Lens Cleaning: What is the best way to clean a lens? Thanks.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

What is the best way to clean a lens? Thanks.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I don't know the "best" way but I use a drop of lens cleaner in the center, and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center to the outside with a lens tissue.
Sometimes I'll use a Zeiss lens wipe, same method.
Plus I carry a lens cloth if there is any residue.

In a pinch if I'm in a real hurry, I'll HA-HA the lens and use the lens cloth.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've used these with both a wet and dry wipe: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/872587-REG/Hoodman_HLC12_Lens_Cleanse_Natural_Lens.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y

And these for little spots: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1051483-REG/lenspen_nlp1_c_nlp1c_lens_pen.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

And these with a wet only wipe: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1100350-REG/zeiss_2127721_60_count_box_lens.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Same technique should work for just the lens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xj1FlL-iAo

--Bob

will47 wrote:

What is the best way to clean a lens? Thanks.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

I typically use a blower if there are largish particles, and around the beaches, there usually are...lol.

After that, if it's not too bad, I just use the Zeiss lens wipes. If I need a little extra, I'll use the cleaner fluid. It's not a plug for Zeiss, it just happens I got a free cleaning kit when I bought one of my lenses.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

johngault007 wrote:

I typically use a blower if there are largish particles, and around the beaches, there usually are...lol.

After that, if it's not too bad, I just use the Zeiss lens wipes. If I need a little extra, I'll use the cleaner fluid. It's not a plug for Zeiss, it just happens I got a free cleaning kit when I bought one of my lenses.

Zeiss seems to be commonly available and come in a box of what, 50?

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Longshadow wrote:

Zeiss seems to be commonly available and come in a box of what, 50?

I think there are 50 count boxes. I bought an 80 count box off of Amazon and just refill the little cleaning kit as needed. We also use them for sun/reading glasses as well.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Longshadow wrote:

I don't know the "best" way but I use a drop of lens cleaner in the center, and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center to the outside with a lens tissue.
Sometimes I'll use a Zeiss lens wipe, same method.
Plus I carry a lens cloth if there is any residue.

In a pinch if I'm in a real hurry, I'll HA-HA the lens and use the lens cloth.

Please don’t apply any cleaning fluid onto the front element of a lens. The worst that could happen is the fluid gets behind the lens mount and slowly collects inside the lens. It will never evaporate. The moisture becomes a breading ground for fungus. Just because there is a little alcohol mixed in won’t matter. After a few years you will either buy a new lens or have that one repaired.
Use a good lens wipe that is dry and free from lint or dust. I often go into an eyeglass manufacturing store (optician) and ask for a few.
By The Way, don’t HA-HA the lens. It’s not the best way to disperse moisture onto a lens.
Use a Ultraviolet or Haze filter.
Use a circular motion to avoid scratches on the filter.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Scruples wrote:

Please don’t apply any cleaning fluid onto the fro... (show quote)

I'm sure dry cleaning works just as well, but in my experiences along coastal areas, salt residue doesn't mix well with dry cleaning. But yes, it is possible in some circumstances for excessive fluid to get behind some lenses, but a little fluid goes along way, or pre-dampening it on a lens cloth instead of direct application will mitigate that risk.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Longshadow wrote:

I don't know the "best" way but I use a drop of lens cleaner in the center, and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center to the outside with a lens tissue.
Sometimes I'll use a Zeiss lens wipe, same method.
Plus I carry a lens cloth if there is any residue.

In a pinch if I'm in a real hurry, I'll HA-HA the lens and use the lens cloth.

I sometimes huff huff mine!

Quixdraw Loc: x

The way I was taught by an old time German pro photographer was three part.
1. Brush or blow off any surface dust.
2. Rip a lens cleaning tissue in half across, roll one half and lightly moisten torn edge with lens cleaner for bad spots.
3. roll the other half and clean very gently with the torn edge in a figure eight motion
He also advocated occasional use of clean new chamois.

I rarely have to clean lenses because I use protective filters, but follow roughly the same process with them.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Scruples wrote:

Please don’t apply any cleaning fluid onto the fro... (show quote)

All my lenses have filters, and I use a SMALL drop, barely noticeable. They DON'T get soaked.
Sometimes I'll put the drop on the lens tissue itself.
I use a second lens tissue if any fluid might remain. Do they still sell lens tissues? I'm finally getting low.
HA-HAing is only in an "emergency", which is quite rare.
Yes, the eyeglass cloths are excellent, I have a few.
Been doing both for over 45 years, never had to replace a filter for any moisture problem.
Yes, a circular motion from the center outward.

User ID

will47 wrote:

What is the best way to clean a lens? Thanks.

Reasonably carefully. Period.

tcthome Loc: NJ

rmalarz wrote:

Same technique should work for just the lens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xj1FlL-iAo

--Bob

Haha, forgot about that 1!

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I just clean the clear quality glass filter lens protector. Lens front element is not subjected to the atmosphere.