There is absolutely nothing wrong with using optical cleaning fluids, provided they are used properly, which means sparingly.Ĭraig Shearman may have given the best advice here for folks who are uncomfortable with cleaning optics. The non-animal pseudo-chamois is a poor substitute for the microfiber cloths designed specifically for cleaning optics, or one-time use tissues if one is uncomfortable with reusable cloths. Real chamois is made from animal hide, is treated with rather harsh chemicals to render it suitably soft, and contains oils and unknown contaminants. This same technique will also clean Lens Fungus off old lenses, but in that case, you want to use about 2 or 3 times as much 'pressure' when you wipe with the Zeiss Lens Cloths.Ĭhamois from an auto parts store is not suitable for cleaning optics. In order to minimize the chance of leaving a smudge, wipe the filter in a circular pattern, and on the last 'swipe', just lift the napkin off the surface in a smooth "lifting away", sort of like a duck taking off from a lake. I give the lens a good wiping over with one of these, again, using gentle pressure, but a careful and deliberate technique. Its damp enough to do a good job cleaning the lens, but not so wet that its soaked or dripping. They are pre-dampened with (i think) isopropyl alcohol. They sell them at Walmart, 50 per box, and a box costs about $3. I follow that with a circular pattern of wiping using "Zeiss Lens Cloths".These are pre-moistened, lint-free, small-fiber disposable napkins. And not in a way that would scratch the lens.Ĥ. When i use the brush, i try to cover the whole surface, but carefully, gently, and deliberately. Follow that with a very careful and gentle brushing over, using the soft-hair brush to try and 'sweep' off any dust or dirt that was resistant to blowing. Use the Hurricane rubber bulb to blow moderate puffs of air onto the lens, with the objective of removing any loose clinging dust, hairs, powders, grit, or the like.ģ. Visually inspect the lens surface under a good light.Ģ. Here's how i clean up my coated lenses and filters.ġ. When i acquire a used camera from a thrift store, the lens is usually pretty dirty, but not scratched.