Cleaning Your Lens | Lens Care

[zenoist2]

Any sort of cover is good.

You dont need anything fancy just a protective barrier.

Microfibre cloths are good for cleaning and cheap too.

[STEPPHAN7]

PS Keep up the great work !

[STEPPHAN7]

Thanks Michael ,but I didn't explain clearly, it's actually growing on the inside of the lens barrel on one of the elemens of glass. Ill need to have it professionally serviced :(. I 'regularly' use a rocket blaster on my lenses even if I dont use them regularly.

[STEPPHAN7]

Michael hi, I just saw a tiny spot of newly germinating fungus inside of my 100mm macro lens. Any ideas/options as to how I can kill it .

[MichaelTheMentor]

@STEPPHAN7 Clean it with a sensor cleaning kit!

[Photoshopuzr]

Michael great videos man, keep up the good work, and please dont give attention to the flamers it makes them feel there deeds are well done and only give more rise to more flamers. This will not stop them but at least they will have no comfort to continue. Cheers

[CobaltFoxStudio]

Great video, what's your opinion on lenspen?

[MichaelTheMentor]

@CobaltFoxStudio They are pretty handy in the field for a quick clean up. If they get wet or dirty tho, they are kinda useless. I carry one in my bag with me.

[photogramistic]

is funny...a guy speaking of camera with a very bad video with a lot of contrast...LOL

[MichaelTheMentor]

@photogramistic Um...thats all you got? I mean if you are going to try to insult someone, at least make it a little more personal. Bad video with Contrast? Uh.....ok....

[photogramistic]

@MichaelTheMentor I see that you need a nobish explanation...lets see..a guy talking about cleaning camera lens, you know..better image, etc, looks very stupid with a low quality video as presentation...bad contrast and histogram....if you need a dic´tionary..just call me...this is not about insult..but...dont intsult yourself again with bad quality videos and bad answers.

[MichaelTheMentor]

@photogramistic lol.....again, if you are going to attack someone at least please be a little more creative. Low quality video? Need a dictionary? Whoa!!

[photogramistic]

@MichaelTheMentor Creative like a guy talking about how to clean a lens???...spending 6 minutes for that??....yeah..sure...MENTOR.­.lol

[MichaelTheMentor]

@photogramistic LOL! Now we are talking about time? Where did you learn to attack someone...the Disney Channel?

[photogramistic]

@MichaelTheMentor yea sure...with 1080 p or 320p ??

Man..dont be idiot....if you want to speak abbout clean lens...make a clean video..no this shit ....it looks like MTV 1980--

[photogramistic]

@photogramistic 6 minutes video FOR THAT????????

[MichaelTheMentor]

@photogramistic See you still don't get it...while the video may not be the best quality, most viewers still watch and appreciate it. And I would much rather make "poor" quality videos that teach good info, than to randomly attack people on Youtube like a jerk.

[sunburntbum2]

@MichaelTheMentor ignore him bud, hes probably just some retarded kid trying to get a rise. just wanted to comment as I saw you taking a lot of flak for no reason, and I personally really appreciate your videos, theyre really detailed and are some of the best educational photography videos ive found =), so keep it up!! A question I did have is I have some dust/crud in my eyepiece on a 550D, how would you recommend going about cleaning it?

[MichaelTheMentor]

@sunburntbum2 Thanks- Just pop off the viewfinder cup (squeeze it on the sides and slide up) and clean with alcohol and cotton swabs.

[dokgold]

Canon lenses don't allow alochol use for cleaning as it removes the coating of the lenses...see the warning details of your lenses, specially L lenses or prime lenses...

[MichaelTheMentor]

@dokgold So why would Canon make, or at least have their name printed on a lens cleaning kit that uses alcohol? Think about it....

[jcc2150]

can we use a dust blower? or not recommended? thanks!

[JohnElwyn]

first off, isopropyl alcohol is rubbing alcohol, second it is used because it is a universal solvent, not because it evaporates quickly, before you start spewing nonsense learn your chemistry.

