Richard Nye wrote:
I got lens coats on my super-teles (300 and 500) for protection only. I think it's a stretch to think wildlife can't see a lens with camo on it.
So do I.
Incidentally, there is a new product on the market which would surely pretty up your lens : LENSSKINS.
Even B&H carries it now in a very ample palette of colours and patterns.
Richard Nye wrote:
I got lens coats on my super-teles (300 and 500) for protection only. I think it's a stretch to think wildlife can't see a lens with camo on it.
One sure way to spook wildlife is to have the sun reflect off your lens and the wildlife catch this reflection. Lens coat will reduce this chance.
I use LensCoat digital camo on my 500/4L IS for both camoflage and protection. I use it on my 200/1.8L and 300/2.8L IS for protection. All three of these lenses are heavy enough to scratch themselves if you put them down on something rough or edgy.
I use them on the super teles to protect the finish, walking through brush and resting them on rocks can ding the paint, so lenscoat helps to protect it, and also when it is very cold makes it easier to hold the barrel.
I bought one years ago because I was convinced to do so by pros. Then after a while I realized the lenscoats were not for me and did not buy any for later lenses.
chez wrote:
One sure way to spook wildlife is to have the sun reflect off your lens and the wildlife catch this reflection. Lens coat will reduce this chance.
One sure way to spook wildlife is to have the sun reflect off your lens and the wildlife catch this reflection.
I call BS. Wildlife KNOWS you're there. Sequined jumpsuit or full camo down to your cell phone case, your lens
could be white/black/pink whatever...they see you. Believe it. Lenscoats can help protect the finish. Period.
trenchmonkey wrote:
I call BS. Wildlife KNOWS you're there. Sequined jumpsuit or full camo down to your cell phone case, your lens
could be white/black/pink whatever...they see you. Believe it. Lenscoats can help protect the finish. Period.
Yes they know you are there...that is not what I said. It s the glint off the lens, especially a white lens that will spook them. Just like a sudden movement will spook them. Making your lens less noticeable WILL help keep wildlife at ease. Believe it...
trenchmonkey wrote:
I call BS. Wildlife KNOWS you're there. Sequined jumpsuit or full camo down to your cell phone case, your lens
could be white/black/pink whatever...they see you. Believe it. Lenscoats can help protect the finish. Period.
I disagree! If a bow hunter is in a tree stand, and he's not totally camoed up, he'll never get a shot.
I was once in a tree stand in full camo and a hawk landed right next to me within three feet.
I sat there for about five minutes, while that hawk went about his business.
The neoprene is great in the winter, especially without gloves. Just seems easier on the hands.
I like mine especially because it's free. I make it myself.
I have had Hawks land by me within three feet with no Camo on me or my lens. I agree with Will. They know you are there unless you are in a total blind where perhaps a white lens jutting out might make ruin the effect.
In any case, Canon lens bodies are fairly flat and don't have specular reflections. An if you are shooting with the sun to you back, like you should, there shouldn't be much light reflecting off your lens.
kbarrera wrote:
I disagree! If a bow hunter is in a tree stand, and he's not totally camoed up, he'll never get a shot.
I was once in a tree stand in full camo and a hawk landed right next to me within three feet.
I sat there for about five minutes, while that hawk went about his business.
The neoprene is great in the winter, especially without gloves. Just seems easier on the hands.
I like mine especially because it's free. I make it myself.
I was bowhunting for deer without any camo on sitting on a rock at the edge of a field. A deer came up to within 10 feet of me. It knew something was there, but didn't know what I was and it's curiosity brought it in. I'm not saying camo doesn't help, but if you're just putting camo on the lens and you don't have camo covering your clothing, face, tripod, etc. I really don't think it helps.
By the way, do you put camo on your car too when you have the super-tele mounted on the door?
Camo truck? Absolutely. Actually, I don't bow hunt anymore and I only own one camo sweatshirt. the thing about LensCoat is, it's just a matter of personal preference. If you believe the LensCoat helps, then by all means, use it. If you think it's a waste of time, then don't. Life is just a matter of choices.
because I sometimes times shoot wildlife from a blind, I firmly believe it's advantage to become hidden. Having a deer get that close to someone who is not camoed is extremely rare and not the norm.
I think it's a given for anyone who wants to get close to wildlife.
beside that It does look cool. It does help protect the lens, and it definitely feels more comfortable to handle in cold weather. But that's just my opinion.
Like I said different strokes for different folks.
Al
Obviously no ex military personnel here. The first rule of camo is "don't move". No matter what color your lens is, you have a 3-6" piece of shiny glass facing your subject and there is no way to make that disappear. Camo colors and patterns are for people, not for animals.
DGC1 wrote:
Obviously no ex military personnel here. The first rule of camo is "don't move". No matter what color your lens is, you have a 3-6" piece of shiny glass facing your subject and there is no way to make that disappear. Camo colors and patterns are for people, not for animals.
+1. Lens coat for finish protection only. In the past, I have used lens covers in white or occasionally black.
Well TSA must like you when you travel with the "tritium illuminated" flash suppressor spotting scope lens cover.
from the link posted "( The ACOGs are internally-adjustable, compact telescopic sights with tritium illuminated reticle patterns for use in low light or at night"
Tritium is the radioactive isotope of Hydrogen.. Their site description measures up there or down there with the "quantum activated" advertised health foods.
Hope you aren't carrying your flash supressor in your pocket.
)
Lenscoats can help protect the finish. Period.
