Glare from EF 18-55mm lens

[Spelunker]

So I just bought a Canon EOS Rebel T7 starter kit that came with two lenses. An 18-55mm and a 75-300mm! I used the 18-55mm at Cars and Coffee this past weekend on a sunny day and there is a lot of glare and light spots on my photos. My friend suggested it is due to my lense. Is this correct? And what can I do to fix this issue in my photos?

[Waddizzle]

Without seeing sample images of the issue, no one can offer any explanation. 

[darif159]

Hello,

glare and light spots are usually caused by lens flare, which is common with kit lenses like the 18-55mm, especially in bright sun. To fix it, try using a lens hood, avoid shooting directly into the sun, keep your lens clean, or use a polarizing filter. You can also reduce flare in editing.

Best regard,

Darif

[ebiggs1]

"Without seeing sample images of the issue, no one can offer any explanation."

Great point as some samples of what you are getting helps a lot with recommendations. A lens hood is a good start and may be all you need. But a word on filters if you have a cheap filter on the lens remove it and deposit it in the circle file. Also if you are cleaning the front element make sure you are cleaning it as any smudges may may what you are seeing worse.

"You can also reduce flare in editing."

Yes depending on your level of experience with the post editor. Removing "a lot of glare and light spots" is not a beginner job.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 starter with the 18-55mm and a 75-300mm is one of the most popular combos on the market. There are thousands upon thousands of them and they serve their users well.

If you do want a protecto filter get the very best one possible and be ready to spend $20 to $30 bucks each.

[normadel]

"Glare and light spots" sounds like you could benefit from a polarizer filter. Shiny cars and engines can reflect sunlight wildly. You want to get a CIRCULAR (CP) polarizer, size is 58mm.

How you use it depends on which lens version you have. If its full name does NOT have STM at the end, you need to focus first, then adjust the polarizer. If it IS an STM lens, you can adjust the polarizer before focusing. The reason is the pre-STM lenses have a rotating front while focusing, which changes the polarizer position. The STMs do not rotate, so polarizer position does not change.

You can see the effect of the polarizer in your viewfinder.. Rotate it to see the glare come and go.

Note: The term "circular polarizer" does not mean the shape of the filter. It describes how the polarization works. Do not get/use an older filter that is "Linear".

Note 2: Using a polarizer with a lens hood can be difficult, as you can't reach the filter rim with your fingers inside the hood, unless you have skinny fingers. So get a hood AND a filter. Try both. A hood reduces "flare", which is different than unpolarized "glare".

[Tintype_18]

Part would depend on if you are using the automatic setting or other settings. I shot some photos at a park with the creek having horrible glare. I was using a setting which escapes my memory and had to experiment with the ISO. Always shoot with the sun at your side or back. Hood and filter as mentioned.