Faulty lens or ...?
4,192 posts
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 00:49
Maybe I'm missing something but the only artefact I can see in the first (f11) photo next to the cliff edge is a seagull of some sort! Sorry, it's too small to identify properly but probably a Herring Gull.
The 2nd f4 one looks to me to be suffering from a shallow depth of field. The posts at the back are out of focus but the nearer cliff face looks to me to be reasonably sharp. (Could be a bit of camera shake?) What was the intended point of focus or are you relying on the camera to decide for you? Could be the camera had a different idea to you.
The optimum regarding sharpness for most lenses is right in the middle of your two photos, usually around f8.
I cannot see anything odd about the colours though, what are you viewing the photos on? If the colour balance was off, the chalky cliff face wouldn't look white.
It's difficult to look at the pictures properly (fully) on the monitor though as I have to scroll around them as they are too big for viewing in Firefox! It's also difficult to to identify a problem seeing just a couple of photos. Everyone gets bad ones now and again, but if it is a consistent problem then maybe the lens or the camera has a focussing issue. Does it look soft in the viewfinder? Also is the lens set to auto focus or manual focus? Just a few pointers to get a bit more info for others to hopefully help solve it for you!
John
John K
The 2nd f4 one looks to me to be suffering from a shallow depth of field. The posts at the back are out of focus but the nearer cliff face looks to me to be reasonably sharp. (Could be a bit of camera shake?) What was the intended point of focus or are you relying on the camera to decide for you? Could be the camera had a different idea to you.
The optimum regarding sharpness for most lenses is right in the middle of your two photos, usually around f8.
I cannot see anything odd about the colours though, what are you viewing the photos on? If the colour balance was off, the chalky cliff face wouldn't look white.
It's difficult to look at the pictures properly (fully) on the monitor though as I have to scroll around them as they are too big for viewing in Firefox! It's also difficult to to identify a problem seeing just a couple of photos. Everyone gets bad ones now and again, but if it is a consistent problem then maybe the lens or the camera has a focussing issue. Does it look soft in the viewfinder? Also is the lens set to auto focus or manual focus? Just a few pointers to get a bit more info for others to hopefully help solve it for you!
John
John K
Last Edited by JAK on 26/03/2012 - 00:58
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 11:21
JAK wrote:
Maybe I'm missing something but the only artefact I can see in the first (f11) photo next to the cliff edge is a seagull of some sort! Sorry, it's too small to identify properly but probably a Herring Gull.
The 2nd f4 one looks to me to be suffering from a shallow depth of field. The posts at the back are out of focus but the nearer cliff face looks to me to be reasonably sharp. (Could be a bit of camera shake?) What was the intended point of focus or are you relying on the camera to decide for you? Could be the camera had a different idea to you.
The optimum regarding sharpness for most lenses is right in the middle of your two photos, usually around f8.
I cannot see anything odd about the colours though, what are you viewing the photos on? If the colour balance was off, the chalky cliff face wouldn't look white.
It's difficult to look at the pictures properly (fully) on the monitor though as I have to scroll around them as they are too big for viewing in Firefox! It's also difficult to to identify a problem seeing just a couple of photos. Everyone gets bad ones now and again, but if it is a consistent problem then maybe the lens or the camera has a focussing issue. Does it look soft in the viewfinder? Also is the lens set to auto focus or manual focus? Just a few pointers to get a bit more info for others to hopefully help solve it for you!
John
Maybe I'm missing something but the only artefact I can see in the first (f11) photo next to the cliff edge is a seagull of some sort! Sorry, it's too small to identify properly but probably a Herring Gull.
The 2nd f4 one looks to me to be suffering from a shallow depth of field. The posts at the back are out of focus but the nearer cliff face looks to me to be reasonably sharp. (Could be a bit of camera shake?) What was the intended point of focus or are you relying on the camera to decide for you? Could be the camera had a different idea to you.
The optimum regarding sharpness for most lenses is right in the middle of your two photos, usually around f8.
I cannot see anything odd about the colours though, what are you viewing the photos on? If the colour balance was off, the chalky cliff face wouldn't look white.
It's difficult to look at the pictures properly (fully) on the monitor though as I have to scroll around them as they are too big for viewing in Firefox! It's also difficult to to identify a problem seeing just a couple of photos. Everyone gets bad ones now and again, but if it is a consistent problem then maybe the lens or the camera has a focussing issue. Does it look soft in the viewfinder? Also is the lens set to auto focus or manual focus? Just a few pointers to get a bit more info for others to hopefully help solve it for you!
John
+1.
I downloaded both pictures and frankly can't see any of the issues as described.
Perhaps a better description of the 'artifact'?
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 11:48
If you are referring to the greyish blobs in the sky/sea area, they look as if they have wings to me. I'd say they were sea birds in the first pic, gone in the second.
Both images look sharp enough to me with narrow DOF in the second. perhaps a higher shutter speed should have been used, or a tripod. 1/160th is not very fast for the first one.
