Andrea Sullach on "Is a lens hood really useful?"

Andrea Sullach — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:05:17 +0000

Lens hoods not only reduce flare and increase contrast in images, but also physically protect the front lens from hitting other objects.

No need to say that vignetting has to be taken into account when choosing the right hood.

kirpi on "Is a lens hood really useful?"

kirpi — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:49:46 +0000

Definitely! A lens hood is one of the cheapest and most useful digital camera accessories at the same time.

As for the shape, round rubber hoods are the most universally sold but they are far from optimal. The right hood for prime lenses should have the same form as the camera sensor (or the film) it is used for. Plastic or light metallic hoods are fine, while rubber is just a second choice. Give a look at classic Leica or Hasselblad hoods in order to get the idea. Zoom lenses usually come with custom designed, tulip-shaped plastic shades: stick with those and remember that most probably any in-camera flash will require you to remove the hood at shorter focal lenghts.

Tanja on "Is a lens hood really useful?"

Tanja — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:59:36 +0000

My camera does not have any lens hood. Would it be worth to find and buy one?
Is there any difference in the make, shape or price?