Cleaning L Glass Lenses

[jimchapin468]

OK I got a smudge of water on the front element of my lens and it dried on there. I tried using some lense cleaner with a lense cloth and it leaves smudges on the lens. I ended up using a eye glasses cloth to get the smudges off. They seem very difficult to get off -- Why is that? I was not using a lens filter because I seem to get better pictures without out. Now I am second guessing if I should or not.

What is the best way to clean a lens?

Does very small scratches on a lens cause poorer picture quality?

Jimmy

[SkipD]

You should be using a little lens cleaning fluid. NEVER use just a dry cloth/tissue to clean a lens. If a lens is just dusty, blow off the dust with a squeeze bulb.

I never use a cloth to clean a lens. I always use a new piece of lens tissue (such as the Kodak product), and always with lens cleaning fluid. The reason for never using a cloth is because it could have contaminants (either gritty or oily/greasy) from a previous cleaning or from previous handling/storage. The lens tissue is contained in an envelope that keeps it clean until use.

[jimchapin468]

Skip I used a micro fiber cloth and it was brand new a package, then i throw it away.

[SkipD]

Jim, I would like to stress the idea of using a lens cleaning fluid. It will do several things for you.

First, it will help to dissolve any smudges on the lens and eliminate the need to scrub the lens (which could cause fine scratches).

Second, it lubricates the contact between the tissue/cloth and the lens, further reducing the tendency to cause any scratches.

Third, it helps the tissue/cloth to pick up any particulates quickly. If you use a different portion of the tissue/cloth for each pass, you won't be grinding the particulates into the lens.

[Sean-Mcr]

Sony claim that you don't need Fluid with a micro fiber cloth but i'd take skips advice

[chtgrubbs]

Go to a camera store and get a product called ROR ( Residual Oil Remover) It will remove almost any smudge cleanly and leave no residue if used properly.

[ddelallata]

You guys clean your L lenses? :rolleyes: I just buy new ones every month or so once they get too dusty. J/K

Microfiber, lens tissue, and lens solution works for me. A rocket blower too.

[tim]

I reuse my microfibre cloths, and they work fine. I use a lens pen too.

[rent]

camel hair (?) blower, microfibre cloth + heavy breathing onto the lens work well for me. usually formula mc solution for dirty filters.

always use clean part of whatever you use to wipe your lens, and never use that part more than once.

-alex

[Pekka]

I just use a microfibre cloth. I take care not to do any heavy breathing onto the lens because alcohol is not good for the coatings... :)

[SeanH]

And don't forget to NEVER put the lens cleaner directly on the lens.......always on the tissue first. Two much on the lens and it will run down the front element and get inside the lens.

[ryan_kalani]

what are yout thoughts on these?

http://www.directwaysavings.com/auctionpics/lenscloths.jpg

90 individual packets of pre-moistened, non-abrasive lens cloths which safely and quickly clean any lens

High-tech ammonia-free formula cleans effectively without leaving streaks or residue. Designed for single use

[lostdoggy]

Premoistened Lens-grade tissue, Optic Prep, by Chemtronics for those stupid finger prints. Otherwise, Commercial Grade lens Tissue rolled up on a cuticle stick (wood) moisten with High grade distilled Isopropanol Alcohol. The same method use by camera Techs.

[ryan_kalani]

Premoistened Lens-grade tissue, Optic Prep, by Chemtronics for those stupid finger prints. Otherwise, Commercial Grade lens Tissue rolled up on a cuticle stick (wood) moisten with High grade distilled Isopropanol Alcohol. The same method use by camera Techs.
is there a difference between Chemtronics Optic Prep and what i posted above?