Protecting the lens

[zhxie]

I'm planning on getting some shots at the beach this summer and I've read a little about filters and the cleaning that comes with shooting at the beach…

So, what's the best way to protect my camera and lens? Should I get a UV filter? What about in other conditions (I can't think of any particularly harmful conditions but you might be able to)? I'm still VERY new to DSLRs and any help would be much appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

Salt spray, even if you dont see it, can destroy the coatings on lenses. Blowing sand, as well, as hard to see, but will literally sandblast the lens.

A good UV filter will help protect the lens, and I'd recommend having one for that shoot.

[JF808]

you should always have at least a UV filter on your lens

[Aegea]

I don't normally keep filters on my lenses, but for the beach I definitely would put one on.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by JF808

you should always have at least a UV filter on your lens

There are two sides to this argument. I wont start it up again, but blanket statements like that are misleading.

[sk66]

I don't keep filters on my lenses, but I'd use one for the beach.....Also, avoid changing lenses in the open as much as possible.

[inkista]

Avoid touching anything other than your camera and camera bag. Once you get sand on your hands, you're going to get sand in your gear. .