Is canned compressed air safe for cleaning DSLR lenses?
Asked 8/8/2011
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2 answers
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Can I use a pressurized computer duster/canned compressed air to clean a DSLR lens or around the camera? Is it safe, or can the strong air pressure cause problems?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
15
I've not seen this recommended for a number of reasons:
- The high-pressure air can cause dust to move from a bad place to a worse place (as opposed to being removed altogether).
- The condensation caused by the pressure drop & cooling of the compressed air causes stuff to get frosty. This should be temporary, but isn't likely to help in the short run.
- You really don't want any of the liquid propellants used to create pressure in the can to stick to anything inside your camera.
Originally by user269. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user269
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Generally, no—it’s not recommended to clean DSLR lenses with canned compressed air.
Main risks:
- The strong airflow can blow dust deeper into the lens/camera or move it from one problem area to another instead of removing it.
- Compressed gas can cool rapidly as it sprays, which may cause temporary frosting/condensation.
- Canned dusters may spit liquid propellant, and you do not want that residue on lens glass or inside the camera.
For lens cleaning, safer options are a manual rocket blower, a soft brush, and proper lens-cleaning tissue or microfiber with lens-cleaning solution when needed. Use the least aggressive method first, and avoid blasting high-pressure air into the camera body or lens openings.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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