Minimizing Nighttime Lens Flare

[squeemu]

Last night I went out and took some more night shots, and while the graininess seems to be getting a bit better (thanks guys!) I noticed that quite a few of my shots had unwanted lens flare in them. I'll post the worst offender here. Ignoring the minor flare to the side of the picture, the most annoying flares are the red and blue ones in the center of the picture, well above the lamps and the word "Walt". What can be done to minimize these? Is it because there were lamps right in the center of the photo, or is it from some other source or setting? I had a lens hood on, but I understand that won't help with lights in front of the lens. Is the only way to fix this photo to take it from a different angle, or are there other techniques to use? Thanks!


Disney Concert Hall by squeemu, on Flickr

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by squeemu

the most annoying flares are the red and blue ones in the center of the picture, well above the lamps and the word "Walt". What can be done to minimize these? Is it because there were lamps right in the center of the photo

Yes, what you are seeing is digital double-reflection flare. When the shutter is open, some of the bright light from the lamps is reflecting off the front of the sensor, back out through the lens, then hitting a flat reflective surface and bouncing back through the lens to the sensor. This kind of flare has a very distinctive signature: the flare points are located 180 degrees from the light sources.

If you have any kind of filter on there, take it off. Filters are the #1 cause of this kind of flare. Uncoated filters are the worst, but even a good multi-coated filter can cause problems when the conditions are right: you've got the flare points landing right in a dark section of the image where they'll be noticed.

If you don't have a filter, blame your lens. The back side of the front element is flat on just about all non-pro lenses (and many pro lenses). The lens manufacturers generally understand about this double-reflection problem and take great care to coat that surface well. However, inexpensive lenses and lenses built for film cameras might not be well-coated. It looks like you're using the kit lens, so that could be causing the problem (if you're not using a filter).

Note: because the initial reflection is from the front of the sensor, you can't see this kind of flare through the viewfinder. If you're using live view, you should be able to see it there.

[squeemu]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

If you don't have a filter, blame your lens. The back side of the front element is flat on just about all non-pro lenses (and many pro lenses). The lens manufacturers generally understand about this double-reflection problem and take great care to coat that surface well. However, inexpensive lenses and lenses built for film cameras might not be well-coated. It looks like you're using the kit lens, so that could be causing the problem (if you're not using a filter).

Doug,
I had no filter on, so unfortunately it seems like my lens is to blame. Since I am using the kit lens, I have no doubt that it's probably the problem. Looks like I'll have to avoid shooting with such bright lights in the shot until I can afford a nicer lens. Thanks for the help!

I must say, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this site. So far it's been a wealth of information with very helpful users. Thanks again!

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

Yes, what you are seeing is digital double-reflection flare.

Cool. I learned something today!