How much does heat affect a lens?

1 month 3 weeks ago - 1 month 3 weeks ago #761910 by Conner
Hey everyone,

I'm reaching out to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum. I've recently been pondering over how heat impacts our camera lenses. Living in an area where the temperatures can soar (not right now though), I'm curious about the potential effects prolonged exposure to heat might have on lens performance, seals and longevity.

Does heat affect the optical quality, perhaps warping or affecting the alignment of the elements within? How about the lens coating - does it degrade faster in hotter conditions? And let's not forget the mechanics, like autofocus performance and the smoothness of the zoom/focus rings. Are these components at risk of being compromised by high temperatures?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who's had firsthand experience with this issue. Have you noticed any changes in your lens performance after exposure to high temperatures? Or maybe you've taken preventative measures to protect your gear during heatwaves?

Any insights, anecdotes, or advice on how to mitigate heat-related issues with lenses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!Cheers!


Photo Comments
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1 month 3 weeks ago #761926 by Shadowfixer1
Heat is not good for photographic gear of any kind. With that being said, the only issue I have had is years ago 
I had a lens that would overexpose my film if the lens was stopped down. I finally figured out that lube inside the lens had melted and gotten on the aperture blades. When stopped down, the blades would react in slow motion when the camera was fired. More electronics in lenses now could mean trouble from heat, but they are usually pretty robust.  
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1 month 2 weeks ago #761959 by TCav
Heat is why long lenses are white instead of black.

In direct sunlight, the side of a long lens with a dark colored barrel will expand more than the side in shade, thus warping the barrel and causing the optical elements to be out of alignment. Light colored barrels don't suffer from this.

Aside from the melting of the lubricant used on the diaphragm blades, as mentioned by @ Shadowfixer1 , I know of no other problem, but I do caution you to keep your lenses out of your oven.


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1 month 2 weeks ago #761987 by Ben Vanderbilt

Shadowfixer1 wrote: Heat is not good for photographic gear of any kind. With that being said, the only issue I have had is years ago 
I had a lens that would overexpose my film if the lens was stopped down. I finally figured out that lube inside the lens had melted and gotten on the aperture blades. When stopped down, the blades would react in slow motion when the camera was fired. More electronics in lenses now could mean trouble from heat, but they are usually pretty robust.  


Lube that the manufacture put there or was this something you added?  If you added, will this when it doesn't melt extend the life of the lens and improved performance?


Photo Comments
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1 month 2 weeks ago #761994 by TCav

Ben Vanderbilt wrote: Lube that the manufacture put there or was this something you added?


OEM Lube. This is something that can happen to any lens if it's allowed to get too warm.


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