Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

[tesarver]

Have been using the EOS-M3 for some city night photography. Mostly using the EF-M 18-55mm. What I am noticing on a regular bases is Lens Flare from the bright city lights. I bought a Hoya filter UV Filter that was suppose to help reduce Lens flare, but it did seem to help. So I switched to the EF-M 28mm STM and that seemed to reduce the flare, to the point you cannot or hardly see it, unless you turn up the shadows.

So anyone else who is using the EF-M lens experiencing this issue and or any suggestions on how to reduce or eliminate the flare. I also have bought the Lens hood for the lens

Tom

[Nathaniel]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

Never an expert Tom, but I am wondering whether this lens has got a hood. I find that using the appropriate lenshood helps to eliminate a lot of flare.

[jk224]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

I wouldn't have thought that a UV filter would help with lens flare, in fact it might make it worse. As Nathaniel says, a lens hood should help.

[tesarver]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

Thanks Nat & jk224, but as I did state, I did buy the lens hood for this lens and use it regularly.

Tom

[jk224]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

Sorry Tom, missed that bit at the end. Perhaps with so many bright lights about in the cities these days a bit of flare is unfortunately unavoidable.

[nickorando]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

I wouldn't have thought that a UV filter would help with lens flare, in fact it might make it worse.

Not "might" make it worse, WILL make it worse. A filter just adds extra glass/air surfaces and will increase the number of reflections which lead to flare. Ones with decent coatings will reduce these extra reflections as much as possible, but it will always be worse than not using a filter.

So first thing to do is to take the filter off.

A lens hood stops light from outside the image area getting in (well, a perfect one does, in practice, most aren't perfect) but can do absolutely nothing about flare from light sources within the image area. Only three things you can really do, Tom:

1. TAKE OFF THAT FILTER! (Just in case you didn't get the message earlier. ;) )
2. Try to avoid bright light sources in the picture.
3. Use a different lens - the number of elements and their coatings play an important part in the amount of internal reflections, so a simpler lens is generally better.

Sorry there's no magic answer.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Lens Flare using the EF-M 18-55

Sorry, I too missed that one at the end!