When do you need to use a lens hood?

[onedownfiveup]

When is it recommended to use the lens hood and when is it ok not to?

[airfrogusmc]

Use one all the time...

doesn't this thread come up ever couple weeks or so.

[cowpix]

Use one all the time...

doesn't this thread come up ever couple weeks or so.

Exactly. :rolleyes:

[simwells]

Why isn't there a sticky like the protective filter one?

[argyle]

Why isn't there a sticky like the protective filter one?

Maybe because using a hood should be considered 'common sense' ? The hood is analogous to the horn on your car...if it wasn't meant to be used, the manufacturer wouldn't give you one. :) There are a few occasions when you probably wouldn't want to use a hood, but those are scarce.

[Tee Why]

Generally, I use it most of the time. It shields the lens against stray light which may increase flare. It also protects the front element as well. If space is tight or you don't want a lens with a big hood which may intimidate others or draw attention to myself, I use a UV filter to protect the front element and go without a hood.

But most of the time, I use a hood.

[MattMoore]

I put mine on backwards, like I wear my baseball hat.

Because it makes me look cool.

No, I use mine when there is a light source that may cause unwanted lens flare.

[Eagle]

It shields the lens against stray light which may increase flare.

when there is a light source that may cause unwanted lens flare.

This is when you need to use one.

A lot of people use them for protecting the front element of the lens also.

[MattMoore]

A lot of people use them for protecting the front element of the lens also.

I thought that was what a CPL was for. :p

Doesn't CPL stand for Camera Protection Layer?

[amironsi]

use it all the time
if ud ont' like it all th etime
use it when u r in a placewith direct light that can make flare in ur lens

[GilesGuthrie]

I dropped my 5d + 16-35 from three feet on Tuesday. It landed on the lens hood. No damage.

Spend time thinking about when you should not use a lens hood.

[Bill Roberts]

Always. Unless it's actually interfering with the shot which is possible if you're shooting macro.

[Roy Mathers]

I thought that was what a CPL was for. :p

Doesn't CPL stand for Camera Protection Layer?

It's difficult to tell in print, but I assume you're joking?

[MattMoore]

It's difficult to tell in print, but I assume you're joking?

Yes, I'm joking.

I know CPL stand for Common Public License...or was that Cyberathlete Professional League...or perhaps Crunchy Panda Layer...no wait, Circular PoLarizer!

[Familiaphoto]

I use mine all the time if for protection if not for photographic value. Many of the folks that don't use filters for protection swear by their hoods for protection.

[queenbee288]

I use mine all the time too. There have been a few times when I have bumped it and was glad it was there.

[Mike R]

All the time, for flare control when needed but also overall lens protection. While shooting sports I would rather have a hood damaged be a ball than have to repair/replace a lens.

[dave kadolph]

Always!

[adam*]

I use it for protection mainly, banged it quite a few times.. no damage to the lens.

[cledwards]

Maybe because using a hood should be considered 'common sense' ? The hood is analogous to the horn on your car...if it wasn't meant to be used, the manufacturer wouldn't give you one. :) There are a few occasions when you probably wouldn't want to use a hood, but those are scarce.

Frist he may be like me in that the manufacturer DIDN'T provide one as none came with my camera XTI and kit lens. So someone new to photography like myself that didn't have one to begin with, seems to me would ask a valid question of do I need one, and when should I use it.

[tonylong]

Frist he may be like me in that the manufacturer DIDN'T provide one as none came with my camera XTI and kit lens. So someone new to photography like myself that didn't have one to begin with, seems to me would ask a valid question of do I need one, and when should I use it.

Good point to make:)!

It took me a while before I realized that lens hoods were an all-around good idea, but then I went through my lenses and ordered a full set for my non-L lenses (except some lenses don't have hoods available). L lenses get shipped with hoods. Now, I always keep the hoods on the lenses in the "storage" position and then when I mount them I always put them in place. It can't hurt to have them on (my macro lenses don't have hoods) and it always has the potential to prevent unwanted light, and to protect the lens as well. As far as I'm concerned there is no downside except for the slight inconvenience of time and size.

[Tony-S]

The only times I don't use one is:

1. Macro of insects or when using the EM-140 macro flash
2. I have to use the on-board flash (and a hood gets in the way).

[Beski]

Didn't want to start a new thread for this question...so I will add on here:

Will using a Hood in a low light situation (inside a Church) actually let in "Less" light for the shot ??

I have a 85 1.8 on order with a hood and need to take some Church shots this weekend, and just wondered if the hood can "block" available light in a low light situation ??

Would this be another situation to not use a Hood, or does the same light hit the sensor either way ??

[Bootlegger0173]

I use the fold back type so they are always handy.

[delhi]

I use it all the time because it makes my kit lens look like an expensive unit. :D

[Mark_Cohran]

Will using a Hood in a low light situation (inside a Church) actually let in "Less" light for the shot ??

No, it won't. It will only stop the light that comes in at too large an angle to contribute to the photo and instead causes flare (internal reflections).

I have a 85 1.8 on order with a hood and need to take some Church shots this weekend, and just wondered if the hood can "block" available light in a low light situation ??

No. See above.

Would this be another situation to not use a Hood, or does the same light hit the sensor either way ??

The best light is going to hit the sensor when you use a hood. In a truly low light situation, there may not be enough extraneous light to cause problems, but why take the chance?

[amironsi]

Will using a Hood in a low light situation (inside a Church) actually let in "Less" light for the shot ??

No, it won't. It will only stop the light that comes in at too large an angle to contribute to the photo and instead causes flare (internal reflections).

I have a 85 1.8 on order with a hood and need to take some Church shots this weekend, and just wondered if the hood can "block" available light in a low light situation ??

No. See above.

Would this be another situation to not use a Hood, or does the same light hit the sensor either way ??

The best light is going to hit the sensor when you use a hood. In a truly low light situation, there may not be enough extraneous light to cause problems, but why take the chance?

i am with Mark, i use the hood with my 17-55 f/2.8 all the time cause it helps avoiding unwanted light, like video photographers and other flash and people aruond, especially in churches.

[SkipD]

In addition to blocking stray light, a properly designed (for the particular lens) rigid hood will act as a "bumper" to protect the lens from all sorts of impacts against things around you.

I always use a hood unless it actually gets in the way of making an image.

[Beski]

As always....THANKS to everybody for their Help !! :D