Lens pens for cleaning? (1 Viewer)

[Ruff]

This strikes me as the sort of issue that must have come up before. If so, I apologise but the forum search engine doesn't find it.

Anyway with an eye to preserving the coatings, I clean my bin lenses only infrequently and even then very reluctantly but, looking for a pocket-portable cleaning system, I've come across the thing called the LensPen, with a retractable dust brush in one end and what is (to me) a scary little cleaning scrubber under a cap in the other. Not least of all because I don't understand how it works or what 'fluid' it uses, I find that having purchased a LensPen, I'm very reluctant to use the scrubber feature on any of my bins- can someone either confirm or deny my fears regarding the thing?

 

[Dennis Mau]

This strikes me as the sort of issue that must have come up before. If so, I apologise but the forum search engine doesn't find it.

Anyway with an eye to preserving the coatings, I clean my bin lenses only infrequently and even then very reluctantly but, looking for a pocket-portable cleaning system, I've come across the thing called the LensPen, with a retractable dust brush in one end and what is (to me) a scary little cleaning scrubber under a cap in the other. Not least of all because I don't understand how it works or what 'fluid' it uses, I find that having purchased a LensPen, I'm very reluctant to use the scrubber feature on any of my bins- can someone either confirm or deny my fears regarding the thing?

I have always used LensPen's. Just make sure you blow your lenses off first so there is no sand or grit on them or rinse them off if they are really dirty on a waterproof binocular. They are really good for getting that occasional fingerprint or eyelash grease mark off your lenses.

 

[Liquid Len]

Like you, I clean my optics only when absolutely necessary but have used a LensPen for several years now on my Swaro bins and Leica scope without any problems whatsoever. As denco says, ensure that the lens surfaces are completely clear of dust & grit with the brush (or a blower brush) first, and there shouldn't be an issue. The 'scrubber' as you call it uses a dry cleaning compound and not a fluid, which absorbs greasy smears and leaves the lens surfaces perfectly clean if used according to the instructions provided. A good quality microfibre lens cloth, washed frequently, serves as back-up.

LL

 

[Ruff]

Thanks to you both. My nervous use of the term 'scrubber' was occasioned by the thing's resemblance, on a miniature level, to some cleaning pads or the male side of Velcro.

 

[idaho john]

and...

Ruff I have had good luck with the LensPen keeping my camera lens clean, as well as my binoculars. There is on occasion a black residue due to the agent used being graphite or having a graphite base, but on those occasions I have used Zeiss wipes and a soft cleaning cloth with good results.

For what it's worth, I also go the extra mile in taking care to avoid having to clean my optics as mentioned.

Good luck.

John

 

[xbted52]

I don't have a lot of experience with the Lens Pen, however, being a photography enthusiast I have seen a lot of negative press regarding the Lens Pen with regards to its use on camera lenses. As mentioned in an earlier post, they tend to leave quite a bit of graphite (or some other) residue.

For normal situations, it seems that many people favor using a dust brush/blower to rid the lenses of dust. And then to remove smudges/fingerprints, etc. it is acceptable to breath on the lens and clean with a microfiber cloth.

I use the above method to clean both my binoculars and camera lenses. That being said, I admittedly don't have experience with the lens pen, and all that I am passing on is second hand information. But, considering that you can buy a bulb brush and a microfiber cloth for half the price of a lens pen, and that it's effective, you may want to check it out as a tool for your needs.

All the best,
Ted

 

[oetzi]

How about getting a blower brush and some isopropyl alcohol?
Would that be sufficient?

 

[Binastro]

I am told that Baader optical wonder fluid is the best easily available lens cleaner.
It is sold either separately or with a microfibre cloth kit for £14.50.

I find that the Hama microfibre cloth in the little grey plastic containers is excellent for all optics.
isopropyl alcohol is easiest available fluid.

With these fluids I just use one drop at a time to make sure it cannot leak into the side of the optics damaging the edge blackening and perhaps the balsam.

With fully waterproof binoculars this shouldn't happen. But with non-waterproof one has to take care.

There are some very special substances that you can put on optics and then peel them of leaving totally clean surfaces but I forget what it is called.

 

[Jumbo]

There are some very special substances that you can put on optics and then peel them of leaving totally clean surfaces but I forget what it is called.

OptiClean, but it was discontinued a couple of years ago IIRC.

Blower brush/compressed air, followed by a cleaning solution carefully applied is sufficient for most people's needs. RoR or Baader OWF (!) are both effective.

Use disposable lens tissues or cut up a larger microfibre cloth and dispose of each piece after use. The filthy microfibre clothes that some people drag out of their bags and then across their lenses makes me cringe.:eek!:

A lenspen is handy for removing any slight smears after the above, but I wouldn't use one as my primary cleaner.

 

[Pileatus]

This strikes me as the sort of issue that must have come up before. If so, I apologise but the forum search engine doesn't find it.

Anyway with an eye to preserving the coatings, I clean my bin lenses only infrequently and even then very reluctantly but, looking for a pocket-portable cleaning system, I've come across the thing called the LensPen, with a retractable dust brush in one end and what is (to me) a scary little cleaning scrubber under a cap in the other. Not least of all because I don't understand how it works or what 'fluid' it uses, I find that having purchased a LensPen, I'm very reluctant to use the scrubber feature on any of my bins- can someone either confirm or deny my fears regarding the thing?

You might want to read...
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120927

There are also a lot of fake lens pens that will cause damage. Furthermore, a lens pens does not magically dismiss dirt and grime...it has to go somewhere. I scratched a lens with one so I suggest you use at your own risk.

