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When should you use a lens hood on a DSLR camera?

Release Date:

2020-07-18 11:47

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When should you use a lens hood on a DSLR camera?

　　A light‑blocking ring serves to prevent stray light; for example, it’s used in smartphone camera lenses and other imaging lenses. It’s made by stamping SOMA light‑blocking material into shape and then embedding it as a Mylar sheet within the lens assembly. Because of its light‑blocking function, it’s commonly referred to as a light‑blocking ring or a light‑blocking shim.

　　When should you use a lens hood on a DSLR camera?

　　1. The lens hood should be used when shooting in backlit or sidelit conditions. Additionally, it’s best to use it when shooting outdoors as well.

　　2. The lens hood serves two primary functions.

　　1) Block ambient light to prevent lens flare; when shooting in backlit or sidelit conditions, some light may enter the lens directly, causing lens flare. To avoid this, use a lens hood to shield the lens from direct light coming from the surroundings.

　　2) Protect the lens from accidental damage. When shooting outdoors or in noisy, chaotic environments, the lens may be bumped or knocked. Using a lens hood can help safeguard the lens, preventing or minimizing damage caused by such impacts.

　　3. Lenses from different brands and models typically come with lens hoods of varying specifications; these hoods differ in shape, size, and interior finish, and are generally not interchangeable. Therefore, when using a lens hood, be sure to select one that is either the manufacturer’s original accessory or a recommended alternative; otherwise, it may fail to deliver the intended performance, and in severe cases, it could even produce vignetting around the edges of your images.

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