When I was designing my camera bag, I looked at a lot of padded dividers padded camera lens cases and ways to arrange the things inside the bag. But as I am still fairly new to the wonderful world of DSLR and I couldn’t make up my mind about how I wanted the inside of the bag to look – I mean, how could I make a decision when I didn’t even know what equipment I was going to want to carry around?
So, I decided these lens cozies were a better solution – they protect my lenses (like my new baby – a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8) without locking me into any specific arrangement inside my bag.
To make them, you’ll need a piece of 1/2 inch foam that is about 13 inches long (more if your lens is extra fat – you should probably measure it to make sure) and a little wider than you lens. You’ll also need a piece of fabric double the width of the lens plus 1 inch and about 17 inches long. And to close it you’ll need some velcro (not the adhesive kind – that stuff is evil to sewing!)
Sandwich the foam inside the fabric, with about 1 inch of overhang on one short side and three inches on the other short side of the foam. . Fold the long raw edges of the fabric under towards each other, pin in place, and topstitch them shut. Repeat this on the short edge that has the 1 inch overhang.
Wrap the cozy around your lens to decide where to put the other square of velcro, and stitch it in place. You’re done!
This picture is of my 50mm lens, the baby one. Trust me, the cozy doesn’t overlap as much around my Tamron, which is a much fatter lens.
Ruby Jean
Oh I love this… I have two lenses and soon counting… 🙂 What a fantastic idea and I am so glad you shared it at http://shoprubyjean.com/2011/12/sew-crafty-tuesday-linky-party1/
Catherine @ Cat on a Limb
Thanks for the idea for a Christmas present for myself! My scrap of bubble wrap is definitely not cutting it. 🙂
Andrea
This is a spectacular find for someone who loves photography and is always trying to figure out how to keep her cameras and lenses safe! Thanks for sharing.
cameronhomemade
What a great idea for all my camera toting friend – thanks!
Kristen
Hi, its Kristen from make the best of everything. Thank you for your help on the Madeline hat. I would like to share one of your projects with my facebook fans ( a whopping 60 people). Please e-mail me and let me know which project you would like me to share! Kristengreazel at gmail thanks!
Amanda Joy
I need to make one of these. I am pinning it now. I have the same problem of committing when I don’t know what equipment I will need.
Hoping over from Whipperberry
Amanda Joy
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2011/12/photography-how-to-create-heart-shaped.html
Amy
Oooh, I love this. Pinning! I totally need these for my lenses. Wonder if you could do something similar for the SB-700 speedlight too… Would you share here?
http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/12/shine-on-fridays-6-and-some-fabulous.html
Jen
This is a great idea! I’d be thrilled if you popped by and shared this at the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com Feel free to link up a few of your favorite projects! ~Jen
Rosemary@villabarnes
What a great idea. Pretty too.
Katie
Fabulous idea! Cute too. I so need to make this!!!!
–Katie
http://www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com
Creatively Living
Trowell Family
I’m a photographer, and I like this idea. However, I’m more concerned about protecting the glass of the lens, providing extra protection on top of the lens. I think when I make mine I’ll make it so it goes around the lens from the glass to glass. I currently use diapers to protect my lenses… this will look a little more pro!
Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer
Since I’ve started blogging I am getting more and more into photography. I purchased your typical boring lens cover. This is so lovely, and will make opening my case so much nicer inside. Please post this over at Sunday’s Best going on now.
charlene carmeans
This is a great ideal…I have 2 cameras and
multiple lenses and instead of carrying a large camera bag to hold all the accessories, I often carry a small bag that holds my other camera, flashes and lens that won’t fit into my backpack case. This will work great to protect my loose lenses…thanks for sharing.
Amy
Great idea! I’m saving this to my to-do list. 🙂
Jennifer Juniper
I’m getting my first “real” camera with lenses this year for Christmas so I’ll have to make some of these!
Amy @ TheMombot.com
Great idea, thanks for the tip!
Kara at Petals to Picots
This is such a smart idea to keep lenses safe! I would love for you to add it to my Best of 2011 link party, as well as any other projects you are most proud of from this year. Visit http://www.petalstopicots.com.
~Kara 🙂
MYPINKRAINBOW
brilliant idea now my camera n lenses will be safe
Mariae
I was so happy to find this tutorial – I’ve been wrapping my camera lenses in old t shirts – not the best solution. This tutorial was SO fun and easy, even for me a beginner. Thank you for sharing!