Hey, just got back from bike race (had to use f/4 1/30 because of rain and clouds) and because of the rain my 70-300mm now has loads of random spots on the front element... is it ok too wipe it clean with a cloth i have or get it done with proper stuff?

Thanks
Nicholas-c

didn't get a lens hood with that 70-300mm?

Anyways, get a lens cleaning kit, apply a bit of the cleaner and wipe with a light paper cloth till it's nice and clean. Occasionally the paper cloth will leave a few particles on the lens. These I blow off with the brush/blower

yea, i was using the hood, but the rain was pretty harsh

crappy. This is why I keep an umbrella in my pack. Easy to use as long as I use a tripod. Would probably have to rig something up if using a monopod though

here, should pick up one of these: http://www.popabrella.com/probrella.htm