Simple (field) rifle scope lens cleaning?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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I was spitballing with some buddies on this topic recently in SK, where temps hit 35C with wind gusts of 91km/hr some days. Working rolled fields that look like a moonscape or desert wasteland sometimes. BUT, if gophers can endure it and even thrive in those conditions=we simply match their enthusiasm with 22LR HV HPs and 17HMRs when they need it. But man did the scope lenses get dusty, and other than a quick blow (which took the worst) I didn't have a good plan.

Anyway-I figure if I can't safely remedy a lens cleanliness concern in the field=I don't touch it at all. But also, that I'm not at all equipped, or have the confidence/know-how TO even safely clean say...a lens smudge? Even @ home in a controlled environment.

With that-what simple/field kit do you guys carry or have on hand, what would you use to say address dust alone? I kind of want to hear someone say a delicate-bristle, small paint brush but please enlighten me? What about a lens smudge? I still haven't had a finger touch a scope lens and I've been at it a long time, but rain or other/normal environmental things like a dot/splash of mud have.

Really appreciate your input/experience guys. Thanks!

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You may get more and better suggestions if you search for photo lens cleaning.
I have a small flattish squeeze bottle type with built in lens safe brush where I brush and squeeze at same time to get dust off first. If lens is dry and not sticky then that's all I'd do in the field. Better cleaning can be done indoors with sprays, proper cloth etc.
 
Could try a can of that keyboard cleaner air stuff to bring in the field if it's that bad. If its just dry dust that'll blow most of it off.

I use those cans all the time when cleaning actions to blow the crap out of little crevices.

Edit: I checked amazon to get a picture of those cans and apparently there's little battery powered things now. Not a direct replacement but might be an option.

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That 'canned air' is cheaper at Staples. But the brush is better than dragging a can or two out to the field. Those might be cheaper at a photo shop or even Wally's ? 5-day shipping - http s://www.walmart.ca/en/search?q=lens+brush
Stuff like this 'used to be' in the camera/electronics area of Wallys stores, Now ? ? Maybre try a local camera shop and support local business.
 
Forget pressurized air, even if it doesn't spit moisture it still spits cold air that can fog up the lens and damage coating depending on chemicals in the can. Anything larger and heavier than a pack of smokes and anything dependant on batteries in the field is a no go for me. Unless the field is under 100 meters away from car or cabin.
 
Blow dust off lenses as best you can... can air, or just blow.

Pre moistened lense wipes from camera shops.

Not a fan of spit... don't want to add any sugars, oils, or ??? to the lense which can make things harder to clean. Yes, I have certainly done it in a pinch but try to avoid.

Bottled water on a 'clean' towel works great too.

Jerry
 
for $5 you can get a camera dust blower/rocket. This is for physical dust and things on the lens - rubbing them dry just pushes it into the glass. Clean these with forced air or liquid.

For grease/oils, breath hot onto it or use any glasses cleaner/water/spit/mild solvent and wipe with your shirt or a microfibre cloth.

Spend the $20 and get a see thru/flip up scope caps.


Dont overthink it chief. The glass lens isn't made out of fairy dust.
 
I use a rocket blower, brush, lens pen, q tips and 70% alcohol. I only clean my lenses if I can see the debris through the scope.

I don't use compressed air since I don't want to rish shattering the lens.
 
Suther said:
As someone who's worn glasses for 30 years, dont use your shirt unless you want scratches. If you're wearing it, it's not clean.
Click to expand...

Likewise, and a 30 year plastic fabricator on this end. it's what prompted the question-easy to make matters worse very quickly
 
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