Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 724 Brite Sensor Brush

by VisibleDust

Product Details

• Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• ASIN: B001BZOUSQ
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #29 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Cleaners > Brushes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

The Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly® 724 (Brite) features a bright LED that illuminates the sensor while in operation. This illumination reduces the possibility of fibers being dragged accidentally against the surrounding cavity hence reducing the potential cause of smear usually caused by contaminated fibers. The bright LED of Arctic Butterfly® 724 (Brite) makes dust locating an easier task for the sensor cleaning operator. The DC rotary engine has been modified to meet a certain RPM standard. It generates an optimal centrifugal force that enables speedy dust rejection while increasing the charge enhancement of the fibers. These combined patented features also include SCF (Super Charged Fibers). By implementing nano-coating technology for charge enhancements and by using super thin fibers for maximum lift capability along the AB-724's rotary motion for cleaning/charging (without the use of canned air) makes the Arctic Butterfly® 724 (Brite) a superb sensor cleaning tool. Because of its safety features all models of Arctic Butterfly® can be safely used on ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) coated sensor and DLSR's with built in sensor cleaning systems.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Much better than the separate "spinning device.", September 23, 2008

By 

Gus Smedstad (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This is my second Visible Dust sensor brush. Unlike the version with separate brushes, the Arctic Butterfly is well made, and spins perfectly every time, building up a nice charge. While sometimes it takes more than one pass to clean my sensor, and now and then I end up with new dust, at most it takes 3-4 passes before the sensor is absolutely dust free.

The plastic cover the for the brush is really welcome as well. The other kit I purchased from Visible Dust had flimsy plastic bags for the brushes which quickly fell apart. Since keeping the brush very, very clean is vital, it's nice to have simple, sturdy protection for the brush.

The only reason this isn't 5 stars is the LED. It's far too dim to use to actually inspect the sensor. It's much dimmer than the $1 keychain LED flashlight I bought elsewhere on the web. It's a nice idea, but Visible Dust really should have used a brighter LED. If you're considering one of these, you might as well buy the Arctic Butterfly 724 without the light.

- Gus

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saved me when I was far away from home...., October 21, 2009

By 

Z-MAN (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 724 Brite Sensor Brush (Electronics)

Raise your hand if you've ever found particles on your camera's sensor....

The first time this happened to me I panicked as I had an important shoot a couple of weeks away. I knew I could easily take my camera in for a professional cleaning but I became concerned over one aspect. What if this happens when I'm in a position where I can't take my camera to a repair shop?

I spoke with someone I know who is a lifetime photographer about my situation. She told me about her time at a National Geographic photography course she took and said they recommended the Arctic Buttery 724. She also mentioned that it was a requirement for all National Geographic photographers to have one in their kits when out in the field.

Knowing the conditions National Geographic photographers go through, I figured they're must be something to this device. I ordered one and tried it out on my Canon 5D Mark II....and it worked! I also followed the rest of the advice I was given and ordered a wet sensor cleaning kit too.

In fact I've only had one time when I had to take the extra step and use the wet sensor cleaning kit when I was out in the field.

I've read some negative reviews about the Arctic Butterfly and wondered if possibly they didn't follow the instructions properly. When I use it I take these steps:

1) Activate the spinning arm for a good 4-5 seconds then turn it off. This removes any possible debris on the brush.

2) Repeat the first step 3-4 times. This gives the bristles a good static charge.

3) Start at one end of the sensor and wipe only once in one direction.

4) Take a few test pictures of a blue sky at different focal lengths to see if the sensor is clean.

5) If particles are still present, repeat steps 1-3 and wipe the sensor from a different side each time. Then use step 4.

The few times I've needed to use this device I had to use all 5 steps but it did eventually work. As mentioned I only had one instance when I needed to use the wet sensor cleaning kit.

I would also buy the Arctic Butterfly 724 with the LED light. While you won't be able to see the particles, it is useful in positioning the brush and making sure the bristles are covering the entire sensor when wiping.

I must admit I initially complained about the price. $100+ for such a simple device bothered me. That is until I was out far away from a camera shop and not about to pack up & leave. Since that time I've found the Arctic Butterfly to be worth every penny I spent on it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product, July 1, 2009

By 

bob fox (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly 724 Brite Sensor Brush (Electronics)

I used this brush today to clean off three spots from the sensor of my Canon 40D. I carefully followed the directions, with the brush only on the sensor to avoid getting grease onto the brush. After spinning the brush, the first pass made no change. After spinning the brush, the second pass moved the three spots toward the center of the sensor. After spinning the brush, the third pass left one spot. After spinning the brush, the fourth pass left the sensor clean. I provided you this level of detail so you wouldn't get discouraged after the first pass if you didn't see an improvement.

Using this brush is so much better than taking or sending the camera to a place for cleaning. This particular kit is a nice size for traveling.

I highly recommend this brush kit. I am very pleased with it.