How to clean my ED80 lens?

[MartinB]

I've got a few dew markings on the objective of my ED80. Any advice on cleaning? Thought of scouring powder but that might be a bit aggressive

[GordonCopestake]

Unless it affects image quality drasticly I wouldn't touch it. However should you wish to do so read this:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/beginners/Number/623111/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/o/fpart/all

it should help some

[Rob]

Hi There,

Scopes n skies sell lens pens. Thats the safest option + they don't cost much either!!

Rob

[GordonCopestake]

A lens pen is good for removing dust and other loose debris, it wont however clean off dew marks

[Jamie]

Hi Martin i would say if its only dirty cosmeticaly then leave well alone.

As Gordon says if it doesn't effect you visual or imaging i wouldn't bother with it.

On the other hand if it does then be verrrrry careful. follow Rob's suggestion.

[FLO]

For dew marks on an objective, micro-fiber lens cloth, huff and wipe - easy

[edit] When the contaminant is sticky, oily or abrasive ... thats when you need to get 'clever'.

[Ambermile]

Leave it... I'm of the opinion that if you have to ask advice then you should not touch it! If you really think it needs doing then find a friendly camera shop...

Arthur

[MartinB]

Thanks for the advice. Great Cloudy Nights link Gordon which seems to cover everything really. It seems to be that a few marks on the objective lens don't affect performance but that it isn't necessary to be too paranoid over cleaning if you really feel the need. 70% ethanol/30% water and cotton wool seems to be the most popular choice. The marks are tiny so I'm going to leave it.

[Greg]

TBH....

Unless it's really bad, I leave alone..."If it aint broke don't fix it"

I decided to clean my eyepieces one night.....Ended up putting a chip in the edge of my 10mm Plossl...

[FLO]

I decided to clean my eyepieces one night.....Ended up putting a chip in the edge of my 10mm Plossl...

Ah yes but if I remember ... you dismantled it

[OXO]

Iam with the thought if it isnt causeing a problem leave it alone

[GordonCopestake]

Think about SCT's. They dont have such bad images and they have over a third of the aperture "covered in Rubbish"

[FLO]

Pardon :?

[GazOC]

Pardon :?

He means the central obstruction.

Its a good point....

[tom.yates]

Gaz OPTI CLEAN FROM David hinds i am about to clean my refractor lens have used it before it forms a skin then just peel it of clean as clean can be.

[FLO]

Pardon :?

He means the central obstruction.

Its a good point....

Oooh I get it :D

Years ago, it wasn't unusual for a (Chinese) camera lens to have air bubbles!!

Gaz OPTI CLEAN FROM David hinds i am about to clean my refractor lens have used it before it forms a skin then just peel it of clean as clean can be.

Used that myself - fiddly but very good for dry marks.

[Greg]

Ah yes but if I remember ... you dismantled it

Look.... I was just trying to clean it "Properly".... :D