Lens Cleaning

[DenZ]

Hey everyone,
Just got back from shooting the Lunar New Year celebrations in New York's Chinatown and I noticed some gunk on the BACK of my 50mm f/1.4 (something must have splashed in while I was swapping between my 24-105). I'm a newbie at this lens-cleaning business, so is there any special technique I need to apply when cleaning the rear element of my lens?

And am I doing anything wrong when I find myself creating large smudges on my lens with the lens cleaner + lens wipe combo?

thanks

[august23]

I did that when I first cleaned my camera. Smudges usually mean your using too much solution.

[DenZ]

Thanks August! now that I think about it I do apply a lot of solution... When it starts smudging, I somehow think I'm not using enough and apply more. How much solution do you use?

And does anyone know how to clean the rear element of a lens?

[august23]

I just put a drop right in the center. Granted I have only cleaned the thing 3 times, and all 3 times it wasn't needed (I'm paranoid). My 10-22, 17-55, and 35L ALL shine and sparkle.