29 replies to this topic

[CosminXF]

How do I clean the lenses of the APO, other than using the dedicated cleaning kits? What material can be safely used?

[Astroman007]

Pure isopropyl alcohol on soft cotton swabs, very light touch. Soft "camel hair" brush for removal of any dust from optical surfaces beforehand.

[C. Evangelista]

I can recommend this product, after careful and complete removal of dust or dirt by a soft brush:

https://www.baader-p...ning-fluid.html

[sevenofnine]

ROR (residual oil remover) works real well for a streak free result 

 

https://www.amazon.c...,aps,605&sr=8-1.

 

p.s. Buff lightly with a dry Qtip for perfection 

Edited by sevenofnine, 16 August 2024 - 12:48 PM.

[PeterWar]

Get this and don't look back, there is no better cleaner for APO lenses.

 

https://www.edmundop...F8aAng4EALw_wcB

[Michael Covington]

Do I recall correctly that some lens cleaners, including ROR and Eclipse, have a limited shelf life and should not be used if old?

[PKDfan]

Do I recall correctly that some lens cleaners, including ROR and Eclipse, have a limited shelf life and should not be used if old?

Hi Michael !!

I looked at my ten year old ROR and see no expiry date but haven't used it for awhile now but i'm prepping my 100ED lense for its first cleaning, getting my distilled water & isopropo alchohol plus refined petroleum ready plus Q-tips and cotton balls.

So will see if problems occur but as i remember last time i used it the streaks needed some extra effort to fully eradicate.

A curious experiment for sure !!




Clearest streak-free Skies

Lance

Edited by PKDfan, 15 August 2024 - 10:07 PM.

[Skywatchr]

Get this and don't look back, there is no better cleaner for APO lenses.

 

https://www.edmundop...F8aAng4EALw_wcB

Click on the "resources" tab for tips on cleaning optics of all kinds.

[Skywatchr]

Do I recall correctly that some lens cleaners, including ROR and Eclipse, have a limited shelf life and should not be used if old?

As long as the cap was put on tight, it should still work fine.  I see no "expiration date" on mine anywhere.  But with that said, nearly everything has an unopened shelf life.  Depending on how old, it may not evaporate as quickly as when brand spanking new.

Keep in mind, RoR is an oil remover for (mainly) fingerprints, eyelash and skin oils.  It's the last step after removing all other "dirt".

[Wildetelescope]

Purosol enzymatic cleaner works well on sap and other organic contaminates. Recommended by AP.

Jmd

[briansalomon1]

How do I clean the lenses of the APO, other than using the dedicated cleaning kits? What material can be safely used?

At Litton/Northrop Grumman we used compressed N2 (at home I use a bulb blower instead on N2) to blow off any particles, followed with a cotton Q-tip with a single drop of 90% or better isopropyl alcohol on the Q-tip. Larger lenses can use 5 or 6 Q-tips held in a bunch.

 

Start in the center and work outwards in a circular motion. How quickly the solvent dries affects the result, so practice. I will sometimes use 3 Q-tips and have solvent on only one of them. By rotating the dry Q-tips onto the lens while I clean, you can prevent streaking. Use a bulb blower to remove any cotton particles.

 

Acetone is a stronger solvent and safe to use with Q-tips on lenses/mirrors. Acetone leaves a film and should be followed with isopropyl alcohol. For cleaning optics at home, I consider all solvents labelled "isopropyl alcohol" and "acetone" the same (you don't need reagent grade)

 

This matches pretty closely with what they teach in USAF and aerospace optics courses https://www.televue....page.asp?id=103

 

 

[PeterWar]

Purosol enzymatic cleaner works well on sap and other organic contaminates. Recommended by AP.

Jmd

Recommended by Takahashi as well. Can't go wrong with it, I've cleaned all sorts of optics at the observatory.

[LDW47]

Clean spit and the soft clean pad of your index finger, two of the most neutral materials in the world, the enzymes in clean spit can't be compared, for cleaning.  World renowned for those that know, every time and then a soft kleenex to dry it off, its unchallenged in this challenged world, eh.

[Astroman007]

Clean spit and the soft clean pad of your index finger, two of the most neutral materials in the world, the enzymes in clean spit can't be compared, for cleaning.  World renowned for those that know, every time and then a soft kleenex to dry it off, its unchallenged in this challenged world, eh.

I wouldn't use spit on any of my stuff...

[LDW47]

I wouldn't use spit on any of my stuff...

Thats up to you.

[Retentive]

If I had a dog, I would try letting it lick the lens, see how that works.

[weis14]

Just cleaned my Stowaway this evening after a rough session with a lot of dew and pollen a few days ago.  Used blower, brush, Purasol and 91%IPA in that order with lint free wipes.  Per Astro-Physics' long standing instructions, I used saliva on one tough pollen spot, but it needed a couple of passes with IPA after before being free enough of streaks for my taste.

 

The hardest thing is to remember to quit before you think you are done and not overdo it.  My goal any time I touch the lens is to get it only 90% better.  The last few small streaks or spots won't affect the image at the eyepiece or the condition of the lens long term.  

[LDW47]

Just cleaned my Stowaway this evening after a rough session with a lot of dew and pollen a few days ago.  Used blower, brush, Purasol and 91%IPA in that order with lint free wipes.  Per Astro-Physics' long standing instructions, I used saliva on one tough pollen spot, but it needed a couple of passes with IPA after before being free enough of streaks for my taste.

 

The hardest thing is to remember to quit before you think you are done and not overdo it.  My goal any time I touch the lens is to get it only 90% better.  The last few small streaks or spots won't affect the image at the eyepiece or the condition of the lens long term.  

You probably didn't use enough spit and then a soft cloth, keep at it practice makes perfect. Also did you rub it around with the soft, clean pad of your index finger. I learned that years ago from an Opthomologist friend of mine and confirmed by my Optometrist. The pads of ones fingers is considered to be one of the softest materials in the world, provided of course they are clean.

[sw196060]

What do folks recommend for cotton swabs for cleaning the lens?  I can use qtips as well.

I worry about anything leaving lint behind.

[peleuba]

I wouldn't use spit on any of my stuff...

 

Its fairly well known among refractor buffs that spit works very well for stubborn spots on lenses.  It works.  Really.

 

See here and here from Roland Christen.  

Edited by peleuba, 12 September 2024 - 11:28 AM.

[Rusty35]

Clean spit and the soft clean pad of your index finger, two of the most neutral materials in the world, the enzymes in clean spit can't be compared, for cleaning.  World renowned for those that know, every time and then a soft kleenex to dry it off, its unchallenged in this challenged world, eh.

Where would one purchase "clean" spit? Mine always has coffee in it !

[LDW47]

Where would one purchase "clean" spit? Mine always has coffee in it !

I guess you are Sh.. out of luck, lol, I guess !

[LDW47]

What do folks recommend for cotton swabs for cleaning the lens?  I can use qtips as well.

I worry about anything leaving lint behind.

Afterwards you just blow any lint / fuzz off with a blower bulb, pretty simple.  Every one should have an air blower handy and ready, eh.

[sw196060]

I have one of those Jet bulb blowers.  It comes in handy.  Still, I like to minimize the lint to begin with.

 

I just checked my small bottle of ROR and it had an expiration date of 2016 on it.  Doh !!

I ordered a new bottle right away.

[Michael Covington]

What happens to ROR (and also "Eclipse") when they get old?  I'm concerned about the expiration dates myself.