Best/favorite lens cleaners?

[AtlantaTerry]

For pollen or sticky dust use a ZeroStat to neutralize any positive or negative electrical charge. Then use a blower or other above mentioned method to clean your lens.

The ZeroStat was first marketed to folks who wanted to play records but did not want dust in the grooves. I buy mine used from folks on FleaBay.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...F-8#q=Zerostat

[Bernice Loui]

Based on the recommendations of numerous folks who work with precision optics daily, the tend to prefer high purity alcohol. Typical off the store shelf alcohol contains to much contaminates which leaves these trace contaminates on the lens. Pre-saturated alcohol clean room wipes can work well or high purity alcohol with KimWipes.
The alternative is high purity acetone EXCEPT many plastics, adhesive, paint and similar can easily be dissolved by acetone.

*Blow off the lens to make sure any dirt or debris are not going to be slowly ground into the optical coating and glass.

*Begin the cleaning process at the center of the lens and work towards the lens edges.

*Do not clean the lens any more than absolutely necessary as each time the lens is cleaned, there is risk of damage to the coating or optical glass.


Bernice

[Carsten Wolff]

I've used alcohol, as well as Windex (Ammonia type version, not the vinegar based) cleaners for the last 3 decades. My lens coatings and glass still look superb, but I'm not that anal about it all. Some MC filters are a pain to clean and may need something else.

[evan clarke]

One part of Windex, one part of 99% alchohol, 9 parts of water.. They use this at KEH and it is the bomb.

[Alan Klein]

A little air when I get home. Steamy breath and an old T-shirt (which I usually wear) while in the field. Main thing is to get the chunks off before you wipe. Mostly keep the caps on so I don't have to clean.

+1 except I use a clean cotton handkerchief.

[evan clarke]

One part of Windex, one part of 99% alchohol, 9 parts of water.. They use this at KEH and it is the bomb.

And lint free virgin technical wipes.

[konakoa]

ROR + Kimwipes. Excellent for getting rid of those shiny persistent bits of crud on filters and lenses. Glass is always pristine afterwards. Just don't demonstrate it on the eyewear of anyone who wears glasses. You'll never get it back. I have to hide my supplies now.

[Bruce Watson]

For the budget minded -

60ml distilled water
1ml Dawn dish detergent
9ml 70% rubbing alcohol

Has worked great for me when I have used it, but like others, I seldom have to use liquid.

Really, don't do this. So called rubbing alcohol will take an anti-reflective coating off over time. This is the voice of experience.

[Jim Noel]

Any specific brands of lens glass cleaners that you all could recommend? Thanks!

I never let liquid get near a lens, nor do I ever touch a lens with Lens Tissue.
I only use activated charcoal applied correctly with a high quality cotton swab.

[AtlantaTerry]

I never let liquid get near a lens, nor do I ever touch a lens with Lens Tissue.
I only use activated charcoal applied correctly with a high quality cotton swab.

Excuse me?? Would not charcoal scratch a lens or coating??