LensPen anyone?

jayartibee · 12-01-2019, 09:30 AM

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As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN

And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning?

**Kevin B123** · 12-01-2019, 09:53 AM - **1 Like**

Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs.

7.62lew · 12-01-2019, 10:07 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kevin B123

Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs.

I agree with Kevin and would not use the len pen on the sensor. Scatching the sensor will ruin it. I've really only had to use a swab once, on my K100D Super, years ago. My rocket blower usually takes care of anything on the sensor.

---------- Post added 12-01-2019 at 12:09 PM ----------

Originally posted by jayartibee

As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN

And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning?

I am a fan of the lens pens for lenses though.

Imp · 12-01-2019, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by Kevin B123

Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs.

I had one time when there was something more 'sticky' than dust, and sensor swabs did the trick.

**ismaelg** · 12-01-2019, 10:19 AM

I've used it in sensors for years with great results. However, I was told there are many knockoffs out there. Not sure how true that is.

Bertrand3000 · 12-01-2019, 10:24 AM

I would absolutely avoid lens pen for sensor cleaning as well.

**travelswsage** · 12-01-2019, 10:31 AM

Agree with the other posters -- avoid for sensor cleaning. Great for lenses though.

**ehrwien** · 12-01-2019, 11:16 AM

Originally posted by Bertrand3000

I would absolutely avoid lens pen for sensor cleaning as well.

Having read reviews from people who said that it left some residue on the glass, I would never get close to my lenses with one, least of all a sensor. The right tool for the right job - sensor swabs that are suitable for the sensor size you have.

**sergysergy** · 12-01-2019, 11:43 AM

Even genuine ones may leave some residue so I would not use them for the sensor. They work well on lenses but make sure you use a rocket blower first.

Bertrand3000 · 12-01-2019, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by ehrwien

Having read reviews from people who said that it left some residue on the glass, I would never get close to my lenses with one, least of all a sensor. The right tool for the right job - sensor swabs that are suitable for the sensor size you have.

I have the same experience with them. I tried the pen on lenses, and not only it was not really effective (compared to regular wet cleaning), but I spotted carbon particle on the lens afterwards. While I could easily throw them away with a blower, I would never use such a thing for a sensor, inside a camera, when those same particle could do invisible damage to my camera. Sensor swabs, on the other hand, are perfect for sensor cleaning, I never had any issue with them and they're cheap.

35mmfilmfan · 12-01-2019, 01:11 PM

Which sensor cleaning kit would people recommend ? I've found this one - has anyone any experience ?

Pixel Peeper Pro Sensor Cleaning Kit for APS-C Cameras. 6 x Swabs + Fluid. CCD 5060291254181 | eBay

Cheers

**Alex645** · 12-01-2019, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by jayartibee

As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN

And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning?

I would use a lens pen as a last step if needed. For a neglected sensor, I would first start with a good blower to clear any large particles. Next, I would use a wet swab system for any residue or spots. The lens pen works great if the sensor surface is clean and clear of any particles that could scratch the sensor.

The only advantage of the angled lens pen is that it is easier to see what you're doing in tight spaces, but it is not essential for sensor cleaning.

**Madaboutpix** · 12-01-2019, 04:12 PM

Don't even use LensPen on lens coatings. (A bit too abrasive for my taste.) Only a good blower and a soft, meticulously clean microfiber cloth.

As for stubborn sensor dirt, i.e. stuff that cannot be removed by sensor-shake/ultrasonic DR nor the blower, wet cleaning has always done the trick for me. I trust the swabs and cleaner fluid from VSGO or Rollei, used carefully following the instructions. The swabs come in different sizes for APS-C and FF sensors.

DeadJohn · 12-01-2019, 05:22 PM

That Lenspen product link is for lenses. Do not use it on sensors. There are several issues with using it on sensors, the most obvious being the tip is curved to match the typical lens front element, while sensors are flat.

The Lenspen company does sell a sensor cleaning kit. I don't know whether it's good or not. I've been fortunate to never need anything more than a rocket blower to clean my sensors.

**kiwi_jono** · 12-01-2019, 07:01 PM

I got a lens pen but have never used it on my best glass and definitely not for sensors. Blower and sensor swabs for sensor.
A lot of people swear by lens pens for lenses but I'm a bit nervous about them (especially for my limited lenses) and now stick to a blower followed by "Zeiss Pre-Moistened Cleaning Cloths" which do a great job.

12-01-2019, 09:30 AM	#1
jayartibee New Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 4	LensPen anyone? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning?

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12-01-2019, 09:53 AM - 1 Like	#2
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,176	Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs.

