Spudz SPBK01 6x6 Micro Fibre Lens Cloth In Pouch
Getting Some Fibre Into Your Camera's Diet
Spudz SPBK01 6x6 Micro Fibre Lens Cloth In Pouch
Member Name: Hishyeness
Product:
Spudz SPBK01 6x6 Micro Fibre Lens Cloth In Pouch
Date: 13/11/10
Rating:
Advantages: Effective, convenient, and secure.
Disadvantages: Stowing the cloth after use can be a bit fiddly.
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KEEPING YOUR KIT CLEAN
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There seems little point in investing in an expensive DSLR camera kit if your photos are spoiled because you can't keep your lenses and filters clean. DSLR lenses by themselves can run into several hundred pounds, so you can't risk ruining them by scratching the lens coating either. The clever move is to get a decent UV filter which doubles as a lens guard, but like the lens itself, it needs to be kept particle and smudge free to get the best from your camera. While scouring the internet for lens cleaning options, I came across an innovative solution that combines portability, security, and, above all performance into one neat and tiny little package called the Spudz MicroFibre Lens Cloth (www.alpineproducts.com)
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FIBRE IN SMALL DOSES
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The unusually named Spudz is essentially a six inch by six inch grey microfibre cloth that is permanently attached to the inside of a small, compact, elasticated black neoprene pouch. The pouch is a convenient way to store and protect the cloth when not in use and features a rugged and handy black plastic snap hook at the other end which allows you to attach it securely to your camera bag or belt loop. This gives you quick access to it (saving you the time it takes to rummage around your pockets or camera bag) and ensures the cloth stays clean. The little stretchy bag, which measures a minute 1.5 by 1.5 inches, is well put together and allows the cloth to be easily pulled in and out with the minimum of fuss.
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SIZES & DESIGNS
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Spudz make the product in a couple of sizes (6x6 and 10x10) and a number of funky designs (including Union Jack, Chopper Flames, Desert Camo and Polka Dots). Given my camera bag is dark grey, I opted for the plain black version which has the brand name relatively discreetly emblazoned on either side of the pouch. The smaller size retails for around £5, with the larger size a little dearer at around £7. Both are currently available on-line at Amazon.co.uk. There are a number of other similar products on the market from well known brands such as Nikon and Canon, however, these retail in excess of £10, so the Spudz represents excellent value for money.
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USES & CLEANING
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The cloth itself is extremely effective and does an excellent job of cleaning my lens filters, as well as my eyeglasses, iPod and Blackberry LCD screens. In fact, they are ideal for any scratch-sensitive surface. The advantage of microfibre is that by using some nifty science and manufacturing processes, it lifts oil and debris off of smooth and sensitive surfaces without smearing, and without the need for any chemicals (see the web-site quoted above for more details). However, no cloth, no matter how sophisticated is going to save your lens from terminal scratches if you don't make sure there isn't any sand or grit on it before wiping. The product can be hand washed with mild detergent and air dried (with the cloth hanging out of the bag obviously) when it gets grubby. I have done this five or six times now and it has not reduced its cleaning ability at all.
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SPUDZ-I-LIKE
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The Spudz lens cloth is an excellent little solution for keeping your camera kit and/or eyeglasses clean at an excellent price point. The only minor criticism is that it is a little difficult to stuff the cloth back into the neoprene bag neatly after it is pulled out, but if you don't mind a creased cloth (there is no impact on its cleaning properties) then this is a purely cosmetic issue.
Highly recommended.
© Hishyeness 2010
KEEPING YOUR KIT CLEAN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There seems little point in investing in an expensive DSLR camera kit if your photos are spoiled because you can't keep your lenses and filters clean. DSLR lenses by themselves can run into several hundred pounds, so you can't risk ruining them by scratching the lens coating either. The clever move is to get a decent UV filter which doubles as a lens guard, but like the lens itself, it needs to be kept particle and smudge free to get the best from your camera. While scouring the internet for lens cleaning options, I came across an innovative solution that combines portability, security, and, above all performance into one neat and tiny little package called the Spudz MicroFibre Lens Cloth (www.alpineproducts.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FIBRE IN SMALL DOSES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The unusually named Spudz is essentially a six inch by six inch grey microfibre cloth that is permanently attached to the inside of a small, compact, elasticated black neoprene pouch. The pouch is a convenient way to store and protect the cloth when not in use and features a rugged and handy black plastic snap hook at the other end which allows you to attach it securely to your camera bag or belt loop. This gives you quick access to it (saving you the time it takes to rummage around your pockets or camera bag) and ensures the cloth stays clean. The little stretchy bag, which measures a minute 1.5 by 1.5 inches, is well put together and allows the cloth to be easily pulled in and out with the minimum of fuss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SIZES & DESIGNS
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spudz make the product in a couple of sizes (6x6 and 10x10) and a number of funky designs (including Union Jack, Chopper Flames, Desert Camo and Polka Dots). Given my camera bag is dark grey, I opted for the plain black version which has the brand name relatively discreetly emblazoned on either side of the pouch. The smaller size retails for around £5, with the larger size a little dearer at around £7. Both are currently available on-line at Amazon.co.uk. There are a number of other similar products on the market from well known brands such as Nikon and Canon, however, these retail in excess of £10, so the Spudz represents excellent value for money.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
USES & CLEANING
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The cloth itself is extremely effective and does an excellent job of cleaning my lens filters, as well as my eyeglasses, iPod and Blackberry LCD screens. In fact, they are ideal for any scratch-sensitive surface. The advantage of microfibre is that by using some nifty science and manufacturing processes, it lifts oil and debris off of smooth and sensitive surfaces without smearing, and without the need for any chemicals (see the web-site quoted above for more details). However, no cloth, no matter how sophisticated is going to save your lens from terminal scratches if you don't make sure there isn't any sand or grit on it before wiping. The product can be hand washed with mild detergent and air dried (with the cloth hanging out of the bag obviously) when it gets grubby. I have done this five or six times now and it has not reduced its cleaning ability at all.
~~~~~~~~~~
SPUDZ-I-LIKE
~~~~~~~~~~
The Spudz lens cloth is an excellent little solution for keeping your camera kit and/or eyeglasses clean at an excellent price point. The only minor criticism is that it is a little difficult to stuff the cloth back into the neoprene bag neatly after it is pulled out, but if you don't mind a creased cloth (there is no impact on its cleaning properties) then this is a purely cosmetic issue.
Highly recommended.
© Hishyeness 2010
Summary: An excellent lens cleaning cloth
