Dew on Camera Lens

[phobos27]

I was just wondering if there is anyway to deal with dew on a camera lens. When i am trying to do star trails or take photos of meteors I often have to wipe the lens because it fogs up.

If anyone has any ideas on how to combat this problem it would be much appreciated!

[leon]

Nick depends on where you are i guess, if at home i used to just use a 6-8 inch fan and just blow the air across the front of the lens, not directly into it.

Also a dew heater strap setup will also do the trick, other than that if you are out in the field, it can be a problem unless you can bring some power to the field.

Leon

[killswitch]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=108120

[MrB]

If you don't want to lug power around, you can use the chemical hand warmers sold at camping stores for only a dollar or two each.
These are little cloth pouches with a powder in them, you open the plastic packaging, munch the cloth pouch up for a bit to mix the chemicals and get the exothermic reaction started then place it over the lens. They work a little better if you can insulate the exposed parts(ie, not touching the lens body)
These work for an hour or so and kept me out of trouble in the early days before I got dew straps.

[skysurfer]

Much simpler: wrap a newspaper around the lens and let the front part be at least 10cm in front of the lens. Paper absorbs moisture and works very well. Put the fold of the paper on the front side to prevent that a page sags in front of the lens blocking the light path.

[Dealy]

What a great idea! :thumbsup:

[phobos27]

Thanks for all the good ideas!

Skysurfer, your idea looks good. Next time I am out i will try that!

[killswitch]

I've never tried the newspaper trick but I don't think it won't work with wide angle lenses. You can't have anything past the hood, otherwise it will be in the photo.

[astro_nutt]

Try a stubbie holder with the bottom end cut out over the lens or an umbrella above the camera.
Cheers!