How To Clean Telescope Eyepieces

[@ericbrubaker2812]

You are such an amazing and interesting communicator. I'm just now picking up my first telescope and I've watched sooooo many of your videos and learned so much! I thought I knew how to clean things, until I watched this video 😆 Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@jonathanr2830]

Ditto! Jason is a terrific resource I trust.

[@ogshotglass9291]

Hi, Jason! Great video! Just as you mentioned, air first! I've learned this with dealing with both eyepieces and camera equipment, especially the sensor. The less you scratch it, the better. I have taken apart eyepieces to clean them, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT recommend doing that. Not only could you put everything in wrong, which would mean you would have to take it all apart and try again, but it is much more complicated and time consuming than it's worth. One thing that would be a good idea, if you want to be an absolute "clean freak" with eyepieces is to also wear a mask, hairnet, and gloves when cleaning. And a dehumidifier to keep any moisture from getting trapped in the eyepiece.

[@epickcrom5606]

Hi Jason, thank you for your great information on cleaning eyepieces. Very timely for me as mine are due for a clean! Keep up the great work with your videos and clear skies.

[@kellyscateye]

Your videos are so simple and so helpful! Thank you!

[@tampablaine]

Thanks Jason, you were right on time with this video! I bought a small used Celestron scope today. A real piece of junk BUT it came with a few decent eyepieces that could use some TLC. Cheers

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Matt, Pleasure my friend.. Don't be too harsh on your telescope, I'm sure it will be fine, just give it a little TLC like you intend to do with your eyepieces and I'm sure your going to have hours of fun with it.. I always say, as long as you are enjoying the experience of looking through the telescope. who cares what it is :D

[@tampablaine]

@@smalloptics753 I certainly agree with you. I bought this small celestron to have in the car / work truck as I work evenings. I love to show the guys at work different stars in the sky(Capella, Vega, Betelgeuse, Rigel), then size comparison videos. Once put into perspective you can almost hear their brain sizzle. After I buy Xmas gifts for the wife and kids, daddy is getting an Orion 8inch Dobsonion!

[@charlesburks3988]

Well I Finally! figured out how to get the Orion explorer ll eyepiece apart. I put it in a vice and use a pipe wrench very carefully. The grease was on the threads it actually turned relatively easy just slowly. A little scratch was all. About a 2 hr to clean and regrease. It was definitely worth it. Good as new!!! I have found absolutely zero videos or any information on anything related to the process. The top screws off. Remove rubber eye (cup) hold top and hold just below the silver ring. Not in the middle. Hope this might help someone else. Clear skys

[@robertYTB78g]

The enemy of optics is grit, which is why I always wash my glasses with detergent and never get going with one of those microfiber cloths on anything, ever. When you know there is no grit, polish away with really soft (genuine) cotton, and a decent chemical mix. Zeiss spray is no doubt 99% overpriced, but I don't use much of it, and it makes every lens I touch like something new out of the shop. Given the price I have already paid for my lenses and cameras, I'll keep using it.

[@TrippyFPV469]

12:12 the true sound of frustration 🤣🤣🤣🤣 love your content mate!1 Keep it up!!❤

[@dougwilson1927]

Excellent video! Thanks Jason.

[@ericmizrachi2632]

Really fun to listen to, thank you so much man. :) Some very good tips not only in this video.

[@deepakkm1043]

I love watching your videos . Informative and enjoyable

[@avt_astro206]

Fantastic Tutorial Jason! I use Earbuds To Clear My Eyepieces Too! Works Great!

[@smalloptics753]

Thanks Avanteesh, Yes cotton buds are so useful when it comes to cleaning optics..

[@IonutNedelcu]

I'm glad I came across this video. I would have done it wrong 😂😂 (wouldn't have used a shirt though). Thank you for the video!

[@bushcraftandastronomer.3775]

Hey Jason very useful and helpful video to watch! Some basic things and how to safely clean the eye pieces. I must admit when cleaning the eyepieces of my Vixen custom 80m refractor I did it wrong but got away with it and eyepieces were OK but I got lucky I think. From now on I'll do it the right way shown in video. I never thought of cotton buds so I'll buy some. Start my little kit. Great tip on getting lunch box to store those eyepieces as I'm going to buy eyepieces for my skywatcher evostar 72ed ds pro and get the star diagonal too for a complete observing and astrophotography telescope. Thanks for video and stay safe my friend and clear skies too!!!

