It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a photographer or someone who wears glasses, as we have one piece of advice that you should listen to. Stop cleaning the lens with your shirt! You might not notice it, but over time, you’ll likely end up scratching the lens. We’re sure you don’t want that to happen, right? That’s why you need a proper lens cleaner! It can come in many forms, but they all have the same function, and that’s to keep your lens crystal-clear without damaging it. The thing is, there are tons of choices to choose from. So, we’ve compiled all the best options out there. From lens cleaner for camera to lens cleaner for headlights, we’ve got everything you need!
How To Choose The Best Lens Cleaners
Before we show you the list, there are some features that you should always remember when looking for a lens cleaner for camera and other optical products, which include:
Types of cleaner
As we said earlier, lens cleaner comes in many forms. The standard tools are usually a microfiber cloth, cleaning spray, disposable wet wipes, and even a pen-like cleaner kit. If you need to clean some dust or light fingerprints, you can go with a microfiber cloth. But to shift lots of fingerprints or oily residue, you’ll need wet wipes or a liquid spray.
Size
Of course, no one wants to carry unnecessary bulk! With that in mind, you should get something convenient for on-the-go cleaning. Wipes and microfiber cloth are super compact and easy to bring with you. Some cleaning sprays are also available in the form of a small bottle, allowing you to keep it in your pocket.
Ease of use
Do you want to use a lens cleaner that takes several steps to apply? Do you want to wait a couple of minutes more to allow it dry before you can use the equipment? When choosing a lens cleaner for camera and others, you should consider the ease of use. Thankfully, most products on this list are super simple to use and only take 2 or 3 steps to apply.
Length of effectiveness
Lastly, you have to make sure that the lens cleaner is effective. Of course, the one with effects that can last at least for an entire day or longer is better than the one that only lasts for a few hours.
Can I use lens wipes on my camera lens?
It’s rarely necessary to use liquid lens cleaner for a camera lens, but some fingerprints require it. That said, you should use distilled water or cleaning fluid that’s formulated for camera lenses and fresh lens tissue. Put a single drop of fluid on the tissue and gently wipe the lens surface in a circular motion.
Camkix Lens Cleaning Paper Tissue & Double Sided Cleaning Cloth
13
Let’s be real for a second! When thinking of ways to clean your lenses, tissue paper doesn’t immediately spring to mind. However, that’s exactly what you get in the Camkix Lens Cleaning Paper Tissue & Double Sided Cleaning Cloth. The theory goes that you use the tissue paper to pick up dust, then use the microfiber cloth to clean away any remaining residue and smears. Aside from being a good lens cleaner for camera, this kit is also suitable for telescopes, aviators, and others.
Though it may seem strange, we have to admit that this system actually works! The tissue paper also does a pretty good job of removing oils even without the cloth for backup. Meanwhile, Camkix offers this kit in several packages. You can purchase one that has 300 tissue papers and a single microfiber cloth, 550 tissue papers and 2 cloths, or 800 papers with 3 cloths!
What We Love
An unconventional dry cleaning system that’s surprisingly effective and cheap.
Pros:
- Comes in several packages to choose from
- Incredibly cheap
- The tissue paper can remove oil really well
- Made with non-damaging materials
- Safe for coated lenses
Cons:
- Though unique, wet wipes or a spray and microfiber cloth still work better
Optix 55 Anti-fog Spray
12
Do you wish to own the best anti-fog glasses? Then check out the Optix 55 Anti-fog Spray! One advantage of this product is that it doesn’t only work as a good anti-frog spray for glasses. This item contains properties that promote immediate clarity to bathroom mirrors, windshields, binoculars, or any other surface where fog often builds up!
Besides that, we’re sure you’ll also love how easy and quick it is to apply this spray. It’s formulated to produce immediate results. All it takes is to spray it once, then rub the solution and rinse it. Another thing worth noting is that this lens cleaner anti fog has safe and natural components. It’s hypoallergenic as it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals and ingredients.
What We Love
Its effectiveness for removing fog from your glasses and other surfaces is worth 2 thumbs up.
Pros:
- Can be used on various surfaces
- No harmful chemicals and ingredients
- Easy to use
- Promotes clarity without causing allergic reactions
- Affordable price tag
Cons:
- Frequent reapplications might be necessary
Visible Dust Ultra Micro Fibre Cleaning Cloth
11
When cleaning sensitive surfaces like a camera lens, you must get a specialized cloth designed for the job! Enter the Visible Dust Ultra Micro Fibre Cleaning Cloth, the perfect tool for the job. This lens cleaner for camera is made up of ultra-fine 0.1 denier microfibers, and it’s the best way to clean a lens without damaging it gently.
Gently apply to the surface to remove the dust and other unwanted particles! Best paired with Visible Dust’s bespoke cleaning solution, this cloth is extremely affordable. Plus, you can also use it to clean others like tennis sunglasses or telescopes. Heck, you can use this microfiber cloth as a lens cleaner for headlights. It’s cheap, easy to use, and can absorb dirt effectively; what’s not to like about it?
