Can you use eyeglass cleaner on camera lenses?

Some eyeglass cleaners are safe, but many contain chemicals that damage lens coatings. Use lens-specific solution.

Does dust on the lens affect photos?

Minor dust usually does not appear in photos. Large spots or smudges show up as soft areas or flares, especially at small apertures.

Rear cap and front cap always on. In a padded lens case or camera bag. Never loose in a regular bag.

Minor surface scratches can sometimes be polished by a professional. Deep scratches affecting coatings require lens replacement.

Electronics

Your camera lens need regular cleaning to perform well and last longer. Here's the safe way to do it without damaging sensitive components.

1
Blow off loose particles
Use a lens blower (not compressed air) to blow dust and particles off the lens surface. Hold the camera facing down so particles fall away.
2
Brush remaining dust
Use a clean lens brush to sweep away any remaining dust particles. Brush from center to edge in gentle strokes.
3
Apply cleaning solution
Apply 1-2 drops of lens cleaning solution to a lens tissue or microfiber cloth. Never apply liquid directly to the lens.
4
Wipe in circular motions
Starting from the center, wipe outward in a gentle circular motion. Use a clean section of the cloth for each pass.

TIPAlways use a UV filter on your lens -- it protects the expensive front element and is cheap to replace if scratched.
TIPKeep a lens pen in your camera bag for quick field cleaning without solution.
TIPClean the rear element too -- dust there affects image quality more than front element dust.

XUsing compressed air, which can propel propellant residue onto the lens coating and damage it.
XBreathing on the lens to fog it before wiping, which deposits oils and acids from your breath.
XUsing t-shirts, tissues, or paper towels, which scratch lens coatings -- use only lens-specific materials.

Only when you see dust, smudges, or spots affecting image quality. Over-cleaning wears down lens coatings.