Lens cleaning
Jun 23, 2023 09:35:24 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Windex? Always heard No!
T shirts? NO!
Soft breath? Yes. (Works best if brushed teeth recently)
T shirts? NO!
Soft breath? Yes. (Works best if brushed teeth recently)
Jun 23, 2023 09:42:25 #
Air brushes, first blow, then brush. Lens cleaning solutions if there are smudges, fingerprints, etc. Micro fiber cleaning cloths.
Jun 23, 2023 11:22:34 #
for many years: use a fine hair lens brush ( usually sold in a lipstick like container, which has a retractable or removable cover over the brush hairs to keep them clean) to brush off dust, and if subsequently needed my breath on the outer surface of the lens to create very minimal moisture, then wipe with clean microfiber cloth(kept in a small ziplock bag to keep it clean). If this doesn't work, use lenscleaner fluid (NEVER Windex or similar which may remove lens coating)with 1-2 drops on the microfiber cloth to wipe the lens.I keep a clear or UV Hoya or similar filter on every lens to protect the lens. Replacing a scratched filter is cheaper and easier than replacing a lens.
Good luck!
Stan
Good luck!
Stan
Jun 23, 2023 11:43:04 #
Do not spray it directly on the lens. The fluid could drain into the innards of the lens.
Instead, spray the fluid on the lens cloth. Then wipe the moist cloth on the lens face.
Instead, spray the fluid on the lens cloth. Then wipe the moist cloth on the lens face.
jim quist wrote:
It’s glass so windex should do you good.
Jun 23, 2023 12:48:19 #
aphelps
Loc: Central Ohio
rcarol wrote:
I would stay away from Windex. It's not the glass that you need to be concerned about. It's the coating on top of the glass that you need to be careful with. While coatings have become more durable over the years, they still need to be handled with care.
Windex can actually ruin some coatings.......especially CPLs.
Jun 23, 2023 14:41:59 #
Orphoto wrote:
Windex? Always heard No!
T shirts? NO!
Soft breath? Yes. (Works best if brushed teeth recently)
T shirts? NO!
Soft breath? Yes. (Works best if brushed teeth recently)
I'll use a t-shirt/golf shirt/... In a pinch. Better than nothing.
No Windex type stuff, which usually has ammonia in it. Just Haaah.
Jun 23, 2023 16:34:46 #
trbeason wrote:
I do mostly sports photography as a hobby (Timothy Beason Photography on FB) for my local high school.
I’m wondering what most photographers use for cleaning lenses. I’ve heard the term “polishing” used in some cloths used. Polishing doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. I would think the cleanest approach would be best. What do you all use and recommend?
I’m wondering what most photographers use for cleaning lenses. I’ve heard the term “polishing” used in some cloths used. Polishing doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. I would think the cleanest approach would be best. What do you all use and recommend?
Zeiss has lens wipes at Walmart.
Blow the heavy stuff off then wipe.
Coatings today are extremely tough.
Jun 23, 2023 16:46:29 #
I've had excellent results using 3M 80 grit sandpaper. Apply maximum force for the best results.
Jun 23, 2023 19:17:39 #
Jun 24, 2023 11:30:01 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
burkphoto wrote:
I'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned 40-grit sandpaper yet... There's always some joker who does. 
Or steel wool to take off that really stubborn grime.
Jun 25, 2023 11:32:08 #
My goto len's cleaner is the LensPen. It takes care of 90% of my len's cleaning requirements when I'm out and about. A microfiber lens cloth takes care of the rest.
Jun 26, 2023 09:09:16 #
I'd absolutely not use Windex. It contains many chemicals that will harm the specialized coatings on the camera lens. Use windex for window glass.
Jun 26, 2023 09:43:14 #
Ditto.
roger wrote:
I'd absolutely not use Windex. It contains many chemicals that will harm the specialized coatings on the camera lens. Use windex for window glass.
Jun 26, 2023 10:15:08 #
jim quist wrote:
It’s glass so windex should do you good.
I’m not worried about the coating but Windex has wax in it and if you don’t polish that wax it will leave swirl marks. People used to use newspaper to polish the wax. It is a real no,no!
Jun 26, 2023 16:47:12 #
I keep a lens filter on all of my lenses and cap the rear elements, and as a result, the lenses and rear elements rarely need cleaning. But when I do clean them, I use a LensPen along with squirt of eyeglass cleaning liquid onto a 3M microfiber cloth and a Giottos Rocket Air Blaster to remove dust... and of course a small LED flashlight to make sure I get all the spots, dust and any smears. May seem like drudgery, but after a while it actually becomes fun and fulfilling to periodically clean my lenses.
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