What is going on here..

Okay... I don't really like this image, but there is some "ghosting"/"reflection​s" of the subjects that I don't really understand... can you please explain this to me? I've not edited this at all... (except the jpg conversion for posting)

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Do you have a UV filter on the front of the lens?

yes

RazorbackSam wrote in post #11450525
yes

That's probably the cause.

Yup, looks like a filter issue. Take it off and try again; cheap filters are more prone to ghosting/flare than the more expensive ones. If you feel you must have one on there, look into something like the upper end of the B&W/Hoya lines.

A major determining factor in image quality will be the worse piece of glass between the sensor and the subject. You've got some good glass in your signature. I'd use the hoods that came with them and lose the filters except for the absolute worst of conditions and then it would depend on what was flying around. If it was real hard I'd put a filter on. Actually I'd miss the shots because I don't have any filters. Any more.

Dude you captured some UFO's to the left of the church, cool. Get rid of that filter; unless of course your in a sand storm.

okay... agreed. when you go cheap on glass it can certainly affect IQ... but now the question is: Is there a UV filter that is worth putting on your good glass?? If so, who makes it?

Why are you trying to protect your lens/camera from ultraviolet rays?

I think its more to protect a $1500 lens from scratches.

Rather $50 filter than a new lens, right?

Dawie wrote in post #11456856
I think its more to protect a $1500 lens from scratches.

Rather $50 filter than a new lens, right?

So you reduce the quality of a $1500 lens to a $50 filter? And save that lens for the next user? Why not just buy a cheap lens and not worry about it?

When was the last time you scratched a lens? Keep a hood on it while shooting and it's not likely to happen.

^^^ +1 I always have a hood on and don't worry about it. If you really want to protect your gear insure it.

Dawie wrote in post #11456856
I think its more to protect a $1500 lens from scratches.

Rather $50 filter than a new lens, right?

A $50 filter is still a poor filter. But, more importantly than that, anything that hits that filter and can break it is going to hit the front element as well. The glass is cheap and thin, so there really isn't much protection. If you use the proper hood, I can't imagine anything scratching the front element. Now, if you are shooting in a sand storm....OK....definit​ely use a filter. But, on a normal day, there is no need for one if you use the hood and take care of the camera. I for one do not walk around with the lens cap off. If I'm not shooting I have the cap on, but that's me. Now, I met a photojournalist with over 35 years experience who is the exact opposite. He throws the lens caps away, uses a filter on every lens (even his 500 prime), keeps the hoods on at almost all times. I went with him to shoot the Elk in rut up at RMNP. He literally just laid his 1Ds Mark iii with a 500mm f/4 attached on the back seat on in the floor board as we drove around. His thoughts were that as long as the hood is on and there is a filter, it is fine. Now, this guy is a two time Pulitzer Prize winner.....so I'm not going to argue with him. For most of his life he was rush, rush, rush and be ready in a split second to shoot. It's a totally different animal than how and what I shoot. This is a guy that would be out there shooting forest fires, Denver Bronco games, etc. He was more likely to get in a situation where the front element could be at risk than most photogs.

I agree completely with Dave here.... Filters are only good for inducing something foreign into your shots, whether that be flare, color, etc...

The only other use is when shooting in sandstorm or at the beach near the ocean spray.

Otherwise, save your money and your aggravation - just use a hood.

Lenses are not something that get damaged by looking at them wrong. They are a tool, use them as a tool... unless like Dave said... you're trying to save the lens for it's next owners... who cares, let the lens work for you, not the other way around.

some really interesting opinions.. I've tried to not "baby" my lenses to the point that it gets in the way while I'm on a shoot... i've only been at this for going on a year now and I guess I still just look at the lenses as an investment in that I can always get my $$$ back out of them. However, I am starting to realize that I will probably never give them up, so I might as well make the most of them! Additionally, when I bought my 24-70L (used) it had a major dent in the filter ring.. I paid to have it repaired just so that I could put a filter on it (presumably for protection) so I should've learned the lesson that it can almost always be repaired should something go wrong... I'm going to reconsider my decision to use UV filters as protective devices.. thanks everyone!