Photographers invest quite some money in gear and accessories, and it is important to keep the equipment in good shape both for the sake of gear health and photo quality. A camera and lens cleaning kit is important and is one of the best friends a photographer can have. It might not be something attractive to carry, but it is quite an important kit to carry along especially if you travel and photograph outdoors quite often.
Even for other photographers who work only indoors or in a studio most of the time, a camera and lens cleaning kit is quite important for gear maintenance and removing those accidental smudges and dust that can ruin the shots or even cause issues to gear in the long run. A lens and camera cleaning kit can also be a great gift for a photographer.
In this article, we have discussed the importance of cleaning the photography gear, what to look for in a cleaning kit and put together a bunch of camera and lens cleaning kits. Each cleaning kit may be slightly different from the others in terms of the tools included, price, and functionality.
Light Stalking's Top Recommendation
Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
This is the best all round camera lens cleaning kit currently in stock that we have seen and should be in any serious photographer's camera bag.
Why Should You Clean Your Photography Gear?
Camera equipment and lenses are expensive gear and lenses are equipment that many photographers own for a very long time even if they upgrade camera bodies. Over time, dust can build up on parts of the lenses and can hinder the smooth functioning of the focus rings and zoom mechanisms.
Just by using your photography gear, you leave dust, dirt, grease, fingerprints, etc., on the body of your lenses and camera. When photographing outdoors, the gear is exposed to various elements, and even in indoor photography, the gear gets exposed to some sort of dust in the atmosphere. Dust can also in the long run get accumulated behind glass elements.
The same applies to dust on camera sensors. The cameras and lenses need to be handled very carefully when changing lenses and at other times.
Getting lenses and camera sensors cleaned by professionals can be very expensive, and most of the time these situations can be avoided if you clean them regularly and protect them by using the lens and camera body caps, a UV filter, and regularly cleaning dust, smudges, and fingerprints.
Lens cleaning kits are mostly easy to use and will help to keep your camera free of dust and other dirt. Sometimes it is possible to over clean your gear and damage the delicate parts, coatings, etc. So you always need to find a balance between maintaining the gear, frequency of cleaning, the kit used for cleaning, and how you clean them.
What To Look For In A Camera & Lens Cleaning Kit?
There are certain important items that need to be a part of the best camera lens cleaning kits, because whether at home or on the field, photographers need to be ready to deal with any dust and dirt that they encounter or anything that can accidentally cause dirt on the lens, for example like smudges from fingertips, etc.
Here Are Some Things To Look For In A Lens Cleaning Kit:
A camera lens cleaning kit is an essential tool for both amateur and professional photographers and the best camera and lens cleaning kits should come with certain tools and accessories to get the job done. The best lens cleaning kits should usually be able to cover cleaning tools for the camera as well.
You do not need all the tools, but having them in hand will help at times when required. Also, most cleaning kits advertised for DSLR cameras should work fine for mirrorless cameras too. Make sure the cleaning kit that you select is versatile and is tailored to the cameras and lenses that you have.
Each cleaning kit is going to be slightly different in terms of what it offers. A good cleaning kit will have all the common required tools, will be compact so it can be easy to carry, and will be cost-effective.
Cleaning solutions are usually based on the requirements of individual photographers and what works for someone may not work for others. If doubtful, buy a starter pack and see what works for you.
Not all products are well made. So it is good to read as many product reviews as possible before deciding on a cleaning kit. It is safe to have extra cleaning tools in the kit because you never know when you may need them.
1. Microfiber Cloth And Cleaning Tissues
Microfiber cloth and tissues are a necessity in the cleaning kit and look for ones that are made with very fine microfiber so that they do not cause abrasion or other scratches on the surface of your gear, especially lens glass, viewfinder, and LCD screens.
2. Air Blower
Air blowers are great for getting rid of dust sticking to the surface of the lens or camera. They help to blow a targeted stream of air and are especially useful in areas where it is difficult or impractical to use other means of cleaning.
When looking for air blowers, choose ones that have one-way air inflow, where the air is filtered. Also, look for nozzles that are soft, so they do not damage sensitive parts.
3. Lens Pen
The lens cleaning pens have a tip on one side that helps to pick up or remove fingerprints, oily smudges or other dust from glass elements whereas the soft lens cleaning brush on the other side helps to get rid of dry dust or loose debris sticking to the surface of the lens. Lens cleaning brushes along with the carbon tip can be a great tool to keep the glass elements, viewfinders and LCD screens free of dust and other smudges.
4. Cleaning Brush
A lens cleaning brush is an optional tool if the lens cleaning kit comes with a double-sided lens pen that has a brush on one side. However, for basic cleaning of the lens and camera bodies, a soft-bristled brush will be a good tool to have.
5. Cleaning Liquid
Cleaning liquids need to be the ones manufactured specifically for use on lenses that are designed to be safe on optical coatings. Look for alcohol-free solutions and do not use any random solutions that can carry a high risk of damaging the glass.
Cleaning solutions are especially helpful in removing tough smudges and other residues that will not come off when using dry methods or other traditional cleaning methods.
Most cleaning solutions come in a small spray bottle or in the form of wet wipes. Choose whichever you feel is handy for your purpose. Before going for a wet clean, always try to dry clean and remove as much dust and dirt as possible.
6. Cleaning Swabs
If you are into cleaning camera sensors, cleaning swabs are a must. Look for swabs that come with the finest and softest tips and also look for swabs that are compatible with the size of your camera sensor. Most camera lens cleaning kits mention what camera sensors they are compatible with. Cleaning sensors are a very sensitive job that should be left to professional services, and if done at home, should be done at your own risk.
7. Carrying Case For The Kit (Optional)
It is great to have a carrying case along with the lens cleaning kit because you can have them all organized in a simple and compact case, so it is handy when you need them. Besides, you will not miss an item in the cleaning kit when travelling or when photographing outdoors and you need something from the kit instantly. This is not always necessary, and you can even buy your own case separately.
