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.

[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. 

[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.

[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.