I carry my lenses in the case with the hoods reversed for space reasons. I mount them the right way as soon as I put them on the camera. I have seen people with hoods mounted backwards and in one case they were using the same lens I was (28-135mm IS). I politely mentioned that the hood was backwards and they're reaction was "oh, I'm not using a pro camera like you are".
Says the noob with the 7D to the guy with a gripped Rebel.Why would you say that to somebody? Not "Hey, would you mind if I asked why you keep your hood on backwards?" but rather "Excuse me, but I just wanted to let you know that you're doing that wrong." Do you also walk up to women and say "You know, you're wearing a white blouse. Aren't you aware that it's November 14th?" Or, slightly more obscurely (well, not anymore really) "Sir, you're eating a Twix. Don't you know that you're an old man?"
I'll reiterate my reasons for "backwardsing" as simply as possible:
1. I keep my lens cap on backwards in the bag because it fits in that way.
2. When I take the lens out, I don't bother to remove the hood, as it would require an extra few (often critical) seconds.
3. I only switch the hood to its correct position when A. I need it for flare-reducing purposes or B. when I need access to any rings/switches it blocks.
If that makes me an amateur, then an amateur I am. Among other things that make me an amateur: I don't make money from photography. That's clearly a secondary factor though!