[MichaelTheMentor]

@JohnElwyn Im not a chemist by no means, but uh...are you saying water evaporates faster than alcohol? Did you know you really CAN clean your gear & filters with plain ol water? I can also see you have pretty poor people teaching skills, so I wont answer why using both a common name, as well as a chemical name may be helpful for different viewers who have different stuff laying around that house. Thanks for the negative input anyway & no hard feelings!

[GeorgeChar95]

lens need a lot of caring.... and telescopes as well along with their eyepieces....

[LikeAcefighter]

Well my UV filter cost me 20 ist ok or i need a better one? its a tiften

[MichaelTheMentor]

@LikeAcefighter You are good. A UV filter is essentially a piece of glass with a coating.

[LikeAcefighter]

@MichaelTheMentor Hey Thanks For everything i saw your crash course on my local Digital Supply Store

[Goldmember655]

@LikeAcefighter

You dont need a UV filter on your lens ive had camera gear for years and ive never used one i just make sure i look after my gear... But if you do choose to get a UV filter i'd recommend getting a high qulity one but this all depends on how much your lens is, if you put a cheap filter on a expensive lens you will not get the quality out of your lens as its going throught a cheap peice of glass.

But this is my opinion

[LikeAcefighter]

@Goldmember655

Thanks i just Take out it and put it on my bag in case i need it in risky situattions like on a motocross exhibition that a little rock can hit my 900$ Lns haha and thanks for the advise!

[Goldmember655]

@LikeAcefighter

Thats alright mate 

[ACEGR1]

And internal cleaning ? Any words for that ?

[MichaelTheMentor]

@ACEGR1 We cover it on each Canon Crash Course DVD! Thanks!

[riadibanez]

@ACEGR1 internal cleaning is a bit complicated...so i would recommend some professional help.



[oldschoolermx]

should you be using nitrile gloves so as not to get oils from our skin/fingers on the lens? Just wondering.

[pgreenx]

Nice job! I watch a lot of these and think this was the best. Straight fwd, no gimmics, or sales promos. Thanks!

[emilythomasz]

Haa i thoughtt this was contacts lenns video

[doodlegirl19]

umm hi i needed to ask that how often should u clean ur lenses

and i'm going to buy sony HX100V so pls tell me is its a good choice :)

pls reply

ASAP

[ghqst15]

Soooooo helpful! I cannot thank you enough, great video

[VideosField]

thanks! really good video, helped me alot

[decas115aaf]

GOOD WORK!!

[powerbead]

Hey Michael, great video. I used to think like most people who commented on your video! That was until i purchased $7000 worth of lenses (3 of them to be exact). I have yet to notice any distortion from UV filters. I use Hoya. So that's my 2 cents on this. By the way, what filter do you use?

[xchlppprsx]

false not all lenses have threads, most fisheye lenses don't because the glass is protruding from the lens

[lamarfamar]

I use a lens pen!

[AddictionAdrenaline]

like how much does the UV filters cost? and what whould happen if you don't buy it?

[BreakingBX]

windex or spit seems to work just fine

[harryps3]

Hey Michael, the tissues you were using in the video, do they feel coarse? Because I bought some tissues from a company called AF, and they include a wet and a dry tissue. But the tissues feel really coarse, and to me this feels wrong as using a microfiber is supposed to be great for not leaving scratches and people say never to use normal tissues.

Is this correct that the tissues feel rough?

Thanks

[analyticalw]

How much does it cost to replace the glass in the lens?

[zd2930]

I know some people scratch their lenses by the broken glass of the uv filter

[dsrevo79]

i guess they won't make scratch resistant lenses....otherwise there's not much residual money coming in..... hehe...they want people to keep buying lenses...

[n64roo]

thanks for the advice michael, i just wish i would have known this sooner as i once cleaned a lens for an m-3 leica with 40 grit sandpaper, steel wool and a rasp file... didn't turn out so well and i had to scrap the lens, which i found out later was costly... cheers

[BreadAhead]

Thanks for your videos! I just bought myself a Canon 7D and that 580exII. I live in South Africa :) Stuff is so dam expensive here. oh well :) I think I've watched 1000 000 of your videos last night. what an awesome help. tried that painting with light thing, wow, its so awesome! Thank you. best advice/tutorial videos on the web :)

[blueeyevisualize]

How can you tell if there is a scratch on your lens?