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Bushcraft, Thanks buddy. Well at least you didn't use your breath and T-shirt lol.. Yeah, do it, I've got a little lens cleaning kit/box I personally find it therapeutic cleaning optics.. But when it comes to cleaning all kinds of optics only clean when absolutely necessary.. Take buddy, clear skies :)

[@44messier]

+1 for the dust blower, which is also great for clearing condensation off eyepieces on a winters evening. I remember one customer at our shop cleaning the eyepiece with his shirt after breathing on it , as you showed early on. The eyepieces where those on a set of £600 APO binoculars. I nearly had a heart attack. He did buy them though

[@smalloptics753]

I bet you did.. Wow.. Good job he purchased them.. Yes couldn't agree more, air is definitely your friend when it come to cleaning optics.

[@joeshmoe7899]

Air may send superficial dust where it's not wanted.

[@MrRichardCass]

Very helpful video - thanks! I know that there shouldnt be any eyelash oils or even fingertip grease on the surface, but what about the need to clean the lower lens surface inside the eyepiece? Or is a dust blower sufficient?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Richard, Your more than welcome.. Yes for the bottom/underneath lens very rarely gets finger marks on it unless you poke your finger up there of course lol so just a good blast of air is usually all that is needed :)

[@Bills_APCh]

Good advice Jason! I should buy shares in cotton buds companies now! I sometimes find it confusing to see you demonstrate what NOT to do, before the correct technique. Say "Do not drive on right, its wrong to drive on right side of road." The correct way is drive on left side of road...

[@ZopcsakFeri]

Caution, some SVBONY eyecups are glued on (at least mine, a 7-21 zoom one), so I was surprised when it didn't come off easily, probably they didn't think of me wanting to remove it. :)

[@hmuphilly9129]

Yep I almost ripped it off mine and then left it alone for the time.

[@cspteja]

Actual cleaning starts at 07:38

[@giovannig.624]

Awesome! But what if I need to clean the other side of the lenses? I mean... inside the eyepiece...

[@frackcenturion]

thanks for another great video and also reminding me its telescope and optics clean time 🔭👍

[@smalloptics753]

Thanks Frack appreciate it pal.... That looked like a wild ride on your latest vid.. I kept thinking I was playing Far Cry XD

[@IonutNedelcu]

What process would you recommend for cleaning the front lens of a maksutov telescope? I have a Skymax 127 and there are smudges on the front lens. Obviously it wouldn't be efficient to use cotton buds, so I'm thinking directly with the microfibre cloth? Also, what's your opinion on using lens/glasses cleaning wipes like the Zeiss ones?

[@hooper365]

It's definitely a unique feeling when your recording something like your hands maybe even strange in the beginning

[@moisesdasilvalima]

Tks..u save me to "recovery" my eyepiece 😀

[@JoeBob79569]

So, what's the deal with the other end of the eyepiece, the non-eye end? Should that be cleaned as well, and do you need to be as careful? Are there coatings on the other side too?

[@Bills_APCh]

What about the other end of eyepiece towards telescope objective? Is that cleaned the same way as top surface? How to deal with dew on eyepiece?

[@Astrolavista]

Hey Jay, right on! dust blower always first :) I must confess I take a quick approach after that of squirting a bit of lens cleaner on a lens cloth and giving them a gentle wipe. Short eye relief lenses get lash grease after every use I find, so I often just leave them a while. The worst culprits where the ES82's but at least they're sealed and Argon purged so you can even wash them under the tap. I'm fairly sure I've seen an Explore Scientific video where they do exactly that! I watched a review of the new Dune film before watching your video and put your videos together in my head and came up with the dilemma of trying to clean your eyepieces on Arrakis lol Take care buddy!

[@butchphaneuf9675]

Interesting juxtaposition! On Arrakis the saying is you wash your a** with sand. But not recommended for EPs!

