nicholas_johnson4

Stephen, I guess I should have clarified my process more. It takes that long to clean my lens and filter, most of that time is spent inspecting the front element with a flashlight to make sure I have all dust particles off the lens before using the cleaning wipe, then again after the wipe to make sure I have all of the solution removed. The actual wiping and microfiber cleaning part only takes a few minutes, but being new to the process, I prefer to take my time and make sure I complete every step precisely. I am paranoid of causing damage to the coating, so I inspect the lens thoroughly and the filter as well before finishing the cleaning process.

<p>Thank you, Michael! I read up on the best methods for lens cleaning prior to even touching the lens, so I think I have a pretty solid method down. I don't use excessive pressure, if any at all outside of making reasonable contact with the front element, and am sure to clean all solution from the lens afterwards. I explained all of this to a gentleman this evening at a local camera shop, to which he replied that it will damage the lens, regardless.</p> <p>Thank you again, I am happy to know that the method I am using is standard and not damaging! </p>

<p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I have heard some mixed viewpoints on the "best" method to cleaning a lens, some say stay away from any type of chemical on the front element because of the coating, others say that cleaning solution does no harm to the front element at all. I recently cleaned my new lens with a lens cleaning product from a local store that was meant for cleaning camera lenses, as well as glasses etc, and I even checked the MSDS to ensure it was made with quality chemicals, which it was. I also purchased a Zeiss cleaning kit, which I then used to clean the lens again before a shoot, using the provided Zeiss cleaning solution. My method is quite simple, camel hair brush, microfiber towel, use a chemical wipe, then clean off the remaining solution with a different microfiber towel, the whole process usually takes about 45 minutes (mainly because I like to ensure that everything is off of the lens <em>entirely</em> before replacing the front filter).<br> It seems to have worked well, but now I am being told that chemicals damage the front coatings. Can anyone lend some advice here? Is this something I should be concerned with? I already use a lens filter on the front, but take it off sparingly to attach a Lee filter holder, and sometimes bump the front element, causing smudges and streaks. I never use my breath because I have been told that that also can damage the front element. </p> <p>The lens is a brand new Canon 24mm TS-E 3.5 L II if that matters at all... </p> <p>Any help and advice is much appreciated. </p> <p>Thank you all in advance! </p>

Hello everyone, I had a quick question regarding the Lee Wide Angle Lens Hood. I have noticed in reading through the forums that some people use them, while others do not, but with no real explanation as to why they do or do not use them. So, here is my question, is it worth using in doing landscape and nature photography? And what benefits are there in using the lens hood, or the benefits of not using it? I shoot primarily with a Canon 5D Mark iii using the 24-105, 70-200, and 17-40 lenses. I already have two of the foundation kits and a decent collection of Lee filters, I do as much in camera as possible to ensure the highest quality digital file. So, in an effort to increase the quality, I started considering the lens hood, but again I am not sure of the benefits of using such a hood, and don't want to make the investment if it is not going to make much of a difference. Thank you all in advance, Nick