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BetterPhoto Q&A
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 Wayne Langston Contact Wayne Wayne's Gallery photosforeveryone.com member since: 11/14/2004 |
Lens Hoods What is the "real" purpose for a lens hood? Some use it, some don't. What do y'all think? 7/3/2011 4:18:25 PM |
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Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Carlton's Gallery carltonwardphoto.com member since: 12/13/2005 |
The "real" purpose of a lens hood is to keep lens flare in check. Lens flare can cause an image to look washed out and also show as visible artifacts which look something like green or red spots across the image. You see this a lot with motion pictures where there are colored dots coming across the frames usually going from small at the top and increasing in size as it gets closer to the center of the frame. Lemme see if I can find an example image... This example image is more of a result of shooting directly into the sun but you can see a couple of green spots and the washed out look I am talking about. Lens hoods are also a must for shooting through glass like an aquarium to cut the reflections off the glass of the objects behind you that will also reflect off the glass. I have a rubber lens hood I use just for these type shots. It also works well for protecting the lens if you should drop your camera and dont have the lens cap on. Hope this helps. 7/3/2011 8:08:17 PM |
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Lynn R. Powers Contact Lynn Lynn's Gallery member since: 9/12/2006 |
I have to agree with Carlton 100% Not only does it protect from flare entering the lens, it will cut down on glare. I shoot a lot on or near the water. Even on cloudy-bright days there is a tremendous amount of glare. The hood will cut this down for better exposure. Q: When should I use a lens hood? 7/5/2011 7:44:25 PM |
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Thomas W. Schoeller
SchoellerPhotos.com member since: 12/4/2006 |
Yes, what Lynn and Carlton said. I tend to gravitate however to a philosphy of using the proper tool to do the job. It's important to understand when lens flare can be a problem and recognize. I once read somewhere an ameteur photographer who admitted that he "liked" to use the hood because it made his gear look all the more impressive to others. I thought how superficial? Worried about what others are thinking...anyhow don't want to stray too far here. I also use it religiously unless the lighting conditions definitely don't call for it.
7/12/2011 3:22:17 PM |
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Nikki McDonald Contact Nikki Nikki's Gallery member since: 11/6/2006 |
I use one all the time outdoors -- except when I am physically limited in terms of perspective and the shadow is really in the way. Then I may take it off for a few shots just to see :) I had never thought about using it when shooting through glass -- duh! Sure will from now on! Thanks for asking the question, Wayne, and for the answers, everyone.
7/17/2011 8:20:13 AM |
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