Lens pen or glass cleaner

They're good for the field/range, as they are compact and self contained. Anything else, use lens cleaner. Try to find one on sale before you get one.
 
I rarely have to clean my lenses, but when I do I always use the brush on a lens pen to knock off any grit before wiping. Otherwise you risk putting fine scratches on your expensive scope. It doesn't have to be a lens pen a soft bristle brush works too.
 
I currently use a lens pen, but it's starting to run out of cleaner and I've always been concerned that it might hold a piece of grit and scratch the lens. Pre-cleaning with the brush and/or a blower is a must to avoid this.

Your question raised my interest and I came across this method using Q-tips and water, which looks so easy and simple that I'm going to give it a try. The video could be much shorter were it not for the constant babbling:


Here's a dry alternative, which is a DIY version of the lens pen (commentary in Russian, but easy enough to know what's going on by watching) :

 
My time working in the media, and as a bit of a camera nut, has taught me that the first thing you do before applying any physical method of cleaning is to point the lens towards the floor, (so as to leverage gravity), and use a hurricane blower, (a rubber bulb that you squeeze in your hand), to remove any larger grit or particulates. A hurricane blower is prefered to most canned air, as the canned air usually contains some sort of liquid or gaseous additives that you won't want on your precious glass. After the lens has been blown, a microfiber cloth is usually all that is needed. If absolutely needed a very light touch of lens cleaner, (or in a pinch your breath), and another wipe with the microfiber should do it.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
Go to the pharmacy and buy a makeup brush, or wait for the wife to, and steal it from her. At the same time buy a pack of moist eye glass cleaning towelettes. Under 10 bucks all togeather
 
stickhunter said:
I currently use a lens pen, but it's starting to run out of cleaner and I've always been concerned that it might hold a piece of grit and scratch the lens. Pre-cleaning with the brush and/or a blower is a must to avoid this.

Your question raised my interest and I came across this method using Q-tips and water, which looks so easy and simple that I'm going to give it a try. The video could be much shorter were it not for the constant babbling:


Here's a dry alternative, which is a DIY version of the lens pen (commentary in Russian, but easy enough to know what's going on by watching) :

Click to expand...


Interesting that both these videos use q-tips. I wouldn't be caught dead using a q-tip on L glass (or any quality glass) like these videos show.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
DangerD said:
Go to the pharmacy and buy a makeup brush, or wait for the wife to, and steal it from her. At the same time buy a pack of moist eye glass cleaning towelettes. Under 10 bucks all togeather
Click to expand...

Careful with those eyeglass cleaning towelettes. Depending on the chemical makeup of the solution used on them you could be removing the multicoating that you just spend your hard earned dollars on.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
calvados.boulard said:
My time working in the media, and as a bit of a camera nut, has taught me that the first thing you do before applying any physical method of cleaning is to point the lens towards the floor, (so as to leverage gravity), and use a hurricane blower, (a rubber bulb that you squeeze in your hand), to remove any larger grit or particulates. A hurricane blower is prefered to most canned air, as the canned air usually contains some sort of liquid or gaseous additives that you won't want on your precious glass. After the lens has been blown, a microfiber cloth is usually all that is needed. If absolutely needed a very light touch of lens cleaner, (or in a pinch your breath), and another wipe with the microfiber should do it.

Thanks,
Cal.
Click to expand...

This!! If you wish to you can substitute a very well washed small piece of soft chamois for the microfiber - chamois used to be th preferred choice of Leitz technicians working on high end optics. DO NOT use water unless it is distilled...even then I would prefer isopropyl acohol...or proper photo lens cleaning fluid...do NOT use Qtips unless they are wrapped with lens tissue and then only let the tissue touch the elements gently. Do not use your shirtail or your grubby thumb or any other item of clothing you are wearing...unless you are wearing a fine silk shirt that is spotlessly clean!!!!
 
Couple tips I'll toss in...

- Avoid cleaning solutions that contain ammonia as it can damage some lens coatings.
- Before wiping the lens, make sure to blow any dust particles off first with either a blow bulb or lens brush. Wiping a dusty lens with a cloth or lens pen can impart scratches.
- Avoid compressed air from a can as some contain additives that may be harmful to lens coatings.
 
patrickosuave said:
Iso propyl is my go to degreaser but is it safe to use on all these fancy lens coatings we have now?
Click to expand...

Personally I wouldn't use alcohol. Spend $5-$10 for a decent bottle of multicoating friendly cleaner. It will last you ages assuming you're not cleaning your lenses daily, which IMHO you shouldn't be doing. One pump is more than you'll need per objective. I'm on the same bottle I purchased back in 2008, and still have about 1/4 left.

Thanks,
Cal.
 
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