Cleaning my lens?

I'm having trouble with my 80-300 zoom. It needs a good cleaning and not sure what the best and safest way to clean it is. Zoom is also not as smooth as it use to be. Anyway to lubricate it?

Can't' speak to the lubrication - it's best to have that done by a service professional. As far as cleaning the lens goes:

Outside - wipe with a clean, damp lint-free cloth.

Lens elements (front and rear): Blow off with air (rocket blower preferred), then using a lens tissue wetted with a drop of Residual Oil Remover (ROR) wipe clean. If you don't have ROR, a good quality lens cleaner fluid will do.

Mark

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #3751219
Outside - wipe with a clean, damp lint-free cloth.

I use my t-shirt. It works pretty damn well if you ask me !

asylumxl wrote in post #3751232
I use my t-shirt. It works pretty damn well if you ask me !

Each to their own.

Mark

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #3751239
Each to their own.

Mark

well the plastic based materials are lint free clothes right

Thank you Mark. I shoot rodeos and my camera and lens gets very dusty. I live in a small town, no camera service professionals here. Guess I will have to take my lens to the big city...lol

And I've used the t-shirt too...lol

Get a Lenspen the next time you visit a camera store. Those things are great, safe for the front and rear element.

B3SEO wrote in post #3751333
Get a Lenspen the next time you visit a camera store. Those things are great, safe for the front and rear element.

I've never used a lenspen, but I've heard lots of good things about them.

Mark

couple of drops of eclipse and a pecpad - I dont like polishing the lens with a lenspen - that little pad accumulates gunk.

asylumxl wrote in post #3751232
I use my t-shirt. It works pretty damn well if you ask me !

Do you spit on your lens first, before you go at it with the t-shirt?

I also have a blower brush I use. Soft soft soft bristles on one end, and a squeeze thingy at the other. Press on the squeeze, and it pushes air out through the brush. And old photography teacher of mine swore by them.

These new pens you guys are talking about look interesting... I will have to go grab one and try it out.

I have a couple of filters that are filthy, and in need of help!