For wiping away dust and occasional smudges and fingerprints on a digital camera lens and viewfinder, many photographers use a pen-like cleaning system. Lens cleaning pens are effective, easy-to-use and fit conveniently into most camera bags.

Lens pens typically have a retractable brush on one end to brush away dust and particles of dirt. Removing the cap from the other end of the lens pen reveals a circular pad. The pad, made of natural chamois, is embedded with a non-liquid compound that very effectively removes smudges and smears.

The pens also reduce statics build-up.

A lens cleaning pen should not be used if the surface of a lens is wet. Moisture should be thoroughly removed with lens tissue prior to using the pen.

Some lens pens may not be suitable to clean heavy levels of dirt. For those jobs, use a liquid lens cleaner and lens cleaning tissue or microfiber cloth. However, for most lens cleaning jobs, or when out in the field, a lens cleaning pen is ideal.

Lens pens can also be used on other equipment such as filters, eyeglasses, telescopes, binoculars or other items with a small area of glass.