What We Love
This item offers you one of the most effective and affordable ways to keep your lenses in tip-top condition.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Made up of ultra-fine 0.1 denier microfibers
- Very soft
- Absorbs dirt and moisture effectively
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The cleaning solution is sold separately
Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit
10
The Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit is a surprisingly versatile option for building exteriors and the fiberglass chassis of just about any vehicle. This lens cleaner for headlights comes in at a fairly low price and works absolute wonders. You’ll get 3 restoration pads with different grits, allowing you to add precision to your restoration game, as well as spray lubricant and lens sealing wipes.
That said, the restoration pads come in 3 stages. This kit promises to clarify your lenses and protect them for longer. Another thing that we really like is that it leaves no scent, which is something not every lens cleaner for headlights out there can offer. If you’re in the market for the ultimate maintenance for your headlights, you’ve come across the holy grail!
What We Love
This kit can thoroughly clean your headlight lens without any drama!
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Leaves no scent
- Removes surface discoloration
- Can be used on all lenses, plexiglass, and plastic surfaces
- Comes with sealing wipes for extra protection
Cons:
- The headlights won’t last that long
Eco-Fused Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
9
Cheap and convenient, who doesn’t like the Eco-Fused Microfiber Cleaning Cloths? These cloths are great for cleaning not only lenses but also your digital camera’s LCD screen, as well as filters and phone screens. They use an especially tight weave so they can clean fine dust and smears really well. The slick fabric also resists picking up dirt and debris when stored in your kit bag.
This pack contains 10 washable cloths, plus an additional pair of slightly smaller cloths. When using them, it’s better if the excessive dust on your lens is blown away first. But otherwise, the cloths can still clean well and remove most smudges and oily marks. For a truly crystal-clear finish, this lens cleaner for camera is best paired with a specialist lens cleaning spray.
What We Love
An incredibly cheap option that’s available in a pack of 10.
Pros:
- Clean fine dust and smears really well
- Contains 10 washable cloths
- The size and material are perfect for lens cleaning
- Cheap price tag
- Available in many colors
Cons:
- Best paired with a liquid cleaner, which is sold separately
Just Add Water Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray
8
The Just Add Water Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray is a great option that offers amazing overall performance and quality. Many people love this product specifically because of its non-toxic formula. Besides that, the versatility of this product is also noticeable. It works as an effective anti-fog spray for glasses, windows, and windshields. It even works well as a lens cleaner for headlights.
Even better, this spray is formulated to handle both dry and wet applications. This means it doesn’t seem to choose the actual place where it’ll work! Plus, it’s long-lasting as you can enjoy its ability to deliver over 200 sprays! Compact and easy to apply, this spray ensures that you won’t have a difficult time maximizing its effects.
What We Love
For its affordable price, this item is worth having as it’s non-toxic and versatile.
Pros:
- Works effectively in removing fog from all surfaces
- Compact build
- Long-lasting
- Non-toxic formula
- Can be applied on wet and dry surfaces
Cons:
- Prone to causing eye irritations
Z Clear Anti Fog Spray
7
When it comes to the Z Clear Anti Fog Spray, there are tons of reasons why we love this lens cleaner anti fog. It’s an incredible solution that can be applied to your eyeglasses and other surfaces where fog usually accumulates. Like other sprays on this list, we love how it comes in a super compact and travel-friendly bottle. It’s lightweight and fits perfectly in small pockets.
The whole process of applying this spray is hassle-free! It only involves spraying a bit of this solution into the surface where you plan to remove fog from, the rub it using your fingers! Once it dries, use a cotton or microfiber cloth to wipe it off! You can expect this cleaner to be a big help in cleaning up your lenses and any other surface that might block your vision.
What We Love
We’re amazed by its fantastic performance in getting rid of fog from almost all surfaces.
Pros:
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Can be applied on many surfaces
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The reapplication is quite a hassle
Peeps Carbon Klean Eyeglass Lens Cleaner
6
The Peeps Carbon Klean Eyeglass Lens Cleaner is a small lens cleaner for camera and glasses, making it convenient to stow in your pocket or bag. It comes with 2 carbon microfiber pads situated at the top of the clip opposite to one another for quick and easy cleaning, as well as a brush end for disposing of dust and hair. Besides that, this item also features a cover to keep the pads clean during storage and prolong their useful life.
On top of that, this is a lens cleaner anti fog enthusiasts should have. Treating your eyeglasses with an anti-fog cleaner like this one will ensure that your lenses will stay sparkle-clear and perform as intended for sustained periods in any weather. Even better, this lens cleaner anti fog is available in 16 different color options to choose from! Plus, you can also buy it in a pack of 2 or 3!
