Lens Cleaning?

[Olaf]

I hate having to touch my lens, but sometimes it just needs it. I use those little packets from Zeiss for my glasses. Would those be OK for my expensive lenses. If not, what would be OK? Thanks.

 

[PoohJen]

and while we're on the subject, any views on those lens-cleaning pens?

In a pinch I use the bottom of my cotton tshirt, is this horrible?

 

[boBQuincy]

I prefer lens cleaning fluid and lens tissue. In the field this is not convenient so I use a microfiber cloth or a t-shirt (usually microfiber anyway).

As long as there is no grit on the lens a t-shirt is not likely to cause any harm, even my oldest, most used lenses don't appear to have any scratches on them.

 

[Groucho]

Like Bob says.

Also, I recently found on the Electronics Boutique/Gamestop site, a microfiber cleaning cloth for a paltry $2. It appears to be a Gamestop-badged "Spudz" one, which has a stretchy pouch that you cram the cloth into when not it use (one corner is attached inside) and it has a hook for hanging off something. It's sold as a Sony PSP screen cleaner. I currently have an 18% gray Spudz cloth but will probably pick up one of these next time I'm in the mall, just to have a spare.

Here is a link to it from their site.

There was a discussion a month or so ago about lens-cleaning pens. I've never used one but some people loved them.

 

[Goofyish]

Better option to protect your lens is to always have a Skylight or UV Fliter fitted. Then it's the cheaper filter that gets dirty/scratched rather than the expensive lens

 

[Groucho]

See the "UV & Polarizer" thread - UV filters are optically unnecessary for DSLRs and can only hurt your picture quality.

 

[MICKEY88]

I prefer lens cleaning fluid and lens tissue. In the field this is not convenient so I use a microfiber cloth or a t-shirt (usually microfiber anyway).

As long as there is no grit on the lens a t-shirt is not likely to cause any harm, even my oldest, most used lenses don't appear to have any scratches on them.

the one problem with using a sshirt, is the possibility of leaving a film on the lens caused by fabric softener..

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I second the recommendation against a UV filter. The cause too many flare/glare problems. Use a lens hood.

The biggest risk of lens scratching is when you try to clean your lens and it has a piece of hard grit on it. Regardless of whether you use super virgin nanofiber cloth or burlap, you've got to blow off any grit before you rub your lens.

 

[jann1033]

i would assume this applies to any lens ( eyeglass or camera).. most scratches are due to dry grit being wiped across the lens ( unless you use sandpaper or something dirty to clean them, at least according to the last 2 times i got glasses and was told so by the "lens pros") so i use lens solution and micro cloth after (on my camera lens) i use the little lens brush in a lens pen to gently brush off anything i probably don't see lurking on the lens( holding the lens upside down so it falls off rather than scratches. then after that ritual, i use the other lens pen end to buff it...this has helped my glasses and my camera lens stay scratch free. ( my paranoia comes from having anything on my glasses driving me ) and don't forget to occasionally wash the micro fiber cloth since it can retain the grit if you don't

and if you have a local walmart( ie if you live on planet earth)...buy the little refillable lens solution spray bottle there and it's unlimited refills for free( initial outlay=$1.99) and they also have micro cloths for around $2 in the optical dept. there. i put the bottle in a outer pocket of my bag just in case of "leakage"

and oh, if you really don't want scratches don't do what i did, drop the lens cap on the beach and then put it back on with out thoroughly cleaning it