Everything you need to know about camera lens hoods.
Confused about when to use a camera lens hood or why they exist? We have answers to these questions and more.
If stray light is affecting your photos then a camera lens hood may be for you. But what is a lens hood, and when do you need one?
What is a camera lens hood?
A camera lens hood, also known as a lens shade, is a piece of equipment that attaches to the lens. Its purpose is to reduce glare and flare by blocking the sun or other stray light from coming over the front element and entering the lens.
Like most camera gear, there are times when you should use a hood and times when you shouldn’t. Let’s take a look at each.
When to use a lens hood.
You’ll want to use a lens hood anytime there’s a possibility of stray light entering your lens. If you’re outside and there’s strong sunlight, a lens hood will prevent direct overhead light from creating unwanted flare in your photos.
Other situations where you’ll want to use a lens shade include:
● If you’re using off-camera flash, a shade helps prevent flare.
● If you want to add contrast and enhance color in your image, a hood reduces washout that can occur when strong light hits the camera lens.
As a bonus, a lens hood will also protect your lens from occasional bumps. Now, let’s take a look at times when a lens hood isn’t necessary.
When not to use a lens hood.
As a general rule, a lens hood is always a good idea, but there are some specific situations where you may want to remove it. One of the most obvious times you’ll want to remove the hood is if you want the effect of a lens flare in your photo.
If you want the dramatic effect that flare can give to your photos, you can learn how to use this to your advantage here. Other times you’ll want to remove the lens hood include:
- If the hood is appearing in your photo. This usually happens when you’re using a hood not made for the lens you’re using, but you can sometimes get the shadow of the hood in the photo when you’re using on-camera flash.
- If you’re using an accessory that attaches to the lens, you may not be able to use the hood. Some filters won’t allow you to also attach a lens hood.
Now that we’ve covered when and when not to use a lens hood, let’s take a look at the different types of hoods you can choose.
Types of lens hoods.
Most lenses have hoods specifically made for them. Using the right hood for your lens helps avoid catching the edges of the hood in your photos. If you’re shopping for a standalone camera lens hood, there are two types:
- A tulip lens hood, also known as a petal hood, has notches in it that are precisely designed to fit the rectangular shape of the camera sensor. These let light in while still blocking the overhead light that can cause flare. It’s important to put on tulip hoods correctly. If rotated the wrong way, the edges may show up in photos.
- A round hood, or cylindrical hood, is longer than a petal hood and doesn’t have any notches. It completely blocks stray light and is best used with telephoto or prime lenses.
A camera lens hood is a must for any photographer. There are very few times when you won’t use it, and the effect it has on your photos can be dramatic.
