Help fix this horrible thing!!

[AshNZ]

I was out shooting today, and I noticed horrible stray light around light sources.. hard to put it in words so I've attached couple of pictures to show you what I mean. From what I know, this has happened first time. I'm shooting with both were shot at around f5 and at 20mm with shutter speed of 1 sec. I tried using f11 but still no difference. What is this thing and how to get rid of it?

[AshNZ]

Don't know if it matters but I took the shots in "night" mode.

[BigVinnie]

Almost looks like you have a cheap filter on the front of your lens.

That type of flare is usually seen in older uncoated lenses.

[AshNZ]

Originally Posted by BigVinnie

Almost looks like you have a cheap filter on the front of your lens.

That type of flare is usually seen in older uncoated lenses.

So it's just lens flare?

It's a 18-55mm Sony lens that I got with my camera... very surprised at the flare - the lens is usually sharp, hope it's not damaged or anything. Will test it extensively tomorrow.

[OsmosisStudios]

Its likely not damaged: many lenses are great in normal light, but are absolutely terrible for night shooting. WHenever you have a direct point light in your scene, you're likely to get flare. This particular lens seems like it's prone to it.

[AshNZ]

Thanks, I didn't think it was lens flare. Lens seems to be OK in day time. It's amazing that I never found about this out in past 2 years.