Water is a mortal enemy to your lens. The electronic circuits and motors inside most of today's lenses can be destroyed by water. Also, Most lenses actually have several elements, or other lenses, inside them. If water gets on these internal lenses and drys it leaves water spots that you cannot clean yourself. To protect your lens from water damage there are several things to remember.
- If shooting in the rain, use a rain hood.
- When moving between temperature extremes, carry your lens (and camera) in a camera bag before changing temperatures to help prevent condensation inside the lens. Once moved to the new temperature, slowly introduce the new air into the bag.
- Be careful to avoid dropping your lens (and camera) into water.
If your camera lens does get water inside of it follow these steps.
- Turn the lens so that the lens mount is down to help water drain from the lens.
- Wrap the lens in a very absorbent towel.
- Take the lens to the nearest professional repair shop immediately.
