Microfiber cloths born equal?

Hmm, so from this, would it be safe to conclude that any microfiber cloth "especially designed for cleaning optics" is just marketing hype and that there's no real difference between a generic and an advertised specialized product?

Could it be marketing hype? Could it be a chance to exploit the fears of many pertaining to damaging the sensitive coatings on their glass? I suspect the differences are not a great as you might suspect, yet I don't think I would trade my fairly soft microfiber optical cloth for the K-Mart special auto scrubbing and tire detailing cloth that feels like a version of 50 grit sandpaper.

Woolburr wrote in post #2587719
I don't think I would trade my fairly soft microfiber optical cloth for the K-Mart special auto scrubbing and tire detailing cloth that feels like a version of 50 grit sandpaper.

Og now that's some rough cloth to be called a "microfiber" product...

You are probably beter off getting your mirofiber cloths at your camera dealer than your Goodyear tire dealer.

the difference in texture merely has to do with the weave that the synthetic fibers are formed into. the rough 'auto detailing" ones are woven specifically to pick up larger particles and liquids from surfaces, while the super smooth ones are more for glass and optics to prevent leaving streaks in the surface during cleaning. the smoother cloth also has less surface area to the fibers so they wont trap the dirt or oils in the material.

I would second the Microdear as the best lens cloth available today. I picked mine up at Yodobashi Camera during my last trip to Osaka (If you've never been there, it is a department store full of every kind of photography and electronics you've ever dreamed of).

I also have the thinner microfiber cloth made by Kanebo (they invented microfiber cloths, and I bought a dozen some years ago for cleaning my glasses), and a ton of high quality microfiber cloths made for my automobile detailing, but the Microdear is the plushest and most delicate of the lot. I'll probably pick up a few more the next time I'm in Japan.

EORI wrote in post #2615561
I would second the Microdear as the best lens cloth available today. I picked mine up at Yodobashi Camera during my last trip to Osaka (If you've never been there, it is a department store full of every kind of photography and electronics you've ever dreamed of).

I also have the thinner microfiber cloth made by Kanebo (they invented microfiber cloths, and I bought a dozen some years ago for cleaning my glasses), and a ton of high quality microfiber cloths made for my automobile detailing, but the Microdear is the plushest and most delicate of the lot. I'll probably pick up a few more the next time I'm in Japan.

Thanks to the internet, we can have it shipped and delivered within a week instead of spending a $1000+ airline ticket.

mxwphoto wrote in post #2617946
Thanks to the internet, we can have it shipped and delivered within a week instead of spending a $1000+ airline ticket.

It was actually more like $3k for business class, but the company picked up the tab.

Now, if you've never been to one of these super Camera-Electronics stores in Japan, now that's a treat. I always make sure to stay at a hotel across the street, and spend unhealthy amounts of time after work roaming about.