Rifle Scopes Cleaning LRFs

[Red Ryder]

My Zeiss LRF got a little dusty today and being the obsessive/compulsive that I am (not really), I began to obsess about cleaning it. Let's hear your cleaning methods. Rinse with water first? Compressed air first? What kind of cleaning fluid - yeah, I know, NOT windex.

Your wise and experienced answers are appreciated.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

if it's just dust, blow it off (don't spit on it though).

one of the little camera puffer brush type things can be used. or just use an otpics brush.

refrain from wiping it with anything. before using any chemicals ask Zeiss if it will damage the coatings.

 

[TrooperBrian]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

I may just be ignorant, but when I buy an expensive scope that has been fielded and tested in BATTLE, I don't worry about what little bit of cleaner or wiping will damage it.

But a good cleaner for any lens is lens wipes, and isopropyl alcohol.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

Guess you have neve been issued an optic with the coatings buffed right off of them.

I have.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

Lonewolf is absolutely correct. Lens coating can be effected by many compounds. Windex and other traditional glass cleaners are terrible on coated glass. They are abrasive by nature and scratch away at coatings. There are tons of lens cleaning solutions on the market that are safe for coated lens though. If I were you I'd run down to Wal-Mart. They Zeiss lens wipes in the eye care centers and they will work just fine for cleaning your range finder.

 

[TrooperBrian]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lonewolf is absolutely correct. Lens coating can be effected by many compounds. Windex and other traditional glass cleaners are terrible on coated glass. They are abrasive by nature and scratch away at coatings. There are tons of lens cleaning solutions on the market that are safe for coated lens though. If I were you I'd run down to Wal-Mart. They Zeiss lens wipes in the eye care centers and they will work just fine for cleaning your range finder.</div></div>

See I learned something new today.

But like I said, the optical wipes with alcohol work great. Safe for all coated optics.

 

[VKC]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

Otis optics cleaning system

http://www.otisgun.com/cgistore/store.cgi?page=/new/product.html&setup=1&ida=79&idp=332&his=0|5|332&cart_id=nkkqvfpfa

There are tons of others a well.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

I have used the Otis system in the field on my USO. It works fine, but as a course of habit I try to avoid touching my glass.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Cleaning LRFs

I use the Zeiss wipes and compressed air on my glass.