Look for cases that are compact and not too bulky. If you will only be using the kit indoors, then you do not need to worry about the size, but a compact lens cleaning kit for outdoors or when you travel is always recommended because you will never know when you will need the kit for a quick clean.
If you are new to photography or cleaning cameras, these articles will give you an overview of the cleaning process:
- What to Do When There is Dust Inside Your Camera?
- How To Clean Your Camera’s Sensor At Home
- Bite-Size Tips: How to Clean Your Lens
Here are some of the best camera and lens cleaning kits that we recommend. Make sure to read as many reviews as possible and decide on the kit that you feel confident about and that suits your needs.
1. Delkin SensorScope Travel Kit
The Delkin SensorScope travel kit is a cleaning system for DSLR and mirrorless cameras from Delkin devices that comes with a SensorScope inspection device, SensorBulb air blower, SensorSolution cleaning fluid, SensorSafe wands, SensorCloth cleaning cloth, cleaning guide, and a travel bag that can hold the contents of the cleaning kit. This cleaning kit is specifically designed for cleaning the sensors and can be used to eliminate both wet and dry dirt, and smudges from your photography gear and camera sensors.
Product Features:
- The SensorScope inspection device comes in a bag and can be an effective device in examining dust and dirt on the camera sensor. It has 5x magnification and 4 bright LEDs that can help with spotting dust and smudges easily. This device is powered by two CR2025 batteries and comes with front and rear protective caps.
- The sensor bulb air blower can be used to blow off dust and dirt from the sensor and other internal and external parts of the camera. Always use the blower to remove as much dust as possible in any part of the camera and lens and only use cleaning fluids if nothing else works.
- There are 15 SensorSafe wands that can be used in conjunction with the SensorSolution cleaning fluid to clean the image sensor in your camera. The wand is double-sided and has heads that are wrapped in soft lint-free fabric that can absorb any excess fluid when cleaning the sensors.
- The 0.25oz SensorSolution liquid cleaner comes in a refillable bottle and can be safely used with wands to clean the image sensor in cameras. The fluid is non-conductive, alcohol-free, and effective in removing debris and other stains from sensors. It does not leave any residue when cleaned with.
- The above cleaning kit comes in a bag that can be effective in carrying when you are travelling or photographing outdoors. This can also be considered the best lens cleaning kit with all the necessary tools required for precise and effective cleaning.
Pros:
- The kit with its sensor loupe can be an effective way to analyse areas that are hard to see and reach for specks, etc., so the cleaning process can be carried out effectively.
- It has most tools required for a good cleaning process and is great value for money.
Cons:
- The product is a bit more expensive compared to other cleaning kits, but it comes with a sensor loupe for this price.
2. Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLR Cameras
This product is available for
The Altura photo professional grade cleaning kit comes with a 2-ounce spray bottle with cleaning solution, a lens pen, lens brush, air blower, sensor cleaning swabs, cleaning tissue papers, and microfiber cloths that come in a three sizes.
Product Features:
- The cleaning solution is alcohol-free, ammonia-free, and odour-free, is safe to use on glass and camera bodies, and does not leave a residue.
- The microfiber cloths have extremely fine microfiber, so they do not leave any scratches or marks on the optical glass or any other surfaces.
- The lens cleaning pen has a soft brush on one side and a tip on the other side. The soft brush retracts into the pen’s body when not in use, so it can stay clean. The brush is great to dust off any particles sticking to the camera lens or body.
- The cleaning tissue papers come as a pack of 50 sheets that can be disposed off easily after use. They are neatly packed so they do not gather dust and dirt.
- The air blower helps blow away dirt by directing a powerful jet of air and can be safe to clean camera sensors, mirrors and outer parts of the lens and camera.
- The cleaning brush comes with soft bristles that are static-free and contain no abrasives or silicones.
- The sensor cleaning swabs are capable of absorbing and sweeping away invisible particles and smudges on the image sensor.
- This cleaning kit can be used to clean cameras, lenses of all brands and even comes with a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- The carry bag that comes with the cleaning kit ensures that you can keep all the items of the kit safely packed in a corner of your camera bag.
- The Altura professional grade cleaning kit is available separately for full-frame sensors and APS-C sensors.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit comes in two sizes for both full-frame and APS-C cameras.
- The pack has all the tools required for effective cleaning of all the photography gear.
Cons:
- The blower does not seem to have a filtered intake, which could cause dust particles to be blown back onto sensitive parts of the gear.
- There are no instructions included.
- This product is temporarily unavailable, but do keep an eye out if you are looking to buy this kit.
3. Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
The Zeiss lens cleaning kit for all cameras comes with an air blaster, brush, cleaning fluid, pre-moistened single-use lens wipes, a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and all these packed into a fabric travel case. It can be used to clean optics like camera lenses, telescopes, spotting scopes, etc., and comes with both wet and dry cleaning tools.
Product Features:
- The air blaster can be used to blow the dust off from optical surfaces and other areas of the lens and camera. It can also be used to blow off the dust from sensitive areas that cannot be cleaned with wipes or solutions.
- The brush helps to dust off dirt and dust particles from the body of your lens and camera. It can be used in areas other than glass, so you do not cause scratches to delicate optics.
- For wet cleaning purposes, the kit comes with a cleaning solution and pre-moistened wipes. The pre-moistened wipes come in individual disposable packets and are for single use only. The separate packaging helps with easy storage in small pockets in the camera bag.
- The microfiber cloth that comes with the cleaning kit is non-abrasive and can be used to keep the cameras, lenses clean either with the cleaning solution or on its own to remove smudges. This helps to complete the cleaning process so that there is no speck or smudge remaining from the cleaning process.
