How do you clean you lens ?

[Raj]

I can see spots on my one lens front glass & accidentally touched my other lens leaving finger prints on front :( (though its on protector, I was thinking I had lens cap on )
How do I clean them ? blower/some liquid solution ... ?

FYI, I change lenses in field a lot, so also need some advice on cleaning/managing back elements. Is this something you do yourself on regular basis or ask service centre once in a while ?

Thanks

[Sicily1918]

Generally I use 500-800 grit sandpaper and hydrofloric acid :mrgreen:

Actually, I try to use the blower on the rear element before I pop the lens in to get rid of [future] sensor dust. For light smudges I use a lens pen, and for the rest I ordered CopperHill's lens cleaner, as it's safe for multi-coated optics.

[tim]

I use a variety of methods. Microfibre cloths are my first attempt, I also have lens fluid/lens tissue, and a lens pen. The lens pen is one of my favorites, it's effective, cheap, and quick.

[Raj]

Generally I use 500-800 grit sandpaper and hydrofloric acid :mrgreen:

.

Oops, I know why this didnt worked with me, I was using hydrochloric acid :p

[Raj]

Thanks Sicily & Tim,

I will get a lens pen for now. Will also check some blower when I go to store.

[JaertX]

Spit and my T-Shirt

Saliva contains a lipolase protein that has non-reflective qualities, equal to Sigma's coating on the backs of their DG lenses.

[tim]

I have a blower built into my head, it works just fine on the front element of a lens.

[Raj]

Thanks. Very helpful :p

[021411]

I use a blower first and then wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth.

[ron chappel]

Lens coatings are far tougher than most think.
I have tried a multitude of different techniques and now realise that most methods work pretty well.Use the best materials/fluids when you can but in the field don't be afraid to use a clean t-shirt/hankie/tissue or whatever

The important thing to remember is that whatever you use it must be **CLEAN**

[Steve Parr]

I usually spit on it and then use the cuff of my shirt to wipe it off. Gotta' watch those buttons, though.

In all seriousness, my brother works for Noritsu, purveyors of fine one-hour photo machines. He gave me a cloth made by (I think) Kanebo. It's a (and I'm getting this off the package) Belleseime Hitecloth.

Now, I don't know what all that means, but this thing really works wonders...

Steve

[Andy_T]

I breathe on the lens and then use a microfiber cloth.
You should not rub it before breathing/blowing, because if there is sand/dust on the lens, it might scratch the surface when you start rubbing.

Best regards,
Andy

[ed2day]

What do you guys recommend for a lens pen? I had a Sima brand and the "contact" material fell off after a few uses.

[Raj]

I purchased both yesterday - a kenko lens cleaning kit including microfibre cloth, lens tissue, cleaning fluid & blowing brush, plus a lens pen (some Japanese brand).

Will try them this weekend

[the.digital.guy]

Microfibre cloths !!!
They are Great!!

[ddelallata]

another vote for MicroFiber cloth. This is begining to look like a Camaro and Trans Am forum that where I'm a post whore, where everyone is using microfiber to detail their cars.

[ron chappel]

I love/hate microfibre cloths :)
They are great but if you get the slightest smudge of stuff on them you have to wash it again or it WILL spread it all over your lens.
In other words they are ideal for small jobs/a quick clean but a waste of time if you have to clean something serious.lens tissues are best for bigger/greasier jobs.

Honestly i don't think i've ever used a lenspen.I don't really understand how they can work for long because the tip would son get grimey

[Raj]

Ron, I dont know of other brands but the lens pen I purchased yesterday came with some 20 or so disposable cleaning tips, so it should be no problem if one wants to use lens pens.

[Dante King]

So I'm not supposed to put htem in the dishwasher? Man when I put in the rinse agent, they just sparkle. Of course I would no ttry this with a non-L weather sealed lens. :rolleyes: :lol: :D :p

[Raj]

So I'm not supposed to put htem in the dishwasher? Man when I put in the rinse agent, they just sparkle. Of course I would no ttry this with a non-L weather sealed lens. :rolleyes: :lol: :D :p

If you want to avoid purchasing expensive lens cleaning kits, then purchase L lenses. You can use household rinse to clean them & save money ;)