Camera lenses are precision instruments. Like camera bodies, they'll perform best and yield better images when they're handled correctly and properly maintained.

Always protect your lenses against dust and other elements by keeping both ends capped when not in use. A UV filter is a great way to protect your lens when the cap is off. Buy one to fit every lens you have. If you don't store your lenses in a zipped and padded camera bag, put them in lens cases to protect them from shock and dust.

Always check your lenses before shooting to make sure they're clean and clear of dust and lint. If they're not, here's how you can clean them:

• Get a lens cleaning kit with the following: a blower brush or another type of soft brush, lens cloth (preferably not eyeglass-lens tissues, which can scratch the surfaces), and lens cleaner.

• Use the brush to clear dust or other particles away from the lens. Some manufacturers say you can use compressed air, but it's possible to blow dirt and dust into the lens with it if you're not careful.

• Place a drop or two of cleaning fluid on the tissue or cloth and wipe the lens gently. Microfiber cleaning cloths are great for this, as they're soft and lint-free when cared for correctly. Turn the cloth frequently to make sure you're using a clean part of it every time you wipe. Use more of a lifting than a wiping action; the idea is to clear the lens of particles and fingerprints, not to rub them in.

• Use another lens cleaning cloth to do a final wipe of the lens, again using only clean areas of the cloth for each wiping motion. Use a cotton swab to blot any cleaning fluid that may have worked its way into the edges of the lens.

Don't use lens cleaning cloths for anything but cleaning lenses — doing so might pick up debris that could scratch your camera lens. When they get dirty, wash them with liquid soap or detergent and hang them up to dry so they don't pick up dryer lint. Never use other things — shirttails, napkins — to wipe your lenses; this is the easiest way to damage them.