Wondering how to remove camera lens protector without damaging your lens? Well, this article explains that in a very simple and professional way, so that you can do it the right way.
Camera lenses have evolved to be resilient and capable over the years, but let’s face it, they are still quite fragile pieces of equipment, especially their front lens area. To protect them, people use a lens protector, also called a screen protector or lens filter. These are made from a thin layer of glass or optical resin and function to protect your lens’s actual glass layer.
This sounds nice, but once this protector needs to be replaced when there are visible signs of cracks or due to common problems of dust or haze trapped between the lens and filter. When this happens, many people search for how to remove the camera lens protector at that time. Well, it’s not that simple, and newbies, when doing so, can seriously damage the outer layer of glass.
To do this professionally, you will need a microfiber cloth, a plastic spudger or rubber lens wrench, a lens blower or soft brush, and isopropyl alcohol. This is how to remove camera lens protector without damaging your hardware.
Removing Camera Lens Protector: Step by Step
1. First, take a high-quality microfiber cloth and wipe off dust and dirt from the protector’s surface using this cloth. This wiping will prevent further debris from scratching the lens during this removal process.
2. Now gently insert a plastic pry tool (you can also use a guitar pick) under one corner of the lens protector. If you feel that the protector is firmly stuck, then you have to make it soft.
3. To do that, use a hairdryer on a low or medium heat setting while holding the dryer about 6-8 inches away and move it in a circular motion for 10-30 seconds. This will gently warm the adhesive of this protector, leading to softening of the glue. Avoid using any kind of metal tools during this step, as they can permanently scratch the lens.
3. Once you can lift the corner, then use your fingers to peel the lens protector, making sure to do this steadily and slowly. Too much force or sudden twisting motions can easily damage the lens, so be careful with this step.
4. If you are using screw-on filters, then start by unscrewing counterclockwise. To do that, you can use a rubber jar opener or a lens wrench if it’s stuck with gentle force.
5. When the lens is removed, look for any adhesive residue and clean it with isopropyl solution. Once done, use a fresh cloth afterward to clean the lens.
We recommend always doing this process in a place that is dust-free, as removing such a lens filter and replacing it with a new one in a dusty space will catch dust particles between the lens filter and the lens itself. Moreover, using a lens hood and lens cap will increase the life of these lens filters/protectors.
Having protection on your camera lens is great, but the real question here is, what if you don’t need a protector at all? In that case, the SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens becomes relevant with its robustly built design to withstand external elements. Designed with performance in mind without breaking the bank, this lens features a stunning f/1.4 aperture for dreamy bokeh and a lightning-fast and accurate autofocus system.
You also get full-frame coverage and an ultra-premium optical coating with HRI, or High Refractive Index, glass surface, along with another layer of nano AR, or Anti-Reflection. Alongside these optical-grade coatings, the lens also features weather-sealed housing, which adds robustness to this lens.
All of this helps your lens to resist glare and smudges, bypassing any need for protection filters for your lens. Before we conclude how to remove the camera lens protector, it is also worth mentioning that the safe removal of lens protectors not only protects your gear but also ensures that you are shooting crystal-clear optical results.
