The Lens Hood: Why use it?

The lens hood, or lens shade, is a common tool in the world of photography today. So let’s talk about this a moment.

Nowadays most any lens you buy comes with some form of lens shade in either the butterfly style or a round tube. So why not use it? Well, there are those whom are lazy or rushed and just want to get on with shooting. For those of you who aren't, take a moment to secure the lens shade; it doesn’t take that long and you’ll be glad you did.

I’ll outline a few reasons why below. I almost alway use my lens shade. It protects the lens and shields most unwanted light from your photos, for starters.

That said, consider not using the lens shade in low light and macro photography with flash. It can get in the way, producing unnecessary shadows at times, or getting in the way of your flash or composition, especially subjects like flowers.

Also, consider these reasons for always using a lens shade with your camera.

1. The lens hood can be used to shield the front of your lens from incidental contact, protecting your screw-on filter, if you have one, and the glass of the lens itself.

2. It can help keep floating dust and debris off your lens.

3. The hood helps to reduce glare in your photos, especially when taking outdoor photos on a bright sunny day. Keyword here is help...because when the sun or other bright light are at an angle the hood can’t block, you will need something, or someone else, to block out the unwanted light.

4. Even in low light the lens hood can help direct light toward the camera and (again here’s that word again) help block unwanted light from other angles.

I hope I’ve made the case for using the Lens Hood/shade. It belongs in your camera bag. Use it!

I'll be blogging here about photography,  my workshops and classes for the foreseeable future. Have a photo question? Email me at charlsphoto@yahoo.com.