Paper Or Cloth

[c._h._h.]

Hello,

 

I recently puchased a 75-300mm USM EF lens and was wondering what is

the better and safer cleaning material, paper or cloth. My educated

guess would be paper because a piece of the cleaning paper is always

clean where as a cleaning cloth just accumulates build-up over

time. Which is softer and less abrasive?

 

Thank you,

CHH

[mike_kim]

If you are refering to regular cloth, then niether. You should use micro-fiber cloth or commonly known as lens cloth (around 2-8 bucks in your local camera store). You should use a blow brush to blow and dust off any dirt/sand first, use lens cleaning fluid (one that is approved for multi-coated lens cleaning) and wipe the lens clean from the center to the edge.

 

There are tons of information available in the forum (do a search, it will give you more than mouthful of information). Check below:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0010vQ

[J.W. Wall]

And, not use cleaning fluid on filters.

[bill_goldman]

Formula MC is a specially formulated liquid for cleaning multi-coated filters. I imagine it is also suitable for cleaning lenses.

 

I use a microfiber cloth and sometimes also use cotton swabs such as Q-tips.

[oliver_s.]

And make damn sure the microfibre cloth is <u>not</u> impregnated as is the rule with cleaning cloths for glasses and binoculars. Those cleaning "aids" will leave heavy smudges on your lens surfaces.<p>With cleaning paper, I've made mixed experiences. Most brands aren't worth their price; the Kodak one is excellent.