topic Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth? in EF & RF Lenses

Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

John_SD — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 05:07:28 GMT

What do you guys recommend for lens cleaning -- lens tissue or microfiber cloth?

I assume that it's always best to use the rocket air blower and brush whenever possible. The gal on the Canon site uses 91 isopropyl alcohol to clean smudges when necessary. Makes sense to use 91 as it has virtually no water in it and evaporates very quickly. Still, most of the guys I know use some specialty cleaner rather than 91 alcohol. Not sure why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhdJyBucqrk

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 06:11:27 GMT

I almost never clean my lenses. I have clear filters on the fronts of them, because I can be clumsy at times when it comes to putting the lens covers back in place. Most of the time, my protective lens filters stay pretty much smudge free. Quality filters tend to be static-free and do not attract dust.

I wear eyeglasses. When I clean my eyeglasses and protective lens filters, I use a spray bottle of 91% isopropyl sprayed onto a lens tissue paper. I started using this technique because it cheaper than those pre-moistened tissues, wrapped in foil. The alcohol is very good at sanitizing my eyeglasses, too, so I suppose the same can be said for the lens filters. I also use this technique to clean the LCD screens on my cameras, tablets, cell phones, and even laptops and computer monitors.

Once I get the major smudges and oils off the lens off, I will come behind that with a microfiber cloth to remove any oily residue left behind by the tissue. The moistened tissue can remove a lot, but it isn't perfect. It does contain some water, which can leave a slight film behind, which the cloth removes with ease.

So, I use both tissue and microfiber. I use isopropyl alcohol, instead of methanol, because the latter is rather toxic. It is my understanding that methanol is used to fuel racing cars. It can also be used as an industrial solvent, which means that it has the potential to attack the coatings on the glass surfaces.

I have heard that isopropyl can attack coatings, too. I guess it may depend upon the type of coating, or who you talk to. I go with the 91% isopropyl because it is cheap, and far less toxic than methanol. Just remember, that 91% alcohol still contains some water, which can and will leave something behind once the alcohol evaporates.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Peter — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 11:48:58 GMT

microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol (99,7%) and a gentle breath. My recipe for years.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:21:50 GMT

@Peter wrote:
microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol (99,7%) and a gentle breath. My recipe for years.

I have been looking for a concentration of isopropyl higher than 91%. But, the 91% is dirt cheap. I can get a 10 ounce spray bottle of it at my local drugstore for less than half the cost of a Big Mac.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

RobertTheFat — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:43:02 GMT

Waddizzle wrote:
Peter wrote:
microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol (99,7%) and a gentle breath. My recipe for years.
I have been looking for a concentration of isopropyl higher than 91%. But, the 91% is dirt cheap. I can get a 10 ounce spray bottle of it at my local drugstore for less than half the cost of a Big Mac.

Alcohol and water form a constant-boiling solution, which limits the concentration you can achieve through ordinary distillation. To get higher concentrations, you have to use chemical tricks, like adding small amounts of benzine, which remains at trace levels in the final distillate. You may not want such adultrants in contact with your lenses.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Peter — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 12:57:30 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:
@Peter wrote:
microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol (99,7%) and a gentle breath. My recipe for years.
I have been looking for a concentration of isopropyl higher than 91%. But, the 91% is dirt cheap. I can get a 10 ounce spray bottle of it at my local drugstore for less than half the cost of a Big Mac.
Alcohol and water form a constant-boiling solution, which limits the concentration you can achieve through ordinary distillation. To get higher concentrations, you have to use chemical tricks, like adding small amounts of benzine, which remains at trace levels in the final distillate. You may not want such adultrants in contact with your lenses.

Good point. Never thought of it. Above 87,9% I suppose?

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:58:51 GMT

Pete...."a gentle breath. My recipe for years." Not no but h--- no! Never use your breath.

Rocket blower

alcohol/specialty cleaner for lenses

Specialty cloth for lenses. Not a micro fiber cloth!

It is better to clean the protecto filter on your lens than the lens itself, IMHO, and my practice. Remember most stuff on the front element is OOF and will not effect the photo.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:26:00 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
Pete...."a gentle breath. My recipe for years." Not no but h--- no! Never use your breath.