- All these items in the cleaning kit are packed into a fabric travel case that is compact and is designed to be worn on a belt so you can carry it even if you do not carry a camera bag. It can be easily carried when travelling or when photographing outdoors.
Pros:
- Zeiss is a well-noted lens manufacturer, so their cleaning kit can be quite trusty.
- The cleaning kit includes all items required for effectively keeping the cameras and lenses clean.
Cons:
- The brush can be a bit awkward in build for the price paid.
- The lens cleaning kit is comparatively expensive.
4. ParaPace Professional Camera Cleaning Kit
The ParaPace Professional Camera Cleaning Kit for APS-C cameras can be used for cleaning grease, fingerprints, stains, and dirt on cameras, lenses, and glasses of other optical instruments. It comes with a uni-body air blower, double-sided lens cleaning pen, cotton cleaning swabs, lens cleaning tissue papers, a brush, lens cleaning solution, microfiber cloths, dry and wet cleaning wipes, gloves, tweezers, storage box, and all these items put in a compact pouch.
Product Features:
- The Uni-body air blower guides airflow and helps to blow away dirt and dust from the lens, camera sensor, and other parts of the photography gear. It comes with a sturdy nozzle that will not fall off while blowing a powerful stream of air.
- The double-sided lens cleaning pen has a dust brush on one side and a special non-liquid cleaning element on the other side that never dries out. The dust brush on the other side helps with removing dust particles from sensitive areas like lens glass, LCD screens.
- The brush helps to dust off dirt and other dust particles from all external parts of the camera except delicate and sensitive areas like glass.
- The sensor cleaning swabs help to absorb and remove invisible particles and dirt. These can be used to clean the sensor, lens, or other photosensitive parts.
- The microfiber cloth helps to remove dust and other particles that are invisible and can clean without leaving scratches or other marks.
- The cleaning kit comes with a small parts storage box that can be used to store tiny screws and other parts of the gear so you can prevent the loss of very small parts during the cleaning process.
- The cleaning solution (lens cleaning fluid) can be used on swabs to clean the sensor or on the microfiber cloth to clean the body of the photography gear.
- All the contents of the cleaning kit come in a protective case with organizers that can be helpful to store things in an organized manner and carry them in the camera bag when required.
Pros:
- The tools in the cleaning kit are of good quality and the protective case is a hard shell.
- The cleaning kit has gloves and additional tools that other kits may not have.
- The small parts storage box is a thoughtful addition to the cleaning kit.
Cons:
- There are no instructions attached which means it can be challenging for first-time users.
5. Camkix Professional Camera Cleaning Kit For DSLR Cameras
The professional camera cleaning kit for DSLR cameras can be used for any camera really and the kit comes with great tools to keep the camera clean and in good condition. There is a double-sided lens cleaning pen, an air blower, a lens brush, an empty reusable empty spray bottle, and some microfiber cloth wipes.
Product Features:
- The air blower is a perfect tool in any cleaning kit and can be used to clean delicate parts of the lens and camera. Just blow air a few times in areas where there is dust and with a few strong blows, it should remove most of the dust sticking to the surfaces of the lens, camera, and optical elements.
- The lens brush can be used to dust off dust and dirt from the lens and camera that are still sticking to your gear after using the air blower.
- The double-sided lens pen comes with a dust removal brush on one side and a dry cleaning element (non-liquid) on the other side that does not dry out. The brush side can be used to dust off particles that are still there after using the blower and the cleaning element can be used to remove stubborn smudges.
- The reusable spray bottle can be used to fill in any cleaning solution of your choice and then used to spray on to the wipes before using them for cleaning. Be careful to be gentle and use cleaning liquids in limited quantities so you do not damage or scratch sensitive parts of your gear.
- The microfiber wipes can be used dry or sprayed with a cleaning solution. These are compact, so you can carry them around when out in the fields.
- The cleaning kit is great value for money and comes in a resealable pouch that you can carry in your camera bag.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit has all the tools required for keeping cameras and lenses clean, making it an ideal cleaning kit for photography gear.
- The cleaning kit is comparatively cheap.
Cons:
- There is no instruction manual along with the cleaning kit.
- There is no cleaning solution included.
- Some reviews are not too great for the brush and lens pen.
6. Sensei Deluxe Optics Care And Cleaning Kit
The Sensei optics care and cleaning kit is aimed at cleaning all kinds of optical glass, and cameras and comes as a kit with basic cleaning tools consisting of an air blower, a lens pen, a brush, cleaning liquid, cleaning wipes, microfiber cloth and everything packed in a compact and durable travel case. This cleaning kit can be helpful in cleaning any optical instrument and glass besides lenses.
Product Features:
- The air blower helps with a steady stream of air to blow off the dust from sensitive areas.
- The lens cleaning pen is double-sided and comes with a cleaning tip on one side and a brush on the other side.
- The lens cleaning wipes are pre-moistened and can be used for wet cleaning purposes.
- The microfiber cloth can be used to finish off the cleaning after the wet-cleaning process.
- The dust brush can be used to dust off the dirt and other debris from the lens and camera bodies.
- The cleaning kit comes in a durable travel case that helps to keep the items of the kit organized and easier to carry when travelling or outdoors.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit comes as a compact one with essential tools that are mostly good for beginners.
Cons:
- No instruction manual.
- No sensor cleaning tools.
7. Movo Deluxe Essentials DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit For APS-C Cameras
The Movo deluxe cleaning kit for APS-C cameras comes with a bunch of cleaning swabs, cleaning liquid, air blower, lens pen, soft brush and microfiber cloths in a carrying case for neat organization and carrying around.
Product Features:
- The cleaning swabs can be used along with the Movo-branded leans cleaning solution or another lens cleaning fluid of your choice to safely remove dirt from the camera sensor. The manufacturer specifies that these are for cleaning APS-C sensors.
