Lens Hoods

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Kelsey7691

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Kelsey
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Okay, this might be a stupid question but what do lens hoods do? Are they worth investing in?

Also, I've noticed there different size a shape ones. Which ones are best? Are different ones for different things?

I've currently got the standard 18-55mm kit lens for my Canon 450D. I'm also getting a 55-250mm lens.

Which hoods would I need for these, if I got them?

Thanks, Kelsey
 
I'm no expert here, but as far as I am aware, the main use is to reduce lens flare from the sun in photos. Different lenses have different sized hoods. This is dependent on the focal range to ensure the hood does not appear in the edges of the shot. So an 18 - 55mm lens will have a small lens hood, where as a 70 - 200mm lens will have a longer hood as you can't zoom out enough for it to cause any issues.

Hope this helps :)
 
Lens hoods are also called lens shades, which describes their function better. Basically, it's the same as shading your eyes from bright sun, or flipping down the sun visor in a car.

Lens hoods on a zoom are a bit of a compromise, because they can only be big enough to properly shade the lens at the shortest focal length. You should use the one made for each particular lens.

The other function of a hood is protection. They are very effective at keeping sticky finger marks away (usually your own) and preventing the lens bumping against things. They will cushion a fall too. You should always use one - they can do nothing but good :)

Edit: some cheap plastic hoods are not very good, often with shiny plastic inside. They must be matt black, preferably flock lined. Lenses that have rotating fronts when focusing must use a round hood, not a petal-shaped one.
 
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Lens Hoods can help reduce flair and and a bit of protection from knocks as people have mentioned.

Each lens has its own specific lens hood, so if you choose to get one, get one for the lens you have, either from the manufacturer of the lens, or a third party. I bought a copy of an official lens hood after my original lens hood was damaged. Not an exact copy, but close enough. (probably not to get sued ;) :lol:) Then I got the lens stolen, but the lens hood wasn't on the lens at the time. I have it as a spare for the replacement lens though. :)
 
I always have my Lens Hood on whatever the lighting conditions, as it gives protection to the front element of the lens without losing any image quality.
 
Hebridean said:
Lens hood for the 18-55 = Canon EW 60C
55-250 = Canon ET 60

i think that is correct!
Click to expand...

Yep, those are the correct lens hoods for the 18-55 & 55-250IS lenses.

The hood is a bayonet fitting and fits to the body of the lens, rather than screwing into the thread at the end of the lens.

I'd recommend you purchase a good quality one - make sure it's either a matt finish or flock lined on the inside, otherwise you could have problems with reflection.

A very quick look on Amazon shows both hoods around £12 each (genuine Canon ones).
 
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