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Using Lens Hood Improves Image Quality
One of the most popular questions that I receive in our Photography Classes is about the lens hoods. Apparently, everyone wants to know the uses and benefits of a lens shade or hood.
In this article, I discuss the importance and advantages of using a lens shade.
What is a Lens Hood?
Generally speaking, a hood is a tube-shaped accessory that attaches to the front of a lens. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24324″ img_size=”600×600″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Lens Hoods”][vc_column_text]Therefore, in photography, a lens shade (hood) is a device used on the front end of a lens to block the Sun or other light sources. It prevents unwanted glare or lens flare.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24328″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Lens Flare”][vc_column_text]Hoods can also protect the lens front scratches and other elements that may cause damage to the front glass part of the lens.
Why Different Shapes for Lens Hoods
The shape of a hood depends on three parameters: the focal length of the lens, the size of the front lens element, and the size of the image sensor.
Therefore, for wide-angle lenses, we usually see a butterfly or tulip shape hoods to avoid image vignetting. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24326″ img_size=”600×600″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Wide angle Lens Shade”][vc_column_text]On the other note, for standard to telephoto lenses, the shape of the hood varies from plain cylindrical to conical shape.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24324″ img_size=”600×600″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Telephoto Lens Shades”][vc_column_text]
Advantages of Lens Hood:
1-Preventing Lens Flare
When the light hits the front element of the lens, especially in an angle, it creates a lens flare. Lens shade(hood) prevents the glare. However, some photographers use the lens flare as a pleasing effect in some photos.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24327″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Good Lens Flare”][vc_column_text]Thus, if you want to avoid the lens flare, start using the lens shade.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24325″ img_size=”600×400″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”fadeIn” title=”Lens Flare”][vc_column_text]
2-Protection
Lastly, using a hood can protect the lens from scratches. Due to the depth of the hood, it creates extra space between the glass and the surrounding area. Therefore, those elements cannot reach and touch the lens.
Conclusion:
Most of the pro lenses come with a hood. If your lens did not come with one, you can purchase a dedicated hood for your lens. However, make sure to buy the correct hood for your lens focal length, make and model. Consult the lens instruction manual or the manufacturer website to find the proper hood for your lens.
Finally, I recommend regular use of lens hoods for indoor and outdoor photography to all students.
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