[hmirchev]

So I was out doing some long exposure night shooting with my Rokinon 8mm f3.5 and my K10D.....In the camera, the pictures looked great, but as soon as I got them into lightroom, everything was horrible. Here's a sample un-processed image which shows "light smears" as if there was some kind of dirt on the lens...



So in the end, I'm thinking that maybe the lens isn't made for shots like that. Anyway, any advice/help would be appreciated

[FantasticMrFox]

Well ... was there dirt on the lens? Maybe take a microfibre cloth and perfectly polish the front and rear elements, then try again Because these bright spots visible really do look like dirt or dust.

[MJSfoto1956]

if you think that is bad you should try the Nikkor 14-24mm!

M

[shardulm]

Well ... was there dirt on the lens?

I second that.. Or may be it is the fungus inside the lens.
I can imagine non-sharp areas in the corners and or flare etc. but these smears indicate light diffusion due to the presence of micro obstructions or dust particles or fungus or balsam or some oils around the lens elements.

[mikeSF]

that looks to me, as you may have correctly suspected, exactly like a dirty front element and/or a filter catching excessive glare.
For night shooting, be mindful of in-frame lights and even out of frame oblique light which could hit the front element and reduce contrast.
Even a slight rain drizzle will do the same in a night shot, so be extra vigilant.
good luck!

[stevebrot]

Even a slight rain drizzle will do the same in a night shot, so be extra vigilant.

I was thinking condensation. A couple of times when I have been shooting at night dew started to form on the lens and camera.


Steve