tonyabbott wrote:
If we are talking specifically about the 17-40, you shouldn't have to clean it as, I believe, you should have a UV filter attached, to stop it sucking in dirt and dust when you zoom. Just clean the filter.
The 17-40L does not "suck dust". You can use a filter to make it 'weather proof'. I only do this (on any lens) in harsh environments; otherwise, no filter is better than any filter. YMMV. Of course, I use special-purpose filters like CP and ND when I want the effect.
stanj wrote:
Please report back. Also, Eclipse or E2?
OK. Using regular Eclipse fluid and a Pec-Pad, I cleaned the front element
of my Tamron 17-50/2.8 lens. I used 8 drops of Eclipse on a Pec-Pad that
was folded twice. The Eclipse didn't pull the stuck-on crud "into solution"
on one pass, so I had to go over areas repeatedly. But, when I was done
it looked clean.
I then decided to check how Formula MC would do on this now clean lens.
Five drops on a Pec-Pad was a bit too much, but after wiping and drying
with the dry portion of the Pec-Pad, I noticed a film on the lens.
A repeated cleaning with 5 drops of Eclipse took the film right off.
I'm sold on the Eclipse solution for lens cleaning. As always, use what
works in your situation.
OKAY,
I AM TAKING MY LENSES APART AND CLEANING THEM ON EVERY PIECE OF GLASS.
I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS TAKEN THEM APART.
I DID ALL OF MINE EXCEPT THE LGLASS.