How to Clean DSLR Lens? A Simple Guide to Cleaning DSLR Lens the Right Way

Have you ever been able to drive a car when the front mirror is covered with dust and smudges? Most likely not.

Similarly, the lens of your camera needs to be even cleaner than your car’s front mirror, as if it’s not perfectly clean, it will certainly take a toll on the image quality.

All of us are very particular regarding the quality of our pictures. To make sure that we get a sharp image quality it’s essential to clean the camera lens regularly and take care of its maintenance needs.

On the other hand, though, regularly doesn’t mean that you should be cleaning the lens daily, as it may be counterproductive and end up damaging the lens in some way, especially over a period of time.

But when you do clean it, make sure you clean it the right way. Basically, here’s how you need to do it:

1. Make use of a UV or Skylight filter

Protection of lens is the first and foremost step that one should consider when cleaning a DSLR lens. And to ensure the safety of the lens when cleaning it, you can purchase filters (either UV or skylight).

The filters are attached to the front of the lens and protect it from all kinds of scratches and cracks. In other words, this means that instead of cleaning the lens directly you will be cleaning the filters.

2. Use cleaning fluid

No matter the kind of optic lens – including even eyeglasses – the use of a cleaning fluid is a must.

Putting just one or two drops of the fluid on the lens can help you get rid of finger prints and other marks that prevent the lens from taking clear, sharp images.

It’s also important to consider the type of liquid to be used on the lens. Nowadays, many lens manufacturers and optic dealers have a great range of cleaning solutions, but your best bet would be something that’s specifically designed for camera lens, even better if designed for DSLR lens in particular.

Warning:

• In case you want to use your own cleaning solution, an important tip for you here is to avoid using acetone. Although acetone may be a good cleaner, it’s not suitable for optical lens.

3. Use of soft clothes and tissues

The next step would be using soft tissues and clothes. Use-and-throw lens tissues are easily available in the market. In addition to these, microfiber cleaning stuff and cotton swabs are also popular choices for this purpose.

Don’ts:

• Avoid using facial tissues for cleaning the lens as it may cause damage to it
• While many people also use the fabric of their shirt or clothes to clean the lens, it’s not recommended either

4. Air Blowers

Many of us have a habit of breathing on lens thinking that this will blow away all the dirt. However, this is a myth.

Breathing on your lens is detrimental for your lens, as the acids present in your breath can damage the coatings on the lens. Hence, it’s advisable to use a manual air blower that helps get rid of splotch of dust.

So, if you are a frequent traveller, a lightweight air blower is a mandatory equipment in your camera bag whenever you need to clean your camera lens.

5. Brushes

Finally, purchase a soft-bristled brush in order to protect your sensitive camera lens from cracks, smudges and dirt while you are cleaning it.

But here’s a warning. Avoid touching the bristles of your brush with oily hands or your lens will end up getting stubborn oil marks.

Important note:

It’s advisable to take a lot of care when changing a camera lens. While you are changing the lens, always remember to turn off the camera and point your camera and lens towards the ground.

Then start cleaning your lens. Once you are done with this, your camera and lens both are ready to give you crystal clear, sharp images.