Lens Flare Problems

Just got a T3 with EF-S 18-55 IS II lens. When shooting sunset shots I seem to be getting quite a lot of lens flare (see below)...

IMAGE LINK: http://s45.photobucket​.com …0381_zpsa2bf17e​3.jpg.html

fish dog wrote in post #16629808
...any suggestions to minimize this. Thanks in advance.

Don't shoot straight at the sun. I know that sounds flippant, but flare is caused by bright light sources in the scene. If you point it at the sun, some of that light is going to reflect back from internal glass surfaces and cause flare pretty much every time.

If you have a filter on, take it off. Filters are more prone to cause flare in such circumstances than using bare lenses.

Like said above. Also better glass can help a little in controlling it and producing a more appealing flare

sandpiper wrote in post #16629832
Don't shoot straight at the sun. I know that sounds flippant, but flare is caused by bright light sources in the scene. If you point it at the sun, some of that light is going to reflect back from internal glass surfaces and cause flare pretty much every time.

If you have a filter on, take it off. Filters are more prone to cause flare in such circumstances than using bare lenses.

Especially this. Shooting directly into the bright sun is difficult, even harder with bargain glass, exponentially harder with a filter.

I do have a clear (I believe they're called skylight) "filter" on it just to protect the lens. Ok, that's coming off and we'll see how that works. Thanks for the info.

fish dog wrote in post #16634698
I do have a clear (I believe they're called skylight) "filter" on it just to protect the lens. Ok, that's coming off and we'll see how that works. Thanks for the info.

Definitely a first step in resolving things! Not that it will totally get rid of sun "flare" but it can definitely show an improvement, not just with sun flare but also with unwanted "flare" from lights at night!

fish dog wrote in post #16634698
I do have a clear (I believe they're called skylight) "filter" on it just to protect the lens. Ok, that's coming off and we'll see how that works. Thanks for the info.

Remove the filter from the lens.

Obtain the proper lens hood for your lens and use it all the time.

These steps should improve your images and protect your lens better.

You can then reassign the filter to permanent duty as a drink coaster.

SkipD,

I do have a lens hood. One problem I've noticed with it is that when the lens is at the widest angle (18) that I get a little of the lens hood in the corners of the photo.

fish dog wrote in post #16639911
SkipD,

I do have a lens hood. One problem I've noticed with it is that when the lens is at the widest angle (18) that I get a little of the lens hood in the corners of the photo.

Do you have the correct lens hood? It shouldn't vignette.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16639934
Do you have the correct lens hood? It shouldn't vignette.

Its a "generic" hood. Guess I'll have to break down and buy a canon hood.

fish dog wrote in post #16640003
Its a "generic" hood. Guess I'll have to break down and buy a canon hood.

That, or there are third-party hoods that are designed to fit specific cameras. They have a pretty good reputation and are significantly less expensive.

Definitely don't use a "generic" hood, though!