PSA: Canon Users, You Can Lock Your Super Telephoto Lenses!

I recently noticed a comment from a prominent sports photographer that many of his colleagues were unaware that you could lock many of the Canon super telephoto lenses. All Canon’s longer telephoto lenses produced since 2010 have a small slot for a Kensington-type security lock hidden in the knob that loosens the tripod collar. The feature was first introduced with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II and the 400mm f/2.8 L IS II in 2010 but has subsequently appeared on all other EF super-telephoto lenses and now, all RF super-telephoto lenses like the RF 400mm f/2.8, RF 600mm f/4, RF 100-300mm f/2.8 and RF 200-500mm f/4.

Locking Your Lens in Media Centers and Public Places

Kensington locks are most often used to lock laptops, but having a lock for your super-telephoto lens is a great idea because some of these lenses are worth more than the cost of a car! I’ve been in many media centers where lenses like this are strewn all over the place, and sadly I also know at least two people who have had significant amounts of camera equipment stolen at major sporting events. Considering that a Kensington lock can be purchased for under $30, it seems like a no-brainer to add one of these to your photo kit if you use these lenses.

Many photographers are using rolling camera bags from Think Tank Photo, which have lockable zippers and cable locks on the bags themselves. This is a viable alternative, but even then, given the low cost of a Kensington cable, and the high cost of the lens, I think it’s a good idea to keep one in your kit just in case you need to secure it temporarily when you’re away from your bag. Imagine shooting in a relatively public space when you have your camera to your eye but a second camera on the floor with a super-telephoto lens on it. With the Kensington lock, you can quickly cable that lens to your backpack, a guard rail, or even yourself, warning you if someone tries to sneak your precious kit away while your back is turned.

I prefer the Kensington Combination Lock (model K64673AM) because I don’t have to carry a key around with me. If I was locking something at home, forgetting the key wouldn’t be such an issue, but imagine if you locked your lens in a more public place and then realized you don’t have the key! I think it’s worth the extra $8 or so to spring for the combination lock version.

Locking Your Lens in a Car

I don’t like to do it, but sometimes it’s necessary to leave camera gear in a car. If I put the lens in the back of the car on the floor, I can easily lock the cable around the seat’s mounting point. Of course, a cable lock like this doesn’t prevent a determined thief with time and the right tools, but most thefts from vehicles are more opportunistic smash-and-grab jobs, so it might save you a massive headache for a very small cost.