Optics cleaning in the field

[TrackerDan]

I'm wondering what everyone is using in the field to clean their optics. I've always carried a leupold lens pen and a couple lens cloths. Curious if there is a better system out there. Thanks

 

[croben]

That’s all I’ve ever carried and it’s worked well so far.

 

[huntsman22]

I have a t-shirt on......

 

[Brian Fahs]

Small air puffer, soft retractable brush, spudz cloth.
Always my first move is compressed air to remove dirt and dust.
Spudz cloth is always a last resort.
Clean water is also a good option.

 

[MattB]

I carry a few single use disposable wipes. Lens pens can collect grit which can damage lens coatings, so those are a no-go.

 

[4th_point]

Water works great to remove dust. However unless a lens is heavily dusted or smeared you probably won't notice a drop in quality.

 

[PVHunter]

Big +1 to compressed air if you can manage it.

 

[kpk]

I usually carry a small puffer (because I usually have a camera too) and a clean microfiber. I honestly try to not clean glass in the field if I don't have to. I'd rather do it at home if it can wait.

 

[nobody]

I love the little brushes that come on the lens pens. I use that 95% of the time. I still carry a microfiber Spudz cloth, but I rarely use it unless I get mud or water on my lenses. I just feel like the brush will do less damage to the lenses, where a cloth will just push the dust around on your lens and will eventually cause scratching.

I NEVER use my shirt or gloves, good way to destroy your glass.

 

[Catahoula]

Clean microfiber cloth..

 

[JW@TRACT]

For the guys who use microfiber cloth: do you keep your cloth in bags, or do they just live in a designated pouch?

 

[Brian Fahs]

For the guys who use microfiber cloth: do you keep your cloth in bags, or do they just live in a designated pouch?

I have several of these that roll up into their own attached neoprene pouch with a handy clip on them. Every optic I own has one of these attached to it.

 

[nobody]

I have several of these that roll up into their own attached neoprene pouch with a handy clip on them. Every optic I own has one of these attached to it.

For the guys who use microfiber cloth: do you keep your cloth in bags, or do they just live in a designated pouch?

Same here as with @Brian Fahs. I use the one from Spudz, have them strategically placed everywhere

 

[long hunter]

A new makeup brush like the women use, and a square of microfiber cloth. Cheap easy and works just as well as the brand name systems.

 

[MattB]

I have several of these that roll up into their own attached neoprene pouch with a handy clip on them. Every optic I own has one of these attached to it.

Just an FYI but a friend knows a couple of guys who got grit in those and scratch their lenses. Make sure you keep them clean.

 

[Brian Fahs]

Just an FYI but a friend knows a couple of guys who got grit in those and scratch their lenses. Make sure you keep them clean.

I agree.
As I said it is a last resort option for me

 

[4th_point]

For the guys who use microfiber cloth: do you keep your cloth in bags, or do they just live in a designated pouch?

I used to keep a clean microfiber cloth in a sandwich bag in my bino harness, fanny pack, camera bag, etc. Once used, I would wash them with soap, dry, and store.

Now I just keep a few of the factory vacuum sealed clothes stashed in the same way. I get them with cleaning kits for camera sensors.

However, I rarely use the microfiber anymore.

 

[4th_point]

A new makeup brush like the women use, and a square of microfiber cloth. Cheap easy and works just as well as the brand name systems.

I ditched my lens pens awhile back and started carrying a tiny brush that came with an electric razor. I don't use it on the lenses, but areas like the eyecups to get grit out that water may not flush.

 

[TrackerDan]

Living in the Oregon coast jungle my optics get pretty dirty. The "scrubber" on the lens pen is the only thing that gets rid of the water marks. Will the Spudz cloth clean off the water marks?

 

[J Batt]

I only use a soft hobby paint brush. A soft bristle paintbrush wipes dust and smudges without grinding dust particles into the glass like a cloth on my finger has in the past. It takes a little longer to remove smudges than cloth, but it never leaves a scratch.