$2.99 Lens Covering

[popeshawnpaul]

Us Canon shooters have big white lenses for those of us that have sold our first born and bought an expensive telephoto lens.  However, the white lenses have a few issues.  Sure they stand out, but that's not always a good thing.  If you are shooting in a park or public area lots of people come up and talk to you.  I love to talk but sometimes I want to be a bit more inconspicuous.  For example, I walked through Cabelas with my lens the other day and had 3 employees following me around trying out the lens and talking.  I was in a hurry to drive Wyoming and didn't have much time.  Not to get too much off topic, but white lenses attract a lot of attention. 

They also attract a lot of attention with animals.  Sheep tend to not like lenses.  They think it's a big eyeball staring at them and they either get annoyed or they turn the other way.  The white is also flashy out there and very visible when you are trying to be a bit more inconspicuous.An additional problem is you can't get into pro sports facilities with them as they deem you are a pro if you have a white lens.  A black lens is a consumer lens to security so you are ok.  I know, it's ridiculous.

So back to the topic.  People have thought that there should be a way to cover your lens.  Not only might it be less conspicuous, but it would help to protect your lens.  A popular way to accomplish this is with a product called lenscoat.  These neoprene pieces slip on your lens and protect it.  However, there are problems with this.  They slip around and they are terribly expensive for a couple strips of neoprene.  My idea was to use bike tire rubber to accomplish my goal.  My goal was to protect the lens and give it a rubber surface to grip better like a Hogue grip we use on rifles.  I started to cut a $2.99 bike tire up and foud that you need to cut twice as much as you think, then when stretched over the lens it will cover the areas you want.  You want it very tight so it won't move.  I think I accomplished my goal.  I did not cover the tripod mount or the lens hood as both are replaceable.  If they get scratches it's not the end of the world.  I may end up covering them as well as soon as I figure out how to do it without glueing.

This is my 70-200 f2.8 L IS lens that I covered and it turned out much better than I ever thought it would.  The red arrows point to where I put the black rubber.  If someone is interested in having me do this to their lens let me know.

[Elkman]

Funny you should bring this up.
I was thinking about the coat for my new toy that just showed up today
And me being the builder/sewer that I am started looking around and found neoprene by sheet size 51" x 83", in different thicknesses, 1.5 mm, 2 mm through 7 mm. Bunch of colors and even camo. One side is laminated Nylon jersey, and the other side is a textured rubber skin.
I'm thinking I am going to get a sheet and make one for my 200-400 and maybe do some custom orders.
I tell ya I would sell them for a hell of a lot less the the $100 I see them for out there.
I mean all you have to do is cut the strip you need, then sew on some Velcro tabs the width of the pieces you need so the over lap snug enough to allow them to stay on and focus with them.
What do ya think?

[KillBilly]

They make shrink sleeve in large diameters that would be excellent for that application.

[popeshawnpaul]

Both are great ideas guys.  I have also heard from another guy that Cabelas has elbow high neoprene gloves you can cut the hand off and fashion on your lens.  I like the rubber idea and the neoprene idea.  Both have their benefits.  If going rubber, you can get bigger diameter rubber tires at the motorcycle store.  They had 3.5 and 4.5" at my local store, plus other sizes.  Might want to look into the neoprene glove idea before getting too far into your project elkman.  Sounds like a good cheap alternative. 

[Elkman]

I like the glove idea, may look at them next time im there.
but hell, the sheet is only $41! and just think of all the extra's I can make with a sheet that size.

Oh, and by the way, IT just showed up. 

[popeshawnpaul]

That is a sexy piece of machinery.  I know it takes great photos with it so no excuses now...  Just a bit of advise.  Don't drop it out of your car.  Apparently it bends easily and repairs are next to impossible because you can't get parts.  Did you have to sell your kidney or first born?  I'm saving up for my last lens, a 400mm f4 that weighs in at 4lbs.  God I love this lens. 

[Elkman]

 
Sold my '95 Eddie Bauer Bronco with only 73k miles one her. Sold her to one of my best friends in L.A., his has over 270k and wanted another.
Said I would never sell her, but times change. Hell, I only put 32k on her in the last 11 years.
Decide I would rather have something I would use more and possibly make some money with.

By the way, My D3 is showing up tomorrow 

Ah...yea. calling the ins. guy tomorrow to get a rider on the new gear.

[Head-shot]

Holy crap guys, them are BIG lenses, can you see into the future with them?