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Archive 2012 · Hood yes or no

  
 
briantho
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Hood yes or no


In the spirit of the highly popular UV filter poll, I realized we need another poll for hoods.

The UV filter thread concluded that some image quality is indeed sacrificed in some situations by UV filter usage, but that the front element is safe from harm, as UV filters apperently have magical characteristics that will absorb heavy impacts.

Opposite to UV filters, I almost always use hoods on my lenses. The only time I don't is for flash photography. Unlike UV filters, I feel hoods actually increases the image quality, reduces flare and increases contrast. I don't know if hoods have the same magical powers of shock absorbation as UV filters, as I usually don't drop any of my gear, but I'm sure you have stories to tell.

So what are your thoughts?



Mar 13, 2012 at 06:00 AM
jcolwell
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Hood yes or no


briantho wrote:
So what are your thoughts?


Pretty much exactly the same as yours.



Mar 13, 2012 at 06:18 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Hood yes or no


There are very few lenses that don't benefit from having a hood (with regard to flare control), but almost every lens benefits from a hood with regard to protecting it a little more. I always have my hoods on.


Mar 13, 2012 at 06:35 AM
edwardkaraa
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Hood yes or no


Hoods are very important for improving contrast especially for someone who uses UV filters like me. I try to use them as often as possible.


Mar 13, 2012 at 07:11 AM
chez
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Hood yes or no


Hardly ever use a hood. I use polarizers a lot coupled with GND filters. Hoods just get in my way.


Mar 13, 2012 at 07:18 AM
ken.vs.ryu
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Hood yes or no


hoods are sexy and affect the image in a positive way. they make the camera look more purposeful. leica square hoods with caps are awesome.


Mar 13, 2012 at 07:45 AM
cogitech
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Hood yes or no


Where is the "always" option? (yes, even with flash, because I never use direct flash).


Mar 13, 2012 at 08:55 AM
ZoneV
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Hood yes or no


I uses hoods when I have one avialable. And for the lenses I love to use, I try to get one, probably optimize hoods to get it in tulip shape.
But for many of my lenses I have no hood, and donīt start to search for one. Special bajonett hoods are sometimes expensive for older lenses.



Mar 13, 2012 at 08:58 AM
LightShow
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Hood yes or no


For me, it depends on if the lens produces nice or nasty flare, or if the subject requires it.


Mar 13, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Makten
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Hood yes or no


Can't answer since I only use hoods for the lenses that comes with a hood. But when they do, I always have the hood on except for when using polarizers.


Mar 13, 2012 at 09:12 AM
edwardkaraa
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Hood yes or no


There are some lenses like the ZA 135 and ZM 85 that loose a lot of contrast without hoods.


Mar 13, 2012 at 09:13 AM
Gary Clennan
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Hood yes or no


I always use 'em - exept at night and indoors....


Mar 13, 2012 at 09:32 AM
campyone
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Hood yes or no


Depends on the hood. If you're talking about a good deep hood like the ones usually found on long lenses then yes, they do the things you talk about (protect lens, help with flare). But the skinny little "butterfly" type hoods you typically see on short zooms are next to useless for anything, including protecting the lens.

I put hoods on most of the time on the theory that they can't hurt anything and might help the contrast a little. But for lens protection (no magic characteristics that protect from heavy impact but protection from things like scratches from underbrush when hiking) I use a skylight or similar filter.



Mar 13, 2012 at 10:02 AM
Gunzorro
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Hood yes or no


I agree: hoods am good!

I use hoods about half the time, and then usually without a filter.

I never use a hood with a polarizing filter.

I usually don't use a hood for events, as it is too cumbersome and doesn't help/hinder on-camera speedlights.

Some hoods are beyond cumbersome, and seldom used -- like the 16-35L (but I do occasionally use it!).

I buy after market hoods for any lenses that don't have them.

I don't notice much improvement on decent coated lenses like "L's" unless there is direct sun hitting the front element. But I prefer them for zooms -- they give peace of mind regarding flare.

In outdoor situations, I usually use my hand to block the sun -- a carry over from my old 4x5 days.

Hoods and filters -- both good in the right circumstances. No hood/filter -- also good in the right circumstances.

Fire -- BAD!

Edited on Mar 13, 2012 at 03:25 PM · View previous versions



Mar 13, 2012 at 10:46 AM
edwardkaraa
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Hood yes or no


ken.vs.ryu wrote:
hoods are sexy and affect the image in a positive way. they make the camera look more purposeful. leica square hoods with caps are awesome.


I used to dislike hoods for the size, but since I got into RF lenses, I use them all the time. First they are much smaller than their DSLR counterparts, and kind of look cool too, especially the vented ones.



Mar 13, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Romain
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Hood yes or no


I use hoods all the time... except with my 17mm TS-E.
Hoods are great bumpers



Mar 13, 2012 at 11:15 AM
obik
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Hood yes or no


Almost always. The only times I take the hood off are when I'm doing macro work and the hood shades the subject.


Mar 13, 2012 at 12:29 PM
lamonica66
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Hood yes or no


I would have replied "Always" if that were a choice........


Mar 13, 2012 at 12:34 PM
michaelwatkins
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Hood yes or no


Yet another poll without the all important "Sometimes" category not to mention "When Necessary" and "On alternate Tuesdays".


Mar 13, 2012 at 01:11 PM
Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Hood yes or no


Always


Mar 13, 2012 at 01:57 PM
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