Why You Need Hood For Camera Lens For Better Landscape Photography

In this post, I will explain all about lens hood and the benefits of improving your photography. I will also cover why lens hoods come in different sizes and shapes? Also, when & how should you use it? Also, if you want to know best lens & focal length for landscape photography, check here. 

Why do you need camera lens hood?

I get this question many times on my Instagram, what do I need lens hoods? What is the purpose of it?

So, there are two primary goals of lens hoods,

1. Shade the direct light falling across the lens front element
2. Physical Protection to the lens

Shade the direct Light

When you shoot outside, there is a possibility that various light sources such as direct sunlight, reflected light, sunlight from an angle, etc., are hitting the lens. As a result, you will see the flare, washed-out image, or low contract image. This can happen when you shoot indoors as well. Check here best camera settings to improve landscape Photography.

So, Lens hoods shade the stray of lights on the lens, like you use caps in bright sun lights. And with this shade, everything looks crisper and sharper.

Note- If you intentionally want to add such an effect, there is no need to use lens hoods.

Physical Protection of Lens

The second purpose of lens hoods is to physically protect the lens from scratch or breaking when falling down or from banging. Honestly, It saved me infinite time. We use UV filters or clear filters on many occasions, which is okay. However, its additional cost, as well as filter, can get scratches, fingerprints, etc.

So, I recommend using camera lens hoods all the time, yes, including nighttime & indoor, except when you want to create some artistic effects, or if your camera has a built-in pop-up flash, then the lens hood can cast a shadow on your subject.

Type of Camera Lens hoods

You might be confused which type of lens hoods you require to use or buy. The answer is straightforward fundamentally, and there are two types of lens hoods,

1. Pedal style Or Tulip lens hood (used with wide Angle fixed and zoom lens)

   

2. Round hood, or Tube-Style (used with fixed or long-range zoom lens)

   

3. Square lens hood (used with old filter style camera)

Hoods are designed optimum to focal length & field of view, so it does not interfere with the picture while shooting. And, you don’t need to confuse because typically, all lens has only one style of hood for that. And It is determined by the nature of your lens.

If you are interested in what is my camera bag, check it out here!

Note- You can fit lens cap with lens hood.

How to use camera lens hood

Lens hood are very simple to fit in the lens. Both lens and lens hood have threads. You just need to align, then rotate for 90-270 degrees; bingo! That’s it.

Most of the lens hoods are reversible. It means you can take them off, turn them around, and put them on backward on your lens. The reverse way is not for shooting; it is suitable for packing. It takes less space in the camera bag and protects the lens as the outer cover.

Note- I recommend putting lens hoods on if you are going for some important event, so you don’t need to fuss around and waste time on that.

Conclusion

Some lens manufacturers (like Canon, Nikon, Sony ) give lens hoods along with a piece of glass, but if you don’t have one, please buy. You can purchase original from lens manufacturers or buy a cheap one from third-party manufacturers. I recommend using a camera lens hood all the time; it will protect your lens and avoid flare and increase contrast. As A landscape photographer, lens hoods is your travel companion. 

If you have questions or feedback, please let us know in the comment.

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