What We Love
A compact anti-fog lens cleaner that’s perfect for eyeglasses.
Pros:
- Available in many colors
- Compact build
- Also comes in a pack of 2 and 3
- Anti-fog
- Exclusively used by NASA
Cons:
- The pads’ durability can be improved
Leupold Lens Pen
5
Next on this list is the Leupold Lens Pen. This isn’t a lens cleaner for headlights, but if you have a scope or binoculars for boating, this might be a suitable option. This compact, 2-step cleaner has a natural hair brush that’s fully retractable for protection when not in use. A clean brush is key as it’s the first thing to touch the lens. It’ll make sure to keep the lens clear and pristine.
Meanwhile, the microfiber cleaning tip will automatically replenish itself with the state-of-the-art dry cleaning compound. You might wonder, can you also use this for your glasses? Thankfully, you can! Many buyers have used it to clean their glasses and have nothing bad to say about this affordable cleaner. Compact and ergonomic, grab this cleaner always to have a reliable cleaning device at your disposal.
What We Love
A compact and ergonomic lens cleaner for camera that has many great features.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Microfiber cleaning tip that can replenish itself
- Fully retractable brush
- Lasts for a long time
Cons:
- Plastic construction
LensPen NLP-1
4
The basic LensPen design has been around for many years and now comes in tons of sizes to suit lenses from large DSLR optics down to tiny phone camera hardware. The LensPen NLP-1 is the original design, suitable for larger lenses. This lens cleaner for camera comes with many features, but what stands out the most is its 12mm diameter tip.
The tip has a slightly concave surface to follow the curvature of your lens’ front element. It is coated in carbon, allowing it to remove grease and fingerprints without resorting to a liquid cleaner. Amazingly, this system works! Lenses with lots of fingerprints will require around 10 seconds of wiping with the carbon tip to achieve a perfect finish, but more typically marked optics come up gleaming in moments!
What We Love
This is an innovative, compact lens cleaner that works brilliantly without making you feel broke.
Pros:
- Comes with a kit bag
- Insanely cheap
- Gives great results with both dry and oily contaminants
- Compact design
- Suitable for larger lenses
Cons:
- Not the fastest at cleaning smeared glass
3M Headlight Lens Restoration System
3
If what you’re after is a lens cleaner for headlights, there’s no option better than the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System. This item throws you everything you need in one convenient package. It includes an easy 3-step process, which is properly outlined in the instructions within the packaging. You’ll get 3M abrasive technology with a polishing compound to restore headlights to their original state!
With this kit, you can finally improve the appearance of your vehicle. You don’t have to go to the car wash anymore! Plus, it can enhance visibility and safety for night driving, which is really important. On top of that, you can save a great deal by purchasing in bulk up to 4 units, saving about 10% off your final price.
What We Love
Made specifically for the harsh yellowing, this lens cleaner for headlights can restore them to look new.
Pros:
- Super popular option
- Usable on other plastic surfaces of your car
- Affordable
- Easy 3-step process
- Great for foggy headlights
Cons:
- The instruction manual is a bit unclear
Nikon 70721 Lens Pen Cleaning System
2
Among all of the available options, the Nikon 70721 Lens Pen Cleaning System is one of the most versatile models. Whether you’re after a lens cleaner for cameras, camcorders, night vision binoculars, or swimming goggles with prescription lenses, you can always rely on this product! That’s because it works with all types of cameras and optical products!
Aside from its versatility, people also love this product because it comes with a retractable soft brush that you can use to remove any particles present that could scratch the lens surface. On top of that, its pen-style design allows it to fit any camera bag, pockets, and pouches. Even better, this lens cleaner for camera is literally non-toxic and environmentally friendly!
What We Love
A versatile lens cleaner for camera that you can use to clean most optical products.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good padding
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons:
- Can’t be used on a sensor
Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes 200Ct
1
You can always clean your lenses with the tried and tested combo of a microfiber cloth and cleaning spray, but there’s a risk the cloth will pick up dirt in your kit bag while the spray takes up valuable space. That’s why we love the Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes 200Ct, which are super handy. Each wipe comes in a small sealed sachet and is ready to clean your lens whenever you need it.
Comes in a box of 200, you can use these cleaning wipes for such a long time. These pre-moistured cleaning wipes will gently clean glasses and lenses. Yes, they’re also safe for cleaning lenses with anti-reflective coating or prescription! Even better, they clean without leaving streaks or residue. Plus, they’re guaranteed not to scratch your glasses or lenses. So, if you’re looking for a convenient lens cleaner for camera, this pack can be a good option.
What We Love
A convenient option that can safely and quickly clean most optics like eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, laptop screens, etc.
Pros:
- Very convenient to use
- Comes in a pack of 200
- Versatile
- Leaves no streaks or residue
- Safe for cleaning lenses with anti-reflective coating
Cons:
- Some people find the wipes to be slightly too moist
