cleaning mud off a lens

[chris954]

a few weeks ago I shot an off road event and managed to get mud on the black coating of my Sigma lens's matt black finish. I've tried to clean it off with a stiff dry brush then damp tissue but no success. I know there are products in the car cleaning world (back to black etc) but are these safe to use on a len, carefully of course.

 

[kendo1]

I'd use the usual cleaning methods first.

Lens cleaning fluid and cotton bud or lens cleaning tissue to remove what it can.
Isopropyl with a cotton bud (or vodka!)

I've found that wet wipes from Howdens remove pretty much anything without damaging a surface.

 

[realspeed]

i find a toothbrush is good for removing stubborn unwanted dirt in awkward places. it can easily be dipped in a cleaning solution without getting the fluid where it is not wanted.May work on your lens barrel

 

[Fuzzdog]

My old Sigma 100-300 F4 usually solved this automatically by shedding the paint entirely, taking the marks with it. I'm sure that was an intentional feature!