A camera lens can be very anxious to some photographers, especially those who are starting out. Imagine spending between $100 – $400 on a high-quality, top-notch lens for your new camera, and you leave them on a table overnight without having them covered, not knowing it takes 2.5 seconds for dust particles to attach to the glass.
Or you are in a rush to meet your client, and you cover up the lens while contently touching the glass without noticing. These small can add up over time, especially if it becomes a habit.
Most camera lenses come with covers that can be attached to prevent dust buildup, but sometimes if the glass is out in an open environment for long periods, the dust can fly inside the lens and cause your photos to look spotty and not clear. That’s why it is crucial to carry a good quality lens cleaning kit, and this article will show you how to clean the inside of your lens effectively and smoothly.
1: Purchase a high-quality lens cleaning kit.
The camera lens is costly, so it’s only right to take care of them with high-quality cleaning to preserve them as long as possible. You can use pure water and a soft towel, but it will cause streaking and corrosion over time, which will damage the lens and force you to spend another 300 dollars on a new lens.
By getting a high-quality lens cleaning kit, you will get all of the essential tools necessary to maintain your glass safely and practically, saving you lots of money over time. My favorite cleaning kit is the Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit. It provides all the things I need, such as microfiber cloths, alcohol and odor-free cleaner, soft micro brushes, and an air blower for less than 15 dollars.
2) Take apart the lens carefully.
If the lens can detach, take the time to disassemble the lens by either twisting or unscrewing. Layout the lens on a microfiber cloth or a smooth wooden surface, making sure that no particles are lying around that might scratch the glass.
When dissembling, make sure you sort out each lens and screws to match the specific model/make. For example, if you’re cleaning a macro lens set and a wide-angle lens set at once, make sure the glass is separated from one another to avoid putting together the wrong lens when finished.
3 Spray the lens with the lens cleaner one at a time, and wipe gently.
Once you have all the lens spread out, take the lens cleaner and spray one time on each side of the glass. If you have debris stuck on the lens, spray another 2 times and allow it to sit for a minute.
Then take the microfiber cloth and wipe in a CIRCULAR motion. If you clean up and down, you will create streaks and possible scratching due to the constant movement in one direction.
By wiping circular, you allow the pressure to distribute all around, which will prevent streaking and possible scratches. Flip the lens over and do the same on the other side.
4) Allow the lens to air dry for 5 minutes.
After you’re done wiping, place the lens on the cloth and air-dry for approximately 5 minutes. By doing that, you will allow the moisture to evaporate completely, and is guaranteed to make your lens completely dry.
If you attach the lens to your camera base right after wiping, the humidity will combine with the heat inside the camera, which will create a foggy like substance around the glass.
That will lead to little or no focus ability, blurred scenes, and possible damage to the inner lens. If you can look through the lens without holding it close to your eye, then the glass is clean.
5) Re-attach the lens and start snapping!
Once the lens is air-dried and ready to go, re-attach the glass, twist or screw them together carefully, and make sure, you don’t touch either side of the lens. Pack up the cleaning kit and store it in a safe place away from pets and children.
Cleaning and maintaining your lens the right way will guarantee you fresh, crisp professional photos while at the same time prolonging your lenses durability. If you find this article helpful, share it with other people who might have brought their first professional camera and are looking for tips on lens management. Thank you for reading and have a blessed day!
Peace and Positivity!
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Thank you for this valuable information on How To Clean Inside Camera Lens. I’ve never cleaned my lens myself so this will be very helpful. It’s so important to keep the lens clean and take care of it properly.
I agree Alyse, hope this information helps you!
You have provided a very good article on how to clean the inside of a camera lens, and this is important for awesome photographs and the life of your camera lens. How long will a camera lens last me if I take very good care of it by using your cleaning guide, I was just wondering do they last you a lifetime or do they have a limited lifespan?
Jeff
Hey Jeff,
A well maintained high quality glass lens will last a lifetime if used properly, and up to 25 years for average lenses. It all depends on how much you use them, as well as build quality. Hope this answers your question!
Hi,
This is very informative post with step by step guidance on how to clean inside camera lens, and also why you should keep the lens super clean for crispy fresh and professional photos.
I’ve learnt so much from your post.
Keep up the great work. You are doing an amazing job.
All the best
Thank you Habib appreciate it always!
Nice, I may not have a camera right now, but I’m sure I could use this information on other items that have lenses. It can get really annoying to see dust particles trapped in the lenses that I have and no matter how many times I clean it, the dust is still there.
Thanks for the info, I’ll be sure to refer back to this the next time I have to clean some lenses. I’ll also be getting a camera in the near future too and would like to keep those lenses in near perfect condition for most of its life cycle if not longer.
No problem Ryzhen, just make sure you keep the lens cap on them whenever you’re not shooting photos, and put them in a box or cabinet away from dust collection.