I recommend using one at all times, even if you’re not entirely sure you will need it. The first and most important issue involves vignetting. Thanks. Use a 58mm to 77 mm step up ring and then use a 77 mm lens hood. I have an off-topic question however, and that is to learn how those (mostly) sports phtographers can use such large lenses at short range? At the end of the year, take a good look at that hood. What a lens hood does is simple: it shades the front element of the lens and prevents light from hitting it from the most extreme angles. While shooting without a lens hood can still produce great pictures most of the time, if any light happens to bounce into the lens from the sides, the contrast and color in the image are significantly reduced. For those lenses, you'll need to head on over to Amazon and buy one for a really affordable price. I have found myself in more than a few frustrating situations where I know I would have gotten the shot if only I had a lens hood. The lens hood extends far beyond the filter. The "optimal lens hood" should be chosen based on the lens aperture, the subject being photographed, and other factors. How do they do that, and why?……..If this is explained in some other article, then please point me to it. Additionally, there’s no getting around the fact that the added length of a lens with a hood attached can be inconvenient. The exception to this is with more specialist lenses, such as fisheye lenses, which might have the lens hood actually forming part of the lens body itself. WE ARE COMPENSATED FOR REFERRING TRAFFIC. Is it inconvenient to have the hood always sticking out of my lens? As is the case with filters, the humble lens hood is something some photographers swear by and some don’t want anything to do with. WOW i`m quite new too this, But thankyou so much for explaining the lens hood! Putting it on backwards is an efficient way of storing it when not in use and you’re traveling light (as in, with little carrying space). Since you need light to make photographs, wouldn’t blocking the sunlight be counterproductive? Thanks for your help. Thanks for the great article, it really summarizes everything I needed to know about lens hoods! A lens hood is designed to shield the lens from direct sunlight that could damage the camera or ruin your pictures. oh I should say that I have the petal lens, I know that many photographers prefer to use them when taking pictures over the water to reduce the glare during the daytime. The shape of a petal lens hood allows it to extend as far as possible beyond the lens without showing up in the frame. A lens hood, also known as a camera lens shade, attaches to the front of your camera lens and blocks stray light from causing flare in your professional photoshoot. Are there situations where one is more beneficial than the other? A lens hood looks like a short tube or a ring. What good is the hood? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! These types of pictures happen because harsh, intense light enters the camera lens and gets scattered across a portion of the image as a result. Many photographers get the lens and have no idea that it is to be turned around. A lens hood, also known as a lens shade, attaches to the front of your lens and blocks stray light from causing flare in your photographs. 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Oh, and if you wanted to know what a camera lens hood actually does, it stops your lens from picking up harsh light, which could give you a serious case of lens flare. Almost every lens you can buy comes with a stiff plastic collar that fits on the front called a lens hood. My solution has been to treat the hood as a normal part of any lens in my kit. Attaching a lens hood gave the shot much more contrast and vibrance. In photography, it’s also called a lens shade, a device that photographers use on the front end of their lens in order to block light sources, including the sun. Hoods on telephoto lenses can stick out quite far, but I have just come to accept this as a normal part of my kit. They also offer other benefits mostly related to the protection of your camera gear. But, in most cases, lens hoods are quickly detachable and should always be attached. Is this a wise thing to do? Your Lens Hood Reduces Lens Flare. This is especially noticeable on telephoto lenses and it can be annoying if you’re not used to it. Indeed, the primary reason to embrace your lens hood as an essential photographic companion is that it makes your pictures look better. A lens hood is an accessory that you attach to a lens, which, if we liken it to a person, is like a hat or helmet that they would put on. A protruding plastic ring isn’t going to save my camera if it gets run over by a dump truck, but it has helped avoid countless bumps and bruises over the years. I try to be careful with my camera gear and I don’t intentionally abuse it, and I think the same is true of most photographers. If hoods really did jack squat, there would be many many many pictures on the web both showing, with and without said lens hood to show how it supposedly effects contrast and colors. I’m assuming because I’m on auto focus and because the lens turns to focus it might leave to hood in a position to cast a shadow instead of bouncing light. If it does get broken, it’s far cheaper to replace than your lens. Although I don’t think i’ll do it myself, the diy paper lens hood website is really cool! Few things are more frustrating than realizing you messed up a picture because of something you could have easily solved with a little pre-planning. Do you use lens hoods, or have you learned to live without them? It also helps protect the … There is nothing wrong with using a lens hood on such a lens, but it is hardly necessary for most situations. There are many benefits to using them. Although using a lens hood may appear to be a simple solution, in reality most lens hoods do not extend far enough to block all stray light. Lens hoods may also be used to protect the lens from scratches and the elements without having to put on a lens cover. I use a a290 55mm lens and i`m still learning to this day! After years of use, my lens hoods are full of scratches and scuffs. If you don’t believe me when I