Why am I getting the Rainbow effect?

[symes]

I am trying to photograph the petro chemical plant here. It is really quite a sight at night with all the lights on. Anyway I was shooting last night with my 50mm f/1.8 @ 15seconds, AV 22, obviously on a tripod.

I have some images from further away that came out quite nicely but all too many of the closeups are smeared with this neon blue rainbow effect. I am guessing that it is the exposure time but if I get below 6 seconds I have a much darker photo than I would like...

I have posted a copy of both the regular picture and a 100% crop...is it the lens? Is there another method...please lend your thoughts opinions and help me solve this dilemna...

Thanks so much...

[tim]

That looks like lens flare to me, and I don't think there's a solution with that lens. I'd try a different, higher quality lens, as the coatings and materials might reduce glare better.

[symes]

That looks like lens flare to me, and I don't think there's a solution with that lens. I'd try a different, higher quality lens, as the coatings and materials might reduce glare better.

Well fortunately my 70-200 F2.8L IS is on the way...I guess this should do the trick?

I wish it was something other than the lens...

[Jesper]

Do you have a filter (maybe an UV filter) on the lens? Try removing it, that might improve things.

[symes]

Do you have a filter (maybe an UV filter) on the lens? Try removing it, that might improve things.

Nope, no UV filter on the lens at all...I figure with the nifty fifty there is no real point in putting one one...

Thanks for your help too though...

[symes]

OKay, a friend of mine seem to get a few shots that were far less inundated, and even one without any neon blue, with the kit lens? Any other ideas?

[Andy_T]

Why do you use f/22 and 15 seconds?

That equates to f/8 and 3 seconds. Do you also get that strange effects at that setting?

Best regards,
Andy

[intechpcx]

Honestly, I don't think the quality of the lens has much to do with it at all. I'd be willing to bet those blue spots are the result of a dusty or spotty lens. In night photography like this, dust and other spots that would otherwise not show up (in daylight pictures) will have a much more profound affect. Notice how the spots don't necessarily correlate to a particular light source, I don't think flare is the issue. I've done some night shots with my 50 looking at bright lights such as these and I don't have spots like you're seeing here.

[symes]

Honestly, I don't think the quality of the lens has much to do with it at all. I'd be willing to bet those blue spots are the result of a dusty or spotty lens. In night photography like this, dust and other spots that would otherwise not show up (in daylight pictures) will have a much more profound affect. Notice how the spots don't necessarily correlate to a particular light source, I don't think flare is the issue. I've done some night shots with my 50 looking at bright lights such as these and I don't have spots like you're seeing here.

I had begun to think of that...now to find a good tutorial on how to clean my lenses...anyone have any links...I know I haven't begun my search yet and I will likely find one quick enough...

[intechpcx]

I'm sorry I don't have a direct link but use the advanced search to search the forums here. There are a number of good threads covering the topic in detail.

In general terms, go get a cleaning kit from your local Photo store. Shouldn't cost much but should come with a blower brush, cleaning solution, lens papers and a microfiber cloth. The process is simple, use the blower brush first to get all the particles (dust, dirt, whatever) off the lens first. Once you're sure it is all off, then put a drop or two (no more) on either the lens paper or the cloth (NOT ON THE LENS ITSELF). You can use either, everyone has their own preference. Whichever you choose, use the area you just put the solution on to gently wipe the lens in a circular motion. I usually start from the middle and work my way out. This process can be performed on both the front and rear elements of the lens.