You know, the same should go for blog comments

Are you sure the spots on this image are on the lens/filter and not on the sensor? This looks like sensor dust to me, but I could be wrong.

I do try to keep my lenses dust free but in the end, I’m focusing way past the dust and it’s not showing up in the photos.

However, are you positive that the dust is not on your sensor? Minimal dust and micro scratches on the frontal optical element rarely cause noticeable distortions on the end result (because it’s so extremely out of focus in relation to your focal point.)

I am all for keeping photo equipment (including lens / filters) clean. However, it would have to be a serious high density particulate to be visible in the end result. Anyway, the rear element or sensor is what I would suspect to be a likely culprit when it comes to dust clouding your image.

To be honest, I can barely make out the specks you mentioned. I do notice the heavy vignetting caused by the CP filter. When using CP filters, vignetting can minimized by watching your relational angle to the sun.

Anyway, keep up the great posts. Best wishes.
Eric Pohl

@Dan – I agree, and that’s why I think it’s important to use multicoated filters on those expensive lenses.. and avoid the cheap ones. The multiple coatings help reduce the reflections.

@Pete – although the specks in this image are pretty faint, sometimes they do get pretty dark and VERY noticeable.. it would’ve been nice (for this article at least, heheh) if I got one of those giant dark specks to ruin the photo, but planning the photo for that kind of thing would be a little tedious

@Chip – I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t understand the importance of using a specialized cloth and end up using their t-shirt or a napkin for cleaning their lens.. so, that was one of the things I wanted to make clear with the post.. I confess that I was one of those “t shirt cleaner” people.. And, I guess I thought proper use of the cloth was pretty simple: just wipe off the dust and go in circles for smudges (just like cleaning a mirror at home). I don’t use any kind of liquids or compressed air though, as I like to keep my gear to a minimum.

@Kathy – Good example of why you might want to keep a UV filter on your lens And, I think any kind of micro fiber cloth made for cleaning glass will work fine (including the one you use for your glasses!).

@marcus – The specks are pretty faint, unfortunately.. but, you can see them more easily if you view your monitor from an angle.

@Sylvia – I’m not sure about spraying water on your lens, but for pollen I’d just try blowing it off the lens (maybe even use some compressed air).

Just a quick comment to tell you how much I continue to enjoy and appreciate your photography tips.

The comments are always interesting too. I’ve never even thought about dust gathering on the lens cap and transferring to the lens.

The pollen here in middle Alabama is very thick right now and collects on everything – on lens and subjects alike. Very hard to stay ahead of it. I photographed red flowers yesterday and once the pictures were in the computer, I realized they were covered with specks of pollen. Guess pollen could be gently blown off of the blooms or maybe sprayed off with water?

Thank you again,
Sylvia