Smudges and dust on your Nikon camera lens will ruin an otherwise faultless photograph. But cleaning the glass the wrong way can ruin the entire lens. Adhere to some guidelines and you'll achieve a spotless Nikon camera lens without doing the expensive piece of equipment any damage.
Purchase a Lens Cleaning Kit
Priced between $5 and $15, a lens cleaning kit is a smart purchase. They are available online and in camera shops and electronics stores. Most kits contain a rocket air blower, a fine brush, a microfiber cleaning cloth and alcohol-based cleaning solution. While you can get away with cleaning your camera lens with rubbing alcohol and other household items, kits are portable and convenient.
Clean Lens in a Clean Environment
Whenever possible, clean your camera lens in a clean, indoor area. Your best bet is to lay out a sheet or towel on the table and set down your equipment and cleaning supplies on top of it.
Blow off Dirt
Before you clean a camera lens with cleaning solution it is imperative to make sure there are no hard, abrasive particles on the surface of the lens. If you take a rag or tissue to a lens with particles stuck to it, you could scratch the glass. Use the rocket air blower in the cleaning kit to blow off dirt and debris. A hairdryer set on low heat will also work.
Dust off Dirt
Use the fine brush in a lens cleaning kit to gently dust off any particles remaining on the lens. Make sure the dust and dirt is swept off the lens entirely, and not just pushed to the edges. A clean makeup brush or fine paintbrush can replace the brush in the lens cleaning kit.
Use Cleaning Solution
Pour a drop or two of the cleaning solution onto the center of the camera lens. Use a soft cloth to spread the liquid around, and gently rub off any smudges and finger prints. Use a circular motion. Most cloths that come with camera cleaning kits are made from microfiber.
Clean When Needed and Protect
Don't clean your lens unless it is dirty. Every time you run a piece of cloth across the lens, you increase the chances of damaging it. To protect your Nikon lens, purchase a clear UV filter that screws on to the front of your camera lens. If something bumps or scratches camera, the filter will be damaged rather than the expensive lens. You can find a quality UV filter that fits your specific lens for less than $20 at a camera or electronics store, making it a great investment.
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