Because at the end of the day, a lens hood is not going to make or break a session. It gives you something firm that can bump or nudge things without your front element coming to harm. Wide angles lenses, particularly with APS-C / DX, tend to throw a shadow, especially with on camera flash. This is a follow up post from yesterday’s post.After I wrote that post, I began thinking about protecting camera lenses and about lens hoods in general. As you probably already know, a decent camera lens is a steep investment. The Canon Rebel is one of the most prolific “prosumer” cameras on the market, which makes this lens hood a good fit if you own any of the popular Canon DSLR brands out today. When NOT To Use A Lens Hood. Conclusion. This is a perfect time for a lens hood. Other photographers take a more naturalistic approach to the medium. It’s easier if you break the question down into two components based on the benefits that a proper lens hood gives you as a photographer. We suggest “YES”, The fact is that a lens hood should live on your camera lens. The answer is simple! Pictures taken with a lens hood installed can have richer colors and deeper saturation. Another feature of a well-made lens hood is an inner lining of black flocking. There are a couple things to note about lens hoods that could be a factor in helping you decide whether to use them. They have with a wide angle zoom lens because they have extensions to maximize the coverage area. Why risk damaging your expensive lens when you could affix it with a lens hood for less than $30? Let’s break it down into its components so you can answer it for yourself. ), Is it ok to use a lens hood in low light? If that’s the case, then you’ve already got a hood that’ll both reduce lens flares and protect your glass. You may need to detach the hood each time you want to add or remove a filter. To put it simply, a lens hood is a piece of plastic that can be affixed to the end of a camera lens. (In fact, it makes a better lens protector than the oft-suggested UV filter since it usually has a bit of give and doesn’t degrade the image at all. A lens hood that screws into the threads of your camera lens will more than likely not support a polarizing filter—the threads will be in use, thereby giving your filter nowhere to screw into. As I mentioned in my previous post, the consensus is to use a lens hood to help avoid bumping the actual camera lens into things when you’re in the studio, field or where ever you take your photos. Once again, the answer is entirely circumstantial. 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. As mentioned earlier, lens hoods also act as decent protection for your camera lens. See Len Abrams answer below for the benefits of a hood in long exposure shots. With the hood attached, it can be quite difficult to get your fingers inside the hood to screw (or unscrew) a filter onto the lens. If you’re not a fan of lens flare, then it goes without saying that you should invest in a lens hood for your camera lenses. ), the effect is minimal. I had my lens hood on when I was shooting indoors in relatively low light, and someone said to me that I shouldn’t do that because it blocks out light. You might experience vignetting . A lens hood will not help you when the sun (or light source) is actually in your shot. Yes the front element is pretty thick on a lens and will take quite a hit before it chips or marks; but you don't want to encourage such things. To summarize, a lens hood is a great tool for removing or reducing the chance of lens flare in your shots while also acting as added protection to your expensive array of camera lenses, should they be dropped or sustain any other kind of physical impact. The fact is, many shorter camera lenses feature a glass lens that is relatively recessed from the outer edge of the lens casing. Based on my understanding, I would think it’s fine to keep the lens hood on since it only blocks out light outside the frame. If you’ve been in this business long enough then you understand that appearances matter. My understanding is that lens hoods block out "stray light". I always use a lens hood and sometimes have to go further and improvise with hand held shields to block stray light. Certainly it’s okay to use a lens hood in low light — it doesn’t block anything that would be involved in making the picture unless it’s the wrong size or shape for the lens you’re using. Having a lens hood may ruin your ability to approach your subject closely. Referring to the second sentence of your question – “blocking out light” from outside the field of view is precisely what you are trying to do. (In fact, it makes a better lens protector than the oft-suggested UV filter since it usually has a bit of give and doesn’t degrade the image at all.) While each shape is distinct in its own right, it doesn’t really offer much difference in the way of functionality. Petal Type. That said, you might keep one on while indoors just to help protect your lens from damage. The lens is also offered in a professional version with a maximum aperture of f/1.2. Having the lens hood on makes this shadow bigger since it’s adding a few inches to the end of the lens. Lens flares are very common during indoor photo shoots due to the occasional intensity of your artificial light source. But if you must choose, remember to have them on when: Your subject is backlit You’re shooting into or near strong sources of light For this reason, a lens hood is a necessary accessory in your photographic arsenal. Although lens hoods are useful for your photography, you don’t always need to use them. I used my 70-200 at a comic con type convention indoors and somebody said I looked stupid using a hood indoors but I can't even estimate the number of people that bumped into my lens when walking through big crowds. A lens hood has two purposes - one is to