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Optical glass cleaning?

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3000fps View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3000fps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Optical glass cleaning?
    Posted: January/23/2017 at 21:53
What's the best way to clean the glass on scopes and binoculars?  Recently, I sent a 30 year old VX-III back to the factory to have it evaluated before I put it on a .375 H&H and what impressed me was how clean they got the glass.  I've tried several of the pen systems with the brush on one end and the cleaning pad with fluid on the other.  It did OK by nothing like what Leupold did.  Does anybody know how they do it?  Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alan Robertson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2017 at 08:29
I don't know.
Having said that, the more one cleans lenses, the more micro- fine scratches are produced and efficiency of the lenses reduced.
Period.
I've ruined some very expensive Zeiss eyeglass lenses, by cleaning them. Couldn't be helped. Eyeglasses get cleaned more often than scope lenses, but the same applies. Eventually, the coatings are worn away and the glass itself is abraded.

Prolong the inevitable, keep lenses covered as much as possible. Clean lenses as infrequently as possible. Be exceedingly mindful about what you're doing, when cleaning lenses.

Take a good look at the tools that photographers use, such as one of those air puffers with very fine brush attached, to blow dust off the lens. Don't even think of rubbing a lens with anything made of paper, even if it's "designed" for lens cleaning. Even if it's a product from some big name company that should know better.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldfortyfive Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2017 at 14:30
For eye glasses it's hard to beat a hot water rinse, spray some dish soap on them and the rinse again with hot water, then blow dry with compressed air. Don't let anything touch them but water and air.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2017 at 15:09
There used to be a video made by a US optics employee.  I cannot find it.  But he would blow them off with canned air very good.  Then he would use qtips with acetone on them and very lightly wipe them in a circle.  Very lightly.  He would do this several times till he got spots off the glass.  Then he would again very lightly dry them with a dry q tip. 

I have read that acetone can be hard on plastic surfaces.  So if your scope has plastic knuts that lock down the lenses I would be careful that way. 

The Zeiss cleaning spay is made out of Isopropyl Alcohol and water.  I have used that for years.  I clean with canned air and then with a use a clean lens pen brush for stubborn dirt.  Then I use Zeiss spray with q tips as posted above.  My Meopta binos glass still looks new and I have been cleaning them that way for over 10 years. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2017 at 07:21
Years ago I had a Burris tech tell me about using acetone and Q-Tips.  He said that's how they do every lens before optics leave their factory.  That was back when Burris optics were made in USA.
Some people are educated BEYOND their intelligence.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2017 at 12:33
All good advice. I use compressed air (holding the scope or bins with the lens being sprayed upside down). Then spray on a light amount of Zeiss cleaning spray. I use a bundle of 5-6 Q-tips and GENTLY wipe outwards in a spiraling motion. You should barely be touching the glass.



Clean only when you really need to.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wolf2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2017 at 18:02
Soap and water then dry with micro fiber or air. Works well with my glasses.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote robbie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/31/2017 at 15:49
I once called Costa Del Mar about cleaning my glass lens glasses.
They said mild detergent, warm water, and microfiber cloth.  Nothing else.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2017 at 10:22
Originally posted by robbie robbie wrote:

I once called Costa Del Mar about cleaning my glass lens glasses.
They said mild detergent, warm water, and microfiber cloth.  Nothing else.

I do exactly that with sunglasses, ski goggles and safety glasses.
 
The problem with scopes is that lenses are often recessed, particularly on the objective end. Add to that being mounted on a firearm and it gets to be a problem working with detergent and water. That's why compressed air, followed by a cleaner like Zeiss and gentle drying/removal with q-tips is a good way to go.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/01/2017 at 21:29
1. Use a rocket blower for the big stuff.
2. Rinse with water (the sink sprayer works great).
3. Let dry
4. Use a clean, new cotton swab soaked with isopropyl alcohol, and spiral out from the middle of the lens with the swab.

Voila, like new lenses.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MikieG Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/26/2017 at 09:44
My wife works as an optician. They have bottles of actual lense cleaning spray and microfiber rags. They also use acetone for camera lenses. Agreed that least rubbing etc is best.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/26/2017 at 10:09
Be careful with acetone. It can have a detrimental effect on seals in the scope.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Uncle Lawrence Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/11/2017 at 11:46
I hate putting any cloth on a rifle lens because everytime you do, you are scratching it. I currently use a little dust blower and keep the caps on. I haven't wipe none of my glass and the oldest scope I own is 7yrs old. I do not have expensive scopes compared to the US Optics and the such. I hate to see people ragging those optics, I swear I can feel heat building up from my neck slowly to the top of my headBig Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Uncle Lawrence Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/11/2017 at 11:48
I am getting so ideas for you guys but not going to use isopropyl alcohol. I will only use filtered or distilled water.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Uncle Lawrence Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/11/2017 at 11:49
"some" "from" 

sorry but I cannot edit my posts


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2017 at 11:05
Originally posted by Uncle Lawrence Uncle Lawrence wrote:

I am getting so ideas for you guys but not going to use isopropyl alcohol. I will only use filtered or distilled water.

Sounds reasonable.

I am curious about refraining from using isopropyl though.  What is the reason?

From what I have seen, isopropyl alcohol is the main ingredient in most commercially available lens cleaning solutions.  I use it in very small amounts to get rid of the residual water marks after gentle cleaning with air and water.
-Matt
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