All you need to know about lens hoods in under 10 minutes

Do you carry lens hoods on your lenses? I don’t have the habit, but they are much more than just cosmetic. They play a vital role in the quality of your photos and the protection of your valuable gear. In his recent video, Vlad Manea dives into the two primary functions of lens hoods and offers valuable insights on when to use them and how to choose the right one for your lens.

The two primary uses of lens hoods

While lens hoods might seem like an afterthought, they serve two crucial functions. Their primary role is to block unwanted light from entering the front of your lens. This stray light can cause lens flare, resulting in washed-out colors and a hazy look in your photos. Think of it like putting sunglasses on your lens to shield it from the sun and prevent squinting.

Secondly, lens hoods act as protective bumpers for your precious lens. Let’s face it, accidents happen, and a lens hood can take the brunt of a bump or scratch, saving your lens from potential damage. It’s an extra layer of security, especially if you’re prone to the occasional fumble.

Hood on or hood off?

So, should you always keep your lens hood on? Vlad argues for keeping it on most of the time, even indoors or at night. Light can sneak in from unexpected places, and you never know when you might bump your lens. However, there are a few situations where ditching the hood might be a good call:

• For a touch of artistic flair: If you’re deliberately aiming for lens flare to add a creative effect, then by all means, take the hood off.
• Going undercover: If you want to be discreet with a large lens hood, removing it can help you blend in better.
• Pop-up flash causing shadows: If your lens hood casts a shadow on your subject due to the built-in flash, take it off for a clean shot.

Choosing the right hood

There are two main hood styles: petal-shaped (or flower-shaped) for wide-angle lenses and cylindrical tubes for telephoto lenses. The good news is that you usually don’t have to stress about picking the perfect match. Most lenses come with a compatible hood designed specifically for them.

If yours didn’t come with a hood, don’t fret! Look online for a third-party lens hood made for your specific lens model. Even a generic hood can do the trick.

Lens hoods come in various shapes and sizes, and many are reversible for easier storage. However, remember to flip it back the right way before shooting. Think of it like a hat; you wouldn’t wear it inside out, right? For quick action shots, Vlad recommends keeping the lens cap off and the hood on. This way, you grab the camera, and you’re ready to shoot without fumbling with multiple covers.

Finally, if you don’t have a lens hood at hand and you need one, Vlad suggests a simple DIY solution. Just use your hand, a black piece of card, or even a piece of paper to block unwanted light coming from the direction of the light source. It might not be high-tech, but it works.

I personally keep my lens hoods in a camera bag that I leave at home. :) But I have to admit that I often find a need for them, and I use my hand to block the sun. Vlad reminds you not to be intimidated by the variety of lens hoods in the market. Keep it on most of the time, and only take it off when a specific situation calls for it. I think I might take this as a reminder to put my lens hood on for the next shoot!

[Camera Lens Hoods Explained | Under 10 Minutes via Shutterbug]

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