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@antonioxrosa's post got me to thinking about this. Microfiber cloths are everywhere. They are sent out free when you buy this gadget or that, in all types of quality from cheap to nice. I even have one that came in a little bag that says Sony on it from the local rep. They're convenient and the texture does a nice job, but...
Have you ever washed your cloths? Why not? Every time you pick one up you transfer oil from your fingers to the cloth. Oil, even in miniscule quantities, is sticky. It will attract and hold microscopic dust particles that can and will (eventually) scratch your lenses. It's important to keep them clean and store them in a plastic bag. A baggie will work if the bag it came in is lost or torn.
Better to purchase good quality lens tissues. They can be had very inexpensively, usually 20, 50, or 100 per pack. I'll buy a bunch and put a pack in each bag so they're there when I need them.
Blow the lens off first with your breath or a blower (NEVER use your breath on a sensor!), then use a lens tissue and a 'huff' of air from your lungs for condensation. If a lens is really dirty, blow it off first then use a lens cleaning solution or lens towelette before finishing with a huff and a tissue. Start cleaning in small circles working your way out from the center of the lens.
Keep the microfibers for a quick on-the-fly wipe in the field, but keep them clean!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled forum...
Have you ever washed your cloths? Why not? Every time you pick one up you transfer oil from your fingers to the cloth. Oil, even in miniscule quantities, is sticky. It will attract and hold microscopic dust particles that can and will (eventually) scratch your lenses. It's important to keep them clean and store them in a plastic bag. A baggie will work if the bag it came in is lost or torn.
Better to purchase good quality lens tissues. They can be had very inexpensively, usually 20, 50, or 100 per pack. I'll buy a bunch and put a pack in each bag so they're there when I need them.
Blow the lens off first with your breath or a blower (NEVER use your breath on a sensor!), then use a lens tissue and a 'huff' of air from your lungs for condensation. If a lens is really dirty, blow it off first then use a lens cleaning solution or lens towelette before finishing with a huff and a tissue. Start cleaning in small circles working your way out from the center of the lens.
Keep the microfibers for a quick on-the-fly wipe in the field, but keep them clean!
We now return you to your regularly scheduled forum...