7D - best way to clean a lens

Giottos Rocket Blower

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=air+blower&N=0&Ns=p_PRICE_2|0

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failing that I use the inside of my t-shirt :)
 
I personally think the best way to clean a lens is to not have to. For all my lenses, I just spend a bit extra and get a really good and clear UV filter (Hoya Super Multi Coat is good), and leave it on the lens at all times right from the beginning and never take it off. That way, you get less dust in the lens and the lens itself never gets dirty. If anything, the UV filter will make the image a little better by cutting down the haze.

And if you do clean it, you're only cleaning the UV filter and not the actual glass (which will get damaged after repeated cleanings.). It's much better to scratch the UV filter than the actual lens glass.

Even on my Tokina I have a UV filter and with an ND stacked on top of the UV, there's still very little vignetting at 11mm.

Also for cleaning glass, I just use lens tissue and some solution. It's much safer than a cloth because it's a 1 time use only. A re-useable cloth will gather dirt and junk over time, which can lead to scratches and dirt on the glass.
 
Thanks. I'm opting not to use a UV filter on my 11-16. I dont' want vignetting and I think it makes the kit lens I have look soft.
 
I have the Tokina 11-16 and using 1 filter I'm not getting any vignetting. Even with 2 filters stacked at 11mm, there is so very, very little vignetting. When I stack 3, then there is a problem. but 1 should be not problem at all.

A good UV lens has no effect on image quality. A cheap one, yes.
 
I used to think that using UV protection on a lens was for other people and that I can take care of my sh!t. Then one day there I was on a busy shoot changing primes and bam ... scratched the front of a $350 prime. Never again. Flats on every lens. Just glad I learned my lesson now before I move to scarlet.
 
NoahK said:
Water? I don't think so....

Noah
Click to expand...

Water is about the least abrasive liquid for getting rid of water soluble contaminants on glass. Are you worried that water (H2O) will damage the glass compared to all the other "stuff" people use?
 
The sound guy hates it when I use them on set, but I find a dishwasher with a little bit of detergent really helps to get the grime off. Bonus, they smell just like a fresh summer lemon.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I may reconsider putting a UV filter on the lens. I guess it would be like a really nice condom and I hate condoms.
 
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