A camel hair brush, Kimwipes, water/breath and a bit of ROR will clean just about anything. If you have a fully waterproof bin (like my 7X42 Leica Ultravid) you can clean under a tap with warm water and a bit of Ivory liquid worked into your finger tips. That will definitely get a lens clean! Do not try this with unsealed lenses (most cameras and porro binoculars). FWIW, I wash plastic eyeglass lenses under the tap a few times each day with absolutely no damage to the lenses. Quite amazing for a plastic lens.

Most lens damage is due to dirt being rubbed into the lens coating. Lens pens eventually accumulate dirt and other residue. Go figure.

 

[Ruff]

Random thoughts and observations about lens cleaning:

I bought a LensPen to be a portable, field-expedient cleaner, and I'll be using the brush a lot more than the cleaner end. I've never owned anything with an air puffer feature because they're bulky and anyway I didn't take the notion seriously- why not a puff of air from my own lips? Anyway, I puff and then brush.

Microfibre cloths worry me also, but the ones I have right now have a bright white side that indicates if a spot may harbour grit etc. That is the side I use, of course. A tissue still has to be best for most things.

I've used various cleaning fluids, 50% iso alcohol and proprietary ones, and right now I have a large bottle of Zeiss's version- if they can't do it right, who can?

The most important thing about using fluid seems to be to put it on the cloth or tissue and not directly on the lens. Something I've been guilty of.

When ever eating or drinking anything, I try to remember to put my raincover over the oculars. That has save me some grief.

A dirty lens is better than a scratched lens- if I don't have the proper cleaner, then I wait.

 

[Binastro]

. I have seen a camera shop quite experienced salesman use compressed air on a camera lens.
What happened was that a whole lot of fluid came out and deposited itself on the lens and was almost impossible to shift. It took ages to get it all off.
Personally I wouldn't go near these compressed air cleaners.

This small Hama microfibre cloth's in the grey small plastic containers can be washed frequently if they get dirty.

I used to use a camel hair brush until I realised that flicking the dust off it with my fingers eventually meant that finger grease clung to the hairs and smeared the lenses rather than cleaning them. So I don't use that any more.

 

[Troubador]

I have used LensPens for many years on bins and camera lenses. Getting into the habit of using a brush is a good thing. Where the LensPen really scores is that it cleans right up to the edge of the lens easily. Denis is dead right when he says you need to brush first and brush thoroughly before using the pad.

Having said all that, microfibre cloths, one's own breath and Zeiss wipes and Calotherm Cleaner have all had regular use as well. I don't think there is any cleaning product that solves all problems all of the time.

Used sensibly and with caution I think LensPens would be a useful addition to everyone's tool kit.

Lee

 

[Hermann]

I don't use LensPens and the like. I don't trust them, and I have a feeling they only distribute any dirt elsewhere on the lens. Neither do I use compressed air. That's horrible stuff.

I've been using microfibre cloths for many years now, and they work well. Leica was the first manufacturer so sell them in Germany in the 1990s, and I've still got half a dozen of their white cloths. I do make sure they're clean, of course. I first get rid of any grit, usually by blowing it off. With waterproof binoculars, if there's any salt on the lenses, I rinse the whole binocular under the tap and dry off the lenses with a microfibre cloth. But even a clean cotton hanky works quite well.

If there's any sticky muck left on the lenses, I use a few drops of a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and purefied water on a microfibre cloth to wipe them off. That's a mixture recommended to me by an old Leica camera technician more than 20 years ago or so, long before any of the "modern" cleaners came onto the market. He had a large bottle of that stuff and used it for all Leica camera lenses with their softish coatings. No problems at all.

Last thought: Unless you do anything *really* stupid, modern coatings are pretty tough. And a few scratches won't really make a difference.

Hermann

 

[bh46118]

Do you recall the ratio for the mixture ?

Thanks Bruce

If there's any sticky muck left on the lenses, I use a few drops of a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and purefied water

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

Do you recall the ratio for the mixture ?

1:1.

Hermann

 

[Ruff]

1:1.

Hermann

I agree, but I don't mix my own, I just buy 50% isopropyl alcohol at the pharmacy or wherever. If in doubt about the quality, I splash some on a mirror and look for any residue after it dries- have never found any but there's always a first time. I use 50% out of pure nervousness about the effect of the strongest mix on lens coatings- 100% dries significantly faster but I'm a patient man.

 

[John Russell]

Use disposable lens tissues or cut up a larger microfibre cloth and dispose of each piece after use. The filthy microfibre clothes that some people drag out of their bags and then across their lenses makes me cringe.

Microfibre cloths can be used almost indefinitely if they are washed at regular intervals at 40° in the washing machine.
Just don't use fabric softener or dishwasher fluid though. They would probably cause no permanent harm but would result in smearing of the lenses.

John

 

[Binastro]

. Microfibre cloths vary greatly in their efficiency.
Some are not good at all and some are excellent.
The Hama small ones in the grey plastic tubes are excellent. I've use these for years for lenses, binoculars, reading glasses etc etc.
Some Chinese independent ones I have are pretty useless.

The same applies to some fluids for cleaning laptop screens.
Some are useless and some work well.

There are some special polishing cloths which optical workers use which are not microfibre that work very well.

 

[Jumbo]

Microfibre cloths can be used almost indefinitely if they are washed at regular intervals at 40° in the washing machine...

Whilst they can be washed it is impossible to guaranteed they don't have any particulates embedded in them.

Given the care which should be taken to remove any such objects from the lens prior to touching it with anything it is rather peverse to then use a microfibre cloth which has been through the washing machine. Zeiss's disposable wipes would be a better solution.