why use a lenshood (if not for protection)

[NielsSw]

I have a hood and a uv-filter(b+w), so I use the filter to protect my lens. Is there any point to use the hood? I've read they should protect against sun flare (by blocking light from the side) but when I tried this I couldn't notice any difference. (Don't have the shots anymore)

So I wonder, is there any point in using it, and when? (Other than it looks cool )

 

[Trever1t]

the hood keeps light from stray angles entering the lens. More important than the filter, a hood is a necessity.

 

[JeffieLove]

Because if you drop your camera and the front of the lens hits the ground and the UV filter shatters there will be shards of glass on the frontal element of the lens and it could end up getting scratched... If you drop your camera with a lens hood on in the same situation, there's not going to be anything to scratch the glass on your lens.

That's what I've always been told as far as protection goes at least...

 

[Dao]

In a sunny day when the sun is right above you head. You try too look and find that it is too bright to see. Then you use your hand and position it right in front of your eyebrows and wala you can see better. (or use a baseball cap)


hence ... lens hood.

 

[vtf]

I would find the chance of me dropping the camera directly on the end of the lens quite slim. It would most likely hit on the edge/lip of the lens or on the camera body in which the filter would not help in any way. Any direct hit on the end would surely damage the lens either way with a filter or not. With the hood, it would give protection if dropped on lip or end of lens. It does reduce reflections and keeps the elements from getting onto the lens.
The best protection is either not to drop your lens or an insurance policy.

 

[sanderso]

I would find the chance of me dropping the camera directly on the end of the lens quite slim. It would most likely hit on the edge/lip of the lens or on the camera body in which the filter would not help in any way. Any direct hit on the end would surely damage the lens either way with a filter or not. With the hood, it would give protection if dropped on lip or end of lens. It does reduce reflections and keeps the elements from getting onto the lens.
The best protection is either not to drop your lens or an insurance policy.

I thought the same until I went to put the strap over my shoulder one time only to realize I missed! (go figure) The camera bounced of the filter end of the lens. I died. But, it kept working just fine (both camera and lens). For the record, it was a Sigma 70-300 AF which continued to work like a champ for several more years. No...no hood (was inside on a pool deck).

 

[bigtwinky]

Other than physical protection, protection against stray beams of light that can enter your lens at sharp angles. These strays beams of light can cause actual flare, but they can also screw with the contrast in your image, which may not be necessarily viewable on the LCD..

 

[JeffieLove]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but...

Bigtwinky - I'm loving your signature I just saw the thing in there about not being a supporting member

 

[timlair]

I always thought it was just to look like a professional...

 

[JeffieLove]

I always thought it was just to look like a professional...

umm, no.

I made the mistake of saying something like that when I was still new too... I got my ass handed to me more or less...

It was something along the lines of, "a petal shaped lens hood makes you look more professional"... Yeah, it has nothing to do with looking professional. None of my lens hoods are petal shaped... I use them more for protection than anything.

 

[KVRNut]

Why use a lens hood?
The answer is simple, you use it to block unwanted flare and glare from your lens surface. There are times when you will not notice any difference in your exposures, and then there are times when you'll notice a big difference.
When should you use a lens hood?
When you attach the lens to your camera. I use lens hoods a lot and it's pretty rare that you'll see me using a lens without one attached, night or day. Lens hoods are an indespensible part of my camera bag. They allow me a lot more freedom of movement without having to worry about the old F&G on the lens. I rarely use a lens hood for protection unless I want to keep rain off the lens and I'm using a screw in plastic or rubber circular hood.
There are a lot of different types of lens hoods out there to choose from and once you get into the habit of using one, you'll find that you won't go anywhere without one.
Hope this helps you.

 

[KmH]

In summary beyond the protection aspect, a lens hood helps minimize lens flare, and promotes better image contrast.

When using on-camera flash, a lens hood may cast unwanted shadows in the bottom of the image frame, and is about the only time you would not want a lens hood on your lens.

 

[Scatterbrained]

Because it makes you lens look bigger. . .. and we all know a girl likes a man with a big lens.

 

[timlair]

I always thought it was just to look like a professional...

umm, no.

I made the mistake of saying something like that when I was still new too... I got my ass handed to me more or less...

It was something along the lines of, "a petal shaped lens hood makes you look more professional"... Yeah, it has nothing to do with looking professional. None of my lens hoods are petal shaped... I use them more for protection than anything.

I was joking. :meh:

 

[ghache]

Because it makes you lens look bigger. . .. and we all know a girl likes a man with a big lens.