What are lense hoods used on SLR cameras used for?

Question

My new camera came with a hood and I haven't used it yet. When should I? Is it important? Does it make a difference?

Answer 1

"A lens hood is a device used on the end of a lens to block the sun or other light source in order to prevent glare and lens flare."

"Flare" is that white blob that can appear in your pictures that some people think is a ghost.

Answer 2

As the first person stated. The problem (or more accurately, the effect) is that the pentaprism (most common shape of slr shutter opening) of the camera shows up in the photo you're shooting. By using the lens hood, you deflect enough light around the lens to usually avoid the condition. I used the term effect, because you can do some cool looking shots with the aid of the pentaprism, do some frontlit shots with and without the attachment and you will see what I mean.

Answer 3

I would use it because it does two things: 1) it cuts down on lens flare from a light sourse like the sun. 2) It protects your lens from a bump, object, or anything that might damage the front of your lens.

I always have a lens hood on my lens at all times for those reason. Its like having an extra insurance from scratching your glass.

Answer 4

It's used to block light from an angle from hitting your lens and causing flare.

Like outdoors where the sun is at a 45 degree angle and causes a star pattern on your pictures.

Answer 5

to keep the light from reflecting on the lens

Answer 6

helps reduce lighting glare