Clean a lens from the gentlest tool to the firmest: a blower for grit, a brush for dust, a cleaning pen for smudges and a microfiber cloth to finish. Each glass surface on a camera is a different shape, so the tip of the pen should match it.
Step 1: blow and brush
Loose grit is what scratches glass, so remove it before you touch the surface. Use a blower, then a soft retractable brush. Many LensPen products include a retractable brush for this step.
Step 2: choose the pen for the surface
- Lens front element. The standard pen has a concave tip that matches the slightly convex shape of a lens. Our LensPen DSLR Pro Kit review covers a three-pen kit, and the LensPen Black Series review covers the single pen.
- Filters. A completely flat tip fits the flat glass of a filter. See the LensPen FilterKlear review.
- Rear screen. A semi-triangular tip reaches the corners of the LCD. See the LensPen DigiKlear review.
- Drone cameras. A 4mm tip suits tiny lenses and sensors. See the LensPen MicroPro for Drones review.
- Phone camera lenses. See the LensPen SMARTY review.
Step 3: finish with a cloth
A clean microfiber cloth removes the last film. The DSLR Pro Kit includes a pouch that doubles as a cloth. Keep the cloth clean, and wash it when it picks up grit.
What cleaning pens do not do
A pen removes dust, fingerprints and grease. It is not a repair for scratches or fungus, and it does not clean the sensor inside the camera. If photos look soft or spotted, our guide on why photos look blurry helps you decide whether the cause is dirt, focus or motion, and our ND filters guide covers keeping filters clean in use. To protect a long lens between cleanings, see how to protect a telephoto lens.
Price and the LensPen code
Each review shows the listed price and the calculated price with LensPen’s code SEBASTIANBASSOL for 20% off. The LensPen offer page has the code and shopping button.
Frequently asked questions
What order should I clean a lens in?
Blow off loose grit first, then brush, then use a cleaning pen for smudges and fingerprints, and finish with a microfiber cloth. Starting with the gentlest tool keeps grit from scratching the glass.
Do I need a different tool for filters and screens?
The tip shape matters. A concave tip fits a slightly convex lens, a completely flat tip fits a filter, and a small semi-triangular tip reaches the corners of a rear screen.
Can I clean a drone camera the same way?
Yes, with a smaller tool. LensPen makes a 4mm-tip pen for the tiny optics and sensors on small drones.
Do cleaning pens remove everything?
They are for dust, smudges and fingerprints. A heavily soiled surface needs a different approach, and a sensor that is dirty inside the camera should be cleaned by a service centre or with a sensor-specific kit.