It's one of the most common questions we receive. And the honest answer is: it depends. But it depends on specific factors, not chance.
Rental lenses
Rental lenses work continuously. They pass from production to production, are handled by different crews, and are exposed to varying conditions — dusty sets, extreme temperatures, repeated mounting and unmounting. For this type of use, a full service every 6 to 12 months is recommended, regardless of the lens's apparent condition.
A rental house that doesn't maintain its lens inventory regularly accumulates invisible problems that always surface at the worst possible moment — during a shoot, in front of a client.
Privately owned lenses — professional use
For a DP or camera operator who uses their own lenses on structured productions, the recommended interval is every 12 to 18 months. If the lenses are used intensively or in demanding conditions — dusty exteriors, humid environments, marine sets — it's better not to exceed 12 months between services.
Privately owned lenses — occasional use
Even rarely used lenses need maintenance. Lubricants degrade over time regardless of use, and lenses stored in improper conditions can develop fungus. A service every 2 to 3 years is the minimum recommended even for lenses that see little use.
After an impact
Regardless of your regular maintenance schedule, a lens that has suffered an impact should be inspected before being used again. Even a seemingly minor knock can cause internal misalignments that are not visible to the naked eye but will show up during shooting.
After a long period of inactivity
If a lens has been sitting unused for more than a year, a service before putting it back into use is always a good idea. Hardened lubricants, stiff focus rings and accumulated dust are common issues in lenses coming out of storage after a long break.
How to keep track
The simplest method is to note the date of the last service on a label on the lens case, or in a spreadsheet tracking your lens inventory. For rental houses with large inventories, even a basic tracking system allows you to plan services in advance rather than reacting only when something breaks.
Preventive maintenance costs less than a repair. And an emergency repair costs significantly more than a scheduled one.
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