You might also consider upgrading the firmware of your camera to V1.13
Peter E Smith
My flickr Photostream
Both images look sharp enough to me with narrow DOF in the second. perhaps a higher shutter speed should have been used, or a tripod. 1/160th is not very fast for the first one.
You might also consider upgrading the firmware of your camera to V1.13
Peter E Smith
My flickr Photostream
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 12:00
These photos are too big to view properly as JAK says, but I agree with what everyone says.
Your artefact has flown above the cliff top in photo 2.
Your artefact has flown above the cliff top in photo 2.
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 12:42
Janusz,
I've taken the liberty of squishing your two files (and apply sharpening) to make them more internet friendly using Irfanview. If you are not OK with me doing this let me know and I'll remove them.
The f11 one:
The f4 one:
To me, now viewed at a manageable size, neither of the images look terrible (far from it!) Can you explain again what it is you are seeing that you are not happy with, if indeed you can still see the problem?
Would that be the Isle of Wight by the way? Could be around Bempton but I don't think it is.
John
John K
I've taken the liberty of squishing your two files (and apply sharpening) to make them more internet friendly using Irfanview. If you are not OK with me doing this let me know and I'll remove them.
The f11 one:
The f4 one:
To me, now viewed at a manageable size, neither of the images look terrible (far from it!) Can you explain again what it is you are seeing that you are not happy with, if indeed you can still see the problem?
Would that be the Isle of Wight by the way? Could be around Bempton but I don't think it is.
John
John K
Last Edited by JAK on 26/03/2012 - 12:47
34 posts
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 13:19
thank you very much for your feedback. Pictures were taken yesterday during my walk along Seven Sisters cliffs: Seaford to Eastbourne.
Now, back to picture. That thing which you can see close to the cliff edge at F11 is not a seagull. I wish it was a seagull but it's not. This artifact appeared on over 60% of my pictures yesterday regardless of the subject shot. I have run few test at home and shot pics against white wall to check if I can see it again. The bad news is that it's still there but only at smaller aperture (larger number). To see what I mean, please have a look at highest end of cliff, next to two bars - now move your eyes left. Slightly to the left from the center of image is a blurry thing. I have no idea what it is. Did any of you come across that issue before? Lens is pretty much brand new - very well looked after. I took perhaps 150 pics with it and mounted on camera once where it stayed till yesterday.
Please advise
Thank you again
FLICKR
Now, back to picture. That thing which you can see close to the cliff edge at F11 is not a seagull. I wish it was a seagull but it's not. This artifact appeared on over 60% of my pictures yesterday regardless of the subject shot. I have run few test at home and shot pics against white wall to check if I can see it again. The bad news is that it's still there but only at smaller aperture (larger number). To see what I mean, please have a look at highest end of cliff, next to two bars - now move your eyes left. Slightly to the left from the center of image is a blurry thing. I have no idea what it is. Did any of you come across that issue before? Lens is pretty much brand new - very well looked after. I took perhaps 150 pics with it and mounted on camera once where it stayed till yesterday.
Please advise
Thank you again
FLICKR
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 13:29
Do you mean this:
??
If so, and if it's in the same place in every image, it's almost certainly muck on the sensor that you haven't seen before.
It would be very helpful if, rather than describing where you're talking about in words that are doubtless clear to you, you make it completely clear where you're talking about.
.
Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
.
??
If so, and if it's in the same place in every image, it's almost certainly muck on the sensor that you haven't seen before.
It would be very helpful if, rather than describing where you're talking about in words that are doubtless clear to you, you make it completely clear where you're talking about.
.
Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
.
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 13:40
You were blaming the lens, have you tried a different one to eliminate that?
I still cannot work out what or where you are seeing whatever it is though.
John
John K
I still cannot work out what or where you are seeing whatever it is though.
John
John K
Last Edited by JAK on 26/03/2012 - 13:44
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 13:55
@ChrisA: yes, agreed. I was going to provide an image with circle that would indicate where the issue is. I had some issues with laptop/software yesterday and were not able to complete this task. Thank you for providing the image. That's exactly the spot I am referring to.
I have taken lots of pis last week and there is not even smallest sign of this artifact.
@Jak: yes, I have tried different lens and artifact was not there.
Hence why I am so puzzled right now. Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only? Or, is it down to sensor (if so, is it faulty?)
Please advise
FLICKR
I have taken lots of pis last week and there is not even smallest sign of this artifact.
@Jak: yes, I have tried different lens and artifact was not there.
Hence why I am so puzzled right now. Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only? Or, is it down to sensor (if so, is it faulty?)
Please advise
FLICKR
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 14:10
Well done Chris for finding it. I can't see it at all on my reductions.
It would be unusual for dust inside a lens to cause something like that. Something on a filter in front of a lens might but then it would only normally show up on a wide angle shot where the depth of field is large. Could it be a filter issue? Failing that some dirt on the sensor.
