jdcalabr Loc: Orlando, FL

There have been several recent posts concerning lens cleaning. All have discussed wipes and microfiber cloths, etc. but no mention of the Lenspen. I believe Nikon also sells a version of the Lenspen.

I bought a Lenspen and have not used it yet. Now I'm not sure if I should.

Anyone out there use a Lenspen?

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Works fine for me, and I've been using them for years.

Cheers,

R.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The lenspen is a very nice dustbrush, I always have one with me. But I refuse to use the leather tip end to remove spots or blemishes of any kind as it is pretty much impossible to clean any dust out of it and embedded dust will severely scratch your lens if you try to use a dirty lenspen tip for that. The wipes are still the best way to do that. Dusting first is still the best way though, with the lenspen or a puffer brush.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Well, I admit that I check the leather end before I use it. But where is this embedded grit going to come from if the lens has been brushed clean? And why did you buy a LensPen if you don't use the cleaning end? For that matter, how does a wipe not pick up grit, if there's any to pick up?

I don't use the LensPen chamois/carbon end often, but when I do, it's very good indeed.

Cheers,

R.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

If a wipe does pick up some missed grit or dust, it is promptly disposed of. As opposed to being stored away and re-applied the next time it is used on a lens. The wipes come with explicit instructions to address dust, and those that read and follow the instructions run no risk of dust scratches.

jdcalabr Loc: Orlando, FL

Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll only us the lenspen after using the brush and probably lust for fingerprints.

anotherview Loc: California

I've used the Lenspen lens cleaning device for years. It works just fine, if used properly.

Blow off the UV filter to remove loose material on it before using the Lenspen brush end. Eyeball the UV filter surface to make sure the brush removes material therefrom.

The brush may only loosen material. Blow off the UV filter surface again to remove this loosened material. More brushing and blowing may prove necessary.

Next, after rotating the cupped end in its cap, use the cupped end to polish the UV filter surface, in a circular motion from the filter center to its edge. You may have to repeat this polishing to get the filter surface clean.

Blowing one's breath on the filter surface will add a film of moisture to it, which helps the cleaning effect of the cupped end.

Be sure to rotate the cupped end in its cap now and then during the polishing, to refresh the carbon cleaning compound on the cupped end.

Notice my use of the term "UV filter." I leave this filter screwed on the end of the lens at all times. This filter protects the lens surface itself from damage, while it keeps filth off the lens surface. The UV filter minimizes the necessity of cleaning the lens surface.

Over time, however, the ambient air will reach the lens surface, and deposit a thin film of pollutants. Yet, typically, the lens surface does not have large particles of material on it, due to the UV filter keeping such material from it.

All the same, eyeball the lens surface for particles. Blow them off, and use the Lenspen brush end if necessary to remove them. Repeat the use of the Lenspen cupped end to polish the lens surface.

Note that when blowing one’s breath on the filter or lens surface, the breath may carry spit with it, and this spit may deposit on the surface. Woe to you if this happens because spit contains proteins that adhere to the surface as if bonded there. The Lenspen cannot fully remove this sticky blob. So take care to when blowing your breath to avoid its containing spit.

If spit should deposit on the filter or lens surface, then a lens cleaning fluid and a microfiber cloth will become necessary to remove this stubborn deposit.

Note that a light brushing with the microfiber cloth can also remove particles from the filter or lens surface.

One may substitute a little air blower for blowing one’s breath on the filter or lens surface. Giotto and others make these blowers, in two or three sizes.

A complete filter and lens cleaning kit, then, will contain the Lenspen, lens cleaning fluid, a microfiber cloth, and an air blower. Don’t leave home without this kit.

I break this maxim all the time, by carrying only the Lenspen when shooting locally. The Lenspen and my breath do the job most of the time.

If spit should deposit on the UV filter, then I remove it and shoot with the bare lens. Later, at home, I clean the UV filter surface and put the filter back on the lens.

jdcalabr Loc: Orlando, FL

Very comprehensive and insightful. I feel more comfortable about using the pen now.

1941Buckeye Loc: home is Miami Co., Ohio

Thanks for all this. I got a Lenspen from my grandson and don't have a clue what's best to do or not do. I am anxious to use it but only properly. Now I feel I can!

anotherview Loc: California

Glad I could pass along my experience with the Lenspen.

View from Malibu Pier (2011)