Clean rear element of the lens

[mw]

Had I done any damage to the rear glass element by cleaning it with microfiber cloth and lens cleaner? It was on a 24-70mm II and I was trying to clean out a small streak on the rear glass.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Is there some reason that you suspect its damaged?


I often clean a dusty rear element of used lenses I have bought with no issues, but always keep the caps on when not on a camera.

Unless you grind the dirt in, or swab on the solution so that it runs inside the lens, there should be no issues. I always try blowing dust off first, but that often is not enough, so a dampened cleaning cloth is needed.

 

[mw]

Just thought of the pictures since the cleaning are not as sharp. It could very well be my overreacting imagination.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

You will see dirt or scratches in focus in the image if there are some on the rear lens, unless its a general fog. If fluid leaked inside the lens, anything could happen, but likely not.

Dirt or scratches on the front are normally not visible, but on the rear, they show up easily.

Use a flashlight to look at it, and also shine the light from the front while looking in the rear, and vice versa to see how much crud is in the lens. There will be some, so don't panic.

 

[mw]

Thank you for putting my mind at ease. Checked as you said, everything seems to be okay. Just hate to have anything bad happen to it, since this is one of my favorite lens.