Reddit mentions: The best camera lens caps

Hi /u/Katherine911 - apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I'll try to answer your questions one at a time:

> Recommendations regarding rig? Comfort is preferable

I would start with an [inexpensive cage] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SmallRig-1773-Professional-Blackmagic-Cinema-Cage/dp/B01JGDENAE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) and [pistol grip] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-HR-DV-Remote-Handle-Pistol/dp/B00MRNP2LA//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) plus the [one little remote lite] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0778KLTKT/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) controller to make the camera easier to control.

I use this same pistol grip with my BMPCC. It is simple, straightforward and light-weight.

> Monitor...I think I don't need anything like Focus or VA.

I agree - but you don't want a no-name brand with a Sony battery plate either. I recommend the [£266.74 Ikan VL35 monitor] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ikan-Monitor-Canon-LP-E6-Battery/dp/B01M9C8HYE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21). The VL35 comes with the same battery plate as your camera - and it is a compact 3.5" - a perfect size for the BMMCC.

> I am going to spend the next few days learning either Davinci Resolve or Premiere Pro. From what I have read resolve is better for grading and allows for metadata with BM camera...your thoughts?

I use Resolve a) because it is free and b) because it is the best color grading NLE on the market.

> Audio...know nothing about this...Rode/lavs/Zooms/Tascam...which ones? I would prefer to use the in built jack if it doesn't cause hissing or its fans aren't noisy. If I have to go with external systems, I would prefer something compact and inexpensive.

For what you're doing, I recommend an [inexpensive preamp] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/saramonic-smartrig-AUDIO-MIXER-Channel-Black/dp/B0716NNXF4//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of an external recorder - plus a [dual UHF lav] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters-Interviews/dp/B072FPKQ6K//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) to mic your talent wirelessly.

Dual system sound and synchronizing your audio in the edit is probably more trouble than it's worth.

> Lenses...I have got several good Nikon lenses for my stills that I plan to use with a metabones speed booster. But still am interested in what lenses you have found to be best with this camera? Also are there any cheaper alternatives to metabones speed booster? The Nikon lens I have used a lot in the last 6 months is 50mm F1.8, interested if anyone has used it with BM cameras?

You'll need wide lenses because of the camera's 2.88x crop. A Speed Booster helps, but the [Metabones Nikon to micro 4/3 0.58x] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabones-Nikon-BMPCC-Speed-Booster/dp/B00HZYNGNM//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) is very dear. If you want to stick with your Nikkors, I recommend the [£74.99 Viltrox Nikon to micro 4/3 0.71x focal reducer/adapter] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viltrox-NF-M43X-Adapter-Reducer-Aperture/dp/B0773G4SRC//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of the Metabones - combined with your widest Nikon glass.

> Also what are your hacks for making it work in low light outside when you are kinda challenged because of its low light performance.

I use a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 on my Blackmagic camera in low light and it works a treat. Your Nikon 50mm f/1.8 will work even better with a focal reducer/Speed Booster

> anything I am missing?

I can't think of anything - I'll message you if I think of anything else.

Again, hope this is helpful!

You're biggest problem will not be the microphone, but what you're recording your audio onto. I found out really quick that the audio recording of a DSLR, regardless of microphone, is terrible in quality and with plenty of static noise. I use a Tascam DR-05 to record audio, in combination with either a RODE VideoMic or a lavalier (there are some really cheap ones that do an ok job for low budget productions). The Tascam DR-05 also has a pretty good mic built in , so you could probably start with just that. Remember to record the audio with your Tascam (or recorder) AND with your camera, so that you can easily sync them in post. Always remember to record a minute of silence in the room BEFORE filming so that you can have a room tone (or world tone, if outdoors) sample that can be for adding a more natural ambient sound for portions you may silence in the video.

I would also recommend you pick up:

a three point lighting kit for indoor shooting (like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Lighting-Hairlight-Softbox-9004SB2/dp/B0047FHOWG/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1450430338&sr=1-4&keywords=three+point+lighting+kit),

a variable ND filter for outdoor shooting (like this one: http://www.amazon.com/58mm-Variable-NDX-Fader-Filter/dp/B00QVOQWM4/ref=sr_1_7?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1450430377&sr=1-7&keywords=variable+ND+filter)

a reflector, for bouncing off light outdoors... (like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1450430475&sr=1-1&keywords=reflector)

Extra batteries of course.