You initially said that, "both images are not really sharp not to mention that colors are bit off." Do you still feels that, or are you having second thoughts about the lens?
Not sure about that, wouldn't have thought so though.
John
John K
It would be unusual for dust inside a lens to cause something like that. Something on a filter in front of a lens might but then it would only normally show up on a wide angle shot where the depth of field is large. Could it be a filter issue? Failing that some dirt on the sensor.
You initially said that, "both images are not really sharp not to mention that colors are bit off." Do you still feels that, or are you having second thoughts about the lens?
Quote:
Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only?
Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only?
Not sure about that, wouldn't have thought so though.
John
John K
Last Edited by JAK on 26/03/2012 - 14:13
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 14:13
Janusz wrote:
Hence why I am so puzzled right now. Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only? Or, is it down to sensor (if so, is it faulty?)
Please advise
Hence why I am so puzzled right now. Would dust particle in the lens cause such issue at smaller aperture only? Or, is it down to sensor (if so, is it faulty?)
Please advise
Well it looks like muck on the sensor to me, and yes, it does tend to be a lot more obvious at small apertures than large ones.
I would lay odds that it will be visible with other lenses now. Take a picture at small aperture against a bright featureless background, and see if it's there.
It wouldn't be in the least surprising if the muck got in during a recent lens change and you've simply not noticed it till now.
.
Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 14:15
OK, I can see the part that concerns you.
If this 'artifact' is due to the sensor, it's almost certainly one of only two causes.
1: sensor dust, pollen, etc.
2: sensor stain
Sensor contamination, or 'dust bunnies' as they are sometimes affectionately known, can easily be eliminated by correct sensor cleaning. A sensor stain requires it to be fixed by Pentax or their repair agent.
To check for either, take an image of a clear blue sky or plain light coloured wall at a small aperture, f22 or smaller.
There are plenty of posts on here dealing with sensor staining, use the site's search facility.
If this artifact is only present in images taken with one particular lens, then there must be an issue with the lens. First, try carefully cleaning the front and rear elements with Eclipse Fluid and a PecPad. If that doesn't clear the problem and it's within warranty, return it to the supplier for repair or replacement.
Peter E Smith
My flickr Photostream
If this 'artifact' is due to the sensor, it's almost certainly one of only two causes.
1: sensor dust, pollen, etc.
2: sensor stain
Sensor contamination, or 'dust bunnies' as they are sometimes affectionately known, can easily be eliminated by correct sensor cleaning. A sensor stain requires it to be fixed by Pentax or their repair agent.
To check for either, take an image of a clear blue sky or plain light coloured wall at a small aperture, f22 or smaller.
There are plenty of posts on here dealing with sensor staining, use the site's search facility.
If this artifact is only present in images taken with one particular lens, then there must be an issue with the lens. First, try carefully cleaning the front and rear elements with Eclipse Fluid and a PecPad. If that doesn't clear the problem and it's within warranty, return it to the supplier for repair or replacement.
Peter E Smith
My flickr Photostream
Last Edited by Mannesty on 26/03/2012 - 14:18
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 15:02
Well done ChrisA, I can see it now . I'd say dust on the sensor janusz ,do whatChrisA and Mannesty suggests to check,but don't worry just clone it out. Maybe when you get a little more have it cleaned or buy some kit and do it your self it's not dificult and there is lot of advice on this site on this subject... Jeff.. ( I live in a country made of dust held together by dust)
Last Edited by jeffstclair on 26/03/2012 - 15:04
Link
Posted 26/03/2012 - 16:49
Mannesty wrote:
A sensor stain requires it to be fixed by Pentax or their repair agent.
A sensor stain requires it to be fixed by Pentax or their repair agent.
Of the several dozen pictures I've seen of the sensor stain problem, none looks remotely like this.
No reason for alarm there.
.
Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Janusz
Member
London
3 months ago I have purchased Tamron 17-50. initially the lens performed quite well but today out of a sudden a odd artifact appeared.Besides, lens lost its focus and most pics from today are quite a bit out of focus. I am walking along countryside trails a lot and wanted to compare pics from K5 with my previous camera (Nikon D90) hence why I have I have chosen the same route I followed with D90. To my surprise, image quality of D90 simply kills pics from K5. Sounds not right doesn't it?
Anyway, artifact pictures are here. Depending on focal length the artifact appears or not - you can see it right next to cliff edge:
Fnumber 11
http://postimage.org/image/b568fwd4h/full/
and artifact is gone :FNumber 4
http://postimage.org/image/ianvo49l1/full/
I am not providing above as direct image links as pics are quite large.
As you can see, both images are not really sharp not to mention that colors are bit off.
anyway, do you have any idea why the artifact appears if F number is higher than 4? Image sensor is clean and there is no artifact if I use different lens.
Pics comparison between K5 and D90 will be here shortly.
Thanks
FLICKR