Lenses are very fundamental tools when it comes to photography. They determine the quality of light that hits the camera sensor to form an image. A layer of dust or oil on the lens reduces the quality of light allowed into the camera which alters the quality of photos taken.
In this article, we will guide you on how to clean your camera lens and filters safely.
How to clean your camera lens and filters safely
The best way to keep your lens clean is to avoid touching the glass parts at all costs. However, the lens will collect dirt eventually and need some cleaning.
Cleaning camera lenses and filters is a sensitive process that if not done correctly may cause more harm than good. The process should therefore be done when it is absolutely necessary to do so.
An obvious scenario to clean your camera lens is when you see smudges or fingerprints on the outermost glass or the lens filter. You may also need to clean your lens if you have been shooting in dusty outdoor environments.
You will need a camera lens cleaning kit to safely clean your optics. The unique lens cleaning kit contains tools such as a blower, soft-bristled brush, lens cleaning fluid, and soft fiber cloth.
Depending on the nature of the dirt on the optics, these tools will be applied to clean your camera lens or filters effectively.
These are the steps you should follow to safely clean your camera lens and filters:
- Use the blower in the lens cleaning kit to blow out as much dust as possible. If you notice some dust particles still persist, you can use a soft-bristled brush to carefully eliminate the dust.
- Apply a few drops of lens cleaning fluid to a microfibre cloth or a lens tissue.
- Use the microfibre cloth to gently clean the lens in circular motions from the center outwards
Note: Only apply steps 2 and 3 when there are fingerprints and oil patches on the lens.
How to choose the best camera lens cleaning kit
Picking the best cleaning kit for your lens is not an easy task considering there are plenty of products in the market. However, there are some tips that you should consider when looking for a camera lens cleaning kit.
The first thing you should look for in a camera lens cleaning kit is the tools included. It should have the cleaning fluid, microfibre cloth, a blower, and a brush.
You should also check on the quality of the materials, especially the cleaning solution. This is because some chemicals may cause harm when in contact with the lens. The cloth and brush should also be made of soft material to avoid scratching the optics.
The price of the camera lens cleaning kit is another factor you should consider. There is a rule of thumb that the more expensive the lens cleaning kit is, the higher the quality it will be.
Reasons for cleaning your camera lens
Keeping your photography tools clean is essential no matter the level of skills you have. As much as it is not encouraged to clean your lens and filters frequently, there are advantages associated with the practice.
Some reasons why you may clean your camera lens and filters include increasing durability, improving image quality, and displaying professionalism
Durability
Cleaning your camera lens and filters is one of the ways of taking care of your equipment. The mechanical parts of the lens move more efficiently when they are kept dust free.
If dust particles hinder the efficient movement of the lens, the lens may end up being permanently damaged. By cleaning the camera lens and filters, you increase the term in which they can serve you.
Improving image quality
The quality of an image heavily depends on the quality of the light that passes through the lens. When a lens is dirty, you will automatically get low-quality photos. This is because the light allowed into the camera sensor is not optimum. You will also encounter difficulties in focus when the camera lens or filter is dirty.
Displaying professionalism
Keeping your photography kit clean is an easy way to show you are a professional even before your work is seen. It shows you know the importance of keeping the camera equipment clean and therefore serious with your job.
Check out this video by Camera Zone for a visual presentation on how to clean your camera lens and filters:
