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Baader Planetarium's Optical Wonder
Fluid is the finest lens cleaner we have found.
It does a consistent job of cleaning oils and organic contaminants from
stubborn multicoatings while leaving almost no residue. Beyond being a
superb cleaner, Wonder Fluid also includes unique properties.
Ingredients within Wonder Fluid are designed to prevent growth of the types
of fungus that have been proven to damage (literally eat) lens coatings.
We've seen first-hand the results of this type of coating damage on costly
APO refractors, and welcome the added measure of protection Wonder Fluid
gives.
We use Wonder Fluid
for the majority of our cleaning needs in our business and in the field, for
eyepieces, prisms, refractor objectives and dielectric mirrors (Note:
Cleaning of traditionally coated mirrors requires a much different process
and uses common water and detergent - not lens cleaners and cloths).
We have found Wonder Fluid to be the best general lens cleaning solution for
our purposes. It is extremely lo-residue, and cleans quickly without
the excessive fussing some cleaners require, and we really appreciate the
antibacterial properties.
Baader's Optical Wonder Cloth
compliments Wonder Fluid. Baader's cloth is made from a finer grade
microfiber than the typical lens cloths sold at camera stores or eyeglass
stores. When paired with Wonder Fluid, it is easy to keep lens
surfaces clean and working like new.
Our Own Thoughts
on Cleaning: Cleaning optics seems to be one of the banes of
this hobby. Everyone has to learn their own way on this subject,
including finding their favorite lens cleaning potion. Over the years
we've tried most of the available lens cleaners, including some touted by
friends or manufacturers as the best or residue-free, and found that most
fall short. Very few have come close enough for our own 'picky' tastes
(some highly regarded and expensive 'high tech' cleaners have turned out to be real
duds). We try to keep our optics as close to new as possible -
clean and free of visible residues or discolorations, even under bright
light at varying angles. Modern multicoatings are brutal in their
ability to show the presence of tiny amounts of contaminants.
In the end, we have
only found one solution that produces completely residue-free cleaning -
photometric grade acetone or alcohol. Using these ultra-pure solvents
takes care and practice to achieve a pristine surface that is
completely free of the faintest discolorations. The effects of these
discolorations are negligible in use, so we recommend avoiding over-cleaning
in an attempt to eliminate every trace. In general, we recommend most
amateurs stick to less aggressive cleaners, particularly since there is now
an excellent alternative - Wonder Fluid.
For detailed instructions on how to clean eyepieces and
refractor objectives with Wonder Fluid and Cloth, please click the following
link. We also highly recommend the use of our Rocket Air Blaster to
initially remove debris and fine particles from optics, prior to the
application of fluid and cloth.
Cleaning
Optics by Thomas Baader
(67 kB)
Please Note: Wonder Fluid
contains alcohol and is therefore flammable. As a result, it may be
sold only within the continental US and any order that includes Wonder Fluid
must be shipped by surface (not priority or air mail). Click here for
an MSDS sheet on Wonder Fluid:
Optical Wonder Fluid MSDS (50kB pdf).
- Optical Wonder Fluid
(# WFLUID)
- Optical Wonder Cloth
(# WCLOTH)
- Set of both
Optical Wonder Fluid and Cloth
(# WSET)
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