Best products to clean your lens? Recommendations please

[ajax_andy]

I have some lens cleaner and a cloth I got in a cheap kit off ebay, and also some of the small paper tissue things that clean the lens (although I dont like the current batch and have been trying to avoid using them as think they are too rough).

Obviously using a camel hair brush is the best option, but if you need to clean the lens properly what products do you use, and what would you recommend?

[ceremus]

A good quality microfiber cloth has always been sufficient for me.

[Tinderbox UK]

The pad end of a lens pen is my favourite, after dusting using the brush end to remove anything hard that might scratch the lens.

[Jim Poor]

Blower, Lens Pen, Microfiber cloth, t-shirt.

[ajax_andy]

I have the microfibre cloths but really not happy with the current batch... can anyone recommend a good make/product?

I'm worried using the current ones will actually scratch the lens

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

I have the microfibre cloths but really not happy with the current batch... can anyone recommend a good make/product?

I'm worried using the current ones will actually scratch the lens

It takes a lot to scratch a lens. Unless there is sand / grit or you try to put your finger through the front of the lens (press WAY too hard), scratching really isn't a worry.

In a pinch, I've wiped the front element with a bare finger and then wiped it with a soft cloth.

[ceremus]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

I have the microfibre cloths but really not happy with the current batch... can anyone recommend a good make/product?

I'm worried using the current ones will actually scratch the lens

Yeah, I had a "microfiber" cloth once that didn't feel quite right, I used it on a UV filter and it left a little light scratching behind. Nothing to worry about really, but I'm glad I didn't use it on a front element.

Look for lens cleaning cloths for eyeglasses and such, marked as non-linting microfiber, they should be fine.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by ceremus

Yeah, I had a "microfiber" cloth once that didn't feel quite right, I used it on a UV filter and it left a little light scratching behind. Nothing to worry about really, but I'm glad I didn't use it on a front element.

Look for lens cleaning cloths for eyeglasses and such, marked as non-linting microfiber, they should be fine.

Thanks I'll have a look for one

[Bruce A]

Make certain it's the fine 100% cotton micro fibre cloth and not the towelling type - those will retain grit which can scratch your lens. As Ceremus stated, the ones for eye-glasses are suitable. I use a lens pen, microfibre cloth and a decent blower for various applications. And yes a cotton t-shirt comes in handy when nothing else is available.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

Make certain it's the fine 100% cotton micro fibre cloth and not the towelling type - those will retain grit which can scratch your lens. As Ceremus stated, the ones for eye-glasses are suitable. I use a lens pen, microfibre cloth and a decent blower for various applications. And yes a cotton t-shirt comes in handy when nothing else is available.

I bought these which are supposed to be for microscope lenses... do they look like what you suggested?

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