Heeding advice: camera lens

 

  

A few years ago I was climbing Mt. Whitney in California with a group of friends. It's a long and strenuous climb, and I must have been pretty fatigued as I approached the summit because I somehow dropped my camera - a large DSLR with a heavy lens - on some rocks. I usually take safeguards to prevent that from happening, such as a strap around my neck. I don't recall the circumstances that caused me to drop the camera, but the lenscap was off since I had just taken a photo. I will never forget the horrible feeling as I heard the sound of metal and glass smashing against the unforgiving granite.
The lens on this camera was a favorite and, as is sometimes the case, cost more than the camera itself. I picked it up with dread, and my worst fears were quickly confirmed as I turned the lens towards me to see the horrible cracks in the glass.
But the agony quickly turned to relief as I realized that it was not the lens that was cracked. It was an inexpensive add-on UV filter of clear protective glass that I had attached to the front of the lens after reading a recommendation from another photographer, to be prepared for exactly such an incident. WHEW! My expensive zoom lens was undamaged, and after removing the filter, I was able to continue taking photos of the spectacular scenery from the summit.
Isn't it wonderful when you receive some advice, act on it, and it quickly proves to be valid and wise? I certainly felt to #GiveThanks on this occasion. And it was a reminder that I should always be open to advice, even seeking advice, from others who may have more experience than I do, or just have different experience than I do! There is so much we can learn from one another if we're willing to be "teachable."



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