Visible Dust

[Curtis Cunningham]

I'm a little confused with the product choices available at VisibleDust -- DSLR Sensor Cleaning. I'm not sure which one is best suited to my needs. I currently only have one Digital SLR (Canon Rebel), and am considering purchasing either the 30D, 40D or 5D in the near future. I'm not sure if a brush is enough (for dry cleaning) or if I need something that can clean with a swab?

Recommendations?

(p.s. I've searched the forums, and there were several posts about visible dust, but they were all at least 2 1/2 years old. So I thought I would be better served getting current information.)

[DierkHaasis]

I have been a big fan of Visible Dust's for a long time. The original SensorBrush - thick array of filaments, made in several sizes to accommodate different sensors - was already a very good product, later complemented by a smaller fan-like SensorBrush with less filaments for travel. While the original needs compressed air, the travel one could be loaded by a big manual blower. I used both for some years on various Nikon bodies.

Two weeks ago I at last got me the Arctic Butterfly, which comes in one size only, and is now their main SensorBrush offering. It adapts the fan-like travel brush, gives it an electro motor to charge the filaments. Much easier to use and transport!

I found the claims of Visible Dust concerning ease of use and necessity of other cleaning methods to be fully justified. Though current cameras, incl. my D200 and D2x, aren't as prone to accumulate dust than previous ones [the D1x was almost always dirty, really dirty], one nneds to brush it off from time to time. If done regularly, or at least every once in a while, several times a year, chances are you dust will not be glued to the filter anymore, thus prevent the need for wet cleaning.

[Curtis Cunningham]

If I only have one camera right now (digital Rebel XT) and am considering the purchase of another Canon body, would I be alright going with the Arctic Butterfly 724 or is it worth the additional expense to get the SD800 Pro Kit?

I know the SD800 has additional brushes (especially the mirror/focusing brush), but what I don't know is if the single 724 brush would be able to do everything the multiple brushes of the SD800 purports to accomplish.

[Dennis_Vied]

I can't advise which brush kit to get. I think only you can decide if you want to spend the money for it.

For what it's worth, I have not yet been able to depend solely on the brush to keep the sensor clean. The last time I cleaned, the brush wouldn't do the complete job, so I had to get out the spatula, Pec Pads, and Eclipse. That worked.

[TimRucci]

This topic has been beaten to death, but many of the people who have used various brush methods report that with really stubborn dirt, nothing short of a wet cleaning will do the job.

With that in mind, my preference is to just do a wet cleaning instead of purchasing the brushes (most of them expensive) when they may not complete the task. I have only cleaned my sensors typically 2 to 4 times per year, and I'm always able to get them spotless with pec pads and eclipse, used with a home-made cleaning tool fashioned from a rubbermaid spatula. With a little bit of practice, you can perform the cleaning in only a few minutes.

You will find as many different opinions from photographers on sensor cleaning, as you will find economists with different opinions on the economy.

[michaelnotar]

turn your camera off too before changing lenses, that helped me the most, i probably clean the camera only 2x/yr. also i use the FF size swabs on my 1dmk2, which also cleans the sensor filter that doesnt cover the chip. this helps to get those edge dust spots since they are no longer the edge of the swab.

[JohnLund]

Curtis,

Get the Arctic Butterfly for now. Later when you know what bodies you are going to end up with, spring for the full meal deal including Sensor Swaps and Sensor Clean. When you get a greasy smear on your sensor like I got once on my 5D, you will pay anything to get it clean and are more relieved than the accumulated worry about the cost. 8--)

Good luck,

John

[Pro Photo Store]

Visit the B&H Pro Photo Store for the best Gear Prices and regular specials!

Brilliant Color for any Digital SLR
White Balance Cap
The Pros Agree on ColorRight
What People Are Saying