Why is this photo like this?

[techiedude21]

I went on a test shoot with my XTi the other day and took a number of photos of a lighthouse. Using 17-55 stock lens, I experimented with different options such as:

lens hood - on vs. off
PL filter - on vs. off
Camera mode - P vs. Landscape
ISO -200 vs 400 vs 800
WB - AWB vs Sunset vs Cloudy

Mixed and matched all the variables without ever really discovering the "perfect combination" for my shot. I do own other better quality lenses (28-135, 70-300) but none wide angle so I stuck with the same lens on all shots. Perhaps my weakest link?

One thing consistent in many shots was an odd rainbow color in the middle (shown in pic). Obviously from shooting into the sun. Any idea how to prevent that sort of thing? Also any tips on the other variables would be great, thanks!

[michaelb]

Your seeing lens flare.

Its worse with some lenses than others, but if your shooting directly into the sun its difficult to avoid. You can usually see it in the viewfinder and when a hood won't block it out I sometimes shoot with one hand and use the other hand to block out the rays that are causing the flare, but sometimes it still doesn't work.

[njoy_az]

I would venture that it is indeed the sun's reflection in your lens (not that surprising as you are directly shooting into the sun). The easiest solution would be to change your location until there are no more reflections visible. You also might nicely illuminate the lighthouse that way. Another solution would be to wait a couple of minutes for the sun to settle further.

Edit: I also second michaelb's posting.

[Vich]

Have you tried stopping down (setting F-Stop to a higher number)? This can also help save your sensor from burn-out if shooting directly into the sun (don't hold me to it).

Hood-on is always a help for this; as you've seen, not fool-proof.

As I'm sure you've guessed, the 18-55 kit lens has more flare than average, although some of the best lenses have had serious flare issues.

I'm not sure if dirty vs. clean lens helps, but that's a possible contributor too.

[TenD]

The rainbow is lens flare, it's caused by light bouncing between lens elements or between a filter and lens elements.

Try hiding the sun behind your subject if you are shooting directly into the sun. Using a lens hood will also help with flare if the sun is coming from an angle. I will use my hand or a notebook held up to block light from entering the lens directly too.

[michaelb]

Have you tried stopping down (setting F-Stop to a higher number)?.....As I'm sure you've guessed, the 18-55 kit lens has more flare than average, although some of the best lenses have had serious flare issues.....

Even at high f/stops and using quality lenses its difficult to avoid lens flare if your shooting into the sun.

Here's an example, which I took yesterday, while snowshoeing ....


10-22 @10mm, f/16....(see the flare in the bottom right)...