I just bought my wife a Nikon D40 kit w/ a second 55-200 VR lens.

She wanted to move up from her current P&S . . . we went to our local photog store and this is the one that felt best in her hand. She, and I, have much to learn about the camera and taking pictures.

One thing I already screwed up was putting my fingers all over the lens and display when I was putting it together. I saw some threads on cleaning the sensor but that is not my problem (yet). What products would you use and how would you recommend cleaning the lens and display.

Also, is a clear filter for the lens and protective film for the display a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

Michael

 

[quote name='RUGBY' date='Jan 21 2009, 10:40 AM'] I just bought my wife a Nikon D40 kit w/ a second 55-200 VR lens.

She wanted to move up from her current P&S . . . we went to our local photog store and this is the one that felt best in her hand.

 

I start with a non-compressed gas blower, a Giotto Rocket. That removes anything large and not glued. Then a light brush. I used to be very careful, with lens paper and fluids, after that but I've gone to microfiber myself. I also use a Lens Pen in the field (carbon-dust tip, has a brush on the other end) and I find that works really well for a small spot or finger print.

Until your talent grows a UV filter is not a bad idea. Down the road you may find it ever-so-slightly degrades the image but coming off a P&S you are years away from noticing that. A proper lens hood is a better first thing to do because it can also improve your images (keeps stray light off the lens) while providing some lens protection.

 

I use a Giottos rocket blower for sensor and lens cleaning, along with a microfibre towel for the lenses.

I use Hoya Pro1 Digital filters on all my lenses. As soon as the lens comes out of the box and wrapping, on goes the filter. So the front element has never seen the light of day.....Especially useful on my Tamron macro lens, as the front element is soooo recessed that it would be very difficult to clean.

 

lens cleaning: lens paper + fluid

sensor clean: visible dust swabs. I chk my sensor about once every 2 weeks during peak season. If I see dust spots at f11, i'm cleaning it.

 

Nothing to add the guys have said it all.

 

about all that, plus thanks guys for more tips that I can use too