Camera lens and sensor cleaning

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BirderOzzie

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Oscar Dewhurst
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Hi guys,

I am going on safari for 3.5 days soon and I have been told that it is very dusty there. What kind of thing do I need to clean the sensor and lens? Is this sufficient for removing dust from the sensor? http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-giottos-cl2810-q-ball-air-blower/p1013222
Also, would this be good for cleaning the lens?
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-ror-optics-cleaner-2oz-pump-spray/p1033171

I want to spend as little money as possible as I have just bought a D300s (which I love :D) and so these seemed like good buys.

Thanks

Oscar ;)
 
For safari stuff, I ignore the sensor as there is more chance of getting dust in when you are trying to clean and just take a blower, a paintbrush and a microfibre cloth for keeping the outsides and lenses clean.
 
I wouldn't bother. If you pick up a grain of sand then you could scratch things. Also some fluids are illegal to carry on a plane as they are explosive. Try to do gentle superficial cleaning out there and then clean properly when you get home.
 
I totally agree with Grumpy, a blower, brush and cloth only. Plus a good clean when you get home.

Have fun though :) :)
 
Be careful about changing lenses out in the bush.
ENSURE:
1. you turn the camera off before changing lenses (this helps to reduce the amount of static build up which attrats dust.)
2. turn your back to any breeze that is blowing and try to cover the lens opening while you swap lens.
3. Have the new lens ready before taking the old lens off.
4. Change quickly and smoothly - the camera lens opening/mount is the most vulnerable, so have it open for the shortest possible time. The lens elements are easy to clean, the sensor isn't!
 
sorry for my ignorance but, what do you use it on-the end of the lens of the sensor
 
Lensflare said:
Be careful about changing lenses out in the bush.
ENSURE:
1. you turn the camera off before changing lenses (this helps to reduce the amount of static build up which attrats dust.)
2. turn your back to any breeze that is blowing and try to cover the lens opening while you swap lens.
3. Have the new lens ready before taking the old lens off.
4. Change quickly and smoothly - the camera lens opening/mount is the most vulnerable, so have it open for the shortest possible time. The lens elements are easy to clean, the sensor isn't!
Click to expand...

all of the above plus I took a few clear plastic bags for if i needed to change a lens out in the open, it worked never got dust on the sensor
 
I just got back from safari a few weeks back. I took two bodies out with me: one with an 80-400mm and one for shorter lens'. There were two of us shooting so each had a camera. I used the 80-400mm and never wanted to change it while I was out there (except for a 600mm - wishful thinking). It's not as dusty as you first expect out there, but dust is dust and it will get onto your sensor if you open the thing up!

I would suggest, if you can, not changing lens' while you are out on the safari, but if you have to do it, do it quickly and try and find the most protected (from the wind) part of your jeep to change lens'. Have you got a protective filter on the front of your lens(s)? I wouldn't go out on the street, let alone a safari, without one.

Also I'd use a blower on the sensor if anything does get in there and a soft brush for the lens filter. I'd suggest only using a blower on the sensor when you're in a fairly controlled environment. I hope that gives you some helpful info. And remember have fun on safari and enjoy the wildlife! :)
 
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