The quality of the image depends not only on the skill of the photographer and the additional functions and modes that the camera has. In some cases, it is impossible to do without various special devices. One of them is that you should always have a lens hood at hand so as not to miss the opportunity to take good pictures.
The hood is a special attachment that is part of the lens barrel or is put on it by attaching it to a special thread. As a rule, it is made of plastic, but you can also find models made of metal and rubber. Ideally, the hood should be made of a material that is less durable than the camera's optics so that the lens remains intact in the event of mechanical damage.
It is recommended to use the lens hood for sports photography carried out in stadiums with powerful floodlights, the rays of which can create unnecessary exposure. Often, when shooting a landscape on a sunny day, the camera lens has to be covered with a palm like a visor to protect the lens from the sun and eliminate stray light. Using a lens hood in this case will allow you to forget about the need for these tweaks and completely concentrate on shooting. The colors in the photo will look deeper and richer, the uniformity of lighting and contrast will increase.
If the photo is taken in bright sun or sparkling snow is present, the contrast will be too high. In situations like this, it is also appropriate to use a lens hood to combat glare. In rainy or snowy conditions, this attachment will protect the objective lens from splashing water. In addition, the lens will be protected from accidental fingerprints and scratches from branches, grass and dust.
The hood is matched to a specific lens based on the diameter of its front component and the difference in angle of view. According to the classification, hoods are divided into the following types: for long-focus, normal and short-focus lenses and rectangular panoramic hoods. The length of the hood's petals is directly proportional to the focal length of the lens, since it should cover it as much as possible from the sun, without getting into the frame.