12-01-2019, 10:07 AM - 1 Like	#3
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	Originally posted by Kevin B123 Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs. I agree with Kevin and would not use the len pen on the sensor. Scatching the sensor will ruin it. I've really only had to use a swab once, on my K100D Super, years ago. My rocket blower usually takes care of anything on the sensor. ---------- Post added 12-01-2019 at 12:09 PM ---------- Originally posted by jayartibee As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning? I am a fan of the lens pens for lenses though.

12-01-2019, 10:12 AM	#4
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Originally posted by Kevin B123 Imo they are for lens surfaces only, not sensors. I would only go with sensor swabs. I had one time when there was something more 'sticky' than dust, and sensor swabs did the trick.

12-01-2019, 10:19 AM	#5
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	I've used it in sensors for years with great results. However, I was told there are many knockoffs out there. Not sure how true that is.

12-01-2019, 10:24 AM	#6
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	I would absolutely avoid lens pen for sensor cleaning as well.

12-01-2019, 10:31 AM	#7
travelswsage Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 385	Agree with the other posters -- avoid for sensor cleaning. Great for lenses though.

12-01-2019, 11:16 AM	#8
ehrwien Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2,780	Originally posted by Bertrand3000 I would absolutely avoid lens pen for sensor cleaning as well. Having read reviews from people who said that it left some residue on the glass, I would never get close to my lenses with one, least of all a sensor. The right tool for the right job - sensor swabs that are suitable for the sensor size you have.

12-01-2019, 11:43 AM	#9
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	Even genuine ones may leave some residue so I would not use them for the sensor. They work well on lenses but make sure you use a rocket blower first.

12-01-2019, 12:21 PM	#10
Bertrand3000 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 2,009	Originally posted by ehrwien Having read reviews from people who said that it left some residue on the glass, I would never get close to my lenses with one, least of all a sensor. The right tool for the right job - sensor swabs that are suitable for the sensor size you have. I have the same experience with them. I tried the pen on lenses, and not only it was not really effective (compared to regular wet cleaning), but I spotted carbon particle on the lens afterwards. While I could easily throw them away with a blower, I would never use such a thing for a sensor, inside a camera, when those same particle could do invisible damage to my camera. Sensor swabs, on the other hand, are perfect for sensor cleaning, I never had any issue with them and they're cheap.

12-01-2019, 01:11 PM	#11
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,322	Which sensor cleaning kit would people recommend ? I've found this one - has anyone any experience ? Pixel Peeper Pro Sensor Cleaning Kit for APS-C Cameras. 6 x Swabs + Fluid. CCD 5060291254181 \| eBay Cheers

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12-01-2019, 01:43 PM	#12
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by jayartibee As an experiment - and by way of learning - I bought rather a neglected dslr and it needs a good clean. Rather than use a sensor swab I wondered about LensPen. Anyone had good results with this gadget? LensPen® - LENSPEN And if so, does one really need the special angled one for sensor cleaning? I would use a lens pen as a last step if needed. For a neglected sensor, I would first start with a good blower to clear any large particles. Next, I would use a wet swab system for any residue or spots. The lens pen works great if the sensor surface is clean and clear of any particles that could scratch the sensor. The only advantage of the angled lens pen is that it is easier to see what you're doing in tight spaces, but it is not essential for sensor cleaning.

12-01-2019, 04:12 PM	#13
Madaboutpix Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Rhine-Westphalia Posts: 1,439	Don't even use LensPen on lens coatings. (A bit too abrasive for my taste.) Only a good blower and a soft, meticulously clean microfiber cloth. As for stubborn sensor dirt, i.e. stuff that cannot be removed by sensor-shake/ultrasonic DR nor the blower, wet cleaning has always done the trick for me. I trust the swabs and cleaner fluid from VSGO or Rollei, used carefully following the instructions. The swabs come in different sizes for APS-C and FF sensors.

12-01-2019, 05:22 PM	#14
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	That Lenspen product link is for lenses. Do not use it on sensors. There are several issues with using it on sensors, the most obvious being the tip is curved to match the typical lens front element, while sensors are flat. The Lenspen company does sell a sensor cleaning kit. I don't know whether it's good or not. I've been fortunate to never need anything more than a rocket blower to clean my sensors.

12-01-2019, 07:01 PM	#15
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I got a lens pen but have never used it on my best glass and definitely not for sensors. Blower and sensor swabs for sensor. A lot of people swear by lens pens for lenses but I'm a bit nervous about them (especially for my limited lenses) and now stick to a blower followed by "Zeiss Pre-Moistened Cleaning Cloths" which do a great job.