Lens Flare - Sigma 150 non-IS

[Bill S]

Hi folks

Over the years using my Sigma 150 macro, both with and without the Sigma 1.4 tele converter, I've encountered quite bad lens flare when shooting into the general direction of the sun. I'm not talking about the artifacts but the haze which can rob the shot of contrast and saturation. Of course both of these can be tweaked back up in post processing but I wonder whether other users of the Sigma have noticed the same thing, or whether mine is especially bad or needs a clean? I also wonder whether the post processing is really able to restore what's been lost at the point of capture or whether a less flarey lens is a good thing for those types of shots.

As ever any input is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Bill

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Bill - are you using a lens hood?

Cheers,

- Pete

[MikeOxon]

Have you tried looking through through the lens from the back to see if there is any visible mistiness against the light? There could be some internal condensation.

I don't know this particular lens but is the front element well-recessed? If not, as Pete says, use a hood and, if you have a filter in place, try removing that as well.

Mike

[Paul Wetton]

Hi Bill

I've used two of these lenses and not had this problem other than normal effects and artefacts of the light when used for close up work. However, I have noticed that when used for portrait or even longer distance work the lens does seem to over expose slightly and thus lose some contrast especially when shooting into the light.

I've always found it excellent for macro work which it was purchased for and mostly the lens hood was not used. Maybe at distance the lens hood would make a difference.

Let us know how you get on.

[Gruditch]

As you know Bill, I had one or two problems with a 150, but never experienced any flare problems. BTW, when I was fundraising for a big wildlife lens, I fixed, and sold the my old 150 macro for £220.

Regards Gruditch

[Bill S]

Odd, I was expecting more folks having noticed a problem, maybe it's mine or how I'm using it .

I should have said, I always use a lens hood and filter. I'll check it without the filter when I get the chance and check the lens for signs of misting.

Thanks all

Bill