Lens Hoods - Do I Really Need To Use One?

Well, you are not required to use one, but if there are some very good reasons to do so.
 
So, what good is the hood?
 
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. Pictures taken with a lens hood installed will generally have richer colors, deeper saturation.
 
A secondary use for a lens hood is to protect the lens. The damage prevented can range from a finger-printed front element (a minor inconvenience) to a broken lens (possibly a major expense - and lost pictures). Lens hoods are generally strong and stick out from the lens some distance. Accidental touches and scratches to the front element are reduced simply because the glass is difficult to reach. Some impact protection is gained from having a sacrificial part taking the blow. Of course, ultra wide angle lenses have very short hoods that offer very little protection.
 
Lens hoods on longer focal length lenses offer some front lens element protection from rain and dust. The hood helps to keep the front element clean and dry. Of course, if your lens is not weather sealed, you should not let it get wet in the first place.
 
But lens hoods are expensive - and inconvenient. Yes. But your lens was probably much more expensive - and you are shooting with a D-SLR because you want the best possible image quality (not because it was convenient and inexpensive).
 
A small convenience tip: If the lens hood fits too tightly for your liking, add a little body oil to the threads. Your body oil - from your forehead, nose ... The hood will be much easier to twist on.
 
Canon L Lens series lenses generally ship with the proper lens hood. Non-L Canon lens hoods generally cost about $25 and are available from many of the retailers on this site.
 
Get in the habit of always using a lens hood!

 
 
 
 
     

                 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Terms of Use | © 2003 - 2010 Bryan Carnathan
"Powered By Christ!"