Cleaning lens with this or that? at DVinfo.net

Kent Beeson · July 27th, 2010, 06:57 PM

Micro fiber cloth and cleaning fluid or LensPen LENSPEN is The superior Camera lens cleaning system for all fine optics, rifle scopes, camcorder and camera viewer screens, binoculars best for cleaning SONY EX1R lens?

Thanks
K

Zoran Vincic · July 28th, 2010, 03:38 AM

I've been using Lenspen for ages to clean my stills camera lenses and it's great, much much better than microfibre cloth.

As the EX1 has a flat front element, you may consider using Lenspens Filterklear instead of the standard Lenspen.

Olof Ekbergh · July 28th, 2010, 06:39 AM

A couple thoughts on lens cleaning.

I always have a UV or similar filter on all my lenses, just to protect it. I have to replace them every 3-5 years as something usually happens in that time to scratch or chip the filter. Much better than sending lens in for front element replacement.

When cleaning the filter or lens I first use an air blower. Those "rocket" squeeze bulbs work great. If that does not work I use a lens pen, first with the brush, if that does not work then the round scrubber on the other end.

If I get oil or saltwater or something similar nasty on my filter I use a micro cloth with a little water or lens cleaning fluid, in a pinch I use soap or dishwasher liquid and a paper towel, but I think micro fiber is much better.

I also always try to shade my lens so that the sun or bright lights never hits the front element/lens. This really makes dirt show up. I use the built in shade, french flag or mattebox to do this, sometimes my hand or someone holding something, when in a rush. When using mattebox with filter it is usually in a very controlled environment so I then remove the UV filter. I also remove it if I use any other threaded filters, like polarizer or ND etc.

I have used these methods on still cameras and video/film cameras since the 60's (microfiber is a recent development and a very good one), as long as I have been shooting. And I have not had to replace the front element of a lens yet.

Also bear in mind that dirt show up the most when a wide lens is used and the focus is close to the camera and the aperture is closed. I always try to use a large aperture for this reason. The EX3/1 lens also performs best with aperture below 5.6.

Just a few thoughts and I am not saying everyone should use these methods, just that this is how I work. I know a lot of photographers don't like to put any extra filters in front of a great lens, and they have a good point.

Kent Beeson · July 28th, 2010, 10:08 AM

Thanks for both replies - that's just the kind of info I needed, appreciate it much - thanks.

July 27th, 2010, 06:57 PM	#1
Kent Beeson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: West Texas Posts: 266	Cleaning lens with this or that? Micro fiber cloth and cleaning fluid or LensPen LENSPEN is The superior Camera lens cleaning system for all fine optics, rifle scopes, camcorder and camera viewer screens, binoculars best for cleaning SONY EX1R lens? Thanks K

July 28th, 2010, 06:39 AM	#3
Olof Ekbergh Sponsor: Westside AV Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mount Washington Valley, NH, USA Posts: 1,365	A couple thoughts on lens cleaning. I always have a UV or similar filter on all my lenses, just to protect it. I have to replace them every 3-5 years as something usually happens in that time to scratch or chip the filter. Much better than sending lens in for front element replacement. When cleaning the filter or lens I first use an air blower. Those "rocket" squeeze bulbs work great. If that does not work I use a lens pen, first with the brush, if that does not work then the round scrubber on the other end. If I get oil or saltwater or something similar nasty on my filter I use a micro cloth with a little water or lens cleaning fluid, in a pinch I use soap or dishwasher liquid and a paper towel, but I think micro fiber is much better. I also always try to shade my lens so that the sun or bright lights never hits the front element/lens. This really makes dirt show up. I use the built in shade, french flag or mattebox to do this, sometimes my hand or someone holding something, when in a rush. When using mattebox with filter it is usually in a very controlled environment so I then remove the UV filter. I also remove it if I use any other threaded filters, like polarizer or ND etc. I have used these methods on still cameras and video/film cameras since the 60's (microfiber is a recent development and a very good one), as long as I have been shooting. And I have not had to replace the front element of a lens yet. Also bear in mind that dirt show up the most when a wide lens is used and the focus is close to the camera and the aperture is closed. I always try to use a large aperture for this reason. The EX3/1 lens also performs best with aperture below 5.6. Just a few thoughts and I am not saying everyone should use these methods, just that this is how I work. I know a lot of photographers don't like to put any extra filters in front of a great lens, and they have a good point. __________________ Olof Ekbergh • olof@WestsideAV.com Westside A V Studios • http://www.WestsideAVstore.com/

July 28th, 2010, 03:38 AM	#2
Zoran Vincic Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Split, Croatia Posts: 189	I've been using Lenspen for ages to clean my stills camera lenses and it's great, much much better than microfibre cloth. As the EX1 has a flat front element, you may consider using Lenspens Filterklear instead of the standard Lenspen.

July 28th, 2010, 10:08 AM	#4
Kent Beeson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: West Texas Posts: 266	Thanks for both replies - that's just the kind of info I needed, appreciate it much - thanks.