Like a total idiot, I reached into the lens for a lens cap that wasn't there, and got a couple of huge finger prints on the lens! I useds some glasses cleaning clothes, which didn't work, and ended up leaving streaks everywhere instead. Could anyone reccomend a good option for cleaning the XL-2 lens?

Thanks

-Jason

Hi Jason,

Use compressed air first to make sure no traces of grit are on the lens. Then you can carefully use standard lens cleaning solution and paper. I also find that the LensPen works great; you can find a LensPen at most any photo/video supply store for under $10, marketed under a variety of names including Nikon and Celestron. Just make sure to get the one for camera lenses, and not the one for eyeglasses.

And if you don't already have a UV filter on your lens to protect the glass, go get one right away and thread it in place as soon as your lens is clean!

Thanks for the help! Especially the tip about the compressed air. Hadn't thought of that. I bought some Zeis premoistening cleaning clothes, which worked very well. I ordered a UV filter from B&H that should be here monday!

Thanks a lot!

-jason

i love those zeiss cloths because i shoot outdoors, and they are super-portable, compared to air or even liquid cleaners and tissues. the past few weeks there has been huge pollen in the air in this area (and on my lens), and the zeiss cloths are perfect for frequent cleanings. so far, they seem like the best portable option.

does anyone know any downside to them? just curious.

I noticed it takes some work to get rid of the residue. I bought some dry lens paper and I wipe the damp part of the lens before it evaporates.

-jason

Has anyone successfully cleaned these cloths in the wash or anything??

The type we're referring to are disposable.

-Jason

Jason,
personally I use a lenspen like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=lenspen

Do some circular movements with the brush, removes even fingerprints!

- Per Johan