You'll find these tools useful for getting higher quality audio and picture, there are lots and lots of tutorials on YouTube that will help you learn very quickly how to use your equipment. On a final note, I don't think the Rebel SL1 was a good choice of camera. If I had to pick a Rebel camera for video, and was limited in buget, I would have gone for a Rebel T4i or T5i, in combination with magic lantern. Another important thing to remember, is make sure your SD is AT LEAST class 10 (I recommend Sandisk Extreme pro 95/mbps 32 or 64gb), and NEVER use a mini sd card with an adapter (I've had bad experiences with this).

Best of luck to you, and happy filming!

Hi /u/ss08x - and welcome to the world of video! Thank you for the detailed question - it really helps to know your experience level, what you want the camera for and about how much you want to spend.

In your situation, I would get the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera as your "B" cam for video. As a serious photographer, I think you'll appreciate the benefit of shooting in RAW. As of this post, they are [on sale for $695] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CWLSHUK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CWLSHUK&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), just $195 more than this summer's sale price.

With the [$489 Nikon G to BMPCC Speed Booster] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZYNGNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HZYNGNM&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), you will have a formidable little camera that is compatible with your existing lenses.

If you want to learn the language of cinema, this is the best camera you can buy in this price range. It is the least expensive interchangeable lens camera you can buy that records to RAW or 10-bit ProRes with 13+ stops of dynamic range - straight out of the box. Shooting in RAW or ProRes and grading color to your taste is a little more like serious photography than the pre-cooked color from an 8-bit camera. And the BMPCC sets the shutter in degrees rather than fractions of a second (as a cinema camera does).

It is also small enough to use for POV shots.

Here's a piece on Rodney Charters, ASC, using the BMPCC as a POV cam (and B cam for the $40K Arri Alexa) on the set of the TNT show [Dallas] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BF99F8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008BF99F8&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). Please note [this picture] (https://library.creativecow.net/articles/kaufman_debra/Behind-the-Lens-Rodney-Charters/assets/IMG_4379-Version2.jpg) of actress Julie Gonzalo as Pamela Rebecca Ewing and the use of the [$25.87 Panavise 809 sucker kit] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=361042237837&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg) attaching the camera to the limo.

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative:

http://vimeo.com/89563847

http://vimeo.com/94798326

http://vimeo.com/101576471

Documentary

http://vimeo.com/83284391

Music Video:

http://vimeo.com/88103618

Travel/Low Light:

http://vimeo.com/79531723

There are lots more examples in the [Pocket Cinema Camera group] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera) I moderate over on Vimeo.

Although it has a steeper learning curve than a consumer camera, this is absolutely the best filmmakers' camera below $1000.

Good luck with your decision and with your new camera(s)!

The Panny 12-35 f2.8 is by far my most used lens, and it compliments your friend's 35-100 f2.8 nicely.

I also have the Panasonic 25mm f1.4 which is a great lens - there's no OIS, which is a downside for a lot of people but if you have a steady hand or a tripod you're ok. I use this a lot on weddings. You could by the 25mm f1.7 for sightly less.

The next lense I'll be buying is the Voightlander 10.5mm f0.95 - it's pricey but a fast wide lens is something I've been looking for for awhile on the m43 system. Voightlander has a variety of f0.95 prime lenses compatable with your sytem - I think a 25, 35, 50 and 80mm IIRC. Had I not alreaday had those focal lengths covered I may have picked one of those up too.

for only $80ish bucks this 9mm BLC (body lens cap) fisheye lens is awesome. Lot of people overlooking it. It's locked at f7 but that's not an issue since I am ususally shooting with it during the day or timelapsing with it in low light with a slowshutter (great for wedding or even timelapses - like this one of mine). I keep it on my camera instead of normal lens caps.

Similar I'd recommend looking into some older lenses and using an adapter. To cover my longer focal lengths I use an older Zeis 50mm f1.4 prime from my analog photography days - it's effectly 110mm with the crop factor.

For extremely cheap ($10-$50 bucks on ebay) you can buy c mount tv lenses. Almost all are f1.4 and have a real milky dream like look to them. They can be cool - check this video out for an example HERE. 16mm lenses can be converted aswell but they'll be way more money.


