How do I get rid of Lens Flare??

[tvradict]

I took this Pan last night, 8 photos, and its come out ok, apart from the lens flare.



Any idea how I can get rid of that flare? I've tried a few techniques from a google search but none of them have worked.

Cheers

[S47]

Don't know whetehr you use one - but a decent lens hood may help, sometimes the hood suppled ain't up to the job [not deep enough], sigma are notably bad in this respect, my 500 F4.5 primes hood is only 3" deep, I made one which improves it significantly, my version is 10.5 inches deep
Of course if you're using extreme WA lens then there ain't much you ca do.

[markmullen]

I don't think a lens hood would help when the sun is directly in front of the lens, as in this.

One (expensive) way of getting rid of flare is the content aware fill in CS5, have a look at this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH0aEp1oDOI

[itsnotarace]

markmullen said:

I don't think a lens hood would help when the sun is directly in front of the lens, as in this.

You're right, it won't. What you are seeing is refraction of the light as it passes through the various glass elements inside the lens

Lenses with less glass inside (i.e. cheaper), tend to have less flare than expensive glass.

Clone out in PS if you must, it never really bothers me anyway

[jr502]

Or use a prime lens (less glass)

Did you have any filters on?

[S47]

What's the purpose of a lens hood then??
maybe it's to look cool

[markmullen]

S47 said:

What's the purpose of a lens hood then??
maybe it's to look cool

It stops flare from across the lens (eg sun or other lighting off to one side of the lens) and also protects the lens from knocks.

[BigAlinEmbra]

Leave it in, I think it looks cool with the flare in the shot.

Let's start a 70's revival where flares are cool again.

[tvradict]

Thanks for the replies.

I wasn't using a lens hood, although I do have one that will fit.

I had a UV filter on.

It doens't detract from the shot too much, might just leave it.

Cheers

[markmullen]

The UV filter will make the flare worse.

I only use a protective filter now when I am in a dangerous environment, such as when photographing rallying from very close to the cars where there is grit and gravel flying about, or when I'm in amongst the sea.

[tvradict]

markmullen said:

The UV filter will make the flare worse.

Well I didn't know that. All my lenses have uv filters on, I very rarely take pictures directly into the sun, so have never had a flare before.

Thanks

[V8LM]

How are you stitching the photos together? Have a play with PTGui if you aren't already - does a great job.