Lens Hood

Photopedia

15 September 2008 17:35

A lens hood is usually made from strong plastic material and is fitted onto the front of a lens, shielding it from sun flare. The geometry of a lens hood can vary between different lenses and the more complex tulip hoods are generally used on telephoto lenses to prevent the hood from blocking the field of view. Wide-angle lens hoods are much smaller – any larger and they would foul the wide viewing angle.

Lens hoods are designed to fit onto the lens either way around, meaning the lens can be stored away without the extra hood taking up too much additional space.

Lens hoods are handy in wet conditions as they prevent water hitting from hitting the front of the lens.