New Lens, it comes with a hood?

[Conor D]

Whats the point of the hood, when should you use it?

The lens is a 55-200 Nikon AF-S, I needed a bit of zoom.. I'm liking it so far, haven't got a chance to go out yet though. Might go out for a bit now. It's nice being able to zoom..

[itsnotarace]

Conor D said:

Whats the point of the hood, when should you use it?

To block sunlight, rain etc

[tim-b]

Generally it's to shade the lens surface from direct sunlight, so you don't get lens flares and such. But it also works for rain, snow etc if you're the adventurous type.

[GetCarter]

I NEVER use a lens without a hood! (unless I am using filters)

Would you drive a car without a bonnet?

It protects the lens, stops flare, stops rain... etc.

[Elderly]

GetCarter said:

I NEVER use a lens without a hood! (unless I am using filters)

I too never use a lens without a hood but especially when using filters,
as I wish to believe that for some reason, stray light hitting a filter has a more
deleterious effect than when striking the front element of the lens alone.

When there was a mechanical reason why I couldn't fit a hood and a filter,
I would blu-tack one on.

I had a dedicted hood for each of my primes and I do wonder how effective
a hood for a long reach zoom can be - hoever I still use one on my walkabout zoom!

[GetCarter]

Unfortunately my filters are about 4" x 6" so I'd need a serious gaffa moment to incorporate a hood.

[RobDickinson]

I always use a hood (if I have one, still dont for the 50/1.8 ) - unless using filters.

If it doesnt come with one then buy one.

[tim-b]

RobDickinson said:

I always use a hood (if I have one, still dont for the 50/1.8 ) - unless using filters.

If it doesnt come with one then buy one.

Unless you want flare of course!

[SamHH]

GetCarter said:

Unfortunately my filters are about 4" x 6" so I'd need a serious gaffa moment to incorporate a hood.

I think you can get a purpose made bellows type hood that goes onto the front of the Lee filter holder but it's >£100.