shield the lens elements from stray light - either directly from the sun, from passing cars, from a flash, etc. A camera with a lens hood, whether you like it or not, looks more professional to your clients even if it’s not currently doing much for your shooting session. What would you rather replace, an inexpensive lens hood or an extremely expensive camera lens? If you’ve already answered the “should I use a lens hood indoors” question, then you may be wondering when exactly you should use a lens hood. UV, ND (neutral density) and polarizing lens filters have a coating that reduces reflections. Small as they may be, lens filters play a huge role in the outcome of your images. This 49mm hood is ok, but it screws into the lens where the filters normally fit so you will be stacking the hood on top of any filter you use, increasing the depth of the body + lens combined. removing or reducing the chance of lens flare in your shots while also acting as added protection to your expensive array of camera lenses While a lens flare might fit in naturally in a naturalistic setting, it might stand out too much in an interior photo session. Some lenses, particularly wide-angle lenses, can result in photos with darker corners with the lens hood … You can’t beat a certified Canon lens hood. This stray light can cause lens flare and reduced contrast, so it is best to limit it. While it’s not sure-fire, having a lens hood on your nice lens beats leaving it open to falling, impact, or other physical damage. If you are deliberately using available / low light to avoid some of the often intrusive and unwanted effects of flash, the shadow effects of the lens hood would not be a problem anyway. The correct leica hood fits to a thread on the outer rim of the lens. There is an easy answer, even if it might be a cop-out. I do a lot of low / available light photography with long exposures (20 – 30 secs) where glare and flare are often a big problem which you cannot easily anticipate as you do not ‘see’ these effects with the naked eye under low light conditions. However, some lens hoods simply fit around your camera via soft rubber. But what does a lens hood do for you as a photographer? And it may minimize light distortion that could otherwise ruin a shot. Should I use lens hood at night? Its also useful for avoiding bumps to your lens or filter. Types of lens hoods . Certainly it’s okay to use a lens hood in low light — it doesn’t block anything that would be involved in making the picture unless it’s the wrong size or shape for the lens you’re using. Most of all, if you’re sporting a stout macro lens you may need to get extremely close to your subject for optimal focusing. Having a lens hood and knowing how to put on a lens hood are important parts of being a professional photographer. Furthermore, the tulip shape of the hood will add a certain elegance to your setup. While it can help reduce extra light from reflected objects nearby (windows, white walls, etc. With wide angle lenses that use shallower lens hoods you don’t even need to remove the lens hood to put on, adjust or remove a filter. This is the best option if you don’t want to purchase a proper lens hood. This is specially true when reversing it for storage on the lens. Using lens filters can be a bit tricky when using a lens hood. The first and most important issue involves vignetting. Yes a lens hood can also act as a way to protect the front element of your lens but that’s not the main reason I always use mine. With that said, it’s good practice to understand what exactly a lens hood does. This allows for more light to get in as well as lessen the chance of the lens hood being in the picture, as might happen with the round hood. Lens Filter. These type of lens hood are also referred to as tulip or flower lens hood. For me I use it pretty much just as protection I had my lens hood on when I was shooting indoors in relatively low light, and someone said to me that I shouldn't do that because it blocks out light. An added benefit to a lens hood is that it acts as a barrier between a nasty fall and your precious camera lens. All this above will also apply when you are taking photos inside. As you improve upon your expertise as a photographer, you’ll learn that the attitude of “do what feels right and do what you want” are both solid pieces of advice. The lens hood will increase the dynamic range, which results in a better contrast. Best of all, the cylindrical hood is made of durable but soft rubber, which is collapsible for efficient storage. Canon has always been known for their craftsmanship and their tulip-styled lens hood is no exception. The more sunlight or artificial light apparent in your shot, the more likely you’ll have light coming into your camera from the sides of the lens. I have read some of the other questions about lens hoods (for example, this one) and I hope that this is specific enough to not be considered a duplicate. Camera sensors are rectangular in shape, so petal hoods … Let’s break down having a lens hood versus not having one. Using a lens hood will help to make reduce the amount of precipitation that lands on your lens. Using one can reduce flare and retain contrast in the image. Also on my 80 - 400mm Nikon lens using a protective filter causes ghosting and lateral fringing at 400mm. If a lens hood has been affixed to your lens, then there’s a good chance the only damage sustained will be to your relatively inexpensive hood. While a lens cap will serve its purpose, it obviously can’t be affixed to your lens when the lens is in use. This is the lens you will use most of the time when you get the lighting gear out and pose your clients for their formal shots. If you’re dealing with either intense sunlight or intense artificial light, then you should invest in a lens hood unless you want to experiment with the artifacts that light will