First SLR, is there a preferred lens cleaning solution.

[Charentejohn]

Complete (if old) beginner and still awaiting SD card to make a start, so that new.
Camera is a used 1000D in excellent condition and will be my learning camera, may well be all I need we will see.

So I will need to clean the lens at some point, I found a kit with spray bottle (empty) and the usual bits.

Question is what fluid should I put in the empty bottle, or should I just buy a full one known maker.  
Either way are there solutions to avoid or others that are regularly used ?  Just don't want my first act to be to mess up the lens.  Any help appreciated, I just want to have something to hand in case I need it.

[ebiggs1]

"I mainly want to photograph insects and flowers etc in the area and this should do nicely. "

Depending on exactly how close you want the insects or flowers, too, you may be disappointed in the 18-55mm lens.

[Charentejohn]

I went for the cheap option of extender rings, again to see how I get on to see if I should invest in a macro lens.

This is where I get my stuff and these seem reasonable, some macro ones there

[Removed 3rd party link per Community Guidelines]

I saw someone who said most serious photographers are likely to have a favourite lens they won't part with rather than a favourite camera body.  
Sounds plausible and the camera body I have will do me I think, just better lenses in time ?  I will consult here before making any decisions, I will give it 6 months to get used to this first.
Just took my first 10 photos, rubbish but the last one was better but not great.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens to compliment your 18-55mm lens. It has limited macro capabilities, but is a nice lens for outdoors and nature photography. It can focus to within 2.8 ft. It goes used for about $185.

There is also a Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM that is a good all-around lens. It goes for about $230 and can focus to within 1.3 ft. Neither is a true macro lens but have good image quality.

A more expensive option is a Canon EF 100mm f2.8 L Macro L IS USM for about $680 used. It is a superb lens for macro and general photography. It can be used with a newer EF mount or EF-S mount cameras if you upgrade your camera at a later date.

[Charentejohn]

Thanks for that, seems I just missed one but I will keep a lookout for one.

Looks like I missed one but there will be another 🙂  [Removed 3rd party link per Community Guidelines]

There is a 135 one but says minor dust fault but no worries I will keep checking from time to time as I would prefer a low to no fault one. [Removed 3rd party link per Community Guidelines]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Anonymous]

Those are not the ones that I am recommending. You have to search the exact model number that I have typed in above. Those are older models and not as good as the ones that I am recommending.

[Charentejohn]

thanks, will do that when ready to buy.

[Charentejohn]

Just seen the links removed, sorry about that.  I did look to see if links were allowed but didn't find anything against, most don't allow it to stop advertising so I was surprised, now I know. 
I did find the lenses specified on Amazon for just a little more than US prices so not bad.

[wq9nsc]

I would agree with Ricky that you should let Canon do the sensor cleaning.  Don't take it to a local camera store for that type of service either unless you are absolutely sure that they have someone who is truly capable instead of the person who also changes watch batteries and other cheap tech stuff.  A properly cared for camera shouldn't need sensor cleaning often.

I have cleaned sensors on several of my camera bodies but I use the right products to do so and more importantly I have spent a lot of time working on precision electronics that are a lot more complex, fragile, and expensive than the image sensor and its fellow travelers in the camera image chamber.  Learning precision work practices by starting with an image sensor is not a good plan.

I seldom change lenses while at an event but if you do so, then change quickly and I would start by popping the camera end cap off the next lens and blow out any dust before attaching.  With proper care, sensor cleaning (especially with the "self dust removing" sensor setup on most current cameras) will be a very infrequent event.

For your lens, a rocket or similar squeeze blower is a primary lens cleaning tool and don't forget to have the lens aimed downward so the debris will be less likely to land back on the lens after blowing it off. 

Except for my "great white" lenses which have a very large front element that will not accept a protective front filter, my other lenses all get a high quality clear glass "filter" as soon as they come out of their new box.  Quality filters aren't cheap but they are far less expensive than a damaged front element.  With those in place, I am far less worried about lens cleaning and if necessary at an event I will wipe it off quickly with whatever is handy.  The deep lens hoods on the great white series does a great job of protecting the front element from splash and those only get cleaned when I am back home.  Canon uses a tougher outer coating on these large elements but I don't care to empirically test the toughness so I treat them with great care.

Rodger

[ebiggs1]

"I saw someone who said most serious photographers are likely to have a favourite lens they won't part with rather "than a favourite camera body."

A favorite lens isn't much use if you don't have a camera. I would put it a different way. If you are upgrading it is  usually better to upgrade the lens before upgrading the camera.

[ebiggs1]

• Promotion of third party products, promotions, websites, organizations, goods or services.

" I did look to see if links were allowed but didn't find anything against, most don't allow it to stop advertising..."

It is pretty clear to me.