Dealing with Fungus in Camera Lenses. Early in my Costa Rica photography career, I discovered tiny spots forming inside one of my lenses after a few weeks shooting in the rainforest. At first, I thought it was just dust, but it quickly became clear that the humid climate had created lens fungus. This was alarming, as fungus can permanently damage lenses if not handled correctly.

In my experience, humidity, darkness, and still air are the perfect breeding grounds for fungus. I began storing my lenses in dry cabinets, keeping silica gel packs in camera bags, and avoiding storing equipment in damp or enclosed spaces. These simple steps drastically reduced the risk of fungus forming again.

My advice? Prevention is far more effective than trying to remove fungus after it appears. Based on my research and years of Costa Rica photography, regularly checking your gear, using dry storage solutions, and keeping lenses ventilated are critical practices. Doing photography in Costa Rica is as much about protecting your equipment as it is about capturing breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.