Dirty Eypieces

[Paul73]

I've just realised that my eyepieces are filthy!

My toddler son caught me shoving my scope out to cool and demanded to look at an aeroplane going across in the twilight. Popped in my 24mm focused and was astounded by the smeared, spotty image that was presented.

It is definitely the eyepiece and I am assuming that the cack is only on the surfaces exposed to the air.

Any advice on returning my optics to pristine condition??

Paul

[John]

I use the Baader Wonder fluid and their micro fibre cloth on mine. It's excellent and I know many other folks swear by it too. There is a little investment needed but the set will last for many eyepiece cleanings.

[AlexB67]

The Baader wonder fluid  is great. I have the microfiber cloth, an air blower, and the fluid.  Just make sure to use good technique to avoid scratching from finer particles if you see any.

Astronomy shed on youtube has some useful videos ,  there are plenty other tutorials and various articles as well around the web and topics here 

[Paul73]

Thanks. I'll give it a go.

Given how much we spend on eyepieces. £15 on cleaning kit seems to be a no-brainer.

Paul

PS. Alex - Haven't you got some new toys to add to your sig?

[AlexB67]

I think I added it ? At least it shows on my side for the one toy I received today, or is there something I am missing I am not aware of ? Santa is always welcome

[Tiny Small]

Eclipse E2 solution for camera lenses. It's about £6 a bottle and mine has lasted about 4 years so far. Rocket blower to get rid of loose dirt, fluid and a lenscloth to clean. EP's are pretty tough.

[Paul73]

I think I added it ? At least it shows on my side for the one toy I received today, or is there something I am missing I am not aware of ? Santa is always welcome

Sorry. Missed the second Pentax sneeking in there. . Enjoy.

Looking forward to the review. I'm being sorely temped to have a go at the 10mm Delos in the next few months (for the right price) so reviews of any likely alternatives are very welcome.

Paul

[ronin]

I cleaned mine with IPA and a half dozen cotten wool buds.

No point rushing and took a while to remove remaining smeers - they say it does not leave a deposit but it always seems to.

Never tried the Wonder Fluid mainly because I have this litre bottle of IPA to use up first.

Main problem I find is that in the little crevices the cleaning stuff drags out crud, muck and goo that you don't expect, so a small job becomes a bigger one.

[Paul73]

I cleaned mine with IPA and a half dozen cotten wool buds.

No point rushing and took a while to remove remaining smeers - they say it does not leave a deposit but it always seems

Thanks Ronin

Is the standard Green King version OK? Or, would I get better results by spending a bit more on something from one of the craft breweries??? . Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'll have a crack with the gentle Baader Wonder Gunk first and save the IPA (which I believe to be a bit more aggressive) for the difficult spots if any survive the first going over.

Good point re the time taken. I hadn't thought beyond the spots on the lenses.

Paul

[Joves]

I use a lens-pen and it works a charm.

Must take a look at the wonder fluid though... Many SGL'ers rave about the stuff!

[AlexB67]

I use a lens-pen and it works a charm.

Must take a look at the wonder fluid though... Many SGL'ers rave about the stuff!

Joves, with your collection you'd need a barrel of the stuff, sorry, could not resist

[Charic]

I use the Zeiss lens Wipes. 24 pre-moistened micro-fine tissues, available at Walmart/Asda  @ £1.50. They leave a smear free glass on the eye glass,  but  not so easy to access the field lens with fat fingers and a wipe. But likewise, harder to get the field glass dirty, so just a Giotto Rocket Blower clears the internals!

[Vanilla]

I use 200 proof alcohol in a sprayer. The drug store (insert derogatory word here) alcohol is filled with added junk that you don't want on your scope.

I DO hold the eyepiece with the glass I'm cleaning toward the earth so the fluid won't seep into the inner part.

This may not work for you...

[John]

I use 200 proof alcohol in a sprayer. The drug store (insert derogatory word here) alcohol is filled with added junk that you don't want on your scope.

I DO hold the eyepiece with the glass I'm cleaning toward the earth so the fluid won't seep into the inner part.

This may not work for you...

The guidance on the Baader Wonder Fluid is to spray on to the micro fibre cloth and then apply to the lens rather than to spray directly onto the lens to prevent just this problem. Capillary action works in any direction despite gravity.