How to clean a golf rangefinder lens and body

What you need

You do not need special kit. Most rangefinders come with a cloth, and a basic lens cleaning kit from an optician or camera shop covers the rest.

• A blower bulb or a soft lens brush.
• A clean microfibre lens cloth, kept in a bag.
• Lens cleaning fluid made for coated optics.
• A slightly damp soft cloth for the body.
• Cotton buds for the edges of the eyepiece.

Cleaning the lenses step by step

There are two pieces of glass to clean: the small eyepiece you look through and the larger objective lens at the front. Both have coatings that help with clarity and in some cases water shedding. The aim is to remove grit before you wipe, so you are not dragging it across the glass.

1. 1

   Switch the rangefinder off.

2. 2

   Use the blower or brush to remove loose dust and grit from both lenses.

3. 3

   Breathe lightly on the glass or apply a drop of lens fluid to the cloth, never directly onto the lens.

4. 4

   Wipe gently in small circles from the centre outwards.

5. 5

   Use a clean part of the cloth to remove any streaks.

6. 6

   Check the view through the eyepiece against a bright sky.

Note:Do not use glass cleaner, alcohol wipes, kitchen roll or clothing on the lenses. They can damage coatings or leave fibres and scratches.

The body, eyecup and battery area

Wipe the body with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water. Sun cream and sweat can build up on rubber armour and the eyecup; a little mild soapy water on the cloth removes them, followed by a clean damp wipe. Do not soak the device or hold it under a tap unless the maker says it is waterproof to that level.

Open the battery cover only when the device is dry. Check the seal for grit and wipe it clean, and look for any white or green deposits on the contacts, which suggest moisture or a leaking battery. Our Bushnell rangefinder battery guide covers battery types and care.

After a wet round

Many golf lasers are described as water resistant or rainproof, which protects against rain but not immersion. After a wet round, wipe the outside, take the device out of its case and let both dry at room temperature. Do not put it on a radiator or in direct heat, which can stress seals and electronics.

If the inside of the lens fogs up and does not clear after a day in a warm, dry room, moisture may have got in. Stop using it and contact the maker; opening the unit yourself will usually void the warranty.

Storage and daily habits

Most cleaning can be avoided by small habits. Keep the laser in its case or a dedicated pocket, not loose with tees and pencils. Fit the lens caps or cover if it came with them. If you use a magnetic mount on a buggy or trolley, cover the lens between shots in rain. Our rangefinder features explained covers magnetic mounts and cases.

Avoid leaving the device in a hot car. High temperatures can affect batteries and adhesives. In winter, let a cold laser warm up slowly in its case before using it indoors, to reduce condensation.

See golf rangefinders compared →

When cleaning does not help

If the view is still hazy after careful cleaning, the coating may be scratched or there may be moisture inside. If readings are slow or fail even with clean lenses, the issue is more likely the battery, settings or target. How to hold a rangefinder steady and Bushnell rangefinder not working cover those.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use glasses cleaning wipes on a rangefinder? Pre-moistened lens wipes made for coated glasses are usually fine, but check the manual. Avoid alcohol based household wipes.

Is my rangefinder waterproof? Check the listing and manual for a water resistance rating. Most golf lasers resist rain but should not be submerged.

How often should I clean the lenses? Brush off grit whenever you see it and do a proper clean when the view looks smeared, often every few rounds.