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I have noticed that on occasion I am getting unusual specular highlights in some of my images using my 600 VR Nikkor, or at least I "think" they are unusual, which is the point of my post. Do these highlights seem normal to you? These are fairly typical examples here. They appear when I am shooting bright snow or as here on water when the light sparkles. They appear as circular, rather granular white densities.  The attached older photo has a horrendous bunch of dust bunnies that I just left as the photo has had almost no processing other than a quick crop. Do you encounter such "unusual" artifacts in your long telephoto shots? I have ignored them until now and felt I should ask for peace of mind. Thanks.

No, that's not unusual. If you notice, they are reflections of sunlight off the ripples. Since they are out of focus, they appear this way. Of course, if they bother you, they can be removed if desired.

Joe

I agree with Joe. The reason you only see these spectacular reflections "sometimes" is it all depends on the relationship (angle) the camera to the water to the sun. Moving the camera to a more acute angle to the sun (if possible) will likely make the spectacular highlights disappear.

If you Google "specular highlights" or "bokeh", you'll find more info on this.

Joe

Thanks guys, so I don't have to sell all my gear ?!? lol.