Top Camera Cleaning Kits For Your Lens And Sensor

Using a dedicated camera cleaning kit is smart way to protect your gear and extend its lifespan. As tempting as it can be, using your breath and t-shirt to wipe away a smudge isn’t always the best idea. Most modern lenses have a delicate coating that can get easily damaged during the cleaning process. Luckily with the right tools, you can avoid this problem all together. That’s why today I wanted to share with you some of the best camera cleaning kits for your lens and sensor.

What To Look For In A Camera Cleaning Kit

Every camera cleaning kit will offer something a little bit unique compared to the next. Rather than getting sucked into cool color schemes or fancy accessories, first consider what you actually need.

As I talked about in a previous post on how to clean a camera lens, the cleaning process should follow three simple steps. Air, spray, and wipe.

The first step in lens cleaning is to blow away any large dust particles on your lens that could cause scratches. With an air puffer, you can quickly blast away any debris in seconds.

The second step is to use a cleaning solution to help lift up any grime on your camera lens. Whether it’s dirt, oil, or a smudge, an alchohol based cleaning solution helps to get rid of it.

Finally, the third step is to wipe your lens with a lint-free wipe or a microfiber cloth. Both options are totally valid and it’s purely personal preference. I prefer using a mircofiber cloth so I’m not going through piles of single use wipes.

Must Have Items In A Lens Cleaning Kit

With those three steps in mind, you can start to see what is absolutely cruical to have in any cleaning kit. If you’re looking for a complete cleaning kit, you’ll want to make sure it includes the following items:

Lens Puffer: The most effective way to blow large debris off your lens before wiping.
Alcohol Based Lens Cleaner: To easily lift any grime from your lens without too much effort.
Lint-Free Lens Wipes: Unlike regular wipes, these ones won’t leave anything on your lens. No fluff or left overs, just a clean lens!
Microfiber Cloth: An extremely soft fabric that is delicate on your lens yet effective at cleaning difficult smudges.

For a complete lens cleaning solution, you’ll want to look for those four items in any cleaning kit. Now what if you want to clean your camera sensor?

The Difference With Sensor Cleaning Kits

Unlike a lens cleaning kit, you need to approach your sensor a little differently. Your camera sensor is found inside the camera body and should only be cleaned if absolutely necessary. When you begin to see sensor spots in your images, then it’s probably a good time to clean it. Until then, it’s best to leave it alone.

A sensor cleaning kit doesn’t consist of a bunch of wipes and air puffers. Instead, they have small swabs that are used to wipe away any debris on your sensor. Some camera cleaning kits have lens and sensor cleaning items combined, but not all. If you need something that will clean the sensor, make sure to look for sensor swaps specifically.

The Best Camera Cleaning Kits

The cleaning kits in this list are a mix of lens and sensor cleaning kits. Some options have both types in one, while others are more specific. Depending on your needs and what cleaning solutions you’re looking for, some might be more applicable to you. If you’re totally new to camera cleaning, I’d highly suggest buying a kit so you have everything you need from the get go!

1. Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit With APS-C Sensor Cleaning Swabs

One of the top all-around cleaning kits is the Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit With Sensor Swabs.This cleaning kit comes with absolutely everything you need to keep your sensor and lenses totally spotless. Unlike other options that only clean lenses, this cleaning kit includes 6 APS-C (crop sensor) sensor swabs. Unfortunately those of you who are using a full-frame won’t get any use out of these sensor swabs so it’d be best to look at other options.

The cleaning kit comes with 2oz of lens cleaner, a cleaning pen, lens brush, air blower, lint-free paper wipes, 1 microfiber cloth, and a carrying case! If you find yourself on the go, the carrying case makes it so easy to keep all your supplies in one place. That way when it comes time to clean, you’re ready for action in seconds. No scrounging around your bag to find any loose bits!

Besides the carrying case, I love the fact this camera cleaning kit comes with lint-free wipes and a mircofiber cloth. It’s always nice to have the option with wipes but it’s annoying to have to pay for both. Luckily with this cleaning kit you can get both included in an already cheap camera cleaning kit.

Includes: 2oz of lens cleaner, cleaning pen, lens brush, air blower, lint-free paper wipes, 1 microfiber cloth, 6 APS-C sensor swabs, carrying case.
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Both
Type Of Sensor Swabs: APS-C (crop sensor)
Travel Case: Yes

Find Price On Amazon

2. Camkix Professional Camera Cleaning Kit

If you’re not too concerned about sensor cleaning, the Camkix Professional Camera Cleaning Kit is everything you need for spotless lenses. Although it doesn’t have sensor swabs, this cleaning kit sets you up for months (if not years) to come in terms of lenses and filters. The huge bonus to this cleaning kit is that it comes with 5 microfiber cloths so you’ll (hopefully) never lose them all.

This cleaning kit comes with a lens puffer, cleaning pen, lens brush, empty reusable spray bottle, 50 lint-free paper wipes, and 6 microfiber cloths. Although it doesn’t come with a cleaning solution, it gives you the opportunity to find one you like. In this case, I would suggest buying a larger bottle of lens cleaner, so you have endless refills of the spray bottle!

