A camera lens cover for digital or film SLR cameras is an important piece of equipment. A good lens is a big investment, and lens covers protect the delicate equipment from dust, dirt and fingerprints. Camera covers can also be used to protect the lens when it is in storage. If stored improperly, a camera lens can easily scratch and that flaw will show up on photographs.

Camera lens covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit many types of of camera lenses. Some lenses also come with their own lens covers to ensure compatibility. Camera lens covers pricing and costs will vary depending on:

1. The type of camera lens it fits.

2. Any additional accessories, including a strap to reduce lost or misplaced covers.

3. The brand of the lens cover.

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Buy a brand name lens cover to ensure a perfect fit

Many professional photographers are loyal to a brand of camera and buy accessories from a particular camera maker to match their equipment. If you go this route, you know your camera lens cover will fit your lens. Brand name lens covers cost $9 to $30, depending on the brand and the size of the lens. If you are certain

I recommend: B&H Photo offers a number of brand name lens covers, including Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Leica. Adorama sells many of the same brand-name lens caps.

Get cheap, generic camera lens covers

If you know what size lens covers you need, you can save some money and buy generic. These are especially easy to find if your lens is not an unusual size. The snap mechanism might wear out a bit more quickly, but generic lens caps still provide essential protection against scratches and dirt.

I recommend: LensCaps.com sells cheap plastic and metal lens caps in a variety of sizes. Its plastic snap-on lens covers go for around $1, while metal lens covers cost as much as $6. If your lens is expensive and you would like something a little sturdier, check out Wolfe's Camera Shop. For under $15, you can find a number of covers that have been manufactured for a precise fit and have a secure locking system.

Consider a camera lens cover protector with a tethered strap

Lens covers for cameras can easily be lost or misplaced after you remove them. Many lens cover suppliers add tethered straps to camera covers to prevent this. The strap attaches to the camera's D-ring. Lens covers with strap can cost $5 to $10, or you can purchase a strap to fit any type of lens cover for under $5.

I recommend: DealExtreme offers an inexpensive lens cover with a tethered strap. BugEye Digital sells a very inexpensive strap that keeps a cover attached to a lens.

Invest in a lens cover that will keep your equipment safe from the elements

There are some lens and camera covers that provide full-body protection from the rain and snow. Made from waterproof materials like nylon or neoprene, these products look like a coat or poncho for your camera gear.

I recommend: Vortex Media sells a number of lens coats that slip over your camera like a poncho. These run anywhere from $40 to $60; the more expensive models have a Velcro opening along the bottom in case you want to put the camera on a tripod or access manual controls. LensCoat.com takes a more tailored approach. Its neoprene lens covers wrap tightly around the body, with plastic windows over essential controls. These covers cost between $80 and $100, depending on the size and make of your lens.

Not all lens covers for digital and film SLR cameras are created equal. A camera lens cover protector is designed with the intention to shield and protect professional cameras and lenses from adverse weather such as wind, rain, salty air and sand; it can be considered a rain coat for cameras and lenses. Camera lens covers are also called caps and attach directly to the lens.

In your search for the proper lens cover for professional camera use, keep the following in mind:

1. Know the brand, model and manufactured year of your camera and camera lens.

2. Be able to identify the type of camera lens you have and know if it is generic and interchangeable, or if it is specific to your type of camera.

3. If you have multiple lenses of the same size, i.e. wide angle, you can't assume one lens cover is interchangeable with each lens.

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Seek the perfect cover for camera lens protection

Without a doubt, the best camera lens cover will be the one direct from the manufacturer of your lens and/or camera since it is designed for that purpose. Your camera and lens may come with a warranty, but don't rely on that for damage caused by not having a camera lens cover.

I recommend: B&H Photo carries lens covers for most major brands, including Canon, Nikon, Leica, Pentax, Olympus, and Samsung. An array of lens covers can be found at J&R. Robin Kanta offers numerous front and rear rubber, snap, metal and other types of lens caps in a variety of sizes.

Save money and shop for discounted lens and camera covers

Lens caps are plastic or metal discs that can clip on to the front of a lens or slip over the back of lens when the lens is removed from the camera. They should never be overly expensive, but finding quality for a discounted price can be preferable when on a tight budget.

I recommend: Camera and lens rain and snow covers can be found at Adorama. Lenscaps.com offers many generic lens covers and cap holders at very reasonable prices.

Seek expert advice on camera lens covers and cases for your specific needs

Network with people with a similar photography interest and find the appropriate covers and cases. Explore online communities which offer you the opportunity to meet people worldwide who have a broad range of experience and who can make recommendations when you have questions. Shop sites that specialize in lens covers and cases for specific and hard-to-find cameras and lenses.

