Changing the lens of a digital SLR camera

One of the advantages of SLR type digital cameras is the ability to use a variety of different lenses. Changing the lenses of your DSLR is not complicated. However, there are good and bad ways to do this. Here are some things to consider when changing goals.

Most lenses and digital SLR-type cameras use a bayonet mount called the F-mount. Before attempting to mount or disassemble a lens, make sure the camera is turned off. To mount a lens, align the points of the lens mount index and the camera body, insert the lens base into the mount, and then turn the lens to the left until that it locks. To remove it, simply press the shutter button on the body and turn the lens a quarter turn clockwise.

Lens mounting sequence

Whenever you change the lens of an SLR, dust may get inside the camera. This dust can settle on the low-pass filter placed directly in front of the image sensor and leave black or gray spots or dots on your photos. To prevent this from happening, you should keep the exposure from inside the camera body as low as possible when changing lenses. This means that the lens you want to mount on the camera must be ready before you remove the lens in place. You must ensure that the camera is turned off before changing the lens, as the image sensor generates a static electric charge that can attract dust. If you are using a VR (vibration reduction) lens, you also need to put the VR switch on the lens barrel in off mode. Then protect your camera by sheltering yourself from wind, rain or dust that may enter it.

When handling a lens, grasp the lens barrel and avoid touching the front and rear elements so as not to leave fingerprints. Make a habit of always using the front and rear lens caps to further protect the lens components. Practice changing goals at home to do it quickly and easily.

One of the biggest advantages of interchangeable-lens reflex-type cameras is that users can choose from a wider selection of lenses. Maintaining the same basic lens mount structure over a longer period of time means a larger and steadily growing range of compatible lenses. For this reason, the lens mount is an extremely important and symbiotic element for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, as they can benefit from the continued use of their carefully selected collection of lenses.