[andalora91]

I don't use the cloth either, I find the fibers entirely too cumbersome. I use the tissue, but I can't see to clean my UV filter without there being streaks. Is it because it dries before I can wipe it away? I don't think....Any recommendations?

[selca14]

dust blowers is the way to go

[surferboy36O]

First of all: ouch! I would never clean the rear lens with a tissue, just the very rare brush, unless it is that dirty, of course mine never is, NEVER LEAVE THE LENS WITHOUT THE CAPS ON. Dust on the rear lens is much worse than dust in the front lens --> almost unnoticeable, unless its a LOT. Fungus on the other hand...

My opinion: buy the best coated, most clear filter possible and use it ALL the time, never remove it for cleaning it, only take it out with extreme backlight/flare situations

[TheSuecassidy1]

GREAT videos, Michael! However, does it matter that much if there is a bit of dust on the FRONT element? I can shoot through a chain link fence if I'm close enough to it, and it won't show, so will dust really show much? REAR element, different Oprah, I know. Thoughts?

[nil1230]

Tiffen UV Filters

[CinemarineTeam]

Any reason you suggest a UV filter as opposed to clear glass? I use clear glass on all my lenses and I've never had an issue... you can always add UV or ND filters if necessary.

nice vid - keep up the good work!

[bottle2lip]

well clear glass can cause flares, etc in sunlight.

Get a UV filter that has multicoated at least. The lens is coated, and so should the filter.

[Kevinthewiseone]

Hi Mike,thanks for the tips. I use a similar way of cleaning my lens, but i use pre moistened Lens wipes, i assume that ok as well. Also a quick question. From what i understand you don't use a microfiber cloth at all on your camera lens. Because i have used them before to clean some UV filters and gotten them scratched that way, learned my lesson. there, i only use them for the outside of camera. Also to those who think that a UV filter degrades your image by an significant about it doesn't.

[nadhh]

Micheal. thanks for the tips. but I am just wondering. While cleaning it, do we remove the uv filter too?

[bottle2lip]

coffee filters work good for cleaning a lens, basically the same material used in the tissue packs

[LifesDamand]

GREAT TIP MICHAEL THANKS

[loco039]

Great tips. Now how do you clean your lens inside the body?

[Polit2007]

will lens cleaning solution damage the multi coating on the Filters.

[jeanethhh]

hey michael i just bought a 70-200mm and i found alot of dust specks on the rear element of the lens what should i do?should i clean it with lens tissue or lint free cloth?i tried to blow it with a large blower but it wont go away i really need ur help on this coz im really bothered and im scared that i might scratch it.

[zxbcx]

does the vibrating sensor cleaner thing on the canons actually do anything or do i still have to clean it?

[fueart]

to protect the lens. that is the point. it is easier to change filters than changing lens.

[ellsworthra]

what camera do you have

[connermajik]

Thank you Michael! I have been trying to teach myself photography. I am not a novice but not quite advanced. I have a Canon Rebel XT. I love my camera, but am having some difficulty with f/stops and shutter speeds for different situations. I was stressing over my lack of skills as I prepared for vacation. I decided to use my auto setting for most of my shots, for fear I would miss some really good pics. I have learned more from your lessons than anything else so far.

Thanks a million

[oscarhalder]

Michael, wonderful videos.YOU ARE REALLY A MENTOR TO ME!

In the video it looks like you have the canon 17-55mm,f2.8. I got the same lens,& im very proud of it. But i notice that i have some dust inside the lens, under the glass :( how do i get rid of that? it really bothers me ALOT. thanks & keep up the great work.

[twinsouls]

I never understood why people are so Hard Core about not using filters,saying they degrade the photos.Maybe my eyes are the ones degrading becauses I've never noticed any real difference in quality..

I once was shooting for a nightclub and a fight broke out.A beer bottle was thrown and broke a few feet from me and shattered,some pieces right into my 17-50mm lens.Left 2 nice scratches on my filter.Replaced it and was shooting another club the next night . Cant we all just get along? :-)

[fusionstar916]

@twinsouls You don't notice a difference is because your using a 17-50mm lens.. With higher quality lens.. you can clearly see the difference. Also the UV Filters increases flare. Especially the cheaper ones. Even the expensive UV Filters can reduce as much as 12% of light.

