Tutorial-Foolproof way to Clean Optics

[Losthwy]

My process. Good for any waterproof optic which hunting optics should be.
1. Rinse optic under slightly warm tap water to rid of anything that might scratch the lens.
2. Clean with ample amount of isopropyl alcohol and lens cleaning cloth (light circular motion) to remove grease/fingerprints/etc.
Isopropyl alcohol is use in commercially prepared lens cleaning products. It will NOT harm the coatings. You can check online for MSDS data (required by law) which is available for ALL chemical products if you have doubts. Some cleaners contain Methanol but you can find isopropyl alcohol in any food or drug store.
3. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Rinse with tap water.
4. Then rinse with distilled water.
Lens will come out PRISTENE with ZERO spots.
And it's cheap compare to a tiny spray bottle which usually contains, you guessed it, isopropyl alcohol or methanol and distilled water.
Should be a sticky.

 

[HuntnID]

just so I understand correctly, you run warm water directly over the lens'?

 

[Losthwy]

Yes run water over the lens to flush out anything that might scratch the lens. You could use a bulb to blow it out with air for this. But water will remove even stubborn items even if they are sticking such as mud which air can't. Of course don't do this with any old optics that aren't waterproof.

 

[Sully2]

Why not use a "commercial" lens cleaner as directed by the optics maker?

Im not about to pour water over my new Zeiss bino's....??

 

[Losthwy]

Why not use a "commercial" lens cleaner as directed by the optics maker?

Im not about to pour water over my new Zeiss bino's....??

Why not they are waterproof. The above method uses the same ingredients as the commercial lens cleaners, is cheaper and does a MUCH better job. For example I have used the Zeiss lens cleaner as directed. And was always disappointed in the final result. Lens that have dust from lens tissues, streaks and spots. The above method has none of these issues.

 

[Sully2]

Why not they are waterproof. The above method uses the same ingredients as the commercial lens cleaners, is cheaper and does a MUCH better job. For example I have used the Zeiss lens cleaner as directed. And was always disappointed in the final result. Lens that have dust from lens tissues, streaks and spots. The above method has none of these issues.

Your dream team material may clean them... If you have used the Zeiss material and it left streaks...etc...etc....then one simple answer. You didnt use it properly! And non-cotten lens tissues have a big time problem leaving dust on the glass.

My wrist watch says its waterproof to a depth of 600 meters....but Im not dropping it that far down to check it!

If you have cheap optics you can use any sort of homebrew garbage to clean them.....but I paid too much for my own to take a chance of screwing them up!

 

[Losthwy]

Yup, sure did use a commercially made lens tissue, bought at same place as the Zeiss cleaner. To the ones that try it your lens will come out looking like the day you removed the bubble wrap.

 

[FEENIX]

Yup, sure did use a commercially made lens tissue, bought at same place as the Zeiss cleaner. To the ones that try it your lens will come out looking like the day you removed the bubble wrap.

Sorry but my scopes are cleaner now than when I first got them without using your recommended way ... besides, it makes it a challenge when scope is already mounted on a rifle esp when it's a 30" barrel.

My process. Good for any waterproof optic which hunting optics should be.

Furthermore, with my current cleaning method, I can clean my scopes and any hunting optics effectively and safely at any time afield.

(Just one of my pocket size cleaning kits I take with me - also keep one in my range bag and glove compartment)

Thanks for sharing though!

 

[cummins cowboy]

ideally I like to use some compressed air from one of those computer cleaning cans. Then I like to use HOT tap water. most of the time I don't need alcohol just a lense cloth

 

[Sully2]

Yup, sure did use a commercially made lens tissue, bought at same place as the Zeiss cleaner. To the ones that try it your lens will come out looking like the day you removed the bubble wrap.

Bubble wrap??? My bino's came with lens caps inside a HG Codura nylon carrying case. Bubble wrap is for KMart bino's.

 

[Sully2]

FEENIX: Amen to the little kit for your stuff!

 

[Losthwy]

ideally I like to use some compressed air from one of those computer cleaning cans. Then I like to use HOT tap water. most of the time I don't need alcohol just a lense cloth

After the water are they less for wear?




FYI- The last piece of optics I purchased was the Pentax XW 14 eyepiece. It came in a tube with foam and was bubble wrapped. I wasn't aware K-Mart sells them.

 

[Sully2]

After the water are they less for wear?




FYI- The last piece of optics I purchased was the Pentax XW 14 eyepiece. It came in a tube with foam and was bubble wrapped. I wasn't aware K-Mart sells them.

A 14X EYEPIECE dont sound like a pair of BINOCULARS to me..????

 

[Losthwy]

A 14X EYEPIECE dont sound like a pair of BINOCULARS to me..????

The OP is about cleaning optics. If you are happy with your method all the good. Those are looking for an alternative give it a try. It'll cost under $5.00. Post your results.