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Chris. How are you buddy? Do you know I've never seen Dune new or old but that sounds like a cleaning challenge I wouldn't want to tackle and don't think a dust blower would be much use or a sauce bottle LOL! .. Yes I've heard of dropping the eyepiece in the wash bowl before, I wish they would seal them all like that, quick rinse under the tap.. Job's a good un XD

[@tampablaine]

The Fremen would make excellent astronomers. The lack of water on Arrakis would mean zero cloud cover. Now that’s a spice hallucination worth having! They may even file their lenses from the teeth of the Shai-Hulud. A little sand isn’t going to scratch those lenses. My bet is Stilgar has a 24 inch Dobsonion reflector. Enough aperture to spot Sardaukar transport ships sent by the Imperium. For those of you who haven’t read Frank Herbert’s 1965 Dune it comes highly recommended.

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Hi mate. I liked Dune also. Have you played also the game Dune1? is an old game

[@harryleschky6671]

Stumblin' across this video, I decided suddenly that my eyepieces needed cleaning. Using your advices, I was busy almost half a day and finally could look through perfectly cleaned lenses!. Many thnx for that! Having time enough to think I wondered why I accumulated so many eyepieces when I would need only half of them together with a Barlow 2x for my 150/1200 Newt. Eg: a 10mm eyepiece magnifies 120x (with the specified Barlow 240x) a 5mm eyepiece magnifies 240x a 20mm eyepiece magnifies 60x (with the specified Barlow 120x) So, my 10mm eyepiece is redundant. Is this true or am I missing the point?

[@AstroDude500]

Great video 👍. What is your advice for bringing in a telescope after a cold winters night into a warm house. As the telescope optics instantly get covered in moisture if lens caps are off. Is it better to cap it before bringing the telescope back into the house or leave the caps off and leave the Moisture to evaporate on it’s own before capping? Thanks.

[@Astronurd]

Leave the caps off until everything is perfectly dry

[@smalloptics753]

Hello S A. Like Ian sykes said, it'a always's a good idea to let your gear dry out before capping/storing, especially if you store your eyepieces in a plastic container.. It's is rare but it has been known for mildew to build up inside the eyepiece and mildew is bad for the coatings, the same thing can occur with binoculars.

[@mroshutup3457]

you crack me up .... I've watched all your vids and you DROP your optics so much it's like a cliche in your videos ... funny that you giving this advice... not being mean , bro I love you... but you drop shit all the time, lol. life is good .... about to get my gear out and look at new comet... Will be uploading new vids and images this weekend..

[@smalloptics753]

Hello MrOshutup. Ha ha ha. well at least somebody is enjoying my misfortune.. it'll finish up costing me a fortune.. Good luck with the comet hunting, hope it stays clear for you pal.

[@MountainFisher]

Any paper towels are made of wood and that includes Kleenex. Paper towels also contain micro abrasives as well and that includes _any_ paper products. I got the price of a 150mm reflector's price down by $75 because the owner of the pawn shop cleaned the mirror with expensive paper towels. Under my flashlight I could see hundreds of micro-scratches. I use lens cleaner micro cloths and even on my 6mm Orthos I put a tiny piece of micro cloth on the tip of the Q-Tip. Mild detergent is the best way to clean, but distilled water is critical. You simply cannot get rid of dissolved solids on your lens and once there dry they abrade your $200 coatings away. edit once the dissolved solids dry anywhere on your glass it will turn into a hard solid that must be removed. In case anyone thinks astronomers are picky now you know why.

[@jasonvictor9542]

Thanks Jason another great video. For another video do you have any suggestions for looking at the sun and seeing more details. I made a sun filter from Bader film, I do see sun spots when they appear but everything is black and white. Is there a cheaper way to see more detail using something like a welders mask or something cheap to see sun filaments etc.?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Jason, Thank you my friend. The safest and easiest way of observing the sun (the only method I use) is a method called solar projection, I don't know if you are familiar with this method but if not, I have done a video on it I'll leave you a link.. I wouldn't advise making any kind of solar observing aid ALWAYS buy one from a reputable telescope supplier, the sun damage factor to your eyesight should never be underestimated ..But what ever method you use just make sure it's the correct one and take NO chances PLEASE be careful when observing the sun .. Optics and sunlight are a dangerous combination. Stay safe buddy :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep-0lWR5maaYndU

[@jasonvictor9542]

@@smalloptics753 Thank you for your fast response I will check out your projection method video!!!

