How to Clean the GoPro Lens

Cleaning the lens of a GoPro requires attention from the user. Cares are similar to those that should be taken to clean the lens of a DSLR, but the super convex fisheye format and its small size are factors that require adaptations.

In the following guide, TechTudo gathers all the information you need to clean the lens and properly store your brand camera. The guidelines are intended for models that do not come with the protective film of the lens, as is the case of Hero 3+ Black and Hero 4 Silver.

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Care for the GoPro lens will depend on one crucial factor: whether or not it gives access to the lens glass. The Hero 2014, Hero + LCD, Hero +, Hero 4 Session (reissued as Hero Session), Hero 5 Session, Hero 5 Black, Hero 2018 and Hero 6 Black models bring the protected lens either through a case that does not come out or through a fence in the waterproof body itself.

Therefore, in this tutorial we will deal with the versions that bring the exposed lens. They are: Original Hero, HD Hero, Hero 3 White, Hero 3 Silver, Hero 3 Black, Hero 3+ Silver, Hero 3+ Black, Hero 4 Silver, Hero 4 Black and GoPro Fusion.

Remove dust

The first step in cleaning is to remove excess dust or sand with air. For this, the ideal is that you use an air spray, found for prices starting at $ 20. The accessory usually comes with lens cleaning kits, which have more or less the same value. The picture below, from Greika, comes with the air pump, flannel, brush and cleaning solution, and costs $ 30.

Lens Cleaning Kit

If you do not have a spray bottle or do not want to buy, an alternative is simply to blow the lens. The important thing here is to pass nothing - fabric, paper or flannel - before removing the residue from the glass. This is because the grain on the surface can scratch the lens, compromising its functionality permanently.

In this step, a third option is to use the brush that comes with the cleaning kit. You can buy it too, but do not use a regular brush purchased from the stationery store. The bristles can be very hard for the task of removing the dirt particles, causing scratches on the glass. If you have the proper brush, do not touch the bristles to avoid contaminating them with the dirt from your hands.

Day-to-day cleaning

Now that you have removed the granular debris from the lens, it is time to clean it. Day-to-day cleaning does not require the application of special liquids, only suitable material. Use a microfiber cloth or optical paper wipes, found in specialty stores and some eyeglass shops.

Do not use toilet paper or napkin because the fiber is too stiff for the lens surface - also avoid lint-free cotton shirts. When ironing the cloth, do not rub or force it: perform light and constant movements until the area is clean.

GoPro lens cleaning with microfiber cloth

GoPro's curved lens shape generates dirt accumulation at the edges. To clean this area, wrap a cotton swab with the fabric for cleaning and pass the place, making circular movements and always with care.

Cleaning the edges of GoPro's fisheye lens

Outside the material, a key aspect about the fabric is its own cleanliness. Change the cloth periodically as it will accumulate dust and may end up dirtying (or even scratching) your camera. If you are to wash it, use neutral soap and restrict to a maximum of three washes.

Clearing the stains

Use cleaning solutions only if there are grease stains or other hard to get marks. Excessive cleaning can damage the fragile surface of the lens in the long run. However, if necessary, place a drop on the microfiber tissue or tissue and pass it gently - by the size of the lens, it is not necessary to moisten more than this. Under no circumstances should the liquid drip directly into the lens, as it can enter the cracks and create a series of problems.

If you do not have the proper liquid, in an emergency situation you can even puff on the lens and pass the cloth. But never use window cleaners, detergents or any household cleaners. The chemicals present can ruin the camera lens.

GoPro lens cleans properly

Avoid dirt

The most efficient way you do not need to clean the GoPro lens all the time is to get it dirty. To do this, always store the camera in a suitable case. The prices of cases made for action cam vary widely depending on whether they are from the manufacturer or from third parties.

Casey, the company's model, is sold in the national retail market for R $ 240. However, it is possible to find similar products, produced by other brands, with prices starting at R $ 30.

Casey, GoPro's official case

Another possibility is to store the machine inside the waterproof case itself. This will prevent not only the accumulation of dust, but scratches by other objects, which occurs with ease due to the prominent design of the fisheye lens. Whether it's a case, makeshift case or the standard box, keep in mind that it's important to also clean the accessory where you store GoPro.

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