lens cleaner

[Nitro]

<div>What is the best thing to clean lenses with? </div>

[ZZZ]

<div></div>I carry a bulb brush to get the particles off the lens first, then use a lens pen. If the lens is really smudgy I use lint free cloths and solution made specifically for camera lenses. Oh, and I was taught a LONG time ago to drip the lens cleaning solution onto the cloth (not directly the lens). If the lens is really dusty and the bulb doesn't do the trick, I use canned air before I wipe it clean.<br><div></div><br><br>Message Edited by ZZZ on <span class="date_text">08-02-2007</span> <span class="time_text">01:28 PM</span>

[DrJalapeno]

<DIV>I've used nothing but reusable <A href="http://www.amazon.com/3M-Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloth-Color/dp/B00009PSZ2" target=_blank>microfiber cloths</A> for years now.</DIV>

[Yarddog]

<div></div>When I bought a kit for cleaning digital sensors, the instructions mentioned that one of the hand or foot powered pumps used to inflate air mattresses or rafts was excellent for blowing the dust off the sensor.<br><br>As luck would have it I already had one of those with several nozzles. Mine lets you hold it down with your foot while you pump with your hand I hold the nozzle with the other hand. It produces a powerful blast of air with none of the dangers of canned air. I have tested it and it will easily blow off dust which my large bulb blower leaves on.<br><br>I have a very, very high quality binocular made for the Russian military. The instructions said to use ordinary alcohol for cleaning the lenses. I have since used nothing but 90% Isopropyl with excellent results for the majority of my lenses. I would use the Eclipse solution as it dries quickly but it cost enough that I reserve it for the most delicate jobs.<br><div></div><br><br>Message Edited by Yarddog on <span class="date_text">08-02-2007</span> <span class="time_text">10:15 PM</span>

[Nitro]

<div>I thought about trying some Isopropyl alcohol but wasn't sure. I guess breathing on it after a couple of shots of crown aint' the same but...:cool:</div><div> </div><div>This leads me to another couple questions. Is it possible to &quot;clean&quot; the coatings off of a lens? Is it feasible to buy a UV filter for lenses to keep from always cleaning the front element?</div>

[Yarddog]

I guess if you cleaned a lens too often and too vigorously, you might eventually wear the coating off. I will say current lens coatings are pretty tough. I have a Bausch &amp; Lomb WWII 7X50 binocular dated 1943 which had a sticker on it which said &quot;coated lens clean carefully&quot; . My first Nikon binocular made in the 1940s had a soft coating which developed a lot of tiny scratches from my cleaning it and I was careful. Those scratches didn't seem to hurt the performance tho.<br><br>I often use the breath on the lens for minor cleaning. Only if it has some oily deposit or one which doesn't come right off, do I use the alcohol.<br><br>Many people use the UV filter for lens protection. If you want to start an argument just say it is a good idea or vice-versa.<br><div></div>

[MarkD]

<div>I use a lens pen and/or a microfiber cloth. Use a blower or brush before you use the microfiber cloth and only use a cloth made for camera lenses, not eyeglasses.</div>

[Bobfireman]

I use the brush end of a Lens Pen to gently brush away dust, and then a microfiber cloth, if needed. For persistent gunk, I use the same solution that I use to clean my cameras sensor, Eclipse fluid.<br><div></div>