Numpty hood question.

[jmorgan]

OK, title says it all really. I have hoods but not really sure why for and what different types are for. Off the top of me head guess, stop unwanted light getting in in certain circumstances. Guidance being sought if I may.

[flat-planedCrank]

jmorgan said:

OK, title says it all really. I have hoods but not really sure why for and what different types are for. Off the top of me head guess, stop unwanted light getting in in certain circumstances. Guidance being sought if I may.

There are generally specific hoods for each lens, you don't want a long hood on a wide lens cos it'll appear in the shots

Your right in saying they block unwanted light In most cases they'll help reduce lens flare - not only the classic multi-element flare (of photoshop filter fame) but also subtly improving contrast.

One other very good reason to use them is protecting the front of the lens, not only for motorsports shots (where I've saved a cracked front lens element by using a hood) but also from general use.

I use a lens hood all the time


Hope this helps,

Cheers.

[jmorgan]

Ta. My out the box with camera lens came with a stubby jobby and the zoom (70-300) has a couple of inches one and looks a tad long but I have noticed that some have cut outs, curios as to why there. Latest acquisition didn't come with anything and its a 28-135. So, medium one then?

[Simpo Two]

jmorgan said:

I have noticed that some have cut outs, curios as to why there.

Because the hood is round and the image is square

I find that lens hoods are no proof against flare and don't use them because they're just more bits of plastic to faff about with - if I see the contrast fall off I just put my hand up as a momentary shield. However hoods can be useful in keeping spots of light rain off the front element.

[flat-planedCrank]

jmorgan said:

Ta. My out the box with camera lens came with a stubby jobby and the zoom (70-300) has a couple of inches one and looks a tad long but I have noticed that some have cut outs, curios as to why there. Latest acquisition didn't come with anything and its a 28-135. So, medium one then?

This 28-135mm? - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ef-28-13...

If so, you want the EW 78B II lens hood - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ew-78b-i...


The cut-outs tend to happen for lenses where the front does not rotate when focusing / zooming, that's all


Cheers.

[GetCarter]

They are also a crumple zone for the lens. Keep them on whenever possible.

[jmorgan]

Ta once more. Figured that they help protect but not sure what to get, stubby or long etc, and what they really achieved. Orfski to warehouse express then.

[Simpo Two]

jmorgan said:

Ta once more. Figured that they help protect but not sure what to get, stubby or long etc, and what they really achieved. Orfski to warehouse express then.

Each hood should be matched to the focal length of the lens (ie field of view/viewing angle). It must not vignette the image, but should be as close as possible. A wide angle lens will have a short, flared hood; a telephoto lens will have a longer, more parallel one. So if your hoods came with particular lenses, just keep them together, you dont need to buy more.

[jmorgan]

Thanks. Latest one did not come with one.

Given me an idea for my telescope as well bit of local light pollution to deal with.

[flat-planedCrank]

jmorgan said:

Thanks. Latest one did not come with one.

Unfortunately Canon does not include hoods with non-L series lenses. Got to buy them separately...

[AndWhyNot]

GetCarter said:

They are also a crumple zone for the lens. Keep them on whenever possible.

Hmmm, you say that - fell forwards onto hood which ripped off the hood thread:



Although I guess it would be in a worse way without a hood