What is the lifespan of a lens?
Some lenses last for as little as a single day. Others last for up to two weeks, one month, or a year at a time. In general, hard contact lenses last longer than disposable, soft contacts do. The lifespan of the lenses will depend on the type you opt for.
Do lenses degrade over time?
Suck pollen, smoke, moisture, and dust into a lens and over time that will degrade performance. As a general rule, simple lenses degrade slower than anything else (old MF lenses from the 1950s are not unusual to be in use today).
Do lenses wear out?
They don’t keep their performance over time assuming you use them of course. Lenses are mechanical beings and as such subject to wear out effects and in lens land this is primarily an increasing decentering. MF lenses are generally your best bet.”
How long can a Canon lens last?
Your lens is still in production and there is no indication that it will be discontinued anytime soon. Even when it is discontinued at some point, Canon normally services it for a few more years (often 5 or 6 years, although that can vary – private repair shops may be able to fix it after that).
Is it OK to keep lens on DSLR?
Yes. Keeping your default lens on the camera will reduce the amount of dust getting into the works and is more convenient.
Do lenses lose sharpness over time?
No, a lens will not lose sharpness with age. The optics, glass will not age, however the seals, coatings and glue may.
Should you always use a lens hood?
You should have a lens hood on all the time. Even when you’re inside or at night you could get stray light going over the front of your lens which will reduce the contrast of your image. Another bonus in using a lens hood is that it will protect the front of your lens.
Do camera lenses degrade?
Yes. Other than rather obvious damage, the glass elements will remain the same forever. However: coatings can fade, particularly on the front element.
How long do Nikon lenses last?
Based on the discussion so far and the poll results I’d say that you can reasonably expect lenses to last 10 years, but I wouldn’t count on much more than that. Also, should the electronics and/or the gearing in a D lens die, then you can always use it as a manual focus lens.