Cleaning optics

[Hatchet Jack]

What's good to use on high end glass to clean away smudges or spots I can't get off with the lens cloth? Seems like a lot of the popular wipes or sprays have reviews saying it's not good for the coatings. Wanted to throw this out to the experts.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've never had anything I couldn't get off with a lens cloth. If I had to I'd wet a finger and scrub the spot then use the lens cloth.

 

[AGPank]

I found some inexpensive kits on Amazon that include a little blower to blow loose debris, soft brush, then lens cloth. I try to remove any debris before wiping with a cloth. The humidity from your breath will often help for a tough smudge.

 

[Mtslackcountry]

I use zeiss alcohol type wipes. They don't mess up my coatings. They are made by zeiss you think they would know a thing or 2...

 

[TheCougar]

I always try to brush or blow the debris off before I start wiping the lens. I don't use anything besides my breath to clean the lens in the field. I carry a lens pen and a microfiber cloth in the field.

 

[dotman]

I use zeiss alcohol type wipes. They don't mess up my coatings. They are made by zeiss you think they would know a thing or 2...

X2...

 

[duchntr]

This walks you through it, buy a cleaning setup off amazon


Cleaning & Storing your Binoculars (Optics) - YouTube


Amazon.com: Zeiss Lens Care Kit - 8oz Lens Cleaner Refill, 2oz Refillable Lens Cleaner Spray, 2 Microfiber Cloth, 10 Individually Wrapped Cleaning Wipes, Keychain Screwdriver, 4 Screws: Health & Personal Care

 

[Hatchet Jack]

Thanks guys

 

[mtswampfox]

Next time at drug store, look in cosmetic aisle for a camel hair brush used for applying make up. Have one that retracts into a nice container to protect and keep clean. Brush off lens gently before wiping with anything. Once glass is scratched or coating removed you cant undo it. Have seen guys just grab the ends of their tshirt and start rubbing, arrrrgh!!

 

[Laelkhunter]

One word of caution- Don't spray any of the liquid cleaners directly onto the lens (if you read the directions, they tell you not to do it !). I have some disposable Zeiss pre-moistened Lens Cloths and if they seem a little dry, I use the Zeiss lens cleaner spray on the cloth, then gently wipe the lens. Don't scrub the lens, but just gently wipe the lens until clean. I use this system on my Swaro EL Ranges, and my Swaro Z5 scope.