Rocket blower
alcohol/specialty cleaner for lenses
Specialty cloth for lenses. Not a micro fiber cloth!

It is better to clean the protecto filter on your lens than the lens itself, IMHO, and my practice. Remember most stuff on the front element is OOF and will not effect the photo.

What is your idea of a "specialty cloth for lenses? Isn't a micro-fiber cloth made for lenses?

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:41:55 GMT

You know it may be. I don't really know what they make them out of. They are more like suede than micro fiber. But who knows?

When we got out first laser at work, we all had to go to a lens cleaning class. Yes there is such a thing. I adopted and continue to use their method. The worse thing, among others, it using your breath.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

John_SD — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 16:20:32 GMT

Thanks for all the good responses. I walk around with UV filters on (for protection) so when they need a cleaning, I'll stick with the little brush, lens tissue, 91 isopropyl alcohol, and an occasional wipe with the cloth. That 91 does seem to evaporate before your eyes and it doesn't seem to take much to clean up the filter.

I accidentally touched my 18-55mm lens putting a filter on but didn't see any trace of oil or fingerprints. I went over it with the cloth gently anyway. I may start using the tissues more based on some of the comments. They just seem kind of flimsy to me.

The thing about the microfiber cloths is that I hear that they trap particles, and are a pain to wash. I've got a couple of them but they probably haven't been used enough to wash by hand yet.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:01:33 GMT

You can do as you see fit but I would never what most people call micro fiber cloths. I don't use tissues either. I think Canon even advises against using lens tissues.

On cheaper lenses you can wipe off the multi-coating doing it wrong. Some of the higher end lenses have a tough weather coating that is really good. The Sigma 150-600 S is one among others. Also some Canon lenses require a protecto filter for weather sealing. I think protecto filters are generally a good idea. Much better to expose it than your front element. Even if it is only for cleaning. Right?

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:18:00 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
You can do as you see fit but I would never what most people call micro fiber cloths. I don't use tissues either. I think Canon even advises against using lens tissues.
On cheaper lenses you can wipe off the multi-coating doing it wrong. Some of the higher end lenses have a tough weather coating that is really good. The Sigma 150-600 S is one among others. Also some Canon lenses require a protecto filter for weather sealing. I think protecto filters are generally a good idea. Much better to expose it than your front element. Even if it is only for cleaning. Right?

So, Ernie. What do you recommend using? You have rejected tissues and micro fiber cloths. What do you use?

On another note, I use a micro fiber cloth, the tissues and a spray bottle of alcohol at home. But, I do carry travel cleaning kit that includes lens pens, pre-moistened tissues, blower, and a micro fiber cloth. The travel kit is made by Zeus.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:36:19 GMT

Like you I don't over clean my lenses. A lot of folks do. I have never cleaned my 600mm f4.

I use the "suede" lens cloths and any popular brand of lens cleaning solution.

I have the Rocket Blower, who doesn't? I also have a squirrel hair brush.

Maybe the cloths I am referring to are indeed microfiber. They are very fine microfiber if they are. The one I have right here in front of me has Zeiss printed on it. I have several that have Canon printed on them.

What I mean is they aren't the microfiber that you buy at WalMart !

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Peter — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:38:06 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:
Pete...."a gentle breath. My recipe for years." Not no but h--- no! Never use your breath.

Rocket blower
alcohol/specialty cleaner for lenses
Specialty cloth for lenses. Not a micro fiber cloth!

It is better to clean the protecto filter on your lens than the lens itself, IMHO, and my practice. Remember most stuff on the front element is OOF and will not effect the photo.
What is your idea of a "specialty cloth for lenses? Isn't a micro-fiber cloth made for lenses?

Thought so too. It says Canon on my micro fiber cloth and I got it as a CPS member.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

diverhank — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:06:30 GMT

Like many I personally try not to clean my lenses outside of using a blower. But if there are smudges, I use the Zeiss Lens Cleaning Wipe. It comes in individual packaged wipe that leaves no residue.