- The soft brush can be used to remove loose dust particles from electronic parts and other hard-to-reach areas.
- The air blower will help to blow away dust from the surface of the lens and other sensitive areas like internal parts if necessary. When there are dust and dirt on the sensor, you can try to blow it away using the blower, but remember that in this process you should not be letting in more dust settle on the sensor and internal parts of your camera.
- The lens pen comes with a carbon-based formula that is effective when cleaning the lenses.
- The microfiber cloths are soft and safe to use on optics and cameras.
- The manufacturer recommends using this kit for cleaning oil, fingerprints, dust, smudges, etc., from camera lenses, microscopes, telescopes, and other precision optical lenses.
Pros:
- This product has the tools to effectively clean the photographic equipment.
- The carrying case is of good quality.
Cons:
- This cleaning kit is not useful for cameras other than APS-C cameras.
- There are no instructions in the cleaning kit.
- A bit more expensive compared to other cleaning kits.
8. K&F Concept 8-in-1 Professional DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Sensor Cleaning Kit
The K&F concept 8-in-1 professional cleaning kit for APS-C and Full Frame cameras comes with an air blaster, a fully functional cleaning pen, microfiber cleaning cloths, cleaning swabs, antistatic gloves, a carrying bag along with an instruction manual.
Product Features:
- The air blaster is made of rubber and directs powerful streams of air to blow away dust and debris from both the internal and external parts of photography gear. The tip of the blower is soft, so it does not scratch any sensitive surfaces if it accidentally comes in contact with them. The one-way air stream ensures that you do not blow in the dust again into sensitive areas.
- The cleaning pen is multifunctional in the sense it has an anti-static brush part that can be used to clean the dust in the camera and lens, and the carbon tip can be used to clean tough smudges, oil, fingerprints, etc., from sensitive areas like the lens.
- The microfiber cleaning cloth is of good quality material. It can remove dirt, dust, smudges, etc., and also absorb water in case the gear gets splashed by water accidentally. Care needs to be taken not to rub with the cloth on sensitive optical coatings and other parts of the camera and lens.
- The antistatic gloves help hold the lens and camera sturdy when cleaning.
- The cleaning swabs can be used with a solution of your choice to clean sensors.
- The cleaning kit comes in a good carrying case to carry the tools safely when travelling.
Pros:
- The one-way blower is an advantage because not all cleaning kits come with this kind of air blower.
- The product with all the different tools comes at a reasonable price and can be used for any brand of camera.
- Antistatic gloves can help with preventing more smudges from fingerprints during the cleaning process.
Cons:
- The kit does not come with cleaning solutions, and so this will need to be purchased separately.
9. LensPen SKLK-1 (SensorKlear Loupe Kit) Camera Cleaning Kit
The LensPen SKLK-1 camera cleaning kit for all cameras comes with a SensorKlear loupe, an air blower, and a Lenspen.
Product Features:
- The air blower can be used to force a stream of air in areas where there is dust and helps to easily blow them away with a few streams. This should be the first option, before attempting to use any other cleaning methods on photography equipment.
- The lighted loupe comes with 6x magnification and can be a great device to check for dust and other contamination on the image sensor in a magnified and lit view.
- The Lenspen comes with molecular carbon cleaning technology so it can quickly and effectively remove dust and fingerprints from lenses, filters, displays, and sensors. The other side has a brush that can be used to remove dust and other loose particles from sensitive and delicate areas of the photography gear.
- The Lenspen tip never dries out and can be used for up to 500 cleanings. It is compact, does not require any liquids, and the carbon compound-infused tip has the ability to absorb excessive amounts of oil and other contaminants.
- The contents of the cleaning kit are put in a tiny pouch that can be used to safely carry the items when outdoors or travelling.
Pros:
- The loupe in the cleaning kit is great for seeing all the dust and dirt in areas where viewing is difficult.
Cons:
- The cleaning kit only comes with basic tools for dry cleaning, which can be effective only for beginners.
10. UES DSLR Camera Sensor and Lens Cleaning
The UES DSLR Camera Sensor and Lens Cleaning Kit for full frame cameras contains a cleaner solution, air blower, sensor cleaning swabs, microfiber cloth, camera and lens cleaning pen, and lens tissues and comes in a carrying pouch.
Product Features:
- The air blower is compact and generates a strong stream of air. It is made of high-grade natural rubber which is soft, odourless, and durable. The soft nozzle prevents accidental damage or scratch to delicate optical surfaces.
- The lens cleaning pen provides an easy camera and lens cleaning system with a carbon tip that absorbs oil, stains, and fingerprints. The brush on the other side removes dust.
- The lens tissue is made of wood pulp tissue which is 100% recyclable, and it safely removes dirt, dust, and fingerprints from your lens without leaving marks behind
- The extremely soft and flexible swab head is covered by super fine microfiber cloth that helps you clean your sensor effectively and efficiently without causing any damage to your sensor.
- The non-alcoholic and ammonia-free lens and sensor cleaning solution is safe for both COMS and CCD sensors and other optical surfaces. It can be used with sensor cleaning swabs and microfiber lens cloths.
- The washable and reusable microfiber camera and lens cleaning cloth is made of ultra-microfiber which has excellent absorbent features and can efficiently and effectively remove dirt, fingerprints, and dust from optical surfaces without leaving marks, lint, or scratches behind.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit comes with all the tools necessary for cleaning the photographic equipment without a problem.
- The cleaning kit is available for full-frame and APS-C cameras, and the sensor cleaner is a good one.
- The cleaning tissues are vacuum sealed.
Cons:
- The tools are fewer compared to other cleaning kits.
- An instruction manual would be a great addition.
11. REFLYING Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit
The REFLYING APS-C Camera Cleaning Kit comes with a blower, lens cleaning pen, soft brush, camera lens cleaner solution, sensor cleaner solution, cleaning cloth, cleaning tissues, cleaning swabs, antistatic gloves, and many more in a carrying case with a hook.
Product Features:
- The air blower helps with blowing off dust from the external and internal parts of the camera and lens.
- The soft brush helps with dusting off dust and dirt particles sticking to the external parts of the camera and lens bodies.
- The cleaning swabs come in different shapes and sizes so they can be used in areas where the normal swabs or brushes cannot reach.
- There are separate cleaning solutions for cleaning lenses and sensors.
- The lens pen is double-sided and has a retractable brush on one side and a tip on the other side to clean lens glass.
- There are large and small cleaning cloths to suit various requirements and these can be used for dry or wet cleaning.
- The cleaning kit comes in a neat carrying case that has a hook that can be used to hang the pouch.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit comes with a variety of tools that can help with all kinds of cleaning for cameras and lenses.
- There are swabs of different sizes and gloves for better handling of gear when cleaning.
Cons:
- There are two different liquids, one for cleaning the lens and another for cleaning the sensor. However, it is not clear if these solutions are the same in different bottles or are of different compositions.
12. UBeesize Professional Camera And Lens Cleaning Kit
The UBeesize Professional Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit for all camera models comes with an air blower, brush, lens pen, camera lens cleaning tissues, cleaning swabs, cleaning cloths, cleaning solution, and a carrying pouch.
Product Features:
- The air blower helps to blow off the dust from the surface of the lens and camera bodies.
- The camera lens cleaner is alcohol and ammonia-free
- The lens pen is double-sided and has a tip on one end and a retractable brush on the other.
- The soft brush can be used to dust off debris that is still sticking after using the blower.
- The swabs and camera lens cleaning cloths can be used for both wet and dry cleaning purposes.
- The cleaning kit comes in a pouch that can be handy for carrying the kit along when outdoors.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit is compatible with all camera brands and models. Also, it can be used to clean all types of optics.
- There are detailed instructions included in the cleaning kit.
Cons:
- It would be great to list the contents of the cleaning solution.
- The product is temporarily out of stock.
13. Vexko Camera Cleaning Kit
The Vexko Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit for APS-C cameras has a total of 9 items in the kit – a camera lens cleaner solution, cotton swabs, sensor cleaning swabs, microfiber cloths, air blower, lens cleaner wipes, lens cleaning pen, lens brush, and a traveling pouch.
Product Features:
- The air blaster blows off stubborn dirt and dust stuck in areas that brushes and cloths won’t be able to reach. A strong stream of air helps to blow away dirt and dust from your lenses, camera sensors, and other areas.
- The camera lens cleaning pen is designed with a soft dust-removal brush on one end and a soft cleaning tip on the other end. The cleaning tip is engineered with a non-liquid cleaning feature that never dries out and it successfully removes fingerprints and smudges.
- The cleaning solution comes in a reusable spray bottle and the solution is alcohol-free, ammonia-free, and odour-free. It is formulated to safely clean even the smallest trace of dust/particles/residues that other cleaning methods cannot fix. It can be used with a soft microfiber cleaning cloth or cleaning swabs.
- The cleaning kit can be carried safely in a carrying case.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit has almost all the tools required to clean the lens and camera bodies.
Cons:
- There is no instruction manual for anyone who is looking for some help with instructions, especially for lenses and sensors.
14. VSGO Warp-Up Camera Cleaning Kit
The VSGO warp-up camera cleaning kit consists of a blower, lens cleaning pen, cotton swabs, dustproof gloves, and alcohol-free lens cleaner. This cleaning kit can be used to clean electronic items and photography gear.
Product Features:
- The blower comes with a long nozzle and is designed to help remove dust particles on the surface of the lens, and other areas like hot-shoe, and zoom rings. It can be a convenient one to use in areas where other means of cleaning devices or methods are difficult.
- The dustproof gloves can be used when handling and cleaning lenses, cameras, and other photography gear. This helps to prevent oil and other sticky fingerprints on the device when cleaning them.
- The lens cleaning pen comes with VSGO multilayer nanoscale optical carbon tip. It can effectively clean up fingerprints, oil stains and other stubborn smudges and stains from optical surfaces.
- The brush comes with fine bristles that is an excellent tool for cleaning hard-to-reach nooks and other areas like edges, joints, narrow gaps, etc. The flexible bristles mean, they can reach areas that the cloth cannot.
- The lens cleaning cloth can be used with or without the cleaning fluid to clean the camera gear.
- The cotton swabs are dust-free and designed to clean dust and dirt from areas with edges and corners like the grooves on the zoom ring, and hot-shoe, besides also cleaning the LCD screen.
- The camera lens cleaning solution has ultra-pure water and is alcohol-free. Hence it is safe to use on sensitive electronics and coated lenses and cleans without leaving streaks or scratches.
- The items in the above cleaning kit come in a portable bag that can be easily carried in a camera bag.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit has the most tools for effective cleaning.
- The gloves are useful in handling the gear efficiently when cleaning.
Cons:
- No instruction manual.
- A bit overpriced.
15. Sanhooii Camera Cleaning Kit
The Sanhooii camera cleaning kit comes in a carrying bag that consists of a cleaner solution – 20ml, a blower, a double-sided camera lens cleaning pen, a brush, microfiber cleaning cloth, depuration sponge swabs, sensor cleaning swabs, camera cleaning tissue, and is mentioned as safe for all electronics, coated lenses, and sensors.
Product Features:
- The blower is capable of focusing a stream of air onto particular areas and can be used to blow off dust and debris sticking on lens surfaces and gear bodies. You can also use it to blow away dust if any on the sensor.
