How to Protect a Nikon 12-24mm From Scratches
- 1). Before you even install the Nikon 12-24mm lens on your camera, attach a 1A Ultra Violet Light Filter to the front of the lens. This filter serves two purposes: it reduces the amount of ultra-violet light that enters the camera, and acts as a shield preventing foreign objects from coming in contact with the lens.
- 2). Use a lens cap whenever you are not shooting a picture or if the camera is in the camera bag or in storage. While the 1A filter offers protection, it is still constructed of glass and can break if struck hard enough. A lens cap offers another level of protection.
- 3). Install a lens hood. They are designed to prevent light from entering the lens from the side of the front element, causing flare and other aberrations. Lens hoods also provide a little extra protection as their design extends forward from the front of the lens, creating a tunnel that objects would have to go down to strike the front of the lens.
- 4). Clean your Nikon 12-24mm lens regularly, using only a microfiber cloth and lens specific cleaning solution to remove dirt that cannot be removed by an air brush. Dust and debris will naturally collect on the front of the lens. Regular cleaning and care will help prevent small scratches from occurring. First clean your lens using a compressed air canister or a small manual air brush. This should remove most of the dust. Only use the microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution if dirt has smeared on the front of the lens or filter. Use extreme care, applying just a small amount of solution to the microfiber cloth, then gently cleaning the lens using a circular motion.