me too seriously. I would hate to see someone saran wrap their lens and be caught out in public. ***

i just came back from the kitchen...
aw really?

(takes saran wrap off gear)

A sock! I sometimes use tape that does not leave sticky residue.