A lens cap is a simple way to protect some of the most valuable glass in your camera kit. The right camera lens cover keeps dust, fingerprints and accidental knocks away from exposed elements during storage and transport.
digiDirect stocks front lens caps, rear caps, body caps and cap keepers for a wide range of camera systems. Browse lens accessories for more ways to protect and use your lenses.
Find the Right Type of Lens Cap
Different caps protect different parts of your setup. Start by working out where the cap needs to fit.
Front Lens Caps
Front caps protect the exposed front element. Centre pinch designs can be easier to remove with a lens hood fitted, while side pinch caps release around the outer edge.
Rear Lens Caps
Rear caps protect the back of your camera lenses when detached. They help keep dust and debris away from the rear element and mount.
Body Caps
Body caps cover the camera's lens mount when no lens is attached. They protect the exposed interior during storage and transport.
Metal and Premium Caps
Metal and premium caps provide an alternative to standard plastic designs. They may suit photographers looking for a different finish, feel or construction.
Lens Cap Keepers and Tethers
Cap keepers attach the cap to your gear so it is harder to lose during a shoot. They are handy for travel, events and outdoor photography.
How to Find Your Lens Cap Size
Front lens caps match the filter thread diameter of the lens. This is different from focal length, so do not use the millimetre number in the lens name.
Look for the Ø symbol followed by a number on the lens barrel, front ring or existing cap. Common sizes include:
- 37mm, 40.5mm, 43mm and 46mm
- 49mm, 52mm, 55mm and 58mm
- 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm
A Ø67 marking, for example, means you need a 67mm front cap. The same measurement is used when choosing compatible lens filters. Rear and body caps instead need to match the lens mount.
Match Rear and Body Caps to Your Camera Mount
Rear lenses and body caps are usually mount-specific. Check your camera or lens mount before choosing one.
Common systems include Canon RF and EF, Sony E, Nikon Z and F, Fujifilm X, L-Mount and Micro Four Thirds. Third-party caps can fit equipment from different brands when they share the same mount, but they are not universal.
You can also browse camera system accessories for other camera body components and protective gear.
Keep Your Camera and Lenses Covered
Using caps regularly can help keep dust and handling marks away from your equipment. A few simple habits make a difference.
Keep a rear cap on any lens stored away from the camera. Fit a body cap whenever you store a camera without a lens attached.
Lens hoods and protective filters can add protection while shooting, but a front cap is still useful when your lens is packed away. A cap keeper can also help prevent your camera lens cover from disappearing while you work.
Browse photo accessories for other practical additions to your kit.
FAQs
How do I know what size lens cap I need?
Look for the Ø symbol followed by a number on your lens or existing cap. This is the filter thread diameter in millimetres. A lens marked Ø77 takes a 77mm front cap.
Are lens caps universal across brands?
Front caps can fit different brands when the lenses share the same filter thread diameter. Rear and body caps must match the lens mount. Always check the size or mount before buying.
What is the difference between a front cap, a rear cap and a body cap?
A front cap covers the front lens element. A rear cap protects the back of a detached lens. A body cap covers the camera's lens mount when no lens is fitted.
Do I still need a lens cap if I use a UV filter?
A UV filter can provide some protection while shooting, but a lens cap is still useful during storage and transport. It keeps dust, fingerprints and other objects away from the front of your lens.
Is centre pinch or side pinch better?
Both can protect your lens effectively. Centre pinch caps are often easier to remove when a lens hood is fitted. Side pinch caps work well when the front of the lens is easy to reach.
