Cleaning the 17-40 L

I noticed today that I have some spots on my 17-40. I don't know if they're knicks or just spots from oil or whatever... I have some cheap cleaning solution that I got from Ritz should I use it on my lens? Will it take off any of it's coating or hurt it in any way?

I use it on my Tamron, but I'm a little hesitant with a lens twice the price

The cleaning solution won't hurt your lens, but try this first:

1) Blow off the lens with some canned air (this gets rid of any gritty dust that might scratch the coating).
2) Gently breath on the surface of the lens to provide just a slight amount of moisture
3) Use a micro-fiber cloth (available from any optics shop or camera store) to gently wipe the surface of the lens.
4) Check to ensure the lens is clean - if not, repeat steps 2 and 3.
5) If the spots are particularly stubborn, then apply a drop of the lens cleaning solution to a lint-free lens tissue (also available from the camera shop) and gently rub the spots.
6) Repeat steps 2 - 4.

Caution - don't apply lens solution directly to the lens surface. Not because it will hurt the lens, but because if you apply to much it can run to the edge of the lens and wick down into the lens elements along the lens barrell.

Mark

I've never had good results with the cheap stuff. I now buy Formula MC from the guy that sells the CopperHill Sensor cleaning kit. It really isn't that expensive, but it is better than the cheap stuff from the local camera store.

Thanks I'll give that a try

I don't have canned air though, will a blower brush work?

I know the cheap stuff blows, and I've never really known what else to get because I don't think Ritz carries anything else...

It took me awhile, but I can usually do a good job (no streaks) now on my Tamron, but I'll definaly check out the Formula MC thanks!

ghaleon109 wrote:
Thanks I'll give that a try

I don't have canned air though, will a blower brush work?

Sure, a blower brush will work.

The canned air is great for cleaning externals on your camera and lenses, but never use it inside your camera. The strong burst of air can damage the camera's delicate internals, and sometimes the can can expel the propellant which is unlikely to hurt your lens, but can definitely do bad things to the sensor or mirror in your camera.

Mark

I just throw mine in the dishwasher.

Seriously though, I do clean my lenses off the camera on occasion and I never use canned air. Good air brush and quality cloths with solvent. And remember, these aren't eggshells. Canon understands photographers.

I use a lens pen. Works great on the outer element if i get dust or water droplets on the front. Its got a soft brush on one side and a cleaning shami on the other.