Lenspen vs wipes
Oct 11, 2015 11:14:30 #
Greetings to all. After photographing weddings for 30 years, I grew up on a steady diet of lens cleaning paper and cleaning solution to clean my filters, with positive results. I also tried the pre moistened wipes as well, which although were good, seemed to dry out in the packets after a while. So now I decided to try the LensPen. This is the LensPen Pro, (oooooooh!). Apparently having a cap at both ends makes it such. I used the brush, then the circular motions with the pen, and was left with matching circular smudges on both sides of the filter and the lens. (At least it's consistent). Online searching found many others getting the same result, plus a concern about exactly where doe's the dirt go? So..do you use the elusive lens cleaning paper, the wipes, or the lenspen, and why? Thanks
Oct 11, 2015 11:24:25 #
Two different products with two different purposes. Wipes are best for actual cleaning. Lenspen is best for dusting, never serious cleaning as the pad end picks up debris and continued use can cause scratching.
Oct 11, 2015 11:36:20 #
Joanna27
Loc: Lakewood Ca
MT Shooter wrote:
Two different products with two different purposes. Wipes are best for actual cleaning. Lenspen is best for dusting, never serious cleaning as the pad end picks up debris and continued use can cause scratching.
Good to know. Follow up question(s)
What is the best way (products, techniques) to clean lenses?
Can I use the little bottle of lens cleaner my eye doctor gives me, to clean a lens?
Oct 11, 2015 11:41:51 #
Joanna27 wrote:
Good to know. Follow up question(s)
What is the best way (products, techniques) to clean lenses?
Can I use the little bottle of lens cleaner my eye doctor gives me, to clean a lens?
What is the best way (products, techniques) to clean lenses?
Can I use the little bottle of lens cleaner my eye doctor gives me, to clean a lens?
Never apply liquid directly to a lens, apply it to a lens tissue or microfiber cloth. I use only Zeiss Lens Wipes myself, finishing off my cleaning with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Oct 11, 2015 17:04:55 #
Joanna27
Loc: Lakewood Ca
MT Shooter wrote:
Never apply liquid directly to a lens, apply it to a lens tissue or microfiber cloth. I use only Zeiss Lens Wipes myself, finishing off my cleaning with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Thanks. Now I know what to do. :)
Oct 11, 2015 18:58:30 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
MT Shooter wrote:
Two different products with two different purposes. Wipes are best for actual cleaning. Lenspen is best for dusting, never serious cleaning as the pad end picks up debris and continued use can cause scratching.
The pad shouldn't pick of debris. That why you use the brush first. Sorry, but the Lenspen is for much more than just dusting. Dusting, as an example, will not remove finger prints. The Lenspen will. I have been using them to clean my lens for the last few years with zero problems. I use wipes only occasionally these days.
Oct 11, 2015 19:02:16 #
mwsilvers wrote:
The pad shouldn't pick of debris. That why you use the brush first. Sorry, but the Lenspen is for much more than just dusting. Dusting, as an example, will not remove finger prints. The Lenspen will. I have been using them to clean my lens for the last few years with zero problems. I use wipes only occasionally these days.
And just where do you think those fingerprint oils go? That's right, straight into that pad to attract more dust and debris.
Oct 11, 2015 19:06:47 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
AndyT wrote:
Greetings to all. After photographing weddings for... (show quote)
The Lenspen pro is not intended for filters, just lenses. They have a separate tool with a less concave pad for filters. The circular smudges can be easily brushed off. It's the carbon from the pad mixing with the oils on the lens. The Lenspen is not meant for cleaning truly filthy gritting residue on the lens, just the normal accumulation from things like fingerprints and air born oils and dirt that accumulate on any lens. Its not the tool to use after photographing a muddy Motocross race from the rail.
Oct 11, 2015 19:16:31 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
MT Shooter wrote:
And just where do you think those fingerprint oils go? That's right, straight into that pad to attract more dust and debris.
The lenspen is not intended to clean debris (except with the brush), but oily spots like those from fingers prints. The oils are absorbed and the carbon is refreshed by the cap. The OPs experience maybe be a result of what was on the lens in the first place. The lenspens won't remove things like dried mud or peanut butter. ;) My have serviced me well and my lenses are spotless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzcj2HX5QHE
Oct 11, 2015 19:34:58 #
I too have used LensPen products for years and am completely satisfied.
With a Rocket Bulb blower first, brush second, and pad third, my lenses come completely clean with now damage to the lens.
With a Rocket Bulb blower first, brush second, and pad third, my lenses come completely clean with now damage to the lens.
Oct 12, 2015 07:24:42 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
AndyT wrote:
Greetings to all. After photographing weddings for... (show quote)
Generally the only thing that touches my lenses or filters is a camel's hair brush. I still have Kodak tissues and cleaner on hand, in fact. When (if) they ever get used up, I'll try Tiffen tissues. I tend to agree with Mt Shooter on the lenspen, though I've not tried one.
Oct 12, 2015 08:24:47 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
RWR wrote:
Generally the only thing that touches my lenses or filters is a camel's hair brush. I still have Kodak tissues and cleaner on hand, in fact. When (if) they ever get used up, I'll try Tiffen tissues. I tend to agree with Mt Shooter on the lenspen, though I've not tried one.
How can you agree with someone on the effectiveness of a tool you've never tried?
Oct 12, 2015 08:59:35 #
While I like the Lenspen products, I seldom use them any longer. When cleaning lenses I use a soft brush to remove debris and then use a small, dry microfiber bar mop to clean up the oils and such. Microfiber cloths designed specifically for this kind of use can be bought at most camera stores, but they tend to be expensive. I just go to a discount/clearance store and spend only a couple bucks to get the small-sized mops that fit nicely into my camera bad. I don't bother to wash and reuse them because there is a steady supply and they are super cheap!
Oct 12, 2015 09:09:41 #
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I agree. I've also been using lens pen for years and have had no problems. Don't use circular a motion with them. Use a cross motion. I also use lens wipes and both are fine. Lens pens are great to have with you out in the field.
mwsilvers wrote:
The pad shouldn't pick of debris. That why you use the brush first. Sorry, but the Lenspen is for much more than just dusting. Dusting, as an example, will not remove finger prints. The Lenspen will. I have been using them to clean my lens for the last few years with zero problems. I use wipes only occasionally these days.
I agree. I've also been using lens pen for years and have had no problems. Don't use circular a motion with them. Use a cross motion. I also use lens wipes and both are fine. Lens pens are great to have with you out in the field.
Oct 12, 2015 09:13:28 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
mwsilvers wrote:
How can you agree with someone on the effectiveness of a tool you've never tried?
I said I "tend" to agree. I've never cleaned a lens with anything harder than a lens tissue, and do not believe that the dry chamois lenspen tip is that soft.
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