Not sure this has been asked - lens shroud?

Hi all.

I'm building a checklist for my 2nd attempt at a night sky here in Vegas (well... not from inside the city..) and even as stupid as this might sound, I'm going to ask it:

Lens shroud? On or off? Typically I leave it off if I'm doing inside pictures but I was wondering if I should leave it on to minimize the possibility of getting any ambient light interference?

I would leave it on, because contrast is important and any light from the sides will reduce contrast. The effect may be minimal, but any gain is better than nothing.

Yup. The only time I bother with the hood on my 10-22 is when doing night sky shots.

I was going to say to leave it on...might act as a little dew shield for starters, but certainly with viewing, I've noticed a huge difference between having my dew-shield on or off. So much ambient light, (even if it seems like there isn't much), will get in the sides and affect a shot.

Thanks for the responses.

I might go try Red Rock Canyon again tonight with some additional info I've been reading. I've got notes this time.

(I think my first attempt could have benefitted from the shroud since I was close to the road and cars were driving by)