Camera Labs

Hi folks,

There has been a great deal of discussion about dust and DSLRs but virtually none about lens and filter cleaning despite the fact that the coatings can be pretty vulnerable. A lint free cloth and, if needed, some lens cleaning fluid are basic tools but then there are lens pens, microfibre cloths, anti-static cloths, brushes and blowers. The list is extensive as is the range of prices.

What is your preferred method of cleaning your lenses and/or filters while ensuring maximum protection of that expensive glass? Are there products/technologies you would like to recommend and/or others you would like to warn against?

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

A screen cleaning cloth and a blower, I plan on getting a brush soon but all my stuff is like $5 each so it really isn't that big of a deal and it seems to work perfectly.

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Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

A blower
A lens cleaning cloth
A liquid from cleaning specs - have not tried on the lens yet.
Just basic cleaning of filter - for now.
Planning on getting the cleaning pen soon.

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Nikon D7000 and a bunch of Nikkors

A Blower
Lint free lens cleaning cloth
Lens cleaning fluid
These three items work for me...

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Roy
EOS 350D, 40D + BG-E2N, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, 430 EX Speedlite




My Fotopic

Thanks for the replies.


What does a cleaning pen do for you that your current solution can't? Should I be getting one too?

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I use a cloth that came with my sunglasses.

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

I usually use a brush on the outer lens before each outing, needed or not. This is a good place for a question I've had: does regular cleaning degrade the lens? I'm sure a blower is less damaging, but it always leaves a slight residue. The problem, as I see it, is that dust is an abrasive and rubbing it around during cleaning can produce minute scratches. Is there any observable deterioration over time?

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Hi Bob
The cleaning pen I was referring to ..LensPen MiniPro II
or here
Supposed to come with a retractable ultra fine brush to help with cleaning those particle that are lodge in between grooves.

My present kit - quiet impossible to clean these and I notice there are marks from cleaning from the pressure of my thumb. So I was hoping this could save me the trouble. If and when it comes, that is.

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Nikon D7000 and a bunch of Nikkors