Lens Flare no filter

[vsquared]

I just bought a used Canon 50mm 1.8 from Tuttle cameras in long beach. I have been getting real bad lens flares at night. I have know idea why, could it be the lens?

 

[ClintBalsam]

If you're pointing the lens directly at a light source like a street lamp, you'll get flare. Otherwise a lens hood will help protect you.

 

[Dao]

Is there a filter on the lens? If yes, that may make it worst.

 

[HughGuessWho99 14]

Is there a filter on the lens? If yes, that may make it worst.

Agreed, especially those useless "UV Filters"

BUT, the OP's title is "Lens Flare no filter"

 

[Dao]

Is there a filter on the lens? If yes, that may make it worst.

Agreed, especially those useless "UV Filters"

BUT, the OP's title is "Lens Flare no filter"

Oh .. <bang my head on the wall> LOL I miss that.

 

[KmH]

Yep. Any bright light source in or near the image frame will cause lens flare. Lens hoods help with bright light sources near the image frame, but a hood doesn't help as much once a bright light source is in the image frame.

Lens flare is caused at air gaps between lens elements. Filters conribute to lens flare because they add an additional air gap to the lens.

Lens makers often apply coatings to lens elements to help minimize lens flare but they don't do that as much with the inexpensive consumer grade lenses they produce so they can keep the cost of the lens low.

Canon's 50 mm f/1.8 is about as inexpensive as camera maker lenses get, and it's optical performance is comensurate with it's price.