Gaffering adds an additional layer of thin cloth tape on the surface of your camera equipment.ptan55 said:
The basic purpose is for protection. I gaffered my 70-200 VR so the beautiful paint on the metal body won't be scratched off if my darling lens every happen to meet any sharp item or surface during shooting and handling. It's ideal for plastic lens hood too which can be easily scratched.
It also gives you better grip, the cloth surface have more friction compare to the original surface of the lens / body.
White gaffered lens absorbs lesser heat from the sun when shooting outdoor, so the effect on the lens glasses due to temperature rise will be minimised. (That's if, you can't get a white lens at the first place.
)A camouflage gaffered lens is less observable in the forest and it's almost a must for all nature lovers.
With your equipments well gaffered, it gains higher resale value too. There will be no residue or sticky thingy left on the lens upon removal of the tape.