Choosing Camera Lens Cases

Protect your DSLR lenses with lens cases. Designed to safeguard camera lenses from dust, dirt, moisture, and accidental damage, camera lens cases are essential accessories, especially when traveling. Additionally, they're ideal for storing lenses securely so they come to no harm.

Types of Camera Lens Cases

A camera lens case is a hard or soft bag designed to protect a camera lens when it isn't on the camera. The most common types are sturdy zoom lens cases intended for long and bulky lenses. Alternatively, padded cases perform much the same function, but are lighter and take up less space. Small types, made from soft cloth or synthetic materials, are useful to separate and cushion small lenses kept in photography bags and cases.

The protection offered by each type varies, with rigid ones sheltering lenses against impact and the weather, while padded and soft fold-over pouches protect lenses against minor impacts and scratches.

Neoprene Lens Pouch Covers

Neoprene lens covers, also known as skins, protect lenses while in use. These neoprene sleeves fit specific lenses and go on tightly over the bodies, covering everything apart from essential controls. Skins keep dirt and moisture out while protecting lenses from bumps, knocks, and scratches during use. They're ideal for large telephoto lenses, such as those used for sports and game photography, and these covers are available to fit fixed and zoom telephoto lenses. Most lens skins and bumpers come in either black or camouflage colors.

Replacement Focus and Zoom Rings

With extended use, the rubber focus and zoom collar bands on lenses soften, stretch, or tear, making the lenses unusable. Replacement lens bands made from silicon rubber or similar stretchable elastomers replace worn bands and restore full functionality. When fitted over existing collar bands, the raised profile helps photographers distinguish between focus and zoom collars to ease manual focusing and zooming. Some bands slide forward and lock the lens collar to maintain correct focus or prevent zoom creep when the lens is pointed upward or downward. Different color bands help photographers distinguish one lens from another.

Selecting Lens Cases

When choosing a lens case or lens pouch, there are several considerations, including whether you want a hard or soft one, and the degree of protection required. It's crucial the lens fits snugly without being too difficult to remove. If you have a lens hood, make allowance for its greater diameter. Generally, you can remove and reverse the hood over the lens. In addition, decide if you need a pocket for lens auxiliaries, filters, and cleaning cloths. Finally, check if the case has a handle, shoulder strap, or belt clip for your preferred transportation method.

Whether you need camera lens bags, skins, or just collars, find the ideal items among B&H Photo & Video's comprehensive selection of new and used lens pouches and cases.