jdedmonds

For fifty years I've been cleaning lenses with just about every available technique. All my lenses have 77mm UV filters over the front element, and those protectors aren't really my problem. It's the lens glass of the front element and the back element that are almost impossible for me ever to get squeaky clean. Biggest problems are oily residues from god knows what sources; probably a lot of this is from my body, fingers, nose (this especially on the LCD screen on the back of my D810), whatever. Many times I've been convinced that the oil was smeared on the lens element by a pec pad, sensor brush, etc. that I know are originally without residues but somehow acquire them. I've probably spent a thousand dollars over the years for lens cleaning systems of every description, but I'm still seeking a better way. I am convinced that my particular problems will always require some sort of liquid in the cleaning system, and water is not the answer. I'm afraid to use aggressive solvents. As indicated above, I have sensor and lens brushes, canned air and various fabrics like pec pads. Is there an effective collection of liquid, mechanical and fabric that will give me the best chance finally to get my lenses really clean?

Bill_de Loc: US

I've been using these because I got them cheap, but they are sold under other brands.

https://smile.amazon.com/Nikon-Pre-Moistened-Lens-Cleaning-Wipes/dp/B00WFELV1G/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1507590646&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+lens+cleaning+wipes

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Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I use a lens cleaning fluid and it does leave a small amount of iridescent residue on the lens after it dries if I really look closely. But realistically I don't see how this effects IQ at all. Small amounts of stuff on the filter and front element is essentially invisible to the sensor (at least I have been told). I spend my $ on wine, women (well, one woman), and gear.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Bill_de’s suggestion is excellent. I’ve seen the same pre-packaged pads sold under the Bausch & Lomb brand in optical shops and the optical department of Walmart. The pads are inexpensive and very effective.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

My first step is to blow off any dust. Followed by a camels hair brush,followed by Zeiss or Nikon packaged pads. My test to determine effective cleaning is to gently breath on the lens. It will be obvious if you still have some area to clean.

toxdoc42

Anyone ever use the Costco lens cleaning pad? Are they really anything other than alcohol swabs, same as I use to clean an arm before drawing blood?

Bill_de Loc: US

I use alcohol swabs at injection site. They are little squares. The Nikon lens cleaning ones unfold to 6x5 inches.

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toxdoc42

Yes, but, my question is does anyone know if there is any fundamental difference as to what is the liquid involved and are the Costco lens cleaners as safe?

Hank Radt

Another link that might be helpful: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/lens_filter_cleaning.html

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The ones that I buy at Walmart (and online in large quantities) are made by Zeiss, a company with experience with optics, so I trust them. I keep a lens shade on my lenses - no filters, and rarely need to clean goo off the lens - just blow the dust off with a Rocket Blower.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Zeiss Lens Wipes, too.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I hate to suggest that you wasted thousands of dollars, but a clean lens isn't the be-all and end-all of photography. As for liquids, alcohol seems to be the main - or only ingredient in liquids used for cleaning lenses and sensors.

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches
http://photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens

BarTim Loc: Milan, Ohio

Another Zeiss vote from me.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Me Three

Goober Loc: Southeastern PA

I have to wonder why your lenses get so dirty. Unless I have been in an extremely dusty environment I really only need to clean my lenses a couple times a year. I keep lens caps on when not in use.

I find the Zeiss Lens Cleaning pads to work quite well and you may also try using a Lens Pen. The Lens Pen works very well and has a soft brush on one end for sweeping off the dust and a carbon type cleaner pad on the other end for safely removing smudges.
I believe the Lens Pen is around 20 bucks and there are other brands of similar construction for about 10 bucks. I have a couple of the cheaper brands that are excellent for cleaning my eye glasses.

Good luck,
Goober