The Digital Photography Book

The Deal on Lens Hoods

Besides making your lens look longer and “more professional,” a lens hood serves two very important roles (one advertised, one not as much): The first is that the lens hood helps keep lens flare from the sun, or from a flash, from getting to your lens and washing out your photos. Most good quality lenses these days come with one that is specifically engineered to work with that particular lens. The other, less publicized use is to protect your lens from getting scratched or broken while it’s slung over your shoulder as you walk around. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve banged my lens against a chair, the end of a table, ...