The first time you try to clean your camera lens by yourself, it can be intimidating — you paid a lot of money for that lens and you don’t want to ruin it. However, if you are patient and take care while cleaning, you’ll discover the task is actually very easy to do.
The first step is to purchase a quality lens cleaning kit so you have all the materials you need. The Altura Photo Professional Camera Cleaning Kit is an ideal choice. Not only do you get everything you need, but it comes in a durable case so you can keep all of your supplies safe in one convenient location.
The condition of your camera lens directly affects the quality of your photos — if the lens is dirty, you won't be able to take that perfect picture. While it is possible to edit out some blemishes, fingerprints and smudges may be nearly impossible to remove. Because of this, using the best cleaning kit for your camera lens will keep your camera in optimum picture-taking condition.
While it is definitely possible to damage your camera lens while cleaning it, quality camera lenses are actually much tougher than most people realize. As long as you follow all cleaning directions and manufacturer’s recommendations, and you don’t work hastily or get rough with your equipment, the likelihood of damaging your camera lens while gently cleaning it is very low.
If your pictures aren’t turning out the way you think they should, the camera lens is not the only part of your camera that may need cleaning. There is a sensor that is located inside your camera that captures light and converts it into an image. If this sensor is dirty, you will see specs that show up in the same spot on every picture. The best digital camera lens cleaning kit will have tools that allow you to clean this sensor as well as your lens.
There is a wide variety of tools that may be found in a camera lens cleaning kit. This list contains items that may or may not be in your kit. If there is something on this list that you desire, make sure that it is included in the lens cleaning kit that you purchase.
This tool has a bulb that you squeeze to produce a blast of air that quickly removes dust.
A lens brush is a short and usually stubby brush that can be used to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas on your camera.
A cleaning solution is your last line of defense. If none of the dry lens cleaning methods (air blower, lens tissue, etc.) works, you will want to spray a small bit of lens cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently clean in ever-widening circles, starting at the center of your lens.
To quickly remove fingerprints from your camera lens, a one-time-use lens cleaning tissue is your best option.
A lens pen is a double-sided tool that features a brush on one side and a half-dome cleaning tip on the other. This device can be used to quickly remove fingerprints from your lens.
A microfiber cloth is a lint-free cleaning cloth that can be used to clean your camera’s lens either with or without lens cleaning solution.
The sensor cleaning tool is specifically designed to clean the delicate sensor on your camera.
While you can toss your camera lens cleaning tools in your camera bag, it is much more convenient to store them in a case that is dedicated to holding only your cleaning supplies.
Compared to the cost of your camera, even the highest-end camera lens cleaning kit will barely put a dent in your wallet. Between $10 and $40 is all you need to spend to get the best cleaning kit for your camera lens.
A. The answer to this question is short and simple: whenever it needs to be cleaned. If your pictures are turning out fine and there are no blurry spots or specs that consistently show up in the same location, your camera probably doesn’t need cleaning. If it’s not dirty, cleaning it won’t provide any benefit. However, once there are blemishes on every photo, you’ll want to break out the lens cleaning kit and get to work.
A. Take a picture. Yes, it really is that simple. If you want to find out if your camera’s sensor is dirty, all you need to do is focus on something that is a uniform, off-white color and take several pictures, making sure you move the camera after each shot. Import those photos to your computer, zoom in and scrutinize every area. If you find specs in the same location of every photo, that means there is something on your camera’s sensor lens that needs to be cleaned off.
Altura Photo Professional Camera Cleaning Kit
What you need to know: This extensive camera cleaning kit includes everything you need to care for your lens and sensor.
What you’ll love: This comprehensive kit includes a lens cleaning pen, a lens cleaning brush, a microfiber cleaning cloth, lens paper, a camera blow, a case and more. The all-natural lens cleaning solution is safe for electronics, coated lenses and sensors.
What you should consider: Since this kit comes with so many items, the carrying case is a little large.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
CamKix Professional Camera Cleaning Kit
What you need to know: For individuals who are looking for the basic lens cleaning tools, this affordable kit is a solid option.
What you’ll love: If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and you just want the essential cleaning tools for a camera lens — not the sensor — this kit comes with a double-sided lens cleaning pen, a lens cleaning brush, microfiber cloths, tissue paper, an air blower and a reusable spray bottle. The kit is backed by a one-year guarantee.
What you should consider: The spray bottle arrives empty, so the cleaning solution must be purchased separately.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: The inclusion of an ultra-bright LED sensor loupe, which Illuminates and magnifies microscopic particles on your camera's sensor, is what makes this camera cleaning kit stand out from the others.
What you’ll love: This kit includes all the desired tools — a lens cleaning pen, a lens cleaning brush, sensor cleaner, sensor cleaning swabs, microfiber cleaning cloths and a rocket air blaster, plus the LED sensor loupe. For peace of mind, the company has a one-year warranty and offers U.S.-based customer support.
What you should consider: A few individuals noted when the kit arrived, the LED sensor loupe was in the “on” position and the battery was dead.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
