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Lens Hood: Should You Use or Should You Not?
What is a Lens Hood?
A lens hood is something you attach to the end of your camera lens. The lens hoods come in many shapes and lengths. Lens hoods have two uses. The primary function is to shade the front part of the glass. To stop unwanted light to cross in the front element of the lens to prevent flares and washed out images.
Another great purpose for a lens hood is that it protects your lens from scratches, cracks, and from hitting objects.
When should I use a lens hood?
Well, I like to keep it on at all times. There are sometimes you can take it off if you want that flare effect. Say you want to take some street photography and you want to be incognito. Then you can remove the lens hood off of your lens, and you will be less noticeable.
Do lens hoods take up too much space in my bag?
Well no. You see, most lens hoods can turn around. Like in this picture here below.
So it will not take up any more space than what you have now. What I love the most about lens hoods is they give your photos the contrast it needs. The colors are vibrant when the use of a lens hood. If you would like to see the effect a lens hood would give you. Go outside on a lovely sunny day, and cup your hand around your eyes. By doing this, you will see what a lens hood does when attached on the end of a lens. What you are doing is getting rid of the unwanted light. You will see things more precise, and the colors will be vibrant. That is precisely how a lens hood works. Your pictures will be more accurate and sharper by adding a lens hood.
It all comes down to personal preference at the end of the day. A lens hood is perfect for every occasion whether it is sports, weddings, landscape, wildlife, modeling, or candid photos. You will not be disappointed by using a lens hood.
Here is a Before and After photo of using a Lens Hood
I hope you have found this quick guide helpful. If you would like to see more guide, please leave me a comment below. Have a great day!