A cinema lens is a precision instrument that can be worth tens of thousands of euros. Shipping it without proper packaging means leaving it to chance. With a few simple precautions, the risk of damage during transport drops to nearly zero.
Before you pack
Make sure both the front and rear lens caps are properly fitted. If the lens has its original hard case, use it as the base for the outer packaging. If you don't have the original case, find a sturdy cardboard box with generous dimensions — at least 10 cm of free space on all sides around the lens.
What you'll need
- Large-bubble wrap — for the main wrapping layer
- Foam padding or packing paper — to fill empty space inside the box
- Strong packing tape — not standard office tape
- Double-wall cardboard box — more resistant than single-wall
How to pack the lens
Wrap the lens in at least three layers of bubble wrap, making sure the mount surface and both lens caps are well protected. Place the lens at the centre of the box and fill all empty spaces with foam padding or compressed packing paper — the lens should not move even a millimetre inside the box. Seal the box with multiple layers of packing tape, reinforcing all edges and corners.
What to write on the box
Mark "FRAGILE" clearly on all sides of the box. Add an arrow indicating which side is up to prevent the box from being flipped during transit. Inside the box, include a sheet with your contact details, the lens model, and a brief description of the problem or service required — this speeds up the assessment once the lens arrives at the workshop.
Shipping insurance
Always declare the real value of the lens when booking the shipment and activate parcel insurance. The cost is minimal compared to the value of the instrument. Keep the tracking number and receipt until you receive confirmation that the lens has arrived safely.
What to avoid
Do not use loose polystyrene beads — they shift during transit and leave the lens unprotected. Do not reuse damaged boxes or boxes that have already been used multiple times. Never ship a lens without both caps fitted.
International shipping to Italy
If you are shipping from outside Italy, make sure to fill in the customs declaration correctly. Declare the lens as "optical instrument for repair — returning to owner" and indicate its real value. Incorrect customs declarations can cause significant delays at Italian customs.
A shipment done properly is already half the job. If you are unsure about how to pack a particular lens, or have questions about shipping to our workshop in Rome, get in touch before you ship — we will guide you through it.
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