Do expensive branded microfiber lens cloths clean better than cheap ones?
Asked 12/8/2010
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Microfiber lens cloths range from very cheap generic options to more expensive branded versions from camera makers or camera stores. Are they generally the same, or is there a real quality/safety reason to pay more for a branded cloth when cleaning lenses?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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I can't speak to the microfiber cloths specifically, but often the Canon/Nikon-branded small accessories like this really are nothing special. For example, I had some Canon lens cleaning fluid and it was pretty much crap. Stuff like this isn't actually made by them anyway - it's 3rd parties that license the brands.
I've not had great experience with microfiber cloths. For now, I'm trying disposable papers (Pec Pads). A lot of people like Kimwipes. (Oh, and I had some Canon lens paper that was pretty much crap too.)
Originally by user27. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no—paying more for a camera-brand microfiber cloth does not necessarily mean it cleans better. Small branded accessories like cleaning cloths and fluids are often made by third parties and simply sold under a camera brand name.
The key is not the logo but whether the cloth is a proper microfiber cloth intended for delicate optics or screens, and whether it’s clean and used gently. Many photographers use generic microfiber cloths successfully, including ones meant for LCD screens.
That said, lens cleaning always carries some risk if grit is rubbed across the glass. For loose dust, use a blower first rather than wiping immediately. If you do wipe, make sure the cloth itself is clean. Some users prefer disposable lens-cleaning materials such as PEC Pads or Kimwipes instead of reusable microfiber cloths.
So: a higher price or Canon/Nikon branding alone is not a guarantee of better performance. A clean, suitable microfiber cloth from a reputable source is usually fine, and using proper cleaning technique matters more than the brand.
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