Sourced from David Peterson’s lens hood article
Sunshine provides a great backdrop but getting the exposer correct is a challenge. While gadgets are a requirement for any serious photographer, some are better than others. So, what about the lens hood?
Overlooking the inconveince of attaching a lens hood for a couple of spontaneous shots a lens hood is an invaluable tool to help make use of nature’s greatest light source. Get the wrong type and a lens hood will be responsible for trendy, but in most cases unhelpful, vignetting.
David Peterson at digital photo secrets takes the time to talk through the uses of a lens hood to help photographers better understand how nifty the gadget is:
If we better understood the hood’s many uses, then we can begin to realize its value and indispensability.
Aside from primarily preventing lens flare from ruining a shot a lens hood can be great for lens protection and even allow for better contrasts. However, it is important to pay attention to Peterson’s warning, the old addage:
do a simple test to check its compatibility.
Do you like vignetting? When do you use a lens hood?
If you’re getting vignetting from your lens hood, you’re using the wrong one and it’s too long. A lens hood is something I permanently (unless deliberately going for flare) keep attached to my lens as it increases contrast and protects your lens from knocks and bumps.