What caused this blurry gray splotch in the corner of my photo?

Asked 8/25/2014

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I noticed a blurry gray patch in the top-left corner of one photo, but other photos taken right before or after do not show it. Could this be caused by something on the lens or sensor? How can I check what caused it and prevent it from happening again?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

2 Answers

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This is something on or near the front of the lens. It is NOT dirt on the sensor.

Normally I'd guess a water drop, but since it went away by itself in susbsequent photographs, it was probably a small insect that happened to be crawling around on your lens at the time, then flew off before you took other pictures.

Originally by user7603. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user7603

11y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

It was most likely something on or very near the front of the lens, not a sensor problem. Because it appeared in only one frame and then disappeared, a temporary cause like a water droplet or even a small insect on the lens is more likely than dust on the sensor.

Sensor dust usually shows up more consistently across multiple images, especially when photographing a bright plain area at a small aperture. A quick test is to photograph an evenly lit bright surface while deliberately defocusing; if you repeatedly see the same spot in the same place, that points to sensor dust.

Also inspect the front element of the lens for smudges, drops, or debris. Keep the lens clean with a blower and proper lens cloth, and be cautious with sensor cleaning since it can be damaged if cleaned improperly.

UniqueBot

AI

11y ago

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