Lens & Filter Cleaners
Here's the best tools to safely and effectively clean both multi-coated and uncoated lenses and filters
How To Clean Camera Lenses And Filters
By: Graham Clark, Landscape Photographer
All filters made by Breakthrough feature our industry leading nanotec® Nano Coating layers which repel dirt, water and other elements by beading rather than absorbing, making it easier (and faster) than ever to clean. However, sometimes static plays a part when cleaning filters.
What I have found that works best, is always first using the Rocket Air Blaster Dust Remover Blower to get larger debris off the surface, then use a dry microfiber.
For situations where there is too much debris, dust or moisture for the microfiber, that's usually the right time to clean with PANCRO® and PEC-PAD® wipes.
Apply the PANCRO® cleaning solution to the PEC-PAD instead of directly to the lens or filter to avoid having beads of liquid rolling off.
After applying wipe in a circular motion move to a dry area of the cloth and/or use a lens pen to ensure the glass is dry and clean (again in a circular motion). Use the blower as needed for any remaining area that needs cleaned.
Although PANCRO is considered "streak free", to get the filter or lens perfectly clean, at the end use a dry microfiber.
PANCRO® Professional Lens Cleaner
by PANCRO® – GRASS VALLEY, CA
Pancro has been the leading lens and filter cleaner in the cinema industry since 1933. It's the trusted solution for many of the world's most valuable and expensive lenses.
This is the same cleaning solution Breakthrough Filters uses during manufacturing and assembly.
Pancro's all-natural hypoallergenic cleaner removes dirt and oils by breaking molecular bonds. The environmentally safe, non-toxic formula has been designed for multi-coated and uncoated optics and lenses.
DIRECTIONS: Spray lightly and gently apply to surface in a ciruclar motion. Wipe dry.
"Clear Winner of the Camera Cleaning Olympics and used exclusively by AC's and Camera enthusiasts worldwide."
• 100% Environmentally Safe
• For All Coated and Multi-Coated Lenses and Filters
PEC*PAD® NON-ABRASIVE WIPES (4x4)
by PHOTOSOL, Inc. – BROOKLYN, NY
These delicate wipes feature both zero lint and high absorbency for picking up liquid and dust with equal ease while remaining soft enough for delicate use.
PEC-PAD wipes are perfect for all coated and uncoated optics, as well as photographic films and papers, and it's what Breakthrough Filters uses during manufacturing and assembly of filters.
DIRECTIONS: Spray lightly on surface or cloth and gently apply to surface in a ciruclar motion. Wipe dry.
MICROFIBER LENS CLOTHS (5x)
by BREAKTHROUGH FILTERS – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
These microfibers effectively cut through dirt and lift oil and moisture from the lens or filter surface. It differs from most cloths which move the dirt and oils around instead of removing them.
They can be used on both multi-coated as well as uncoated optics and nano-coated glass, safely and effectively.
These are the same microfiber cloths included for free with each Breakthrough Filter.
Michael Strickland
GIOTTOS® ROCKET AIR BLASTER
Camera Products Since 1988
The large black Giottos® Rocket Blaster Dust-Removal Tool safely blows clean air to eliminate dust from sensitive or hard-to-reach surfaces, such as those on lenses, cameras, filters and keyboards.
The large Giottos Rocket Air Blaster measures about 7.5" (190.5mm) tall and it is crafted from a durable silicone rubber that offers a virtually instantaneous rebound for a nearly continuous stream of clean air. Its long, thin nozzle features an opening designed to eliminate whistling, and can also be removed for cleaning. A one-way valve on the bottom brings in clean air and does not re-distribute dust.
Additionally, the blaster stands up on its own and can be set on its side on a flat surface without rolling around.
We are not a seller for this blower, we suggest buying from your local retailer.
(Or click here to purchase on Amazon).
"The Giottos Rocket Air Blower is very useful for blowing dust from a lens or filter. I recommend using a blower before using contact methods for cleaning a lens. The blower can remove particles that might scratch a lens or filter when wiping it with lens tissue or a lens cloth."
Bryan Carnathan
The-Digital-Picture.com