Hey there! I totally agree with you about using lenspens to clean front lens elements. They're super effective and convenient to use, especially for those stubborn spots that just won't come off.
I use Nikon disposable lens wipes. For years even after I switched to Sony. No streaks as far as I can see. No filters for all my lens. Blower then wipe
If you're looking for another option to pair with your lenspen, you might want to check out https://harmonycr.com/lint-free-wipes/. They offer a wide range of lint-free wipes that are perfect for cleaning camera lenses, as they won't leave behind any fibers or residue. Plus, since they're lint-free, you can use them with your lenspen without worrying about introducing any additional debris to the lens surface. Hope that helps, and happy shooting!
I shoot really fast paced with me and everything else moving around a lot, so my gear sometimes gets bumped into. I have a clear or UV filter on every lens just in case something pointy gets past the lens hood or something corrosive splashes onto the glass.
Since it's just a filter, I don't really take super-extra precaution in cleaning it. A few air blasts first if I have a blower around, then a Zeiss wipe or two. If I don't have a blower with me, then I dab with a Zeiss wipe few times to lift up some big particles, and then wipe with a fresh one. All of my lenses and filters look great.
I can go along with clear filters protecting a branch from scratching a lens, while you walk through the woods, but filters to protect scratching a lens while you clean it? Pretty unlikely with just the most modest care. Do people put filters over their expensive eyeglasses, how about over their windows? Is it possible to rub some sand and scuff up a lens. Probably, but blow it off, be careful, use a good cloth and use the lens as designed, which is without another piece of glass in front of it. Just my 2 cents, but I'll probably be posting about a crazy bad luck scratch a month from now.
People really overestimate the impact of front element debris on IQ. The rear element and sensor are far more important to keep clean. A filter for "protective" purposes is largely pointless unless in salty or sandy areas.
I was an anti-filter always lens hood guy for many years. Problem was I ended up with scratches on the front elements of a few of my lenses which impacted resale value in a big way. Has cost me hundreds if not a thousand or more in resale value. So I'm now a UV filter guy but no lens hood guy. If flare is an issue I can use my hand or a hat to shade the lens.
For cleaning - Airblower, brush, lens tissue + condensation from breath. Microfiber + cleaning fluid only if the first three don't work.
Original Lenspen has black carbon powder which absorbs oil etc.
They have a new version with "invisible" carbon compound. Does this work any better? If it is invisible how would you know when it is out for replacement?
I would be more specific here. Even a "huge" defect on a front element will not be noticeable in actual images. However, if there is direct light falling on it and the defect may cause reflections here comes the deterioration of the image.
But yes, regular dust or debris will not impact the ending result. For me it is enough to use a rocket blower when I come back home to remove the dust. Sometimes spiced up by my clean breath followed by a cotton bud or more often microfiber cloth (I heard microfiber destroys the coatings in the long run but I can change the filter if something ever happens).
I'm used to throwing camera with a lens on without a cap and often a hood in my bag (I prefer vertical position) - filters give me extra peace of mind and decrease the risk of damages or scratches.
And again, some lenses require a filter to complete weather sealing. RoamingScott wrote:
People really overestimate the impact of front element debris on IQ. The rear element and sensor are far more important to keep clean. A filter for "protective" purposes is largely pointless unless in salty or sandy areas.