Lens flare

[Postman158]

How would I avoid the spots (lens flare, right?) in a night picture like this? Or is it even possible. I believe I was at a 35 or so second exposure.

Thanks!

 

[andrewleephoto]

Just try to avoid shooting into a light source (such as the street lights and traffic lights). Also, it helps to take off your filter (if you have one) because the filter causes an air pocket which is where extra flares can happen.

 

[bassiusmaximous]

I was looking at the pic thinking hey i know where that is haha im from modesto sadly

 

[KmH]

Those are called 'diffraction spikes', not lens flare, and are caused from using a small lens aperture like the f/22 you used for that shot.

The spikes are caused by the lens aperture blades.

While a filter and the extra air gap it adds may help promote actual lens flare, it has little if any effect on diffraction spikes.

 

[Postman158]

Thanks guys. Kmh, does that mean I should shoot at maybe f11 or so? And possibly remove my uv filter?

 

[analog.universe]

This shot is showing flare in addition to the diffraction spikes. The spikes are the lines attached to the light sources, and the flare are the spots hovering on their own. Removing any filters will certainly reduce the probability of flare, but lens design is a factor as well so you may not be able to get rid of all of it. The tighter your aperture (higher f number), the longer the diffraction spikes will be. Against a black background though, they will likely be visible until you approach wide open.

 

[KmH]

Thanks guys. Kmh, does that mean I should shoot at maybe f11 or so? And possibly remove my uv filter?

Yes, but you'll still get diffraction spikes at f/11 if you have bright light sources in the frame.

You'll also likely get lens flare to whenever you have bright light sources in the frame, UV filter or no UV filter.

UV filters cause more issues than they solve. Since nearly all DSLR image sensors have a UV file=ter in front of them, the only reason to have one on your lens is for 'protection'.

For most photographers, there really is nothing to 'protect' the lens from. Even for those other few lens 'protection' isn't usually needed all the time.

 

[Postman158]

Yes, but you'll still get diffraction spikes at f/11 if you have bright light sources in the frame.

You'll also likely get lens flare to whenever you have bright light sources in the frame, UV filter or no UV filter.

UV filters cause more issues than they solve. Since nearly all DSLR image sensors have a UV file=ter in front of them, the only reason to have one on your lens is for 'protection'.

For most photographers, there really is nothing to 'protect' the lens from. Even for those other few lens 'protection' isn't usually needed all the time.

I see. Yeah, the only reason i have the uv filter on is for protection, honestly lol. Thanks again Kmh for the great information.