[@1TW1-m5i]

Is the lense cleaner the same as what you would use for glasses?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Thomas. I should imagine so yes but I'm not 100% sure. It's always safer to use the correct fluid but I'm sure glasses cleaner will be fine.

[@wakingforbacon6439]

@@smalloptics753 I read online that eye glass cleaner shouldn't be used. But I'm not sure since I'm nee. But I seen it on a forum. But myself I couldn't see that much difference. But I did read that though.

[@reynicolomarcelo8496]

Hi, Jason. Hoping you still reply to comments. Mine left smudges on my 25mm plossl eyepiece on both sides. This is the first time I cleaned eyepieces. I used an actual lens cleaner spray with the same methods you demonstrated. It made the inner and outer lens worse. I hope I can get some help with this. Thank you.

[@davidhum1039]

Brilliant Honest everything u said that’s wrong I would of done it lol. I got 2 eyepieces with my telescope wonder could u do a video on eyepieces good ones to not so good thank u

[@smalloptics753]

Hello David, Tanks pal. I will be doing more on eyepiece selection in the near future so stay tuned. Take care buddy :)

[@michaelwhisman]

I found a Meade Infinity 70 in the trash but it had been rained on and the inside of the eyepiece has water in it. I am sure that I need to take it apart. Are there any instructions for doing this right?

[@ulisesguzman8574]

Hi! Im only just starting with astronomy and your channel has been a huge help, thank you so much for making this content. Speaking of eyepiece, could you help me be it with a video or a reply with what eyepiece sizes are best? I have some really crappy 5 and 20 eyepieces from an old department store scope and my new one comes with a pretty decent 25, which should i upgrade first or what size should I get? There are so many options that i get pretty lost XD

[@smalloptics753]

Hello there, thank you your more than welcome my friend.. When it comes to upgrading eyepieces its usually the higher powered ones that need upgrading to something a little better ,12 mm and below... 20 mm and above are usually OK because they are not that demanding on the telescope. A good first upgrade is a "Plossl" eyepiece.. Plossl's are great affordable eyepieces and will improve the overall image quality considerably compared to the ones supplied.. My favourite size of eyepiece is a 15 mm, a 15 is a good all rounder for Luna, planetary and deep sky.. The reason being they work well on there own and also can be used with a barlow lens..I leave you a couple of links to some of my videos that may help you more.. Hope helps.. Take care, clear skies :) Understanding eyepieces: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH7PZql9bcd6a9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip3QfaiegJVrbLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX_OgqKknLSZi5o

[@ulisesguzman8574]

@@smalloptics753 thank you ver much! I was thinking about the celestron omni 12mm, I'll try to find it in 15mm

[@wakingforbacon6439]

@@ulisesguzman8574 I found a zoom eye piece from Amazon from 7mm to 21 and I gotta say it has been a really nice eye piece. And it's like 54 dollars which isn't bad considering all the eyes prices you could buy in between 7 and 21. Very good reviews on it also. There is also another one on there which is like 8 to 24 but it's about 20 dollars more I have both of them and can't really see a difference. And I have a 4.5 mm tbm planetary eyepiece. Very good I must say for looking at the planets. Really need a good eye piece to view detail on the planets. The explore scientific tbm planetary 5mm eyepiece is super nice. But it's like 200 dollars. A little out of my league but one of the best I heard. Hope this helps.

[@1TW1-m5i]

Is this like mirrors? Avoid cleaning unless absolutely necessary? Or should I be trying to get any oils and stuff off asap? I may have accidentally touched a new eyepiece lense and there's just a few marks on it

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Thomas, Don't panic, Oils and finger marks wont damage your optics if left on, finger marks will just make the image a little fuzzy. First just try to gently wipe clean with a micro fibre cloth, if some marks are still left on, then follow the cleaning method in the video. Eyepieces are not as delicate as mirrors but still need care when cleaning. But your right, at the end of the day unless the marks are interfering with your views, leave it, like I say it wont cause any lasting damage :)

[@1TW1-m5i]

Thanks, I ended up just leaving it. It's not that bad. Your channel has been a great help in getting going with my new telescope

[@multipotentialite666]

guys does zeiss one use lens wipe work too?

[@GalaxyArtMedia]

Is nice to see your cleaning method Jason. I am curious though why you do not use the lens cloth. if the lens cloth is good and you have a good solution will save you a lot of time that you consume with those q tips.

