Optical Lens cleaning

[von_klitzing]

Hi,

First post here

What solution do you use to clean the surface of your scope lenses? I bought a second hand Ruger M77 Mkii varmint and the Nikko stirling platinum 4-12x40 scope has tough dust/dirt from sitting around without a cover maybe?

Any way, I don't want to wipe it without a solution of some sort, in fear of scratching the lenses.

Suggestions?

TIA

[Apollo]

Go to your camera shop and ask about cleaning a lens.

At the very least, a puffer brissle brush to blow away dust. Anything else be very careful.

[Aster]

Not scratching the lenses is your concern.

If you just pick up any old cloth and start rubbing away over time you'll make the lens worse and worse.

A camera store will do what you want, a soft brush one of those microfibre cloths is what I use.

[Warrigul]

I use old aerosol caps on scopes(I don't use covers unless they came with them, probably should) in the safe, I just chuck one on the objective lens and it keeps the rubbish off.

[eeckle]

Anyone use transparent covers on their scopes?

I see a few guys do flip down plastic ones to protect their expensive glass.

I haven't used one, but it seems like it would bring you down to looking through s**ty plastic, not top glass?

Anyone?

[Ken]

Tried one, gave it away.

There might be good quality ones but the no-name brand I shot with was crappy to look through.

[Spooner]

A puffer brush, some streak free cleaning stuff for it's filthy, and a lint free micro-fibre cloth.

[Spooner]

Oh, and a scope cover for when it's not in use to save dust settling on it.

Save yourself half the cleaning right there.

[Blackened]

the Nikko stirling platinum 4-12x40 scope has tough dust/dirt from sitting around without a cover maybe?

A scope cover definitely goes a long way to stopping dust build up when not in use.

+1 from me for getting one.

[handofcod]

I wouldn't put anything at all on the lens other than the puffer brush as has been suggested. They often come with a little velvet 'foot' for really difficult dust but use it gently.

Failing that, take it to a good camera store and get them to clean it for you.

[Granting]

I've never had to use a cleaning fluid on mind.

Brush and cloth only.

Short of a splash of dried mud or something it all comes off reasonably easy.

[von_klitzing]

Great thanks for all the replies.

[Kipper]

Camera cleaning stuff definitely has a better range than scope cleaning gear I reckon.

A clean lens is everything in photography I guess where a bit here or there isn't anything to worry about on a day hunting.

[Chronos]

Think laterally, go to your chemist and ask for some wipes to clean your glasses

They'll give you these, 20 microfibre wipes infividually sealed for about 4 bucks.

http://www.amcal.com.au/en/amcal/clear- ... pAodBC8ApA
Keep one or two in your gun bag, glove box and hunting jacket. You can tear one open the morning after a spotlighting session and clean everyone's scopes for the day of shooting.

Hell, you could even clean your glasses with them

I've carried them in my shooting bag for a few years and I think they help prevent fogging on your scope on those cold mornings

Chronos

[Warrigul]

Regular cleaning of scopes should be avoided if possible, like glasses- unless you can rinse off the dust first you are only grinding it in to the lens.

I have a couple of astronomical telescopes and the aberrations that a quick wipe with a cloth cause are more apparent. Those lens cleaning moist towellettes are just as bad.

On the occaison that I do clean a lens it is rinsed well first then clean.

[Chronos]

Regular cleaning of scopes should be avoided if possible, like glasses- unless you can rinse off the dust first you are only grinding it in to the lens.

I have a couple of astronomical telescopes and the aberrations that a quick wipe with a cloth cause are more apparent. Those lens cleaning moist towellettes are just as bad.

On the occaison that I do clean a lens it is rinsed well first then clean.

I agree, it's not something you'd do every time you go shooting, just on those occasions when your glass definitely needs a clean like when its been out in the weather and has water marks on the lenses or worse greasy finger prints or splatter from a careless cleaning brush

A 20pack of wipes could last you many years of shooting and are far superior to wiping your scopes with your finger or your dusty t shirt (don't laugh I've seen it done)

Chronos

[Lorgar]

I just use a cover on my Bushnell when not in use and haven't cleaned had to clean it for 5-6 months.

Bit of a wipe down with a lens cloth when needed is all I do.

[headspace]

Be careful of squirting any chemical on your lenses. They could affect the coatings on the glass and then you are in bother.

I've been a professional photographer for many years and only ever used what is called a "lens pen" and a blower brush.

I also keep some chamois leather handy. but once you get the lens clean get some caps for them.

JD

[Wobble]

Any cool shooting photos to share JD?