- The brush can be used to gently clean the dust off the camera and lenses. Care needs to be taken not to use this with pressure on the gear. The length of the bristles can be adjusted depending on the cleaning requirements
- The Lenspen is double-sided and comes with a tip that contains a non-liquid carbon compound that can be used to clean fingerprints and other sticky smudges including oil. This is delicate, smooth, and safe, and should be used in a circular motion. The other end comes with a brush with soft bristles.
- The cleaning cloth comes in a safe vacuum package and can be used to wipe away any other dust and dirt from all types of surfaces, but utmost care needs to be taken if using it on the lens front element and rear element.
- The sponge swabs are greatly absorbent and extremely low on residue and dust. The small pointed cotton swabs can be used to clean areas that are narrow and hard to reach.
- The dry tissues effectively remove dirt, grease, fingerprints, and other sticky residues.
- The sensor solution is alcohol-free and can be applied to the cleaning swabs and used to gently clean the sensor. A few drops should help. This process should only be followed if there is still dust on the sensor after using the blower several times to blow off any dust and dirt.
- The contents of the cleaning kit come in a protective carrying bag so you can have the necessary tools neatly organized to carry with you when travelling or photographing outdoors.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit comes with all the necessary tools required for the effective cleaning of cameras and lenses.
- The small pointed swabs are a great addition to clean areas that are quite hard to reach.
Cons:
- The instructions are a bit useless and not clear.
- The product is temporarily unavailable.
16. TYCKA Professional Camera Cleaning Kit
The TYCKA professional camera cleaning kit for APS-C cameras is a slightly expensive kit comparatively and comes with a camera lens cleaner liquid, hurricane air blower, lens cleaning pen, microfiber cleaning cloth, cleaning swabs, lens paper, cotton swabs, and cleaning wipes. The cleaning kit is designed to not leave any scratches, streaks, or marks after use.
Product Features:
- The improved blower blows out a powerful stream of air and is capable of blowing away dust and other particles very easily. Hence this can be one of the best choices for removing dust particles from the lens glass and camera image sensors.
- The microfiber cloth is made of extremely fine material and can clean even the tiniest of particles away from the camera and lenses without leaving any scratches or streaks.
- The camera lens cleaning pen is double-sided and comes with an adjustable dust-removing brush on one side and a cleaning pen tip on the other side. The Lenspen has precision carbon powder that is capable of removing dust, oil stain, fingerprints, and other smudges and is safe to use on glass surfaces. This is a great tool to remove dust and dirt caught in the edges of the lens and other hard-to-reach areas of your photography gear.
- The camera lens cleaning solution is alcohol-free and comes in a spray bottle. This way you can refill the bottle with a cleaning liquid of your choice once you have used up the liquid that it came with.
- The cleaning swabs can clean invisible dust and other dirt from camera sensors and other optics without damaging or leaving behind marks or scratches. It does not come with a case which is a drawback.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit has all the basic tools required for cleaning cameras and lenses.
Cons:
- The cleaning kit does not come with a carrying case or pouch.
- There is no instruction manual, and the product is temporarily unavailable.
17. Polaroid Original Lenspen Cleaning Kit
The polaroid Lenspen cleaning kit for all cameras comes with a Lenspen, a Lenspen MiniPro, anti-fog cloth, and microfiber cloth all put together in a carrying case. This cleaning kit is suitable for effectively cleaning cameras and lenses besides other optical instruments like scopes and binoculars.
Product Features:
- The Lenspen is perfect for keeping the camera and lenses, eyepieces of other optical instruments like spotting scopes, telescopes, binoculars, etc., clean. It has a retractable brush on one side that helps with removing dust and the non-liquid cleaning element on the other side helps clean smudges, fingerprints, etc., and is designed to never dry out.
- The Lenspen MiniPro comes with an ultrafine brush on one side that can be used to remove dust particles from sensitive areas of the gear and the other end features a chamois carbon cleaning tip that never dries out.
- The microfiber cloth can be used for general cleaning like dust fingerprints and smudges from the camera and lens body. It can also be sprayed with good cleaning fluids and used for a general cleaning process of the gear bodies.
- The anti-fog cloth can be used to keep the gear from fogging up in colder climatic conditions. It can be used up to 200+ times and is environmentally friendly.
- All the items in the cleaning kit come in an easy-to-carry case so it is good to carry around in the camera bag when traveling or outdoors.
Pros:
- A very compact cleaning kit for very basic cleaning of camera parts and lenses when out in the field.
- The two Lenspens are helpful for cleaning different parts of the gear.
Cons:
- A very basic cleaning kit, and does not include a blower that can come in handy.
- No option for deep cleaning if required.
18. Kare & Kind Camera Lens Cleaning Kit
The Kare & Kind camera lens cleaning kit for all lenses and cameras comes with an air blower, a double-sided camera lens cleaning pen, a brush, an empty decently sized bottle that is reusable, lens cleaning tissues, and microfiber cloths. Unfortunately, it does not come with a carry case.
Product Features:
- The blower is well-built and can be used to blow a targeted stream of air to blow away dust and dirt. It can be effective in dusting sensitive areas of the camera gear.
- The camera lens cleaning pen is a dual-purpose one with a non-liquid cleaning element on one end and a retractable brush on the other end. The non-liquid cleaning element never dries up, is useful to clean off hard to get off smudges and the brush can be used at the desired length to dust off fine debris in corners and edges.
- The cleaning tissues can be used for general cleaning purposes on the camera and lens bodies.
- The lens cloths can be used to wipe off dust, and fingerprints that are very fine and invisible and it does not leave marks or scratches.
- The brush can be useful to dust off stubborn dust in certain areas of gear bodies.
- The refillable spray bottle can be filled with any cleaning solution of your choice when required and can be applied to the cleaning tissues or cloth to clean gear bodies.
Pros:
- The cleaning kit includes most items required for the thorough cleaning of photography gear.
