Which lens will do better for this problem

I shot this scene for about 30 minutes at apertures between f8 to f19 from the

same spot using a D70 and the AF 18-35mm f3.5-4.5.

 

The size of the flare varied depending on the aperture but the problem only

stopped when the sun went over the mountains.

 

Will a "better" lens fix the problem, or is there some other method that will

completely eliminate the flaring?<div></div>

18-55 AFS.

Those irregular spots (5 o'clock position relative to sun) are referred to as 'ghosting' rather than flare...though you also have what is referred to as veiling flare, which is a broad reduction in color/contrast across the image, as though you were looking through a thin veil.

 

As a general rule zoom lenses, with so many glass elements (often between 10-18) do not handle such challenging lighting very well as the light bounces to/fro amongst the many surfaces. Primes and their far fewer elements will typically cope much better. In order to get that nice spoke-like look radiating from the sun, the smallest aperture (e.g. f22) best delivers that effect.

 

Some lenses are known to handle flare and ghosting better than others, which is a sought-after trait especially amongst wide-angles for shooting into the sun. A couple WA's that come to mind (all manual focus) are the 20/3.5 (with 52mm thread) and the 16/3.5. The 28/2 might also be included.

 

I wouldn't necessarily say a 'better' lens will remedy the ghosting / veiling flare as much as a different lens (prime). Also remove any protective (ideally all) filters to minimize ill effects.

Any time you point any lens directly at the sun you'll get some of that. I don't think there is any way to avoid it.

Hey Andy

Nice shot. I understand that the old 20 mm f/3.5 with the 52mm filter size is supposed to be very flair resistant.

 

 

Check out Bjorn's site and see what he has to say about it.

 

 

Also having a filter in front of your lens is only going to make it worse.

 

Michael

Remove filter please.

Thank you all. I did try without the CPL but the problem was still there.

 

I noticed though that when the lens is directly at the sun it can be OK.<div></div>