Lens cover

A lens cover or lens cap helps protect camera and camcorder lenses from scratches, moisture, and small bumps. Most cameras and lenses come with a lens cover already attached. Some mobile camera phones, like the Sony Ericsson W800, Sony Ericsson K750, and Sony Ericsson K550, also include lens covers to keep the camera safe.

There are different types of lens covers. One strong type is the metal screw-in lens cap, which cannot fall off by accident. It takes a little longer to remove for taking a picture, but it offers better protection than plastic caps. Another less common type is the friction fit lens cap.

Some lens caps are attached to the camera with a string so they don’t get lost. Certain compact cameras have automatic lens caps that open when the camera is turned on. These usually have plastic parts and don’t protect the camera as well.

Besides lens caps, there are also rear caps and body caps for cameras that change lenses. These help protect the back part of the lens and the camera sensor when it is not in use.

Non-photographic use

Lens caps help protect the outer parts of lenses in tools like binoculars and microscopes. They keep these lenses safe from scratches and dust, just like they do for cameras.