Step by step Safety first

Protect your ultra-wide lens from knocks and scrapes

01 Fit a filter

Objects can be much closer than they appear when looking through the viewfinder with an ultra-wide lens fitted. A UV filter screwed to the front of the lens helps to protect the bulbous front element from accidental knocks.

02 Use a hood

The petal-shaped hoods supplied with most ultra-wide zoom lenses not only help to reduce unwanted light entering the lens and causing flares in photos, but also add an extra level of physical protection for the front element.

03 Tripod mounting

Unlike with longer lenses, when you’re using a wide-angle lens it’s best to mount the camera on a tripod so that the lens is between two of the legs. This avoids tripod feet ending up in the shot, but be careful the tripod doesn’t topple over.