10 Genius Ways to Make Your Camera Gear Last Forever

Learn five things you can do in the field and five things you can do at home to protect your gear.

Prefer to watch this tutorial in video format? 😏

Introduction

In this tutorial, I’m going to be talking about how to care for your gear. Specifically, I’m going to cover 10 tips that you can use to maximize the longevity of your equipment. And yes, I realize this is a fairly boring topic. But it can literally save you thousands and thousands of dollars in the long run- so unless money isn’t a concern, pay attention! 

We’ll start with five things you can do in the field to keep your gear safe, and finish up with five things you can do at home. Let’s dive in.

In the Field

1. Invest in a Camera Bag and/or Camera Strap

A camera bag is different from a normal backpack. That is something I didn’t fully understand when I first started photography… I thought you could just throw your camera into any bag. Turns out, dedicated camera bags have padded separators that keep your lenses and gear safe. They also tend to have more cushion on the outside, which helps protect your gear if you drop the bag.

Many camera bags are also weather-sealed. Some even have zippers designed to keep out moisture, and they often come with a rain fly you can use to cover the entire bag if it’s pouring out. Another great feature of camera bags is the tripod holder, which is a bit like a water bottle holder in that you can secure your tripod on the side of the bag. Massively useful.

As for camera straps, I personally don’t use them much, as they get in the way when I have my camera on a tripod. But if you’re going on a light shoot with just a camera and a lens, a leather strap over your shoulder can be handy. It helps to keep your hands free if you’re climbing, and is useful for portrait shoots.

This photo was taken at Griffith Park in California. During this shoot, my camera bag broke, forcing me to carry several expensive lens by hand almost a mile and half down a hill. It was here I learned the importance of having a high-quality bag.

2. Use a Rain Cover

A rain cover is actually different from the rain fly for your bag. A rain cover is designed to fit over your camera body and lens. If it starts pouring, you can slip one over your camera to protect it from water. Most have a cinch or clip that seals around the lens to make sure it’s not moving around.

However I will warn you- they’re a bit of a hassle since you’ll have to look through the clear rain cover to see your screen. But at the end of the day, it’s better than coming home with a water-damaged camera. 

Many high-end cameras are weather-sealed so it’s not totally necessary, but I still like to use one in extremely heavy rain or snow just to be safe. They’re inexpensive and can be found at pretty much any camera store. In a pinch, you could even outfit a plastic grocery bag to cover your camera.

This photo was taken at Falls Creek Falls in Oregon, when it was absolutely pouring out. Having a rain cover came in handy.

3. Bring a Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is essential for wiping water droplets and dust off your lens. Unlike a regular towel, microfiber absorbs moisture and removes debris without smudging or smearing it around.

This is especially useful near waterfalls or in misty environments, where you may need to clean your lens frequently. Avoid using your shirt or jeans, as they can damage the lens coating.

4. Use a Lens Hood and/or Cover

A lens hood is a circular clamp that attaches around the end of your lens. It helps shield your lens from blowing rain, wind, and sun flares. Sun flares won’t damage your gear, but they can add unnecessary flare to shots and are notoriously difficult to fix in post-production. Keeping the hood on can save you a lot of editing headaches, and protect the lens in light rainfall.

This photo was taken at Palmer Park in Colorado. As you can see, it features a nasty sun flare. Luckily, it fits into the over-exposed vibe of the photo, but in many cases, it can look out of place.

5. Add Tripod Weights and/or Spikes

If your tripod has a center hook, you can hang your backpack or a weight to stabilize it in windy conditions. This is crucial if you’re doing self-portraits or long exposures where the camera is left unattended, especially if it’s around rocks or hard surfaces.

(Although one time I dropped my Sony a7rIII camera down a cement staircase, and it still worked- so who knows.)

Tripod spikes are also helpful for soft ground, sand, or shallow water. They clip to the bottom corners of your tripod, and dig into the surface to keep your tripod steady. This is essential for sharp, long-exposure shots. 

Keep in mind they are not an end-all solution for shoots on the beach though- sand that’s moving with the tide can become destabilized very quickly. I always like to keep my hands close to the tripod, ready to catch it if it falls.

This photo was taken the the Ghost Forest of Oregon. With the waves rushing in at such ferocity, having a tripod spikes helped to stabilize the camera significantly.

At Home

Now let’s cover five things you can do at home to keep your gear in top shape for the long term.

1. Use a Sensor Dust Blower

A sensor dust blower is essentially a small turkey baster that pushes out air when you squeeze it. You can use it to clean your camera sensor, AKA the delicate area between your camera body and the lens. This place gets dirty quickly, especially if you’re changing lenses in windy environments.

Make sure you buy one meant for cameras, because they usually have a small replaceable filter that ensures no particles get pushed into the sensor. Don’t get an actual turkey baster.

Whenever I change lenses in the field, I try to do it quickly and in a protected environment to avoid letting dust in. You can easily notice dust particles if you set your camera aperture high, like f/16 or f/22, and aim it at the sky. Never touch the sensor directly, as doing so can permanently damage it.

If the blower doesn’t remove the dust, take your camera to a camera shop for a professional sensor cleaning. They can use specialized tools and techniques to clean it safely and thoroughly. I usually do this once a year, as it’s fairly cheap and worth the small time investment.

This photo was taken at Goblin Valley in Utah. It was an extremely dusty shoot, and I had to use a sensor blower directly after.

2. Clean your Tripod and Camera Body

If you shoot in environments with saltwater or sand, rinse your tripod with fresh water after your session to prevent corrosion. Saltwater can easily degrade the metals and plastics over time, and sand can make your tripod hard to close.

When washing your camera body, gently wipe it with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid getting moisture near the buttons or openings.

3. Clean your Lenses and Filters

Even if you’re diligent about using microfiber cloths in the field, water spots and residue can build up over time. Use a proper lens cleaner to keep your lenses and filters (ND filters, polarizers, etc.) shiny and clean. This is particularly important if you’re filming video, where removing spots in post-production is much more difficult. 

4. Store your Gear Properly

In general, it’s a good practice to store your gear in a dry, cool place. I usually keep my gear in my camera bag, and I have a few silica gel packets inside to prevent moisture buildup. 

This isn’t too important in dry environments, but in humid landscapes.

This photo was taken at Playa El Tunco in El Salvador. It was easily one of the most hot and humid days of my life.

5. Get Gear Insurance

And now, the most important tip: protect your equipment with insurance. Accidents can and will happen- whether it’s dropping your camera, theft, or crashing your drone. Even if you think you’re the most cautious person in the world, when the light’s hitting just right, your gear’s safety is the last thing on your mind.

I personally use State Farm’s Personal Articles Policy. I insure about $15,000 worth of gear, and it costs around $25 - $30 per month. I’m not endorsed by them, but I’ve had good experiences with their service in the past when gear has broken. 

Conclusion

That’s everything you can do to care for your camera gear both in the field and at home. My personal philosophy is to take some risks with your equipment, don’t be overly cautious to the point of missing great shots. It’s all about finding that perfect balance. 

Let’s jump to the next tutorial where I start getting into the basics of Image Quality.