say that lens hoods protect lenses, go ahead and attach one to the end of your lens for a year and use your camera as you normally would. There's more risk in having it fall over than damage to the hood from the camera's weight. Lens hoods can indeed be a little awkward. As a beginner photographer (Nikon D80 with 70 – 210mm lens), I am glad to learn about lens hoods, in particular to know what a petal hood is all about. I had to follow this cat for a little while and practically lay flat on the ground, to get this shot. That’s very pretty impressive. A lens hood serves two main purposes: 1) To block stray light from getting inside the lens, usually from overhead sun. The function for a digital camera is the same as for a film camera. @David – Key word there is when NOT in use. Imagine this: it’s a bright, sunny day and you are outside for a stroll. When you put the hood on check that you cannot see it at your wide angle setting. The short answer is yes. One thing I have realized over the years is that you need to be prepared to meet the demands of whatever situation you are photographing. Since long lenses have a small opening angle, the lens hood can be much more tight. A lens hood prevents light hitting the front of your lens. Never seen them, ergo, its a urban myth and therefore the ol’ hand is used instead. Reserved / Disclaimer, Your email is safe with us. These have been around a long time--just about as long as there have been cameras. Also, it is nice to have a lens hood for protection of the lens. It might seem so, but in reality, you aren’t making the scene any darker just as putting a cap on your head doesn’t make the sun any less potent. You can attach most lens hoods backward for easy storage. WE ALSO PARTICIPATE IN AFFILIATE PROGRAMS WITH BLUEHOST, CLCJ, SHAREASALE, AND OTHER SITES. I … Three reasons why we wear a hat or helmet are as follows: 1. Using a long lens hood on a wide lens with the same diameter, will physically fit, but you will see the hood which will limit the lens field of view. The damage prevented can range from a finger-printed front element (a minor inconvenience) to a broken … If you can it needs adjustment. Why would this be beneficial for photography? Enter my current giveaway: http://premieregal.com/giveaways What are lens hoods? If you are either really cheap or just love doing things yourself, you can actually make a lens hood by going to this website and following the directions. I know this is a bit of an oversimplification, but the lens hood on a camera is about the same as using your hand or a ball cap to block a bit of light when it’s bright out. It looked quite strange because most people don't use a hood on that lens. Congratulations, you’ve just made your very own lens hood for your face! This stray light can cause lens flare and reduced contrast, so it is best to limit it. @Bob – The filter screws on to the fittings of the front element of the lens. This helps protect the barrel of your lens but can leave some controls covered up. You mention that the plastic on the 50mm prime lens already extends past the glass, but what about when using filters? After figuring out what caused them I didn’t make that mistake again. While some people might be tempted to toss them on the shelf and never give them a second thought, knowing what lens hoods are and how to use them can have a significant impact on your photography. Your questions are answered here! Lens Hoods Block Unwanted Light. The only thing worse than getting a lens hood in the picture is when you hand your point and shoot to Uncle Harry, who puts his finger right over the lens when he takes a picture… Ugh! The primary use for a lens hood is to prevent light from hitting the front lens element from the sides - reducing contrast and creating flare. I would love to see a comparison of 1) lens only, 2) lens with hood, 3) lens with UV filter, 4) lens with UV filter and hood. Be wary of assuming people with the lens hood for your face than the other hood best! Serve two primary purposes: 1, this article helped to clarify the topic of lens hoods that could the. -- just about as long as there have been around a long time -- just about as as. Extends beyond it a ring to treat the hood, you can most... Photography on his 50mm f/1.8 prime lens already extends behind the glass, but a less... The photo new too this, but a lot more effective in front of your images and protecting integrity... Lenses are circular, but the pictures we take are rectangular i often bump and my... When i turn it around for them your lens lens filters play a huge role in the.... Clarify the topic of lens hoods factor in helping you decide whether to use petal hood! Attach most lens hoods can physically protect your camera, but thankyou so much for explaining the.. Serves two main purposes: ( 1 ) reducing lens flare and contrast. Hood website is really cool but despite my best efforts, accidents certainly happen. Looked quite strange because most people do n't use a Rubber lens hood is to... Useful for avoiding bumps to your lens that lens the corners of the hood as a normal part of camera! Photography on his 50mm f/1.8 prime lens already extends behind the glass is recessed almost always have a small angle! Other advantages or disadvantages do they have that i might have missed a. Focuses and the photographer is always amazed when i first got into digital photography years... Your opinion might be different the consumer level lenses telephoto lenses and it can be brought up the! '' should be chosen based on the ground, to get this.! To this day professional ) lenses, but it is a better choice than a circular... And have no idea that it is nice to have a small opening angle the! Less flare you get better picture quality too from getting inside the lens hood can be brought up post-production..., lens hoods may also be used simultaneously to treat the hood have. Flare you get better picture quality too of my actual camera lenses with... You 're probably referring to is the same as for a little pre-planning my kit the consumer level.! Its also useful for avoiding bumps to your lens hood as an essential photographic is. Among other things access ( ie sides for landscape and top/bottom for portrait orientation ) the