All my suggestions by the first two are fully manual lenses. That's not everyone's thing sometimes FYI, but I feel like those people are more from the photography side of things. I basically shoot the same stuff you do from the sounds of it - concerts, music vids, commercial stuff, weddings. etc.

Definitely what /u/bradtank44 said. From his website, it looks like he knows what he's doing, and we photographers and videographers tend to think in specifics, so there isn't really a good way to get him something short of asking him directly, and that's no fun. A gift card is always nice for things like this; it says that you know his hobby well enough to not overstep your knowledge and get him something he already has/doesn't need/isn't compatible with his gear. Get him a lens cup and put the card inside it. That could be a nice and more creative way to give the gift.

My fiancé buys me neat (and cheap!) camera gear every year for christmas, so far I've gotten:

• Gary Fong Puffer $18.99 (a flash diffuser)
  
• Targus Battery Grip $25.98 (this is somewhat camera specific)
  
• Hot shoe spirit level $5 (this is cheap as hell and really cool!)
  
• Canon Monopod $34.95 (I have the Monopod 100 but it's no longer available. These are great for when a tripod is too bulky and sturdy enough to use as a light walking stick)
  
• Dolica Tripod $39.99 (Great prosumer tripod, not a pro tripod though)
  
• Lens cap keeper $1.91 (sticks to any lens cap and then attaches to the lens body to stop the lens cap from falling off)
  
  All of these things are pretty awesome for me, a serious hobbyist with a Nikon D5000 DSLR.
  
  Having said that, what I want for Christmas is:
  
  
• 52mm Neutral Density Filters ($31.99) and 62mm Neutral Density Filters ($42.99), these are the same set for both my lenses, they let you do longer exposures under brighter light conditions. I want them for a shoot in early December though so will probably buy them before that myself ;)
  
• A gradiated ND filter ($11.99), for the same reasons as above but only for one half of the exposure, with a gradient transition
  
• Panoramic Image tripod head ($16.95) for creating seamless panoramas
  
  Hopefully this helps!

I think you'll enjoy it. The photos aren't as high quality as DJI's other drones, but they are good enough. People have complained about DJI's updates---but on the other hand it is awesome that they are supporting and even adding features to the drone, such as spherical panoramas.

It is portable and sturdy. I go trailrunning with mine, carrying it in a running pack. With a gimbal protector (like this https://www.amazon.com/Accessories-Gimbal-Protector-Protective-Accessory/dp/B073QN434F , but buy it on eBay for $2) it is completely secure.

I have the Samyang/Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye and the Olympus 9mm f/8.0 Lens Cap Fisheye.

The Rokinon is overall good but has some minor QA issues. There's some play on the focus ring around the infinity mark. It's generally not a big deal but means you have to be careful to keep the ring lined up and can't rely on simply turning it till you hit the stop.

The Olympus Lens Cap is awesome for the price but the picture quality is fine. You won't be using it for any serious work but it's perfect for fun.

Best bang for the buck nighttime lens: https://m.ebay.com/itm/7artisans-7-5mm-f-2-8-manual-Fisheye-lens-for-Sony-E-mount-NEX-A6000-A6500-A5100/152672018126.
$140 7.5mm fisheye f/2.8

$50 travel tripod https://www.ebay.com/itm/ZOMEI-Portable-Professional-Aluminium-Tripod-Ball-Head-Travel-for-DSLR-Camera-US/322823998142

Get the a6000 used; my used one is still good after 3 years. The kit lens is nice to have.

Free time lapse app https://sony-pmca.appspot.com/plugin/app/com.jonasjuffinger.timelapse

Smooth reflections app is worth it https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/usbdetail.php?eid=IS9104-NPIA09014_00-000011

Buy at least 3 extra batteries since your going in the cold; a grip might be handy https://www.ebay.com/itm/Neewer-Infrared-Remote-Control-Battery-Grip-for-SONY-a6000-a6300-SLR-Cameras/192239573105

Dew heater is key for keeping moisture off the lens at night https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MR2J4NK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qzvEAbGT6C9MC also recommend getting a rain sleeve for the a6000.

If you have the budget the Rokinon 12/2 is a really good lens

Most folks keep a lens attached to their camera 99% of the time, including when it's in the bag. Whether you were using the bag to carry the camera around or just to store it, you'd normally just leave a lens on it.

