Cleaning your lens glass.

[CuriousMike]

I had my 70-200 f/4 for a couple of months before I put a filter on it.

Before putting the filter on it, I figured I'd wet-clean the front element with some stuff I picked up at a local camera store.

I cleaned the lens, wiped it "dry", then put the lens filter on it.

I haven't thought about it since.

Tonight, I'm looking at the glass on said lens, and it looks like there is residue on the glass. Using a micro-fibre cloth doesn't seem to put a dent in it and now i'm afraid i've etched $2.99 cleaner on the glass.

Anyone have any suggestions? Google seems to indicate I can try another residue remover (ROR is mentioned), but it also suggests I may have permanently screwed up.

Bueller?

 

[Syborg1211]

You're going to have trouble getting it off with a dry clean if that's all you tried. I would probably just use the wet-cleaner you used again and see if it comes off, and be more diligent about wiping it dry with no streaks. Couldn't hurt any further than you've already done, but I doubt you damaged anything. The front elements are a lot tougher than you think. The lenses were not designed with the idea of a UV filter protecting them in mind. I don't use UV filters pretty much at all anymore.

 

[CuriousMike]

I worked it over with a micro-fiber cloth again last night --- no luck.
I think I'll try the ROR cleaner and see if it works.

I have the filter on to "protect" the front glass - I understand the debate regarding them. For my photography skill level, it isn't making my photos any better or worse - just gives me a small sense of security.

 

[Syborg1211]

Sure, I wasn't meaning to start a debate about UV filters. All I'm saying is that the designers designed the front element to take some hits because they could not assume everyone would put a UV filter on.

Is the residue remover you're talking about made for lenses? There are coatings on the lens that you don't want to remove by using the wrong cleaner.

 

[CuriousMike]

There are coatings on the lens that you don't want to remove by using the wrong cleaner.

I've heard horror stories about this. I've read that "ROR" is supposed to be pretty safe.

The flip-side to this is I've been using the lens like this for the past year and never noticed - I'm torn between trying to clean it (thinking if I don't now, it'll only "harden" more ) or leave it because I don't even notice any detrimental effects.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

I've heard horror stories about this. I've read that "ROR" is supposed to be pretty safe.

The flip-side to this is I've been using the lens like this for the past year and never noticed - I'm torn between trying to clean it (thinking if I don't now, it'll only "harden" more ) or leave it because I don't even notice any detrimental effects.

I would HAVE to clean it. I also use UV filters and clean them with those Zeiss lens cleaner wipes from Wal-mart. I have also used them directly on lenses with no ill effect.

Somebody will probably reply with horror stories....

 

[corkyg]

Many bottled lens cleaners contain isopropyl alcohol. I always use distilled water and bonafide lens tissues with zero probs.. Microfiber can leave lint if used with a wet agent. Stick to lens tissues - they have worked for decades.

 

[CptObvious]

All cleaning agents leave some residue, some better than others. I generally avoid using lens cleaning cloths with isopropanol (e.g. Zeiss) or LensPens because I found they tend to smear debris/oil rather than getting it off cleanly.

The best I've tried so far are Eclipse solution (pure methanol) and PecPads, what is normally recommended for sensor cleaning. Put a few drops of Eclipse on a Pec Pad and wipe in a circular motion from the center to the edge. I found it works better to wipe 'past' the edge, otherwise the debris will remain on the glass.

Methanol is what's used at factory service centers because it evaporates quickly and leaves minimal residue, but you have to be careful with it because it's toxic if inhaled or absorbed, so gloves and ventilation are recommended.

 

[CuriousMike]

I ordered the ROR cleaner, so that's going to be my first try.

Not sure what to use to wipe it with; microfiber cloth is my thinking.

 

[corkyg]

Microfiber can leave microlint. Use lens tissues - always lint free.

 

[microAmp]

A co-worker watches a Youtube guy called TheAngryPhotographer and cleaned his lenses. He uses distilled water and q-tips. He doesn't do a whole element all at once, maybe in 2-4 sections at a time.

 

[CuriousMike]

I can confirm that the ROR worked - and it worked amazingly well.
I used spray on "Pro Master Cleaning Tissues" and the residue on the lens was immediately removed. Remarkable.

Less remarkable was the lint left behind by the cleaning tissues.

ROR - Thumbs up
Pro Master Cleaning Tissues - Thumbs down