This cleaning kit does have a small case to fit the cleaning cloths, but not anything else. This does increase the chances of creating a gear soup in your camera bag, but if you dedicate a pocket to these items, you’ll be fine.

Includes: lens puffer, cleaning pen, lens brush, empty reusable spray bottle, 50 lint-free paper wipes, and 6 microfiber cloths
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Lens Kit
Travel Case: No

Find Price On Amazon

3. Altura Photo Professional Lens Cleaning Kit

Although similar to the first kit on the list, this Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit is meant for lens and filter care only. This camera cleaning kit focuses on the essential items for camera glass cleaning rather than having sensor swabs.

This kit includes a cleaning pen, lens puffer, cleaning brush, 50 lint-free paper wipes, an empty reusable spray bottle, and 3 microfiber cleaning cloths. Coming in at just over ten dollars, it’s hard to find these items at a lower price. The best part about this Altura cleaning kit is that it comes with a handy travel bag to keep everything consolidated.

For some added peace of mind, this cleaning kit comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with it. Altogether, you can’t go wrong with this lens cleaning kit.

Includes: cleaning pen, lens puffer, cleaning brush, 50 lint-free paper wipes, an empty reusable spray bottle, and 3 microfiber cleaning cloths
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Lens Kit
Travel Case: Yes

Find Price On Amazon

4. SANHOOII Camera Lens Cleaning Kit With APS-C Sensor Swabs

The Sanhhooii Camera Cleaning Kit With Sensor Swabs is another great all in one option for those looking for a lens and sensor cleaning combo kit. This kit comes with everything you need to keep your lens and filters totally clean while keeping your sensor looking new. Unfortunately, this cleaning kit only comes with APS-C (crop sensor) sensor swabs, so they won’t work for full-frame shooters.

However, if you’re shooting on a crop sensor, you have a whole lot of great items to gain out of this kit. It comes with a cleaning pen, lens brush, air blower, 20ml of cleaning solution, 5 depuration sponge swabs, 5 aps-c sensor swabs, a microfiber cloth, 25 lint-free lens wipes, and a carrying case. The entire cleaning kit really covers everything you need and provides lens cleaner in the package. No having to find your own lens cleaner to fill an empty reusable bottle with like in other kits.

Although it doesn’t have as many sensor swabs or lint-free wipes, this cleaning kit offers everything you need. Whether you need to clean on the road or have the time for an in-depth scrub down, the Sanhooii cleaning kit has you covered!

Includes: cleaning pen, lens brush, air blower, 20ml of cleaning solution, 5 depuration sponge swabs, 5 aps-c sensor swabs, a microfiber cloth, 25 lint-free lens wipes, carrying case
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Both
Type Of Sensor Swabs: APS-C (crop sensor)
Travel Case: Yes

Find Price On Amazon

5. VSGO DKL-6 Camera Cleaning Kit Essential Package

For a more dialed down travel package covering all your bases, the VSGO DKL-6 Cleaning Kit is a worthy option. Rather than giving you piles of different items, this kit keeps it more streamlined. For those who are traveling or tend to work out of their backpacks, this offers the perfect all in one solution.

The kit comes with a lens pen, cleaning cloth, air blower, anti-static brush, 2 APS-C sensor swabs, 8 cotton swabs, 2 wet lens wipes, 50 lint-free lens wipes, and a travel bag. Considering how much is in this kit, it really packs down to a small and easy to carry size. Since the sensor swabs are for crop sensors only, the full-frame family is once again left out. However, this kit only has two cleaning swabs, so it’s still worth considering even as a full-frame shooter. I wouldn’t let the two sensor swabs stop you from taking advantage of the other goodies in this camera cleaning kit!

Includes: lens pen, cleaning cloth, air blower, anti-static brush, 2 APS-C sensor swabs, 8 cotton swabs, 2 wet lens wipes, 50 lint-free lens wipes, and a travel bag
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Both
Type Of Sensor Swabs: APS-C (crop sensor)
Travel Case: Yes

Find Price On Amazon

6. VSGO DKL-15 Camera Lens Cleaning Kit

Acting as the slightly bigger sibling to the previous cleaning kit, the VSGO DKL-15 Camera Lens Cleaning Kit offers a little more in terms of physical product. Particularly, if you’re looking for a little more supplies, this is a great option to choose in a more robust case.

This cleaning kit comes with 30ml of lens cleaner, a cleaning pen, mini air blower, 5 microfiber cleaning cloths, 1 suede cloth, and 10 wet lens wipes. The great thing about this kit is how many different wiping options you have. No matter how tough your glass is to clean, you have a ton of worthwhile methods to help you. Additionally, the air blower in this kit comes in a smaller size, making it easier to pack. Regular lens puffers can take up a lot of room in your bag and make you want to leave it at home. Since this one is more compact, you’ll feel more motivated to bring it around.

