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Stephen Walton
Lens hoods may seem like a simple accessory, but they play an essential role in improving the quality of your images while also protecting your lens.
Understanding the different types of lens hoods and knowing when to use each can help you make the most of your photography, whether you’re working in bright sunlight or controlled studio environments.
I will walk you through the various types of lens hoods and explain when and why to use them.
A lens hood is a cylindrical or petal-shaped accessory that attaches to the front of a camera lens. Its primary function is to block stray light from hitting the lens, which can cause unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast in your photos.
Additionally, lens hoods provide a level of physical protection for the lens, helping shield it from bumps, scratches, or even light rain.
By blocking stray light, lens hoods help reduce lens flare, which appears as streaks or spots of light that can wash out your photos.
With less stray light entering the lens, you get better contrast and more vibrant colours in your images.
A lens hood can absorb minor impacts, protecting the front element of your lens from scratches, fingerprints, and accidental bumps. Now, let’s explore the different types of lens hoods and the situations in which each type is most beneficial.
There are two primary types of lens hoods: cylindrical and petal (or tulip-shaped). The design of the hood often corresponds to the focal length and type of lens it is meant to be used with.
A cylindrical lens hood is exactly what it sounds like a round, tube-like structure that extends straight from the front of the lens. These hoods are commonly used with telephoto and prime lenses because these lenses have a narrow-angle of view, and the straight shape of the hood doesn’t interfere with the image.
Cylindrical hoods are perfect for telephoto lenses, as they effectively block unwanted light without entering the frame. Especially useful when shooting in bright sunlight, where stray light can easily create flare on longer focal lengths.
They also provide excellent physical protection, making them great for wildlife, sports, or travel photography, where the lens may be exposed to bumps or knocks.
The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto lens typically uses a deep cylindrical hood to control light and protect the large front element.
A petal or tulip lens hood has a unique, flower-petal-like design with notches or cutouts. This shape is engineered to maximise the blocking of stray light while ensuring the hood doesn’t vignette (or block) the corners of the image, especially on wide-angle lenses. The design takes into account the rectangular shape of a camera sensor, which captures a wider image horizontally than vertically.
Wide-Angle and Zoom Lenses: The petal design is perfect for wide-angle lenses where a cylindrical hood would likely cause vignetting. The cutouts allow for more light coverage across the frame while still providing shade for the lens.
When shooting landscapes, the wide field of view makes a petal hood ideal for avoiding flare while keeping the entire image sharp and contrast-rich.
Petal hoods are versatile and often come standard with many zoom lenses, making them useful for a wide range of photography styles.
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is often paired with a petal hood, allowing the lens to zoom without vignetting the edges of the image.
Understanding when to use a lens hood can significantly enhance the quality of your images. Below are some scenarios where a lens hood can make a difference:
If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, particularly during midday, a lens hood is essential to reduce flare and improve contrast. Even when the sun isn’t directly in the frame, its light can still enter the lens at an angle and reduce the overall image quality.
Lens hoods can also be helpful in studio settings, especially when dealing with multiple light sources. Even controlled lighting can produce stray reflections and glare, which a lens hood can help to reduce, leading to more accurate exposure and colours.
In low-light or night photography, lens flare from streetlights or passing cars can ruin your shot. Using a lens hood helps to reduce unwanted light sources from entering your frame and ensures better control over your exposure and highlights.
While not their primary function, lens hoods offer a layer of protection from the elements. If you’re shooting in light rain or snow, a hood can prevent droplets from landing on your lens, allowing you to shoot longer without constantly cleaning the front element. It also helps in dusty or sandy environments by acting as a barrier between your lens and airborne particles.
There are instances when you might not need a lens hood. For example, if you’re using a lens with a built-in hood, or if you are intentionally trying to create artistic lens flare.
Additionally, when shooting in soft, controlled light (e.g., in an overcast environment or indoors with no bright light sources), the hood may not make a significant difference.
It’s important to use a lens hood designed specifically for your lens. Generic or mismatched hoods may cause vignetting (darkening at the corners of the image) or fail to provide adequate coverage from stray light. Most camera manufacturers include a lens hood with higher-end lenses or offer them as accessories.
When purchasing a lens hood, make sure it matches the specific model of your lens, as the diameter, length, and shape vary between different types of lenses and manufacturers.
A lens hood is an invaluable tool that enhances the quality of your images and offers physical protection for your lens. Whether you’re shooting portraits with a telephoto lens or capturing wide landscapes, the right lens hood can make a noticeable difference in image clarity and contrast.
With so many benefits and virtually no downsides, using a lens hood is one of the easiest ways to improve your photography and protect your investment.
For any serious photographer, adding a lens hood to your kit is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your images are free from flare, rich in contrast, and that your lens stays protected during any shoot.
(iPhotography may make small commissions from links in this article.)
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