Quick Tip - How to Clean Your Lens

Direct Link the the FroKnowsPhoto Lens Cloths

I get a lot of e mails asking all sorts of great questions and thought it would be fun to start a "Quick Tip" series. These Quick Tips will be less than five minutes and focused one giving you as much info as possible on the question.

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is "how do I clean my lenses". This is the perfect question for this quick tips series. In the video you will see the exactly how I clean my lenses and the products and accessories that I use.

[froknowsphoto]

@SchneiderStudios I would think it would need a lot a lot of breathing for that to effect it but il look into it.

[froknowsphoto]

@VonRimms I havent tested lenses before when buying them. If they take a sharp picture and auto focus and everything works smoothly thats a sign that the lens is working properly. If not I have the warranty from Nikon to send it in or have it replaced.

[froknowsphoto]

@dionisiuskristal I put it back in its case so it stays clean. I use the cloth until it starts to look dirty honestly. You will know when its time to get a new one.

[froknowsphoto]

@5thVictim correct, it is personal preference, there are recommendations for how to do this or that but not everyone follows them. They key is finding what works for you and taking care of your gear. I honestly don't think breathing on the lens is going to break down the coating especially for how often I need to actually get in there and wipe the lens.

[froknowsphoto]

@SaDScO let me ask you this, whens the last time you saw growth or fungus on a new lens??

[zeissOholic]

Good video Jared. A little tip I learned long ago was to give the rocket blower a few puffs in the air prior to pointing it at the lens element. This is because the odd bit of grit can work it's way into the nozzle of the blower in the camera bag and the with a full blast first shot it can hit the lens element unless cleared first. In over thirty years of using Nikon lenses I have never seen one damaged from breathing on the lens when cleaning.

[froknowsphoto]

@sebastianekdahlphoto I havent heard the thing about breathing on the lenses and what not. i have been doing that since I started with photography but il look into it.

[sillyplaydohead]

one reason why i love your videos: 5 minute video on lens cleaning tips.

[joeprete]

I've been using a "Huff of Breath" just like that for over 40 years now, and it has always worked out fine. I never heard that about Nikon, but it may just be one person's opinion. I have one step in-between the Blower and Microfibre Cloth, I use a Camel Hair brush on any dust or particles that may be stuck to the glass. I have noticed that Canned Air leaves a white residue, (probably the Propellent) but a Giottos Rocket Blower does the job for me. I try to not let them get too dirty, so each cleaning is much quicker and easier. 

[froknowsphoto]

@RC62 Alright, i will take a look but doubt i will stop breathing on it to clean them.

[DANVIIL]

Fuji medium format cameras from the 80's and 90's specifically state, "Never breathe onto your lens" it goes on to state that your breath can damage the lens coating.
Microfiber cloths actually scratch your lens coatings because of the nature of their weave. The only safe way to clean a lens is with a disposable lens tissue and lens cleaning liquid. Otherwise, just use a sandblaster but make sure you only use a low grit # sand media.

[froknowsphoto]

@Knoptop honestly, I never have, I guess back in the day the old timers used to tell me never put chemicals on your lenses and just use lens tissue. I never used lens tissue either because it just seemed strange to be as well. But a lot of it is personal preference and what works best for you. I used the lens pen in the past but saw it leave some residue on the lens so I stopped using it.

[froknowsphoto]

@ithree6mafia thank you I of course agree.

[remedy]

I clean my lens using after shave spirit and fibre cloth after 6 years my lens looks great few micro scratches which don't effects photos.

[froknowsphoto]

@Mrmagor34 I have lens cloths on my store but Allens Camera has all the other cleaning gear.

[froknowsphoto]

@infringinator the part where I talk about using the rocket air I said to clean off particles first. I use the canned air or the rocket air to get dirt and dust off than clean the lens with the cloth. Its at the part where I say you don't want to just use the lens cloth with all the particles still on the lens.

[swfcindy]

Hi Jared! I just bought a Nikon D5100 body & kit (it came with two lenses, case, etc) & am enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing your expertise but especially for your fabulous sense of humor. You make this digital slr stuff non-intimidating. Look forward to more great stuff from you!

[froknowsphoto]

@crewtraders yes, thats how I tend to do it in the field. Same as when I am cleaning the sensor.

[knoptop]

I'm curious why you choose not to use liquid/chemical cleaners?

[boydoistink]

Hi Jared, love your videos.
Could you post a video on how to safely clean your focus mirror? I don't really want to send it into the shop because I'm a student and I'm on a low budget.