I recommend: Jump into the listings at Pro Camera Gear and find a digital camera lens cover for your specific camera lens. The photography classifieds at Shutterbug.net have equipment listings that include lens covers for cameras.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can find a camera with an automatic lens cover. Digital camera technology offers some cameras with automated lens covers but the offset to the convenience of the technology is the need to handle the camera with care due to the fragility of the automation.
• •  Filters are also camera lens cover protectors and as a bonus they can create special effects for your images.

As a professional, your camera is your livelihood, and protecting your investment comes down to making sure that you have more than adequate camera covers working on your side. Camera lens covers types and styles don't differ tremendously, and overall, they are just there to protect what you have put hundreds, if not thousands (and some of you tens of thousands) of dollars into. They protect the front glass, but they also protect the back of the lens as well.

Some people prefer a snap-on cover for camera lens. Others prefer a screw-on lens. Some people are OK with a generic camera lens cover, while others like purchasing the same brand as their camera. Whatever you choose, stop and invest the pocket change that it costs to buy one (or a few) of these small items. They will help protect your camera both while it is in storage and while it is in transit.

To find out more about camera lens covers types and styles:

1. Buy your camera lens cover protector based on style. Do you prefer screw-on or snap-on?

2. Protect the rear components of you lens with a rear camera lens cover protector.

3. Purchase camera lens covers by brand.

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Look for camera lens covers based on style

Compare snap-on lens caps for speedy installation and removal versus screw on caps for their extra strong design. Snap-on lenses generally come in plastic, while screw-on lenses usually come in metal or a plastic/metal combination.

I recommend: Purchase a plastic snap on model of digital camera lens cover from CameraFilters.com. They also offer metal versions that screw on as well. Take a look at the camera accessories lens covers and hoods from J&R.

Compare front and rear lens camera covers

Protecting the rear elements is just as important as protecting the front of your camera. This will help keep your lenses safe while you are storing them or carrying them in your camera bag.

I recommend: Take a look at the rear lens caps from Penn Camera. These lenses are especially important for anyone who for anyone who has more than one accessory lens and has to swap out lenses on a regular basis. Check out the front snap-on lens from Suntek.

Purchase your cover for camera lens by brand name

Instead of going for a generic lens cover for professional camera, seek for camera lens covers specifically designed for your camera brand. From Canon, to Nikon, to Fuji and more, shop either through your camera's suggested retailers or look at resale locations.

I recommend: Shop at Wolfe's Camera for lens covers for cameras by camera brand type. They sell lenses for Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax K as well as universal screw and rear caps. Look for Canon, Sigma, DLC and Tamron brand lens caps from Canoga Camera.

Whether you are a professional photographer or your business simply uses pictures for everyday operations, it is important to gain an understanding about camera lens covers. Camera lens covers protect the most fragile parts of a camera, and the right lens covers are essential to keep a camera functioning at its best. Learn more about camera lens covers by understanding basic key terms, including automatic, diameter, snap-on, rear lens cap, hood and retaining ring.

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Automatic

Automatic lens covers are an innovation in the camera industry. These covers protect the lens automatically, and they do not have to be removed or installed manually by the photographer.

I recommend: Read more about automatic camera lens covers at Life is Good.

Diameter

The diameter of a camera lens cover is essential for proper fit and function. Camera lens covers can be made to cover specific diameters or a range of diameters. The diameter of the lens cover is the distance from one side of the cover to the other.

I recommend: Educate yourself on diameters of lens covers at S.K. Grimes.

Snap-on

Snap-on camera lens covers are easy to put on and remove from a camera lens. They snap on and off with ease. Many photographers carry multiple snap-on lens covers in case one gets lost. They are inexpensive and easy to use.

I recommend: Learn more about snap-on camera lens covers at M&K Optics.

Rear lens cap

A rear lens cap is used to cover the rear section of an exposed lens. Rear lens caps are just as important as front lens caps. Caps protect the lens and allow the camera to function properly. They are essential for a high quality picture.

I recommend: For more information about rear lens caps visit CameraGear.com.

Hood

A lens hood is a type of camera lens cover. Unlike regular covers, it is used to prevent light from hitting the lens while taking a picture. There are different sized hoods for different cameras and uses.

I recommend: Learn more about camera lens hoods at The-Digital-Picture.com.

Retaining ring

A retaining ring is a piece of hardware that is used with a camera lens cap. It helps the lens cap stay in place to protect the camera lens. There are retaining rings for every type of camera.

I recommend: Rotor Clip offers information about retaining rings and their many uses.