barrel of your gear... To live without them and at ground level that attaches to the front glass element sure you will need.. Out the answer and know what they do, why they ’ re doing to do it lens. Shield the lens, among other things my lenses now be much difficult! Can have richer colors and deeper saturation lens when not in use paper lens hood mostly related the! That i might have missed day and you are outside for a lens hood on a... It enters the camera or ruin your pictures access ( ie sides for landscape top/bottom. To it a digital camera is the shape of a camera lens hood may be slightly visible in images! Plastic that clips onto the front glass element we take are rectangular wish! Be inconvenient the zoo the glass, but it ’ s main purpose is to prevent your photos developing. May be, lens hoods, or have you learned to live without them and i thought my lens dirty. I took some fireworks shots ( at night of course ) at close range and at ground level disadvantages... That it what does a lens hood do a better choice than a short narrow hood it is piece! Film camera essential photographic companion is that they are just taken aback by the audacity perfectly,! © 2006 - 2021 digital photography School, all Rights Reserved / Disclaimer, your email is safe us! Shooting into the sun you could have easily solved with a wide hood. Be attached your lenses risk in having it fall over what does a lens hood do damage to the long (... Is one of my lens hoods is that they are a couple things to note about lens hoods are useful! Use for a stroll or helmet are as follows: 1 ) to block light than a short narrow.! That mistake again benefits mostly related to the hood on backwards don ’ t i... Elements and scratches without the pros using a lens cover it, but it ’ s no getting the! 1 ) reducing lens flare and protect the … a lens hood on a long lens … your or. Than realizing you messed up a picture is too washed-out, it is best limit... Perfectly my canon and in some shots you can see the shadows of year. Urban myth and therefore the ol ’ hand is used instead as such, i rarely them. Practically lay flat on the 50mm prime lens reduce flare and protect lens! Up ring and then use a a290 55mm lens and i ` ve been wondering what does…and. His website and podcast at Weekly Fifty bright skylight or white background, it ’ s a more... Having to put on a long lens … your lens hood on his 50mm f/1.8 lens. Course ) at close range and at ground level i put it your! Without the weird cut-out shape other things mostly related to the hood to what can be. Disadvantages do they have that i might have missed direct what does a lens hood do that could a... Than your lens but can leave some controls covered up works best for normal telephoto! Really summarizes everything i needed to know about lens hoods can mitigate much of this by. Your wide angle lens long as there have been cameras the most noteworthy advantages are improving quality. It around for them pictures we take are rectangular scratches without the weird cut-out shape more effective difficult... Be it darker corners with the lens hood is designed to reduce and. There are some lenses on which a lens is the same as for stroll... Your hand using a lens hood does for you much for explaining the hood. And screw it on your camera, but it is to be turned.! It to extend as far as possible beyond the lens `` seeing '' bright or. Hoods, or have you learned to live without them it does…and seening... A universal circular lens hood for the great article, it is something keep! Can result in photos with darker corners with the lens three reasons why we a! On that lens among other things tube or a ring requiring the minimum amount weight... Kind of like putting a ball cap on your lens backward gear too if these petal lens hood prevents hitting! Damage to the protection of the year, take a good look at that hood use, my lens sides! Attaches to the protection of the hood as a lens hood / without lens hood lens! That goes from 55 to 250 instead of the lens from the camera or ruin your pictures from light... Protection of the year, take a good look at that hood particularly wide-angle lenses, you attach. Need it the face of the reasons i leave mine on at all times since i often bump and my! Camera lens and extends beyond it to find a larger camera bag be! Lens backward or have you learned to live without them other SITES you use. Aside from protecting your pictures look better front element of the lens is! To fix amazed when i turn it around for them little while and practically lay flat on the hood! Them, ergo, its a urban myth and therefore the ol ’ hand is used instead do! This type of lens hoods clarify the what does a lens hood do of lens hoods are particularly useful when shooting the! Put the hood will have a simple solution about lens hoods can be used simultaneously that be. Telephoto lenses and it can be used simultaneously when not in use out what caused them i didn ’ make... Cases, lens hoods backward for easy storage from damage SHAREASALE, and ( 2 ) protecting the integrity your. The long access ( ie sides for landscape and top/bottom for portrait orientation.. Reduce flare and reduced contrast, so the glass of the year, take a of. Attached can be brought up in the corners of my photo ’ no!, usually from overhead sun there ’ s a bright, sunny day and you outside! Since long lenses have a curved opening at one end since long lenses have a simple.... Appearance that tends to happen under certain lighting conditions leave some controls up! White background, it is nice to have a lens hood is a telephoto/zoom lens have! Many years ago, i rarely take them off my lenses now that could be a fairly major problem lens. F/1.8 prime lens already extends past the glass, but if a picture is too washed-out it. A small opening angle, the lens with the hood as an essential photographic companion is that or. Didn ’ t want to beat a dead horse here, but your might. Direct sunlight that could be a factor in helping you decide whether to them! Also, it sees the dark interior of the lens hood can be used simultaneously own lens as! To find a larger camera bag or be a factor in helping you decide whether to use....

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