Sensor Cleaning 1.0x and 1.5x

[SimonTALM]

I've been really lucky and have nevery actually needed a sensor clean doing (the only stuff I've had has been really small and never shown in images, only when I actually go looking for it). Unfortunately on my D3s I've fallen victim to a couple of largish bunnies which have occasionally required PP to remove (think areas of sky). I suspect this is Oil rather than dust as a) the D3S has dust shake and large stuff should easily fall off b) Oil is a known problem with FF.

So I think I have 2 options

1) get the camera cleaned by Calumet (or someone else) every time it needs it (which so far has been once).
2) Invest in the kit for sensor cleaning and grow my balls enough that I do my own kit (as I have 3 cameras I use alot it could pay for itself).

Working on the basis of option 2 and the fact I'd only resort to Wet Cleaning as a last resort (after rocket blower and possibly a Visible Dust Sensor Brush); does anyone have any reccomendations on what Wet solutions are best?

If I do go down this route I'm wanting cost effective solutions but that could be used for both FF and 1.5 crop sensors?

 

[MisterE]

If you suspect its oil then keep a brush well away. I bought one for my 5D. Biggest waste of money ever. Every time it was used it always managed to find oil at the edge and drag it across. I only used it maybe 3 times.

I use Visible Dust swabs [only because they were a good price at the time - a swab's a swab] and Eclipse fluid. I've tried everything going. Dust Aid - sticky pads - work ok. I've even used White Tac - a white non-oily version of Blu Tac. This too works ok.

 

[PSILVERMAN]

I use the Arctic Butterfly brush all the time now having had a near disaster using eclipse fluid and swabs. Had it for a couple of years now and works every time with no oil coming onto the sensor. I use it on both FX and DX sensors.
One of the best investments I've made because each time I use it it saves me £45!

 

[SimonTALM]

Thank you for taking the time to answer guys.

So swabs are swabs, it's the cleaning fluid that matters is it? I know Eclispe is the main brand but does anyone have any experience of alternative products like smear away?