Focus Ring Lock "The Lens Girdle"

One of the biggest pains in the rears we have as Nightscape photographers is focus. I recommend focusing during the daytime then locking the focus ring in some manner. Tape is the most common, yet in the summer heat it leaves a sticky yucky mess on your lens when you remove it. Here’s an idea I had that that actually works:

MAKE SURE YOUR AUTOFOCUS IS TURNED OFF ON BOTH THE CAMERA AND THE LENS!

Supplies

Old Bicycle intertube

Step 1: Cut Intertube

1. Cut a 1” section of a 26” x 2.5 to 3” bicycle inner tube. Any wheel diameter will work as long as the width is 2.5” to 3”.

Step 2: Locate Focus Ring Joint

Locate the joint between the focus ring and the main body of your lens.

Step 3: Install Intertube Section

Stretch the intertube around the lens body and center on the break between the focus ring and the body.

Step 4: Conclusion

You can now still focus without removing the piece of intertube, yet the ring will not be easily bumped out of focus.

WARNING!!

DO NOT STEAL THE INTER TUBE OUT OF YOUR KIDS BICYCLE TIRE! THAT COULD BE VERY HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH!