What does a lens hood accomplish?

[walterick]

Only when there's light shining on the front of your lens.

The only reason we use a shade is to keep (usually) sunlight off the front lens element to prevent flare from happening. But it can also happen with any kind of light shining into or into your lens.

They're normally used outdoors, by everyone from photojournalists to landscape photogs. If you're not having problems with flare, I wouldn't look at one yet. Ball caps or your hands casting a shadow onto your lens is a good trick when doing tripod work.

With regards to their size, many lenses now come with one that reverses and screws into the lens backwards so it is not an extra thing to carry around. Also, you can buy collapsable rubber ones.

Definitely a good investment in the long run, but buy it as you need it.

Rick

[Speed]

Only when there's light shining on the front of your lens.

The only reason we use a shade is to keep (usually) sunlight off the front lens element to prevent flare from happening. But it can also happen with any kind of light shining into or into your lens.

They're normally used outdoors, by everyone from photojournalists to landscape photogs. If you're not having problems with flare, I wouldn't look at one yet. Ball caps or your hands casting a shadow onto your lens is a good trick when doing tripod work.

With regards to their size, many lenses now come with one that reverses and screws into the lens backwards so it is not an extra thing to carry around. Also, you can buy collapsable rubber ones.

Definitely a good investment in the long run, but buy it as you need it.

Rick

That's what I've got on most of my lenses. I have one reversible hood, so carrying it around isn't a problem. I have two metal screw on hoods that I never use.

I use mine most of the time. They probably aren't needed all the time, but I like knowing that if I'm not watching where the lighting is coming from, I've got some protection from the flare and reflections that can result - and I have had those in the past!

[Arctirus]

Lens hoods also help to physically protect the lens.

[Old Timer]

Lens hoods also help to physically protect the lens.

Amen!!! They have saved my front elements and filters on many occasions. I always use one.