Lens Hood

In photography, the lens hood or lens shade is actually a device utilized on the tip of the lens to prevent the sun or different source of light in order to stop glare and lens flare.

The geometry of the lens hood may deviate from the simple cylindrical or conical section (very similar to a lampshade) to some more sophisticated cut sometimes referred to as a petal, tulip or flower lens hood, which create a good shade whilst not blocking the field of view of the lens and therefore producing vignetting. Properly petal shaped lens hoods create far more shade than usual lens hoods with similar end diameter. Square lens hoods might be even better.

Lens hoods will be more prominent in long focus lenses since the field of view features a smaller viewing angle compared to wide-angle lenses. For wide angle lenses, the length of the hood (away from the end of the lens) can’t be as long as those for telephoto lenses due to the viewing angle.

Lens hoods are usually made to fit on the matching lens facing either forward, for normal use, or even backwards, so that your hood may be stored together with the lens without taking up much extra room. Some lens hoods are flexible as well as collapsible for storage.
In addition, they provide some physical protection for your lens as a result of hood extending farther than the camera lens itself

The key use for the lens hood is usually to prevent light from striking the front lens element from the sides – decreasing contrast as well as generating flare. Photos taken using a lens hood installed may have richer colors, much deeper saturation.

Another use for the lens hood is to safeguard the lens. The harm prevented may range from a finger-printed front element (a small annoyance) to a busted front element (probably a significant expense – and lost photos). Lens hoods are usually robust and stand out from the lens some distance. Unintentional touches as well as scrapes to the front element tend to be decreased due to the fact that glass is difficult to reach. A number of impact protections can be gained from creating a sacrificial part taking the whack. Of course, ultra wide angle lenses have got very short hoods that provide hardly any protection.

Lens hoods on longer focal length lenses provide more front lens element defense against rain and dirt. Of course, in case your lens isn’t weather sealed, you shouldn’t allow it to get wet in the first place. A clean and dried out front element enables the camera to produce the better image quality you anticipate.

However lens hoods are costly – and bothersome. Yes. However, your lens was probably much more expensive – and you’re shooting using a D-SLR since you want the perfect image quality (not because it was hassle-free and cheap).

The lens hood also can give a convenience: I routinely case my camera along with lens attached in a toploader-style case or even a backpack. To permit a quicker shot, I frequently leave the hood installed (not reversed) and then leave the lens cap off – permitting the hood to safeguard the front lens element.