What happened here? This photo, shot in RAW with a 7D Mark ll and Canon EF 500mm w/1.4 ext, is right outta the camera. Just cropped it to make the size acceptable. What is the yellow...

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

This photo, shot in RAW with a 7D Mark ll and Canon EF 500mm w/1.4 ext, is right outta the camera. Just cropped it to make the size acceptable. What is the yellow streak in there? This streaks appears on some but not all photos I took. A lens hood was in use and I was not shooting into direct sunlight.

(Download)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Since you haven't told us exactly where ... I'm guessing you mean the upper left of this example? Do you have a smudge on the lens or the filter or the extender? Do you have a hair inside the camera body (or lens), possibly behind the mirror on the sensor in the body? I spent 6-months trying to figure out a random hair once, before I learned how to lock-up the sensor, and there it was, to be easily removed with tweezers.

Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

All I can see is an injured wing and a small terrapin on the rock. After seeing CHG's reply I do see a small smudge. Top left.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

CHG_CANON wrote:

Since you haven't told us exactly where ... I'm guessing you mean the upper left of this example? Do you have a smudge on the lens or the filter or the extender? Do you have a hair inside the camera body (or lens), possibly behind the mirror on the sensor in the body? I spent 6-months trying to figure out a random hair once, before I learned how to lock-up the sensor, and there it was, to be easily removed with tweezers.

Yes, that's where it is. The yellow mark. That I know of none of the things you mentioned apply here. And as I mentioned this does not happen on every photo. Almost looks like a sun ray, light beam or whatever.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Could it have been something like a very close out of focus leaf (it looks more green than yellow to me)? Sometimes you'll see that at the bottom of the frame as a blade of grass or weed.

A different color and I might also have guessed spider silk thread.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Linda From Maine wrote:

Could it have been something like a very close out of focus leaf (it looks more green than yellow to me)? Sometimes you'll see that at the bottom of the frame as a blade of grass or weed.

I've had that happen to me but not here. The field of fire was clear.

pmsc70d Loc: Post Falls, Idaho

What about a small drop of water on the lens? I think that caused a similar problem for me.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Are the images with the streak all shot in the same direction? Whether yes or no, can you post a second example?

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Linda From Maine wrote:

Are the images with the streak all shot in the same direction? Whether yes or no, can you post a second example?

Let me do this first while it is fresh: This one seems to be in a certain area and not all that big, but big enough to ruin a photo. One other that comes to mind runs the entire length of the right side of the photo. I'll post it in a few.

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Linda From Maine wrote:

Are the images with the streak all shot in the same direction? Whether yes or no, can you post a second example?

Here is another, different location and there are more in slightly different locations also. The parameters from above apply to this image also.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

will47 wrote:

Here is another, different location and there are more in slightly different locations also. The parameters from above apply to this image also.

It's a different location in your composition, but look at the angled stick. The "thing" itself hasn't moved. I'm going with something in the air, perhaps hanging from a branch (I added "spider silk" earlier just as you replied to me, but it didn't appear to be the right color).

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

will47 wrote:

Here is another, different location and there are more in slightly different locations also. The parameters from above apply to this image also.

If these were all during the same shoot, was it a humid day with a rising temperature?

bleirer

I think it's in the world not on your lens or gear, since it stays between the branches even when you move the lens. Some mist maybe?

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

will47 wrote:

This photo, shot in RAW with a 7D Mark ll and Canon EF 500mm w/1.4 ext, is right outta the camera. Just cropped it to make the size acceptable. What is the yellow streak in there? This streaks appears on some but not all photos I took. A lens hood was in use and I was not shooting into direct sunlight.

I suspect lens flare unless the sun was behind you. But if you are convinced it isn't lens flare, perform some tests with similar lighting conditions: Try a different lens. Shoot the EF500 with the 1.4TC in different orientations to see if the problem is orientation dependent.
Shoot without the 1.4TC. These test shots will help isolate the problem.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Did you have your face away from the viewfinder? Light can leak in that way if the viewfinder isn't properly covered up. Alternatively, are you sure the lens hood is screwed fully into position. I've had a lens hood partly unscrew but not far enough for the hood to fall off, and it took me a while to notice.