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Matthew Duclos said:I'll disclose my exact setup except for a few materials that aren't commonly available.
I realize that most of this may not be doable in the field, but I don't work in the field.. So adapt as you see fit.
Every time I clean an element (several dozen per day for the past 10 years.. Do the math.) I start with compressed air. Canned air works fine. The chemicals in the cans only hurt the element if you tip it or shake it and get that awesome blast of frozen air (I know you've tried it too). However, it is expensive and at the shop we use an air compressor that is filtered many times over to keep moisture and debris out of the lines. Once the large debris and dust is free from the element, I proceed with one of several chemicals depending on the situation.
First, I NEVER use a lens cloth or a brush of any kind. These tools grab onto dust and dirt and just spread them around after every use... Pointless. I use Kimwipes to clean each element and most importantly, I NEVER use a kimwipe more than once. After it has touched the element, it goes in the trash... PERIOD.
I use Acetone, Methanol, or a petroleum based liquid, such as Naptha. I only use these in their pure forms, additives can be counterproductive. As I said before, it depends on the situation. I spray whichever cleaning solution I choose directly onto the tissue and wipe from the center of the element, out to the edge in a spiral pattern. Never start from the edge as this is where and leftover dirt and dust will hide and may carry through to the center of the element leaving a nice scratch along the way. Never allpy too much pressure and never push the tissue, only pull it along. Acetone works great for just about everything but it has a tough time cutting through grease. There are some situations that just require a little breath of warm air.
Here's a test... Blow on your glass really hard and I'm sure you get little tiny spit spots from your mouth into the lens. after these little spots dry, try cleaning them off with whatever you normally use. It will take many passes with the tissue or cloth you are using... Now try it with a little breath on the element, it comes right off...
I've thought about making a short video that would detail how to properly clean an element. Would anyone be interested in such content?
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.