how bad is the ef-s 18-55 mkI

[JamieC]

Just compared my EF-S 18-55 mk I with a friends mkII and I noticed that I get crazy rainbows around lights. Is this normal for the mk I or do I just have a bad one (not that any are good)?

Here's an example:

http://www.h4x.co.uk/gallery/albums/gumball06/IMG_9120.sized.jpg

Either way, this kit lens in going in the bin asap.

[purelithium]

I had one, and it's absolute crap compared to any other lens, and I would suggest you replace it with a Sigma 17-70 or one of the Tamron's... You will be so much happier with your photos.

[T Kubik]

I didn't even know there was a mk II, and I never saw any results like that from my kit lens. I would send it in for recal, or just ditch it and get a Sigma 17-70 :)

[pourmeaguinness]

haha, rainbows

[Andy_T]

Jamie,

it should not look like that.

I remember similar threads some time ago ... it looks as if something was not correct with the coating on your lens.

Some questions

- are you using any kind of filter
- is the lens clean (e.g. grease smears or something on top)
- did you clean it using any kind of solvents, window cleaner, etc.?

If all these are not applicable, then you might better return your lens to where you bought it from (if there is still some warranty on it)

Best regards,
Andy

[steved110]

Andy's right, the kit lens should not produce artefact like those rainbow haloes.

But please don't fall into the trap of assuming the kit lens can't take great pictures. Used correctly it works just fine - don't confuse build quality with image quality. there is a great thread running - Post your best kit lens shots- that you should look at - youu'll see stuff way superior to the stuff that gets posted in most of the 'Look at my new L lens' threads.

[kitacanon]

Just went out and shot some street and garage lights and no rainbows...nice effect but not intended, sorry...

[Lani Kai]

My very first kit lens did that. I took it to Canon and they gave me a new one.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I don't know about anyone else but I think thats hella awesome! (My kit lens has a bubble in the front element)

[JamieC]

Jamie,

it should not look like that.

I remember similar threads some time ago ... it looks as if something was not correct with the coating on your lens.

Some questions

- are you using any kind of filter
- is the lens clean (e.g. grease smears or something on top)
- did you clean it using any kind of solvents, window cleaner, etc.?

If all these are not applicable, then you might better return your lens to where you bought it from (if there is still some warranty on it)

Best regards,
Andy

Andy,

I do use a Hoya CPL on some of my shots and I did some tests and it was the same with and without it on.

It looks clean to me, I'm waiting for a lens pen to come through the post so I can give it a good clean just to see if I have any grease on there.

Nothing other than air and a velvety lens cloth have ever touched the front element.



I've had this lens for over 2 years now, it's probably a bit late for Canon to just give me a replacement?

[Andy_T]

I've had this lens for over 2 years now, it's probably a bit late for Canon to just give me a replacement?

I'd say so, but you could still try ... if it was a faulty series, then they might exchange it.

Best regards,
Andy

[KaplanMultimedia]

Try taken similar shots with and without your Hoya filter and compare them.
I suspect it actually could be your filter causing these rainbow effects.

[Andy_T]

I do use a Hoya CPL on some of my shots and I did some tests and it was the same with and without it on.


He already mentioned that it's the same with and without.

Best regards,
Andy