Index

This layout lets you see the relative differences. There aren't bigger images if you click these.

Sun in Picture

This first test is shooting with the full sun in the image while exposing for the unlit side of a tree which fills the frame. All of these shots are made at 1/125 at f/5.6 and ISO 200. I used manual exposure to ensure that the exposure remained the same and didn't vary to reduce the relative visibility of the flare.

A lens hood wouldn't change any of these because the sun is part of the image.

	Nikon	Tokina	Sigma	Tamron
Widest Setting
Middle Setting
Longest Setting

The Nikon and Sigma are best. The Tamron and Tokina are the worst.

Sun Shining Into Lens with No Hood

This second set is with the sun out of the image but still shining on the lens. You wouldn't do this. You'd use a lens hood (not tested) of just shield the sun with your left hand.

	Nikon	Tokina	Sigma	Tamron
Widest Setting
Middle Setting
Longest Setting
Shading Sun with Hand

The Nikon wins again, and you can choose for yourself among the rest. Flare and ghosts are complex, and depend greatly on the angles of light. Move 3 degrees or move the zoom a bit and they will all change. The Nikon was the only one with no major problems, for which I can vouch after using it these past two years with no hood.

If you're smart enough to use a hood or your left hand to block the sun you'll see the best result, which I only made with the Tokina, in the very bottom image.

Next: Flash Shadowing

Index