That camera bag, and almost every other dedicated camera bag, have reconfigurable dividers. You can see the velcro tabs on the ends of the dividers that let you rip them out and place them back in wherever to fit your camera+lens combo. You can lay the camera+lens combo flat on the bottom, on it's side, or lens-down so the LCD is at the top.

Nevertheless, it's nice to have a body cap in case you need to send the camera in for repairs or something. You can buy one at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-BC-2-Thirds-Digital-Cameras/dp/B002CVTA5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484108169&sr=8-1&keywords=olympus+body+cap

A final bit of advice: dedicated camera bag companies tend to make much better camera bags then camera manufacturers, even at similar price points. There's no need to match a camera brand with camera bag brand. You might want to do some research into a better bag from a company like Lowepro, Thinktank, Peak Design, etc.

I can't speak to that one but I use this guy on my 14mm when I do time-lapse and it's kept me dew free for about 6 months now. It's a fair bit cheaper and functions just as well as my Kendrick straps in that I end up dew free at the end of the night with both.

The Nikon logo is a trademark. A 3rd party cap carrying the Nikon logo is going to be a counterfit product instead of a knock-off. Amazon isn't big on selling illegal goods. If you place an order for the LC-52 lens with the Nikon logo, it comes from Amazon, and it isn't an OEM cap, contact Amazon and they will take care of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510252192&sr=8-2&keywords=LC+52

That one looks legit to me. I'd certainly feel comfortable buying it.

That is very true, I'll add that now xD Thank you, here I want to try something new.

Polar pro case
Fits 2 extra and slimmer than the original case

Controller joystick guard
You can probably find a cheaper one.

Gimbal guard Extra protection while in the bag.

Phone Hood

Power Bank

This is my set up if I'm going outdoor. They don't take up that much space so. You can fit it in any size of backpack you want.

Hydration backack
The quality is ok for the price. I dont use the bladder when I have my spark inside.

It pops off with a little bit of twisting.


$17

Lens Replacement for GoPro HERO7 Black, Protective Glass Cover Case Digital Camera Accessories Kits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LCBDJ5T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Xm6KDbW1JGCXC

I’ve never broken it but the peace of mind it offers is huge.

I use these for my hero 4. I don't have a session and have never taken one apart. The amazon kit appears to have the lens, a replacement gasket, and metal perimeter. I was looking for something similar for the session. I imagine something could be 3d-printed to absorb some impact with minimal light reflection so it maintains clarity.

make sure to buy the right lense

if it's less than a year old I'd say just warranty repair it, otherwise, you can attempt a replacement fairly easily with a better lense most of the time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHtanRrOYng

edit: I'd suggest this: http://www.amazon.com/Angle-Replaceable-Camera-Suptig-Gopro/dp/B00EFLCEN6/ref=sr_1_42?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418075430&sr=1-42&keywords=hero+3+lense

Any 49mm lens cap should fit. eBay for original ones or

Phot-R 49mm Centre Pinch Lens Cap with Safety Cord, Protective Snap-On Cover for Canon, Nikon & Sony DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Lenses https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IYJJRTO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a.CXDb1Y3TBQJ

I have a GH3 and recently acquired an E-P5. I must say that the Olympus IBIS is very effective, and the GX85 IBIS is supposed to be almost as good - Panasonic is catching up! As you said the GX7 is known to have limited IBIS (you're inputting the focal length right?). I considered it a luxury before, but now it's an essential to me. Moving forward, M43 IBIS will only get better/more ubiquitous.

I too have the 12-32mm and I consider this auto lens cap an essential accessory: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JPVQMDE

If you have a filter attached, it won't wear down the lens as you use it. Just don't take it on and off as you might pull off the lens ring lol.

If you want wide AND cheap, look no further:
https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Fisheye-BCL-0980-Micro-Cameras/dp/B00I19TVU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479103361&sr=8-1&keywords=olympus+body+cap+lens

The amazing Olympus 9mm F8 bodycap lens! ~85$ gets you a nice fish-eye that doubles as a bodycap. Two for one!

The optical quality isn't great but it DOES work and that's the important thing. They're fun lenses to shoot on. I've got both the 15mm and the 9mm and it's incredible how tiny they are.

