Cleaning front lens

[Andymod]

Packing my 127mm Mak away last night i noticed the front lens looked very dirty. I suspect its dried condensation etc. Whats the safest way to clean this lens, I am paranoid about damaging something!!.

[Ben Ritchie]

I use this stuff

Misc’ - Baader Optical Wonder Fluid

[Andymod]

I use this stuff

Misc’ - Baader Optical Wonder Fluid

Thanks for that will have to invest in some

[runoffshed]

I use this stuff

Misc’ - Baader Optical Wonder Fluid

I have used this stuff on binoculars and my Vixen 4". Like you I was a bit nervous about using anything like this but I have to say that I was very, very impressed.

John

[John]

It's worth investing in the Baader micro-fibre cloth to go with it - the 2 work together beautifully.

[MarkF]

It's worth investing in the Baader micro-fibre cloth to go with it - the 2 work together beautifully.

Phew, mine arrived yesterday, after a dewy night I too have marks on the lenses where the dirt/dust left marks once the dew had dried off. I was a bit worried about what to do, but SGL to the rescue and then up pops this thread. I think I will give it a good blast with a hair dryer first to make sure no dust/particles are lurking then have a bash with the micro cloth and optical wonder fluid.

[optical thrombosis]

To be honest I have found that good quality camera cleaning products are by far the best. The main reason is that you want to remove the muck without damaging the delicate optical coatings on the lens surfaces.

Micro fibre optical cloths (Pentax do fantastic ones) are great for a fine clean, you may find not ideal for heavy deposits. I tend to use them for the final polish.

A very good product you may find useful is the 'Lenspen' (see LENSPEN is The superior Camera lens cleaning system for all fine optics, rifle scopes, camcorder and camera viewer screens, binoculars) which is a truly indispensable part of my camera bag, and now one accompanies my scope everywhere as well.

Don't neglect the benefits of a bulb blower and lens brush for the first sweep of the lens surface to get rid of the bigger particles that might scratch if you rub them into the lens surface with a brisk polish from a lenscloth.

[mark7331]

Baader Optical Wonder Fluid and cloth are definately the best. I've just dismantled, cleaned and reassembled my SCT and used the fluid and cloth to clean it plus help from SGL! You just can't beat it.

[Andymod]

Baader Optical Wonder Fluid and cloth on order, still nervous about cleaning the lens

[MarkF]

Mine came last week, still haven't had the nerve to do it

[Revs]

You'll be surprised how good it is. I cleaned my scope for the first time last week and it looked better than new!

[mark7331]

If you're just cleaning the outside of the lens it's not that difficult. Take your time. Clean radially - from the inside out - NOT in circular motions. Don't rub and don't worry about faint streaks that appear when you've wiped the lens - it's normal.