You should always use a lens hood (unless perhaps trying for a sun flare special effect). It blocks extraneous light from the lens and it can also protect your lens. I can't tell you how many times I've banged my camera on something and the lens hood has taken the hit rather than my lens.
With all that said, in a situation where extraneous light wouldn't have been an issue, your picture won't look any different with or without a lens hood. But it's a good idea to always use it, for the reasons mentioned above.
Wade Williams
Nikon D300, 18-135/3.5-5.6, 70-300/4.5-5.6, SB800
Have you notice any difference in your pictures when using a lense hood vs. not?
I am going out today to try it out, but wanted to hear from those who use it.
Thank you!
GG
Yes, I notice a difference but it varies with conditions. A lens hood will make a big difference when you have a "contra lighting" situation. Contra lighting is when a light streams across the front of the lens' front element and the light is not a component of the scene.
In this situation a hood will "shelter" the front element by casting a shadow across the front element, preventing lens flare. At minimum lens flare will reduce scene contrast and at most lens flare is capable of destroying the image by obscuring part of the scene or subject.
A hood also protects the front element from damage.
I always use a lens hood except in a macro/close focus situation where the hood would interfere with either the proximity of the subject or cast a shadow from a light behind the hood, like a camera mounted flash.
Very occasionally you can use lens flare as a creative element in a scene. In that situation it might be a benefit to remove the hood for the creative effect. That is pretty rare however. You can generally provide a very convincing lens flare in PhotoShop and the effect is more controllable.
Yes, I notice a difference but it varies with conditions. A lens hood will make a big difference when you have a "contra lighting" situation. Contra lighting is when a light streams across the front of the lens' front element and the light is not a component of the scene.
In this situation a hood will "shelter" the front element by casting a shadow across the front element, preventing lens flare. At minimum lens flare will reduce scene contrast and at most lens flare is capable of destroying the image by obscuring part of the scene or subject.
A hood also protects the front element from damage.
I always use a lens hood except in a macro/close focus situation where the hood would interfere with either the proximity of the subject or cast a shadow from a light behind the hood, like a camera mounted flash.
Very occasionally you can use lens flare as a creative element in a scene. In that situation it might be a benefit to remove the hood for the creative effect. That is pretty rare however. You can generally provide a very convincing lens flare in PhotoShop and the effect is more controllable.
Thank you guys! Great! The protection is a selling point. I was just worry, it would block light and I would have to use higher ISO than usual to compensate.
I know of one fella who did not use a lens hood on his 16-35 f2.8 L as he went through Antelope Canyon. He exited with a large scratch across the center of his $1600 lens, and was not a happy camper ( I am not confessing - this was not me )
Needless to say, he will use a lens hood in the future.
Comments
With all that said, in a situation where extraneous light wouldn't have been an issue, your picture won't look any different with or without a lens hood. But it's a good idea to always use it, for the reasons mentioned above.
Nikon D300, 18-135/3.5-5.6, 70-300/4.5-5.6, SB800
Yes, I notice a difference but it varies with conditions. A lens hood will make a big difference when you have a "contra lighting" situation. Contra lighting is when a light streams across the front of the lens' front element and the light is not a component of the scene.
In this situation a hood will "shelter" the front element by casting a shadow across the front element, preventing lens flare. At minimum lens flare will reduce scene contrast and at most lens flare is capable of destroying the image by obscuring part of the scene or subject.
A hood also protects the front element from damage.
I always use a lens hood except in a macro/close focus situation where the hood would interfere with either the proximity of the subject or cast a shadow from a light behind the hood, like a camera mounted flash.
Very occasionally you can use lens flare as a creative element in a scene. In that situation it might be a benefit to remove the hood for the creative effect. That is pretty rare however. You can generally provide a very convincing lens flare in PhotoShop and the effect is more controllable.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Thank you guys! Great! The protection is a selling point. I was just worry, it would block light and I would have to use higher ISO than usual to compensate.
Needless to say, he will use a lens hood in the future.
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin