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View Full Version : What happened here?

lyssa615
24th of May 2007 (Thu), 20:47
This is my first time using my 18-55mm kit lens for outdoor photography and I am disappointed because the sun came out with rainbow circles around it, as you can see. Is this something I did wrong or the lens/camera? How can I avoid this in the future?
The data for the 1st one is: TV 1/800, AV 4.5, ISO 100
The data for the 2nd one is TV 1/500, AV 3.5, ISO 100

Thanks for your help!
inthedeck
24th of May 2007 (Thu), 21:05
This is a phenomenon called Lens Flare. You can do more research on this board, for the term, and will come up with lots of info.

Basically, it happens because the kit lens isn't all that great, when it comes to optics, and coating, to protect from lens flare -- especially when looking straight at the sun.

The lens in and of it's own isn't bad...some people have some wonderful images with it...I guess you just have to know it's limits...and this is one of them.

Nice attempts, though...at least you are out there, taking pictures...and not moaning about other crap. Good luck.
VegasGeorge
24th of May 2007 (Thu), 23:16
Heck, lots of pricey add ons for Photoshop have filters to intentionally add lens flare to your images. Consider yourself lucky!
Titus213
24th of May 2007 (Thu), 23:52
Yup, flare. A lens hood would help this but not shooting into the sun would too.
Anke
25th of May 2007 (Fri), 01:34
This is exactly the reason why I ditched my kit lens all those years ago. I took a photo of the London skyline at night and it was full of these rainbows.
Time to upgrade one thinks.
Titus213
25th of May 2007 (Fri), 12:31
I would not suggest you ditch your kit lens based on two images directly into the sun showing some lens flare. Unrealistic expectations IMO. Rather use it as a learning experience - get to know the limitations and capabilities of your equipment. And less anyone thinks the kit lens isn't capable check out this link:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522
zacker
25th of May 2007 (Fri), 12:43
do not shoot into the sun!!

A lens hood probably wouldnt have helped here as you were shooting directly into the sun. Maybe MAYBE a cpl with a good ND filter might have prevented this but i do have my doubts there too... the best way to avoid this is NOT shooting into the sun.