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.

[rs-eos]

I never use liquids on any of my lenses or filters.  I use a combination of a Lenspen cleaning kit along with lens cleaning tissues (sensei brand).

If the lens contacts are scratched, soiled or have fingerprints on them, Canon recommends using a soft cloth (that's how it's outlined in the manuals for the three lenses I own).

[Charentejohn]

Thanks for the info, I have been watching a few videos on camera use etc and came accross cleaning, by Simon d'Entremont for no other reason that he appeared on youtube when I was looking.  Seems reasonable and he advised blowing off dust then brushing and then if needed cleaning by spraying a solution onto a cloth and not direct the lens to clean it. 
All sounded plausible, same thing on outer and inner lens and finally the connection ring and contacts with the same cloth.
Basically I can skip the fluid then and just need a small blower for dust and the brush/circular pad 'pen' along with some cleaning cloths.
One last question on cloths, I assume they are not reusable/washable but do they last a while?  I can buy a kit with a couple loose or one with a dozen in sealed packets.
 
He also mentioned cleaning the sensor but I will give that a miss for a few months I think 🙂

[rs-eos · Accepted solution]

The cloths should last a while.  As to if they can be washed, that would depend upon the manufacturer.

Regarding cleaning of the sensor, I would only want Canon to handle that.  Others here may provide advice on if attempting to do it yourself.

[Charentejohn]

Thanks Ricky that will keep me going for now and I can order the basic kit. 
I have still to use the camera as awaiting my SD card delivery but just wanted to understand the cleaning as when out and about is not the time to be wondering what's best 🙂 

On the sensor cleaning I agree, the camera cleans it and I will try not to let dirt in by keeping the standard lens on unless I need to mess with it. Ok for the experienced maybe if they have to because of wildlife shots etc but I can take my time to avoid problems.

Thanks again, John

[rs-eos]

Oh, one last thing.  Hope you've ordered a full-sized SD card from a reputable brand.  Micro-sized SD cards that work with adapters are known to be problematic.

[normadel]

You will find a huge number of proponents for having a filter on the front of your lens, either UV or Protective, to keep the delicate lens surface from getting dirty in the first place. An equal number will say that a filter degrades optical quality and you should not use one.

You make your choice. I've been using filters to protect my lenses for 60 years. Never had to touch the front surface of a lens to clean with anything. Do you want to suffer a slight loss of image quality (doubtful), or risk damage in cleaning (very possible)?

Many would say that a lens hood (a very good idea) negates need for a filter. Not so. Rain, splashes, dust & dirt very easily get in a hood. The hood also protects against impact damage to the front of a lens. 

Protective filters and hoods give you an expendable barrier. They are cheap compared to a lens. Better to damage a filter from too much cleaning, than damaging your lens.

[ebiggs1]

Here is my recommendation for lens cleaning. Go to your eye doctor. They, at least mine, gives me lens solution and cleaning cloth and they are free. But wait there's more. A lens should not require cleaning very often to perhaps never. Depending on lens value an appropriate protecto lens filter is always a better idea. You clean it instead of your lens.

You have a 15 year old camera and lens. I hope it has been taken care of over the years but it may need a good cleaning if not. Afterword put a protecto filter on it and from then on clean the filter. Not the lens. Not the only choice but as an example the Tiffen 55UVP 55mm UV Protection Filter is a good inexpensive choice about ten bucks.

Do not attempt to clean the camera sensor.

[ebiggs1]

"A lens should not require cleaning very often to perhaps never." "You have a 15 year old camera and lens"

I have lenses that are 15+ years old that have never been cleaned.

[Charentejohn]

Thanks everyone, all useful info.  I will look at filters when next buying stuff.
As the camera is older a simple solution is welcome, as stated above not a worrying expense to replace a lens.  I bought from a firm in Finland of all places, I am in France, and they delivered the camera cleaned and serviced.
I was very pleased with the condition as like new, cost (relatively) peanuts at 120 euros for canon 1000d with zoom 18-55 3.5-5.6 lens incl battery etc.  So you can see not the end of the world if I mess up, not that I want to as a beautiful camera and way better than I have ever had.  A replacement lens is about 60 euros ( a $ is worth 90cents in euros so similar).

My plan is to learn on this one and then maybe buy newer but for me it is a hobby, I mainly want to photograph insects and flowers etc in the area and this should do nicely.  I will do my best to keep it as I got it but can afford to mess up. There was a series here called Small objects of desire 🙂 it was all those things you wanted but couldn't have when younger, this is one of mine. I couldn't afford an SLR way back in the 70s and after a while gave up and just took 'snaps', and not many at that.
Now I have time to learn a new skill I think I will enjoy it, there are loads of good tutorials online.