[@smalloptics753]

Hey John, The only reason I use Q-tips is you seem to have a lot more control and can get into the nooks and crannies better, also, you have less chance of picking up any dirt/grit... But at the end of the day what ever method you use to clean them as long as it's getting the job done and causing no damage to the optics then... All is good :)

[@tomjones2121]

Never use paper towels and dish soap, paper towels are abrasive and dish soap will leave a sticky residue , only use lens cleaning mixture and micro cloth ,

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Tom, Agreed, not on the lenses I only use a very week soap solution on the housing just saves on the cleaning fluid.. I always have been cheap :D

[@SimRacingVeteran]

New drinking game. Every time he says “like I said” you take a drink.

[@zimerlife8964]

Hey, Great Video 👍. Quick question. Will water work as the solution for cleaning the eyepieces?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello there. Thank you my friend..I wouldn't recommend just using water as a cleaner because it wouldn't remove oils it would just spread them around the lens and make thing worse.

[@das250250]

Be interesting to look at the cotton buds under microscope

[@therepresentative1619]

Put it in the dishwasher then use a little bit of sandpaper to get off the tough spots.

[@charlesburks3988]

I cant find any info of disassembling a Orion explorer ll 7/21 zoom eye peice the (grease) is making it extremely hard to turn. Its older . I have all screws out but. .. any ideas would be greatly appreciated

[@charlesburks3988]

Ps Orions customer service was very unhelpful. I was a little surprised when I was told just to by a new one

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Charles. To be honest you might be better off buying a new one, you see the problem with Zoom eyepiece's they have a few hidden surprises when you take them apart things fall out and you won't know were it came from. I know this for a fact because I once tried to do the same and ruined it. If you still want to give it a go, take photos of every procedure so you've got some sort of reference of how everything goes. If you do manage to successfully disassemble it make sure you only use white lithium grease as it doesn't go sticky over time. Good luck :)

[@charlesburks3988]

Thank you for the reply. I would like to try. Seams pressed together somehow. And pretty dirty inside I have 6 other ep "if" I did damage it not any loss.. any ideas on possible dismantling

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@nikkitezla3367]

I guess it goes without saying that the caps that come with eye pieces should always be on them when they are not in use. I read that 100 metric tons of dust falls from the cosmos onto the earth every day. I am sure some of it might find its way onto my lenses if I do not cover them.

[@IndianKnowledgeWorld]

Thanks

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome friend :)

[@joeshmoe7899]

Do a Zizek impression.

[@joeshmoe7899]

And the microfiber is for?

[@butchphaneuf9675]

Hey Jason. Great technique and I see a difference on the surface! Would you do a similar technique with filters? Also, you showed a brush, much like the one that came with my kit. You don't use it in the video, so how and when would you use it?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello butch, sorry for the late reply.. Yes this technique can be used on filters also, just remember to be gentle.. The brush is used just like the air blower, for removing dust, you can give the eyepiece a good blast of air then a light brush but it is optional and not always necessary.. I did forget to mention the use of the brush in the video so apologies for any confusion that may have caused you. Hope that's cleared things up for you.

[@butchphaneuf9675]

@@smalloptics753 Yes it does. Many thanks

[@Astronurd]

Brushes should be avoided when cleaning eyepieces

[@tomjones2121]

if you have a $1,000 explore scientific eye piece , you can wash it with the dishes , so the claim goes LOL

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Tom, I believe that is true yes.. I wish they would make them all like that, you could wash the dishes and your eyepieces at the same time XD

[@MM0IMC]

Did you do a part on dropping your eyepiece prevention? LOL

[@smalloptics753]

Ha ha ha.. No, but maybe I should..

[@MM0IMC]

@@smalloptics753 sorry, couldn't resist. LOL

[@angeltensey]

Guess, same thing applicable to tube's lens

[@tomjones2121]

I have wives and girlfriends , it's a dangerous balance 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@smalloptics753]

Ha ha ha! Yes it is my friend.. Yes it is..

[@Bills_APCh]

I worry I will now take hours to clean 1 eyepiece for fear of damaging the coatings now

[@hmuphilly9129]

WEll good im glad I dont have a Gf or wife or friend as a girl so dont need to deal with that problem #singled life