Cons:
- Cannot be used for cleaning image sensors.
- No cleaning solution is included.
- No cleaning swabs included.
- No carry case/pouch included.
- Suitable only for general cleaning purposes.
19. Zacro 18-in-1 Professional Camera Cleaning Kit
The Zacro professional camera cleaning kit for APS-C cameras comes with an air blower, cleaning pen, cleaning cloth, brushes of various sizes, cleaning swabs of different shapes and sizes, gloves, microfiber cloths, cleaning solution, cleaning tissues and a carry case.
Product Features:
- This is an efficient cleaning kit with the blower helping to blow off the dust from surfaces of the camera, sensor, lenses, etc.
- The brushes come in various shapes and different sizes and can be used depending on the surface or part that needs cleaning.
- The swabs along with the cleaning liquid help to remove tough dirt that is otherwise hard to remove using dry cleaning methods. There are swabs of different sizes and shapes to suit the need to clean various parts of the photography gear.
- Besides the above, there are microfiber cleaning cloths, cleaning wipes, and cleaning tissues that can be used for both dry and wet cleaning purposes.
- All the items in the cleaning kit are packed in a storage case that is easier to carry.
Pros:
- Includes all items required for effective cleaning of photography gear.
- Different-sized and shaped swabs and brushes can be helpful.
- Gloves are included for safe cleaning.
Cons:
- No instructions are attached.
20. Mouriv Professional Deluxe DSLR Camera Cleaning Kit
The Mouriv Professional Deluxe cleaning kit for APS-C cameras has all tools necessary for cleaning cameras and lenses. The cleaning kit comes with a rocket blower, alcohol-free camera sensor cleaner solution, cleaning swabs for APS-C cameras, a lens cleaning pen, a brush, microfiber cloths and a static-charged sensor cleaning brush. The cleaning kit comes in a hard-shell protective carrying case.
Product Features:
- The blower nozzle is sturdy and will not fall off while blowing a powerful stream of air to blow away dust from the lenses and sensors.
- The camera lens cleaning pen is double-headed with a brush on one end, and an active carbon head for multiple cleaning uses.
- The soft brush can be used to remove dust and other particles from gear bodies.
- The microfiber cloths are made of super soft material and are safe for all types of optics and sensitive electronics. They leave zero scratches, streaks, or marks.
- The alcohol-free cleaning solution safely and effectively removes oil, fingerprints, and dust from lenses and sensors.
- The cleaning swabs can be used in combination with the cleaning fluid to safely remove any dirt and debris from APS-C camera sensors. They can absorb and sweep away invisible particles and smudges.
- The carrying case is designed to be water-resistant and allows you to attach the case to your bag without worrying about rain and other elements. It helps to store and protect all of the tools in the cleaning kit.
Pros:
- Has most of the tools required for cleaning the camera and lenses.
- Comes with a water-resistant carrying case.
Cons:
- No instructions are attached.
21. Individual Products:
There are times when photographers may want to have the best of each tool because not all cleaning kits may come with the tools that a photographer may need for their requirements. You may need a powerful blower, maybe a set of lens pens, a specific liquid, and so on.
Here are some individual camera and camera lens cleaning products that we thought were some of the best in the market.
1. Lens Pen
LensPen Pro Camera Cleaning Kit NDSLRK-1
The lens pen in this cleaning kit is a great tool to clean your lens, filters and viewfinder with great ease and without causing any damage. It comes as a kit consisting of three lens pens and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Product Features:
- The tips of the lens pens are made of the softest suitable material and are safe for all-optical lenses and coatings, LCD screens, and viewfinders.
- It is effective in removing dust, fingerprints, and oily smudges and comes in a variety of designs for different applications. Each pen can provide up to 500 cleanings and are unaffected by temperature fluctuations.
- The Original lens pen is used to clean camera lenses, the FilterKlear lens pen helps to clean filters, and the MicroPro lens pen helps to clean viewfinders.
- The microfiber cleaning cloth also functions as a carrying pouch, but it would be advisable to have these in a safe case so the microfiber cloth does not gather dust.
Nikon 8228 Lens Pen Pro Kit
Unlike other cleaning products or kits, the Nikon Lens Pen Pro Kit comes with two lens pens – one a standard one and another a micro. Besides it comes with two cloths, one an anti-fog cloth and another a microfiber cloth all put in a sturdy and compact carry case.
Product Features:
- The retractable brushes on the lens pens come with non-liquid compounds that do not require any liquids or other cleaners to be added to them. They do not leave any residue when cleaning and are great for cleaning fingerprints.
- The anti-fog cloth helps prevent condensation from forming on the lens and should not be used to wipe the lens as it can leave a film of the anti-fog compound on the glass.
- The microfiber cloth can be used for general wiping purposes, however, care needs to be taken when wiping glass with it. You need to be very gentle and do it in a circular movement, but before using the cloth, blow off all the dust using a rocket blower.
2. Air Blaster
Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large
Giottos Rocket Air Blaster is a large dust removal tool that can be used to safely blow off the dust from sensitive and other hard-to-reach areas/surfaces. It can safely blow off the dust from lenses, cameras, filters, sensors, mirrors, etc.
Product Features:
- The blower is made with durable, environmental-friendly silicone rubber and is capable of a continuous stream of clean air.
- The removable nozzle can be cleaned if any dust accumulates inside.
- The one-way valve at the bottom helps to blow only clean air and not redistribute dust back to the gear.
- The long nozzle helps to reach far into areas that need cleaning.
3. Lens Cleaning Solution
Zeiss 2oz Spray and Microfiber Lens Care Kit
The Zeiss lens cleaning kit comes with a camera lens cleaning spray and a microfiber cleaning cloth. This cleaning kit helps to keep your lens in great shape.