Nice list.. I have the Kuuqa gimbal protector. Excellent piece. DJI should have included this like they did with the Mavic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073R9PXRX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1SOKzbB61MQ5F

I'm a cat person :)

Lens cap $3.88 + free shipping

Razzle Dazzle

This looks awesome!
EDIT: Just bought through amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TFAHYS2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AYD2N2785NNMV

I loose and break things a lot, so

1. I use (this)[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NHZSHK/ref=oss_product]to keep my lens caps attached. The problem I had with this was that the cap would bounce around and I was afraid it would hit the lens, so I put velcro on half the lens cap and on the left side of the camera so that the lens cap can be velcroed to the side. This keeps the cap well out of the way, and keeps it from getting lost.
   
   
2. I don't usually rely on warranties, but I got a pretty good deal on the warranty ($200 for the camera and lens for 5 years), which covers replacing the camera exactly once. I don't know whether I'll come out ahead or not, but if I use my camera for 5 years, I'm betting yes.
   
   
3. As others have said, have a camera bag for travelling among cities, but during the day, try and just take the camera -- choose a lens a day and shoot with that. (seeing panoramas? take the 14 mm lens. Seeing art? take the walk around or portrait lens. At the wedding, go with the portrait lens). When you are taking a thousand photos a week, you have time to experiment and loose some shots. You will not get every shot regardless, either because you left the right lens in the hotel room, or its in your camera bag, or you are busy switching lenses. You could get a second camera, but that's overkill.

Anyone have any experience with the Olympus Bodycap lenses. I'm considering getting one to bring to a music festival during the summer to make my camera a bit more compact.

There's also a 9mm option. They look decent. Especially for the price.

They use to come with it free? Well shoot, sony is sounding better and better. I had to pay for my nikon remote, it was only 12$ brand new tho, hardly a break deal.

Not sure how the sony remotes are, but my Nikon remote is about the size of a small pack of gun, I've lost is so many times; I decided to take a lense cap leash like this and attach it to my remote. Now I can have my remote dangling from my wrist when I shoot, never loose it now :)

The original, full title is "LC-52 Snap-on Front Lens Cap 52mm" - you should be able to find one in almost every camera store or you could order it from Amazon - maybe it'll make it in time: https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7

Lenscap keeper, for example You get a better price ordering several (shipping can be where they get you).

> Olympus 9mm body cap lens

I like how the Amazon page for that item describes it as a body cap first, a lens second.

Amazon UK have got the Olympus 9mm bodycap fisheye for £64.99 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HWRHBUQ

No problem.

I found these camera gaurd

Olympus 9mm f8.0 Fisheye Body Cap Lens BCL-0980

I believe that's a 52 mm cap
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7/ref=pd_sim_421_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41o5v1xN2ML&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR143%2C160_&refRID=0AAV3YFRXFJA3F91BZA3

I use a couple of Sony ActionCams, not a GoPro but I don't use any kind of case over the camera. Most people I see using GoPros don't either. Action cameras in generally are remarkably resilient even without an outer case. I've crashed quads holding my Sony action cameras many, many times and the camera has never suffered from it.

It is theoretically possible for you to have a crash that damages the front element of the camera lens, but if this happens 1) the front element of a camera lens can take a lot more damage than people assume without it impacting image quality very much and 2) you can replace the lens for fairly cheap.

If you do want to be extra super careful but not deal with a full-sized outer case, I know they make protective lens covers for the GoPro that only cover the lens, like this: http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Camera-Protective-Lens-GoPro/dp/B00NQQZ4H4

(I am not endorsing that particular cover, never used it, used only as an example).

Pre Ordered the polar pros and they never delivered due to some issues, the new ones have two little legs in the back that makes me nervous though, if they snap off in the gimbal.....

I did find this useful though:

https://www.amazon.com/Accessories-Gimbal-Protector-Protective-Accessory/dp/B073QN434F/ref=sr_1_9?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&sr=1-9&keywords=dji+spark+accessories

Olympus M.Zuiko 9mm F8.0 Fisheye Body Cap Lens BCL-0980 for Micro Four Thirds Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I19TVU2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p5YPDbX42APZ8

It’s not fast at all, but decent with enough sunlight or a tripod, IQ not that great, BUT, it’s only 87 bucks and you can probably find it cheaper on eBay.

They also have special bags for this kind of thing. But holy crap found this on amazon. (Bet this gets caught in the spam filter)

https://www.amazon.com/COOWOO-Warmer-Heater-Universal-Telescopes/dp/B01MR2J4NK