Is it Safe To Clean Lens Glass With Alcohol Swabs?

4 years 7 months ago #659522 by Jon East
I have a box of alcohol swabs, can I use these on the glass part of my lenses with out damaging anything?  


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4 years 7 months ago #659538 by garyrhook
Let's start with "no".

Then let's suggest you either user a cleaner intended for camera lenses, or a microfiber cloth (you don't really need much more than that) or you check the website of the manufacturer for their recommendations.

The coatings on lenses are not tough. You need to respect them.


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4 years 7 months ago #659544 by Jon East
OK, I'm glad I asked!

Thank you for your answer.  

BTW will these coatings deteriorate over time? 


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4 years 7 months ago #659549 by fmw
My favorite lens cleaning product are the Zeiss lens wipes.  Given how fast the liquid evaporates I think they probably use alcohol.  I have used them for decades.  That doesn't mean yours are OK but you may want to try the Zeiss product.  I certainly recommend them.


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4 years 7 months ago #659556 by Jon East

fmw wrote: My favorite lens cleaning product are the Zeiss lens wipes.  Given how fast the liquid evaporates I think they probably use alcohol.  I have used them for decades.  That doesn't mean yours are OK but you may want to try the Zeiss product.  I certainly recommend them.


Thank you!


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4 years 7 months ago #659560 by garyrhook
Coatings seem to deteriorate, but I've not had a lens, from day one, long enough to know what happens. Therefore, can't say for sure. Others, with a longer history, may be able to answer.


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4 years 7 months ago - 4 years 7 months ago #659578 by ebyelyakov
I use Zeiss Cleaning Kit. At $6 price point, there is no need for any other alternatives :D

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1097470-R...ns_care_kit_2oz.html


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4 years 7 months ago #659809 by Sawyer
+1 Zeiss Cleaning wipes work the best IMO

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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4 years 6 months ago #660310 by Sanford
The only thing I would use alcohol swabs on is the metal contacts.  That's it.  Alcohol is brutal to plastic and glass with coatings.  


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