I thought those cheap lens cleaning kits from online were all junk
For years I told customers to avoid the ten dollar sets with the microfiber cloths and liquid. I figured they would just smear or scratch the glass. Then a regular brought in a clean, old Canon lens he had fixed up himself using one. He showed me his method: a single drop of the fluid on the cloth, never on the lens, and gentle circles from the center out. The result was spotless. I tried it on a test lens with a kit I bought, and it worked perfectly. Has anyone else found a specific brand or method from these kits that actually does the job right?
That "single drop on the cloth" tip is the real key. I use the cheap AmazonBasics kit the same way and it's been totally fine. The method matters more than the brand.
Totally agree with @sage787 about the method being the main thing. I've used the cheapest no-name kit for ages and it works great as long as you don't soak the cloth. The real trick is just not being lazy and spraying stuff everywhere.
Oh man, that is so true. I was the same way, always warning people off the cheap stuff. Felt like a real fool when a buddy showed me his clean lens and said he used a five dollar kit. It really is all about that tiny bit of fluid and not rubbing hard.