logan271•8d agoProlific Poster

Tried cleaning a Zeiss lens with a microfiber cloth from the gas station and it did a number on the coating

I was out in the field last week shooting some architectural stuff in Chicago and got a big smudge right in the middle of my 50mm f/1.4. I panicked, ran into a BP station and grabbed a pack of those blue microfiber cloths they sell by the counter. Gave it a quick wipe and it looked okay at first but when I got home and held it under a bright desk lamp I saw fine circular scratches all over the front element. The multi-coating is pretty much wrecked in that spot now. I usually use a proper lens pen and some Zeiss spray but I got lazy and cheap. Guess I learned that not all microfiber is the same, the gas station stuff is way too rough. Has anyone else had luck getting a lens recoated after something like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

shane_wilson8d ago

Man, you took a Zeiss 50mm to a gas station cloth like it was a pair of sunglasses from the checkout aisle. That's like using sandpaper to dry a Ferrari.

samreed8d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah I used to grab whatever rag was around and think it was fine. This post finally made me buy proper lens cloths.

wade_anderson8d ago

Right? I used to just grab my shirt or a napkin and go to town. Big mistake. I bought a pack of those little Zeiss wipes and a proper microfiber cloth and it's night and day difference. The smudges and streaks are gone now, my 50mm f/1.4 finally looks clean instead of smeared.