Saigon Loc: Atlanta, GA

Hope it wasn't your R5 Paul!

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

Well said. Thanks

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I didn't know you were a poor guy, Paul. I use my dishwasher.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I use Zeiss wipes if the lens looks dirty.

Cleaning -
http://www.diyphotography.net/5-easy-top-tips-keeping-lenses-clean/
http://www.diyphotography.net/clean-camera-lenses-check-problems/
https://photographylife.com/how-to-clean-slr-camera-lenses

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

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Paul--I'm assuming your use of 'a mild soup' instead of 'a mild soap' was intentional. I gave your technique a try and have to admit that it was a bit difficult to get all the water back out of my Nikon. Maybe your system works better for Canon. Just going to try the dishwasher next time as it has an excellent drying system. Wish me luck. On a bit more serious note, I try never to shoot in conditions that will dirty the lens to the point that any more than a bit of air from my rocket duster would be needed. My fear is damaging delicate coatings. Perhaps that is not so much of an issue with more modern lenses but old habits die hard.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

LOL, I didn't notice that typo. It makes it funnier. Regarding conditions and cleanings and coatings, this is why I may be the firmest believer in filters on lenses within this community.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

"CHG CANON" the only problem I found was they get banged around too much in the dryer.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

I’ve been using a Lens Pen for over 30 years on rifle scopes, telescope lenses, and cameras. I have the 3 piece set, which has a nice small one for small and hard to fit area’s. Or you can get a single size one for less than $10.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1058626-REG/lenspen_ndslrk_1c_dslr_pro_kit_w_micro_clear.html

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Modern lenses are a lot tougher than people think. Far tougher than any filter!

I typically don't use "protection" filters on my lenses. In my opinion, that's just plain silly in most circumstances.

I DO have protection filters for my lenses, but I only install them when actually needed (rare occasions such as out shooting in a sand storm or shooting at a paint ball battle or near surf and sea air).

I also like BUYING used lenses that have had filters on them "from new". That suggests the lens has been "babied" (though it is usually badly in need of cleaning once the filter is removed... filters DON'T prevent the lens from getting dirty).

Best cleaning process is...

1. Remove any dust or grit.... a blower or soft brush or gentle wipe with a dry micro fiber cloth does the trick. The reason for this is that some dust specks may be hard minerals that can scratch the coatings on the surface of the lens.

2. Dampen a micro fiber cloth with lens cleaner and gently wipe the lens to remove any oils from finger prints or sea air or water spots. (Never drip or spray cleaning solution onto the lens, as it can get into places it shouldn't.)

3. Dry with a micro fiber cloth.

4. Gently polish the surface with a "lens pen". The previous cleaning is likely to have left some slight haze on the surface and this step will clean that off, making the surface more resistant to dust adhering in the future.

Note: I use two different types of micro fiber cloths. One is "smooth" and specifically designed to clean optics. Those can be bought in bulk from various sources. The other type is more of a terry cloth that's great to remove dust from optics and more general cleaning of the camera or lens body. I buy those from local auto parts stores. Both types of micro fiber cloths can be cleaned and reused. However, if put through the laundry be sure no fabric softener is used in either the wash or drying cycle, because that will leave residues in the cloth that will smear optics. Even if "dryer sheets" were used on a previous load, there may be some of that remaining in the dryer during a subsequent load that will ruin the micro fiber cloth. Separate hand cleaning and air drying may be the safest way to clean them.

Old lenses used "softer" coatings or might even have been uncoated, and were quite prone to "cleaning marks" from lens cleaning tissues. Most of those are paper made from wood pulp, which naturally has some minerals in it that can cause "micro" scratches. When there are a lot of those scratches, they form the cleaning marks. Although they are probably okay with more modern lenses, I still avoid using paper lens cleaning tissues. There may be "100% rag" paper cleaning tissues that are okay to use. There are products like Pec Pads and wipes (which I use for sensor cleaning). But micro fiber cloths just seem similarly safe, are widely available and aren't expensive when bought in bulk.

Jorgy

When I worked for Minolta as a technical representative we were taught (assuming all of the visible dust is brushed or blown off first) to only use the condensation from one's breath on the lens followed by a wipe with a photo grade (very thin) chamois. This was the only technique that truly left no residue as proved by lightly exhaling on the lens surface after cleaning (try this after using any of the other suggested techniques submitted). This was also the only technique advocated for cleaning the front-silvered mirror of an SLR.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

How about peeing on the lens and wiping it off with a wad of 3 ply Charmin?

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

Thanks for the thoughtful and comprehensive answer

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

You guys are just a million laughs!

ecar Loc: Oregon, USA

Yes. The first thing I do when I buy a new lens is put a UV filter on it for protection, and against dirt/dust contamination.


Years ago, while buying a video camera, the salesman almost made it mandatory to put a UV filter on the lens for it's protection. I've done it ever since.

hrblaine

Yeah, no soup for you! <g>