how to store lenses properly?

Hi I was curious if any of you have any good tip as to storing lenses?

I know about the zip lock bag with silica gel inside the bag with the lens..is this any good?

Does anyone know of other ways to store them well.

thanks for your time.

Bevan.n.z

I don't worry too much, I guess. If I've been out in the rain or near water, then I'll let a lens (or anything else) sit on my desk without the caps on it for a day or so to make sure it's really dry. Then I'll put it in a camera bag for storage.

I know other people who use ziploc bags too. The reason I don't use them is because they don't breathe. If I have a little moisture left inside the lens (humid day even), then the plastic bag won't let it out but a camera bag will breathe a little. Silica gel packs are a good idea, but they don't hold much moisture - maybe not enough. Plastic bags will keep dust out better than anything, but I figure a camera bag will be good for that too - and then I won't have to worry about any moisture problems. That's what causes fungus to grow inside lenses. Not pretty, and not repairable...

...to protect your lenses is to simply keep the front and rear caps on any time you're not using them. Other than that, storage is pretty much just common sense.

For most of my career, I kept my SLR lenses (without cases) in my Domke canvas camera bag with a few silica gel packs thrown in. This kept dust as well as moisture out, the canvas being breathable as well as absorbent...

Now I keep my bodies and lenses stored in a couple of quality, waterproof Pelican cases, each piece in its own foam cutout space. Besides the extra peace of mind from the added protection, it also helps me keeps things organized as I then choose what gear to put in my "working" camera bag when I go on a job.

BTW, I also keep these cases in a metal cabinet with a few desiccant canisters to further protect against moisture.

Florida has about as much humidity as any place north or south of the rain forests, and I've never had a fungus problem.

If you're looking for a cheaper and maybe more practical solution to lens storage, both soft and hard individual lens cases are very good protection, and allow you to handle and move your gear around a lot, too.

thanks guys for your replies ..they are much appreciated
I think I was along the right lines by your replies..

cheers
Bevan.n.z