create in your camera lens. It’s simple really, a lens hood blocks the stray light from entering your lens and causing the lens flair. This, of course, will produce lighting artifacts that you may want to keep in your photographs or may want to eliminate. In theory, a lens hood is meant to block excessive light from creeping into your lens from the sides. The question of “should I use a lens hood indoors” can be as complicated or as easy a question as you want it to be. The lens hood works well at preventing flares and protecting the lens, but with no instructions, it was a bit tricky learning to mount it on the lens correctly. When you have less flare you get better picture quality too. The only drawback of this setup is the need for a separate lens hood for each lens, which can … Afterward, it’ll be a lot easier for you to answer the internal dialogue asking, “should I use a lens hood indoors?”. When To Use a Lens Hood Any time your subject is backlit (for example when you are shooting backlit during golden hour), or you are shooting into or near strong sunlight, you are bound to get a lens flare. What do you say? Should you use a lens hood indoors? Did you learn something new about lens hoods or is there something I missed? There’s no real need to use a lens hood indoors as it won’t impact image quality either way. For this reason, you’ll want to have a durable lens hood connected to the end of your lens to protect it from damage should any occur. Lens flare can be an asset to your photography or a detractor, depending on what you are trying to shoot. The last thing you want is to have it shatter from dropping it. If you like instant results and hate spending time and effort in post-production, using lens filters is the option for you and we hope this lens filter guide was able to help you understand how and when you can use them to improve your photography. A secondary use for a lens hood is to protect the lens. Have removed all filters from my lenses, using the hood that comes with your lens is protection enough. When light enters your camera from the side of the lens, you can get an effect known as “lens flare.”. You can use a lens hood at any time of the day and in most shooting situations. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You may first be wondering what exactly a lens hood is in the first place. 4. how to choose the correct lens hood from ebayhow to choose lens hood for dslr lenshow to choose lens hood for lenswhat lens hood for my lens Having a lens hood on your camera lens isn’t going to hurt anything. This set offers both popular lens hood styles. Some photographers are staunch artists in that they want to control every single component of a shot, down to the lighting. Does a lens hood affect exposure? I have read some of the other questions about lens hoods (for example, this one) and I hope that this is specific enough to not be considered a duplicate. Indoors it’s also important to use a lens hood, because you can get flare from window light, studio lights or lamps. Yes, a lens hood affects exposure in a good way as it stops unwanted light from overexposing elements of your image. While you may end up spending more money on this hood than others, the name brand could be worth it for appearances. A lens hood indoors gives you a good protective barrier against such things. improve the quality of your images and keep your lenses a little safer with almost no tradeoffs If your camera lens was a big investment, then there’s no reason you should leave it unprotected. To put it simply, if you want strict control over your lighting and want your subjects to look exactly how you’ve staged them then invest in a lens hood. The final thing you should consider when asking “should I use a lens hood indoors” is whether your camera lens already has a hood built-in. Even indoors or at night you have to deal with all kind of light sources that cause stray light. Tulip lens hoods are for wide angle lenses and typically you’ll get a tulip style lens hood when you purchase a wide angle zoom. When you use the tulip hood, it is important to keep the sides properly aligned. But in reality, you should use the hood whenever you can. I have read some of the other questions about lens hoods (for example, this one) and I hope that this is specific enough to not be considered a. The purpose of a camera lens hood is to create a shadow on the camera lens to prevent lens flare from stray light, in most cases caused by the sun. In fact, there are even a few situations where using a lens hood can become more of a hindrance than anything else. While some photographers will use that effect to their advantage, many would rather not have it appear in their shots at all. The 85mm focal length is somewhat limiting for general purpose use but makes up for this with gorgeous traditional portrait shots. If anything using a lens hood is more important in low light than in normal circumstances. Even if you don’t have a hood on your current lens, you should at least know why they’re used in the industry. It should be fine, but watch out for shadows if you are using flash. My understanding is that lens hoods block out “stray light”. While you can leave a UV or other filter in place when using the hood, it drastically reduces its effectiveness. If you’re a clumsy person prone to dropping your equipment, or just plan to shoot on rugged, uneven, or slippery terrain, then you should have a lens hood over your camera. The plastic can either be cylindrical or feature a “petal” shape. 8202 Lambert Drive, Huntington Beach, California. To deal with all kind of light sources that cause stray light.. At 400mm photographs or may want to add or remove a filter hood whenever you answer. That it acts as a photographer lens from damage furthermore, the fact is that lens... 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