When should I use/not use a lens hood?
Dec 22, 2013 17:47:29 #
Use the lens hood 24/7 unless you are using a wide angle example 10-22mm. Then I do not put one on!
Dec 22, 2013 17:55:00 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
Robert R wrote:
I was always taught to use a filter to protect lens. From reading all the posts here it seems the majority feel that it is not needed. Several weeks ago I was photographing my grandson, age 3, and before I could stop him, he came over and planted two very dirty finger prints on my filter. My question is that if those finger prints were on the surface of the lens, would the lens be damaged by cleaning?
Absolutely not. It would not be damaged by a little dirt. Its is also as easy to clean a lens as it is to clean a filter.
Dec 22, 2013 18:18:49 #
psychnet wrote:
A great discussion. I'll probably use my lens hood more often. Too bad they don't make an adjustable one for all the different lens sizes I own. That's one advantage of a filter.
Lenses of different focal lengths can accommodate lens shades of different lengths. Therefore, lens shade is defined by the shortest focal length that a lens can assume (if a zoom). Thus, no really useable universal lens shade.
HTH
Dec 22, 2013 18:21:14 #
I will say this again - A lens hood - especially a round metal one will protect your lens AND shade the lens from unwanted light. I keep my round metal hoods on 24/7 and cap them when not in use - except when I am using a polarizer. I do NOT use a filter to "protect" my lenses except in extreme harsh conditions when the hood id not enough.
Dec 22, 2013 18:42:11 #
Dec 22, 2013 18:53:41 #
psychnet
Loc: Philly + Delaware River
It's not the focal length that's the problem but the diameter ? Of the lens...anywhere from 52-77 mm I think for my 4 lenses.
Dec 22, 2013 19:17:50 #
mwsilvers wrote:
Absolutely not. It would not be damaged by a little dirt. Its is also as easy to clean a lens as it is to clean a filter.
Thanks, good to know
Dec 23, 2013 00:31:37 #
lighthouse wrote:
You do know how contradicting that article is of y... (show quote)
YOU obviously missed the point of the article. :roll:
But you get an A+ for jumping to conclusions and reading into my posts things that I NEVER said.
And if YOU think that using a UV filter for protection makes sense, then save that logic advice for yourself. ;)
Dec 23, 2013 02:45:08 #
I leave the hood ON - There is one reason where IF you are using the "built-in" flash as it can cast a shadow out onto the subject. However by using a hot shoe mounted flash I have not had this occur even with a 70-200 lens (I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II -- and a canon 60D).
Dec 23, 2013 10:28:42 #
CHOLLY wrote:
What is the difference between cleaning salt spray... (show quote)
I thank you for your response. Your article that you posted in another reply provided me with some newer information.
I learned an expensive lesson in the 60's when I lost a telephoto zoom lens due to salt and sand. The front element of the lens was finely scratched by these elements and the mfg. of the lens suggested the use of a uv filter on the lens at that time to prevent damage in the future.
Today, I do not use a uv filter but rather an ND filter due to the bright sun and reflection.
Dec 23, 2013 11:01:11 #
dthurk wrote:
I have ALWAYS put a UV filter on my lenses for protection. Cheaper to replace a scratched filter than having to repair a scratched lens.Would a lens hood provide any amount of protection to the front element? I don't want to put a UV filter on an expensive lens just for "protection".
Dec 23, 2013 12:03:18 #
alandg46 wrote:
I never use a UV filter, but, almost always a hood... (show quote)
This is so funny, Your ND filter screwed in the lens protected the lens by breaking instead of the lens breaking. You were protected, yet complaining. Sounds like some politicians. I had a similar thing happen, I was taking a photo of a wedding couple on a sailboat and slipped. The UV filter broke, but the camera was fine. I did not complain, but was happy that the camera and lens had some degree of protection. I do not normally use UV filters, but am not afraid of a quality one in front. I know some say do not put another piece of glass in front of your lens, but sometimes it helps.
Dec 23, 2013 12:33:51 #
nikonshooter wrote:
The lens hood serves its primary purpose fighting the flare from the sun.......indoors, this is USUALLY not the case as flags and gobos are used to control studio light. The fact the hood can protect the glass is secondary to it's primary purpose....but a good one at that. Also, on-camera flash with a wide angle lens plus hood can introduce dark shadows in the image caused by the hood.
That is exactly the case, sometimes you get an unwanted shadow.
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Dec 23, 2013 13:08:44 #
I would have to agree with your comment as i to have the same result when i am yousing my 70-200 2.8 IS L. I notice quite a difference in shooting at high school Basketball venues. The light is usually so bad that leaving the hood on does make a big difference with the noise level.. I have tried with the hood on and off and noticed the difference in post!! So
for that reason i will say leave the Hood and its all good!!
for that reason i will say leave the Hood and its all good!!
Dec 23, 2013 13:22:10 #
I call my lens hood and my UV filter "Insurance"
The hood insures that I can capture a photo I could not without it. As well as giving another bumper between solid objects and my lens. My 500mm Mirrored has the built-in retractable hood and I have the "rubber" retractable hoods ($10) for my other lens.
The ($10)UV filter is on my lens for insurance against scratches and dings - period - no other reason.
Hood+UV filter $20
Lens $200 and up
Makes sense to me.
The hood insures that I can capture a photo I could not without it. As well as giving another bumper between solid objects and my lens. My 500mm Mirrored has the built-in retractable hood and I have the "rubber" retractable hoods ($10) for my other lens.
The ($10)UV filter is on my lens for insurance against scratches and dings - period - no other reason.
Hood+UV filter $20
Lens $200 and up
Makes sense to me.
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