TECH TIP: Lens Cleaning

Approach this task with great care as the coating on the front element of a lens is easily damaged.

The traditional soft blower brush is safe to use as is lens cleaning tissue applied gently in a rotary motion. Luminex cloths are made specifically for photographic lens cleaning and a well washed cotton handkerchief is an acceptable alternative.

For finger prints which are potentially very damaging use a lens cleaning fluid applied with the Luminex cloth or lens tissues. Apply the fluid sparingly as it may seep into the lens body with unfortunate results.

Don't use compressed air on lenses as the force of the blast can skid particles across the coating and damage it, avoid silicone spectacle cleaners and regular tissues that leave fine fibers behind.

(Luminex cloth sare widely available. For example in mid December 2009 Unique Photo - listed a pack at $5.55. Don't forget to wash the cloth regularly!)

Many people use an optical glass filter or UV filter to protect the front of the lens  - especially in dusty or wet conditions. If you choose that way, be sure to buy a good quality coated filter - why have a good lens and then front it with a cheap uncoated filter? Any filter increases the chance of stray light getting into the lens and degrading your picture. The filter means a layer of glass is further forward, so not as well protected by your lens hood. It also means at least two extra glass surfaces between the view and your camcorder's video chip.