Product Features:
- The 2oz cleaning spray is compact and can be carried in the bag or even in a pocket. It helps to have neat and clean optics and can be a favorite cleaning solution for many photographers.
- The microfiber cloth can be used for dry cleaning or for wet cleaning in combination with the cleaning spray.
ROR Optical Lens Cleaner
The ROR (residual oil remover) optical lens cleaning kit comes as a spray bottle and is safe to clean glasses of optical equipment.
Product Features:
- The cleaning solution comes in a 2oz spray bottle and is compact to carry around.
- It is great to clean any residual oil smudges, and fingerprints.
- The solution is safe to use on optics and multicoated glasses.
Pancro Professional Lens Cleaner
The Pancro professional camera lens cleaner is designed to remove smudges. It comes in a 4oz spray bottle.
Product Features:
- It is a non-streaking, non-residue, non-toxic spray solution
- It is fast drying and hence can be used on location conveniently.
- The spray bottle helps with quick application on lenses and other areas that require cleaning.
4. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
The MagicFiber microfiber cloths come as a pack of 6 cleaning cloths, but you have the option to choose as low as 2 to 30 or an extra-large pack.
Product Features:
- The microfiber cloths are made of extremely high quality, soft material that can absorb any liquid and also remove dust, oil, and other smudges.
- It leaves no marks, streaks, scratches, or lint.
- The cloths come in their own poly-bag that helps with carrying them easily when outdoors without the worry of dust accumulating on them.
Zeiss Jumbo Reusable Microfiber Lens Cloth
The Zeiss jumbo reusable microfiber lens cloth comes as a set of two 12 x 16 inches cloths that are great for cleaning lenses and other optical instruments.
Product Features:
- The microfiber cloths can be used multiple times and can be used for dry cleaning without the help of cleaning sprays and solutions.
- These cloths are suitable for cleaning camera lenses, binoculars, telescopes and other optical instruments.
5. Speck Grabber
Kinetronics SpeckGrabber Pro Cleaning Kit
Kinetronics SpeckGrabber Pro is a unique tool that is designed to remove individual particles from delicate and sensitive surfaces without causing damage to the gear. It has a soft washable pad with a highly adhesive surface that aids in helping the contaminants stick to the tool.
Product Features:
- The speck grabber tool is designed in such a way that the dust particles adhere to the tip of the grabber without leaving marks on the gear surface. The tool has a soft rubber handle for easier grip when using it.
- The tool is non-conductive and can be used to clean lenses, mirrors, etc, and can be cleaned with mild soapy liquid without damaging its adhesive qualities.
6. Sensor Cleaning Kit (Swabs + Cleaning Solution)
UES FFR24 Professional Digital Camera CMOS And CCD Sensor Cleaning Kit
UES FFR24 sensor cleaning kit comes with cleaning swabs and sensor cleaning liquid. You can choose to purchase this product for either APS-C, Full-Frame, or micro four-thirds cameras, making it a great product for any camera.
Product Features:
- The cleaning kit comes with 14 pieces of 24mm sensor cleaning swabs that are super soft and flexible helping to spread pressure evenly across the sensor causing no damage.
- The included cleaning solution is natural and water-based making it alcohol and ammonia-free, to prevent streaks or smudges.
- The cleaning kit is intended for sensor cleaning only and does not include materials for lens cleaning.
What Are Some Factors To Consider When Cleaning Your Photography Gear?
- Always store your cameras, lenses, and other accessories in safe places where there is no dust or dirt. Keep the lens elements, and camera bodies always closed with the lens and camera body caps on when not in use. This way the gear will stay clean as much as possible.
- Always use the blower as the first option to blow some air onto the lens and camera to remove any dust sticking onto them, including the rear elements of the lens. If there are any fingerprints, gently wipe them clean if necessary.
- For any remaining dust, dirt and smudges, use the lens pen.
- If your camera was exposed to sand or other abrasive dust, do not use a cloth to wipe it off as there is high risk of scratching the lens. Use the blower many times till you get all the dust away.
- Keep all your cleaning kits as well in a clean and dust-free environment because any dust in them will be transferred onto your gear causing scratches when using them.
- Store microfiber cloths in airtight, sealed pouches. Check for any dust and other particles if sticking on the microfiber cloth or tissues before using them.
- The cleaning liquid should be the last choice. Use branded and trusty cleaning solutions as cheaper liquids may contain abrasive contents that can damage the lens elements. It is most of the time recommended to buy a product that is certified by the camera brand.
- Always spray cleaning solutions on the tissue or microfiber cloth and then use it to wipe the lens. Do not spray directly onto your gear, especially the optical elements, sensors, mirrors, etc.
- Do not wipe the lens in a random manner, but instead gently wipe in a circular manner starting from the centre towards the edges. Be very gentle, so this process does not cause any scratches on the lens glass.
- Do not use any solutions to clean the lens mount and other metal contacts on the lens and camera body. It is always advisable to use the blower to blow off any dust sticking to these elements.
- Also, do not clean the mirror or camera sensor with anything other than just using the blower to blow off the dust. Make sure that you carefully use the blower on internal parts in a closed and dust-free environment because you do not want more dust to settle on the insides by blowing on them. Using cleaning solutions for sensors should be done only if you are confident enough to perform those actions and at your own risk.
- Never use compressed air on your photography gear and equipment. They will harm your cameras and lenses.
Conclusion
Dust and debris settling on the lens and camera is unavoidable especially when you use your gear quite often and outdoors. Cleaning the gear when required can keep your gear safe and in the best working condition.
As much as you can use all these kits to clean your camera and lenses, it is always important to avoid or prevent your gear from accumulating all the dust and dirt in them. Besides, you also need to take extra precautions when cleaning your gear.
1 Comment
This is a great review, but more than that, you provide outstanding information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help myself and others!