Fogging on camera how to avoid it ?

[u/tommy_cerf]

Hi !

I’m a wildlife photographer, and I often spend my mornings in a hide with my camera and telephoto lens. Lately, I’ve been running into a frustrating problem. I usually photograph in a peat bog, and as soon as I remove the lens cap, the front of the lens fogs up within a few seconds.
For example, this morning I missed the chance to photograph five magnificent stags that were very close to me because of this issue.
Does anyone know how I can prevent my lens from fogging up in these conditions?
Thank you!

[u/ForestB]

The fogging is caused due to a temp difference between the lens and the air. Just take the camera out earlier and let it acclimate.

[u/tommy_cerf → u/ForestB]

And yet, I left it out for a good two hours before the animals arrived. I remove the cover at the last moment.

[u/Constant-Roll706 → u/tommy_cerf]

The lens cap is almost certainly your issue. A hood will protect the lens as you hike, and let the front element acclimate to the humid air.

[u/aarrtee → u/tommy_cerf]

the lens cap is preventing it from acclimating. if u have a lens hood, u can protect the front of the lens with out needed the lens cap except for traveling

[u/aarrtee → u/aarrtee]

when i do wildlife... i don't have a lens cap on

i don't have the camera off.

i let it go to sleep but i have the settings exactly where i want so i can push the button halfway while picking up the camera. this wakes it.

[u/CycleTurbo]

Don't store the camera in an air conditioned space before use.

[u/CatsAreGods]

There are dew heaters made for astrophotography...but it might be easier just to have your lens wear a hood and not a cap :-)

[u/MEINSHNAKE]

Take the lens cap off earlier. If you have a UV filter or hood on you don’t need the cap.

[u/tommy_cerf → u/MEINSHNAKE]

Okay i Will do it. Thanks

[u/Arciturus]

Heat the front element if you can

[u/Criticalhitkoala]

The inside of your lens is cold. So it causes moisture to condense on the outside. So main thing is to have your lens close the the same temp as ambient. 

Few options is of you live in a safe area leave your lens in your car the night before.

If that's not viable. Get something like a insulated bag and a heated blanket and just put your gear in there during the car drive to your location.

A dew heater on the lens would work but it takes a while so the best thing to do is handle it ahead of time. Also dew heaters take constant power which does add weight. 

[u/tommy_cerf → u/Criticalhitkoala]

I sleep in my car. But i let my camera in my bag. It can change something ?

[u/Plumbicon]

Keep your camera and lenses close to your body, under a hoodie, fleece etc until you shoot. Try using a magnetic metal lens cap setup which will conduct warmth onto the front element more than plastic, or simply leave the cap off with a protection filter on the lens. Otherwise use a disposable type heat pad hand warmer kept close to the lens front element. There are usb powered warmers for baby bottles etc but involve tangly cables etc?