One of my favorite aspects of this lens cleaning kit is the case. It’s far more robust than other cases on the list, and it could easily get tossed around or see some bad conditions without worry. As a snazzy extra addition, you can pick from four different colors of travel cases!

Includes: 30ml of lens cleaner, a cleaning pen, mini air blower, 5 microfiber cleaning cloths, 1 suede cloth, and 10 wet lens wipes
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Lens Kit
Travel Case: Yes

Find Price On Amazon

7. VSGO DSLR or SLR Camera Full-Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit

To my full-frame shooters, your time has officially come. The VSGO Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit is a trustworthy solution to clean your sensor with. This camera cleaning kit is dedicated to full-frame sensors only. That means you don’t get any lens cleaning supplies along with it. In that sense, this is more of a specialty kit.

The kit comes with 12 full-frame sensor swabs and 15ml of cleaner, which should last you a pretty long time. Assuming you only clean your sensor a few times a year, 12 swabs should last you at least two years! On the flip side, the cleaner can be used not only for your sensor but also for your lenses and filters. So even if you aren’t using all the swabs constantly, you’re getting some added value with the cleaner.

For those just looking to clean the sensor of a full-frame camera, here is your best option!

Includes: 12 full-frame sensor swabs and 15ml of cleaner
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Sensor Kit
Type Of Sensor Swabs: Full-Frame
Travel Case: No

Find Price On Amazon

8. SANHOOII 20 Pack DSLR or SLR Full-Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit

If you want to get a ton of sensor cleaning swabs in a single pack, the Sanhooii 20-Pack Full-Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit might bring a tear to your eye. It comes with 20 vacuum sealed sensor swabs perfect for cleaning any full-frame camera. With this sensor cleaning kit, you’ll be set up for years to come without a worry.

The only downside to this pack is that it doesn’t come with a cleaning solution. You’re left on your own with that one. However, if you need a refill on sensor swabs and already have the cleaning solution, this is a fantastic option to go with!

Includes: 20 full-frame sensor swabs
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Sensor Kit
Type Of Sensor Swabs: Full-Frame
Travel Case: No

Find Price On Amazon

9. CamKix Lens and Screen Cleaning Kit

Now I know you might not want all the extra bits to a cleaning kit. What happened to keeping it simple, am I right? Well, luckily, the Camkix Lens and Screen Cleaning Kit does just that. This lens cleaning kit comes in a more barebones style but has a healthy amount of cleaning solution that will last you ages.

This kit comes with 3 microfiber cloths and 3 bottles of lens cleaner, making it perfect for endless wiping. Unfortunately, this kit doesn’t come with a lens puffer, so that might be a deal-breaker for you. However, if you already have a lens puffer and cleaning pen, stocking up on some extra cleaning solution and microfiber cloths is never a bad idea. As a photographer, you’ll always find a way to use them!

If you’re looking for an extremely minimalist cleaning kit, the Camkix Lens Cleaning Kit is worth looking into.

Includes: 3x 30ml lens cleaner bottles, 3 microfiber cloths
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Lens Kit
Travel Case: No

Find Price On Amazon

10. JJC 3in1 Lens Cleaning Kit

Keeping it extremely to the point, JJC offers an effective and portable 3in1 Lens Cleaning Kit for those who couldn’t be fussed with extra cleaning accessories. Although it doesn’t have cleaning spray, the double-sided cleaning pen has an exceptional cleaning tip to eliminate tough smudges. Pair that with a microfiber cloth, and there’s nothing that can stop you from getting a clean lens.

The reason I like this cleaning kit is that it’s effective and to the point. It comes with a lens puffer, a cleaning pen, and a microfiber cloth. You aren’t left with piles of stuff that you leave sitting at home. All the supplies in this kit are always useful and deserve a home in your camera bag. With that said, if you’re going to buy a cleaning kit, it can be nice to get all the bells and whistles. It’s up to you to decide whether you really need all the extra wipes and travel cases to go along with your cleaning accessories.

Includes: lens puffer, cleaning pen, microfiber cloth
Lens Kit Or Sensor Kit: Lens Kit
Travel Case: No

Find Price On Amazon

Conclusion

So that’s a round up of the best camera cleaning kits for photographers to keep your lenses and sensors looking brand new. Like anything with camera care, it’s about building a routine and figuring out ways to always keep your gear clean. Rather than doing one heavy camera clean every few months, stay on top of it, and clean your gear at the end of every shoot. That way, you’re never left with a pesky smudge mark stuck on your lens for weeks at a time. If you’re new to lens cleaning, be sure to check out how to clean a camera lens the proper way or see how to clean a camera lens with household items!

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– Brendan 🙂

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1 thought on “Best Camera Cleaning Kits For Your Lens And Sensor”

lisamery

September 28, 2020 at 9:55 pm

Thanks, chose a spot right before shooting and quickly took the spot out! Now the mirror is safe to clean and nearly everything has followed your thorough tip perfectly, thank you for the fantastic post!