Night scene problem

Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 207 Location: Malaysia/Brunei

Guys,

This is the first time I have taken night photos using my D80. I find that in some pictures, there are reflections that keep appearing.

See the following image. The cityscape seems to have some lights being reflected from somewhere onto my lens, but I just couldnt see the light using naked eyes. I took similar shots last time using my point and shoot, and they were fine.

As for the moon image, no idea why it has a shadow.

Apologies for the 4 photos that appear here, but am just trying to show the problem that I am having.. :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/keatyaw/CopyofDSC_4100.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/keatyaw/CopyofDSC_4104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/keatyaw/CopyofDSC_4106.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/keatyaw/DSC_4022.jpg

Could it be some problem wih my lens or what? Any advice/comments/opinions will be great.

Thanks!

Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 131 Location: Boulder, Colorado

What lens are you using? Over on photocamel.com I've been reading alot in the "four-thirds" forum....it's mainly discussion about newer lenses for Digital cameras that concentrate the light on the snesor better....apparently, "film" lenses, spread the light over a wider area, which can then bounce around in the camera and end up as "relics" in your shots when the reflection lands on the surface of the sensor.

Not sure if this is your problem....but something to investigate.

Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 207 Location: Malaysia/Brunei

Hi,

I am using Nikkor 18-135mm.

I have just read somewhere that this could be due to the filter. I have a netural filter on my lens. And I wont have another opportunity to try this without filter as I will be leaving on the plane tonight. :(

Anyhow, I will see if filter is indeed the cause (by doing some night scenes elsewhere).

Thanks!

Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 207 Location: Malaysia/Brunei

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Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 175 Location: Midwest

hi, I have the d80 and the 18-135. I have some night photography as it really interests me, but I've never encountered your problem.

I would definitely check the filter. otherwise it might be an isolated problem

Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 245 Location: Maryland

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you, although there is clearly some reflective 'feedback' going on here.

I just wanted to say those night scene shots are damned good.

Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 124 Location: Central Minnesota

A filter of some kind was the first thing that came to my mind. Then you mentioned you were using one. I’d expect that if you look closely, you will find that it isn’t coated. If it is, it’s probably only on one side or at least not the best multi coated filter.

Arvid