I have used it several times on my 24-70 f/2.8L and 16-35 f/2.8L lenses without any problems...still I wouldn't want to do it too often. Of course you have to make sure there are no flint or dust on the lens before the wipe as they might scratch the surface...just for oily smudges...

Oh, I wouldn't trust cleaning my lenses with a microfiber cloth. All it takes is a caught piece of micro-sand crystal and your lens might be ruined.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Waddizzle — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:24:03 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
Like you I don't over clean my lenses. A lot of folks do. I have never cleaned my 600mm f4.
I use the "suede" lens cloths and any popular brand of lens cleaning solution.
I have the Rocket Blower, who doesn't? I also have a squirrel hair brush.

Maybe the cloths I am referring to are indeed microfiber. They are very fine microfiber if they are. The one I have right here in front of me has Zeiss printed on it. I have several that have Canon printed on them.

What I mean is they aren't the microfiber that you buy at WalMart !

I have never cleaned the front element on several lenses. Seeing how I placed a clear protective filter on them when they were brand new out of the box, I doubt I will be cleaning the front elements anytime soon in the near future.

After wearing and cleaning eyeglasses for several decades, I avoid off the shelf lens cleaning solutions. One, they are comparatively expensive compared to my simple spray bottle of 91% isopropyl. The cleaning solutions tend to contain a lower concentration of alcohol.

The cleaning solutions tend to contain dyes, perfumes, solvents, and other stuff that I consider contaminants, which I don't want coming into contact with my lenses. The simpler the cleaning solution, the better.

Also, I have learned that you really need to go over the lens surface with a cleaning solution, in order to loosen and remove oils and dirt prior to using a micro fiber cloth. Using a dry cloth on a dirty, dry lens will rub the dirt into the surface of the lens, scratching it.

I would compare using a dry cloth on a dirty lens to cleaning your car. They sell stuff that claims to clean and shine your car in one step. They claim that you don't even need soap and water, just wipe and shine. Nope. If you have ever used that stuff before, then you should have noticed that it simply grinds the dirt into the paint, which scratches the surface, creating all of those little micro-whirls that you sometimes see in the finish of a car.

You gotta wipe away the dirt, or at least loosen it up, before you come along and polish your lens with a micro fiber cloth. If you don't make an effort to wipe away and loosen up the dirt, it will try to stick in place, it will drag across the lens, and scratch it. This is what happens to eyeglasses over time, so I know that it can happen to lens filters and front elements, too.

EDIT]. A dry rub is for a steak going on the grill, not your lenses.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

John_SD — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:28:22 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
I use the "suede" lens cloths and any popular brand of lens cleaning solution.

Suede? Are you talking about a soft chamois?

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

John_SD — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:38:49 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:

EDIT]. A dry rub is for a steak going on the grill, not your lenses.

Waddizzle, I think I'll be taking your and diverhank's approach to lens cleaning -- rocket blowers, brushes, 91 isopropyl, microfiber cloths and Zeiss moistened wipes. Not all at once, of course. 🙂 But definitely the less, the better.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Peter — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:25:15 GMT

Ebiggs1, what you call suede lens cloths I call micr fiber cloths. Seems we mean the same thing.

Re: Lens tissue paper or microfiber cloth?

Leica — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:38:53 GMT

I ALMOST NEVER CLEAN CAMERA OPTICS, AND NEVER TOUCH THEM. WHEN I DO, CLEANER COST IS NEVER CONSIDERED.

4 Decades ago I worked in the then infant gas laser industry and had to clean laser windows before assembly and the mirrors.

We found that hand oils migrate via the best cleaning solutions, and never used a hand held lens cleaner or any cloth to clean them. I would NEVER trust the junk that now appears as cleaning cloths.

I use the same method now on my best optics. I take a cool lens or filter (holding the filter by the ring with hemostsats) and hold it so liquid can run off, over a warm conatiner of VERY FLAMMABLE (CAREFUL) or even room temp pure ethanol alcohol.

I use Graves Grain Alcohol 190 Proof; 95%. The condensing vapors flow the contaminants off.

In bad cases we would even pour a little directly out of the bottle onto the lens.

I have never seen any damage in any coating over all the decades.