[ChristopherKblog]

Hey buddy,

you recommend an UV-Filter.... sorry but to keep the lens from scratches you have to use a lens hood. A UV-Filter is the worst option, ok let's say for the "normal" user it's ok but for advancer it's forbidden ;-))

best wishes from Hambrug

chris

[MichaelTheMentor]

Thanks for the comment, and yes these videos are for beginners. Again, I understand why you would think this as I too at one point did as well. It only takes one time to accidentally scratch your main glass to realize that not having it isnt worth it. Most advanced users are photoshopping their images anyway. So, the best advice, I give beginners is to protect their lens. If a beginner would like to run the risk of no UV filter, then by all means. I use UV filters on all my L Lenses now. Thanks!

[thheNO]

@MichaelTheMentor

Nothing scratches a lens glass more than another glass pieces. I've seen two guys throwing lenses straight down on some rocks,elbowing it and beat it with a hammer. The UV-lens got scratches first, sorry to say. The lens hood made for exellent protection. Even the front element was better off without UV glass than with it.

That said, UV-filters are exellent protection against dust, fine sand, water, etc.

[elave16]

@MichaelTheMentor UV filter = glare! .... learned that the hard way ...I have ef-s lenses so image quality is not degraded by the b+w UV filter (is degraded mostly by the lens itself unless in 35 mm 5.6f ) I hate glare!!

[idzny]

lens hood is meant to prevent lens flare... I agree that it can also "protect" the lenses but the filters are NOT the worst option. In fact, they are meant to protect your lenses

[21ricky666]

@ChristopherKblog a lens hood doesnt cover the glass at all, therefore, things can still hit the glass, scratching the lens.

[rectify2003]

@ChristopherKblog Go back to your own Youtube page, and stop trying to get traffic from Michaels youtube page.

[wuking090909]

thanks

[tommytucker8157]

if you purchase a professional grade lens and stick a uv filter on the front its degrading the optical quality.

UV filters will also affect the bokeh under certain conditions.

i do use uv filters if im at the beach or near the sea or somewhere water could get blown in, but generally i dont bother.

like oisiaa says, they are more trouble in some cases than they are worth, after all thats why a lens comes with a lens cap - use this when not in use and forget uv filters in my opinion

[MichaelTheMentor]

Thanks for the comment. I used to think the same until I scratched an $1800 70-200 2.8 IS L Lens, which had to be replaced. Ive never had any problems with UV filter distortion, so this is why I recommend what I do. Best wishes!

[RMO6701]

@MichaelTheMentor .....Hey Mike experience is the Best teacher! no offence tommyT

[LooperNor]

@tommytucker8157 This is a non-issue if you get a good quality filter.

A Hoya HD would probably be one of the best choices.

[Sjaviel]

very informative, great video

[CalvinsLiveJournal]

hmm interesting...

I've been shooting for about 2years now

and I've never come across on getting a UV filter,

would you say now would be the best time to get one?

..I mean to me it looks fine.

=/

[trancein305]

dont nikon lens come with a special protectant or something.. ? I mean wouldnt using a Microfiber work just as well ?

[AnferStudios]

Another great vid Michael, thank you.

[oisiaa]

I bought UV filters when I first got my camera, but I determined that they degraded the quality so much that I don't use them at all. I would always get internal reflections and my pictures would be crap. This was with a quality Canon brand filter too.

[bijan84]

thanks. I've been thinking about cleaning my lens.

[d3fy9]

Oh and I had a question, haha I got distracted. Well, two questions.

I have a Canon Rebel XSi and I still only have the lens that came standard with the body, which sucks ass.

I'm interested in a good zoom lens but I want to make sure I'm getting a good brand. What would you recommend? And a lens that can handle a LOW f-stop. Like for shooting a concert.

And, doesn't the UV filter leave a tint on the picture or make it darker?

[d3fy9]

You have really nice hands for a guy.

[l33thustla]

Good video

[miike111]

Hi

Thank you for the good advice and showing how it should be done on cleaning the lens and filter.

mike11