Cleaning the camera lenses and sensor

Dirty lens

Dirt that ends up on the glass surfaces of lenses and binoculars most often comes from water droplets or natural grease on fingers. In addition, there is often dust on the surfaces and in sandy conditions, sand particles can even end up inside the devices and on the filter threads.

Sand particles and salt crystals, for example, are a risk to the glass surfaces of lenses, as they easily scratch the sensitive coating of the lens. Cleaning the lens and the glass surfaces of binoculars is easy. Here we will go over ways to clean the lens and sensor.

Water splashes on the lens glass surface

Water splashes most often end up on the lens glass when shooting in the rain, at the seaside in the splashing of waves, or near waterfalls.

To protect the lens glass surface from water, always use a lens hood when shooting near water or in the rain. Also remember to carry the lens with the glass surface facing down when shooting in the rain. Keep the lens cap in place when not shooting.

Grease stains on the lens

Grease from your fingers ends up on the glass surfaces of the lens. This can be seen in the image as low contrast or as if there is a fog filter in front of the lens. In daylight, this can be difficult to distinguish.

It is a good idea to keep the lens surfaces clean and maintain them regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises after shooting.

Lens cleaning

There are various lens cleaning kits available for cleaning the lens and glass surfaces of binoculars. The kit usually includes a blower, soft brush, microfiber cloth, cleaning fluid and cleaning cloths. However, the contents of the kits vary, so make sure that the kit includes the tools you need.

There are a few general rules for cleaning the lens surface. First, you should always avoid unnecessary mechanical contact, as lens surfaces are susceptible to scratches. Second, if the lens is clean, there is no need to clean it.

It is a good idea to start cleaning by blowing away dust, sand or, for example, salt from seawater with an air blower. Blow both the front surface of the lens and the glass surface closest to the body. Do not touch the glass or contact surfaces with the blower . When blowing, direct the glass surface downwards, so that dust and other crumbs fall downwards.

Any dirt that cannot be removed with the air blower should be removed with a soft brush, brushing lightly from the center towards the edges, with the glass surface facing downwards.

After this, the glass can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth. Start cleaning from the center of the lens and work your way out to the edges in a circular motion. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean the contact surface of the lens, but be very careful.

Dirt that cannot be removed by blowing or wiping with a microfiber cloth can be removed with the alcohol liquid or cleaning wipes included in the cleaning kits.