DSLR interchangeable lenses, such as macro lenses, tend to be pretty easy to use. You connect the lens, and you use the camera. Simple enough.
However, there are times when lenses don’t work flawlessly. Sometimes the lens just isn't providing the types of image results that you want. Other times, these macro lenses just won't connect properly.
Use these tips to troubleshoot macro DSLR lenses and fix any problems you may be having.
- When attaching the lens to the DSLR camera, be sure to align the guides on both the lens and the camera. Often, the guides are colored dots, but your camera gear could be a little different. If the guides are not properly aligned, the lens will not attach properly.
- To attach the lens, you’ll need to rotate it counterclockwise until it clicks into place. (You’ll hear the click.) If the lens is not easily rotating into place, don’t use excessive force on it, which could damage the threads. Instead, start over and make sure the guides are properly aligned.
- Two parts of a DSLR macro lens that sometimes cause problems are the rubber gasket on the lens mount and the CPU contacts. The rubber gasket, which is just visible at the edge of the backside of the lens, can become damaged or dirty, which will cause a poor seal between the camera and lens, resulting in poor performance. The CPU contacts, which are the small, metal protrusions on the backside of the lens, also can become dirty or greasy, which leaves you with a poor connection and a malfunctioning lens. Do not use harsh solvents to clean any portion of the lens, especially the gasket or CPU contacts. Instead, gently clean them with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Even though a macro lens often is a thin, small lens that doesn’t carry much weight, never pick up the camera by the lens, which could place stress on the threads and potentially damage the lens or camera. Always pick up your DSLR camera by the body, using your other hand to provide support underneath the macro lens.
- Leaving the lens exposed to direct sunlight could cause damage to the plastic parts of the lens. This is a common problem you may find if you leave your camera in your vehicle, where the sun may be shining through the windshield.
- Never point the connected lens directly at the sun, or you could cause the camera to overheat.
- Keep the lens cover on the lens whenever it is not in use, which will help you prevent scratches and smudges on the lens. It can be easy to lose the lens cover, so, if you need a new one, check with the Web site of your camera's manufacturer to purchase a replacement piece. The macro lens will have a lens cap both for the front of the lens and the back of the lens. Use both of them to keep your lens fully protected.
- Make sure that both ends of the lens are clean. A dry microfiber cloth should take care of most smudges. Use an air bulb to make sure no dust is on the lens.
- If you’re having a problem with your macro lens that you just can’t seem to solve, never take the lens apart on your own. Not only will you void any warranty on the lens, but you’ll probably cause more damage than you could ever fix. Instead, use a trustworthy repair center to fix physical problems with your lens.
- Finally, if you just seem to be unable to make your macro lens create the type of photograph that you want, the problem might not reside with the lens. For example, if the lighting is poor when you're trying to shoot a macro photograph, the best macro lens in the work isn't going to help you receive a good photo. In addition, you need to make sure that your macro lens is truly a macro lens with a 1:1 magnification. Just because a lens has "macro" stamped on the side of it, that doesn't make it a true macro lens. If you're having problems with your lens, check its specifications.
