Lenspen and similar

rancid-a · 5 Feb 2011 at 09:49

Hi guys.
Just did a search here and the main result was a bit worrying. Black flecks/dust being put on the lens from using one of these.

Are people still using them? And do you reckon all versions will more or less do job fine?

Mud · 5 Feb 2011 at 10:44

The rubbery end seems like an abrasion hazard and I've had them flake the black rubbish onto the lens too - the brush end is far more useful.

rancid-a · 6 Feb 2011 at 10:10

Cheers Mud, I'll probably just stick with the cheap lens brush/blower I've already got

Mud · 6 Feb 2011 at 10:40

Found a good brush/blower combo? Every one I've tried has been rubbish. The Giottos rocket is the best blower I've got by a mile (the brush end of the lenspen is my brush).

PhillyDee · 6 Feb 2011 at 11:16

I use one of these for telescope lenses, seem to work great, not noticed any sort of black flecks! Handy for getting rid of accidental fingerprints!

ElDude · 6 Feb 2011 at 11:45

I've been using these for years. I've never had any problems with it. As for abrasion, there isn't any as the end you use for cleaning has a soft pad on it for this. The brush part is very soft and perfect for cleaning little specs of dust off things. I've even used the rear part to clean dust off the camera's mirror with no problems.

robertgilbert86 · 6 Feb 2011 at 12:50

I too was very wary when first using one but haven't looked back since - it's super quick, small and effective. To be safe I buy branded versions.

Mud · 6 Feb 2011 at 13:32

ElDude said:
I've been using these for years. I've never had any problems with it. As for abrasion, there isn't any as the end you use for cleaning has a soft pad on it for this. The brush part is very soft and perfect for cleaning little specs of dust off things. I've even used the rear part to clean dust off the camera's mirror with no problems.

It's not the pad itself that concerns me, it's any particles that get stuck between it and the lens. Same as when you wash the car, if you drop the sponge and still use it you'll scratch your paint. You minimise risk if you blow/brush the lens before using the pad bit.

robertgilbert86 · 6 Feb 2011 at 15:07

Well that's what the other end of the lenspen is for; you first brush off any particles, then polish with the felty end.

Mud · 6 Feb 2011 at 16:05

robertgilbert86 said:
Well that's what the other end of the lenspen is for; you first brush off any particles, then polish with the felty end.

Yeah, I know...but when you're looking for secondhand lenses and you see ones that've been over-vigorously cleaned to the point of putting lots of small scratches in the front element you'll see why it bears stating.