Lens Hood

[gpalz1]

Just upgraded recently to the Canon SX10 and I've never used a hood before(novice here). I know it supposed to limit glare and protect the lens, but how many here actually shoot with one? Do you use it under certain light conditions or all the time? Do you see improvements in color? Are there any downsides to using it? Thanks for your time and words.

George

[eric8669]

I use a Lens Hood all the time as I do not put Filters on Lenses.

[heeshung]

I always use a lens hood. Color should be about the same, unless it's blocking harsh direct light that sometimes may throw off color. I've never run into downsides using one.

[PhilDernerJr]

I avoid lens hoods because they do two things that I don't like. First, they make the lens look longer, attracting more unwanted attention from passerby who still for some reason think we are using rocket launchers. Second, it's just more surface area for wind to hit and shake your lens. Unless the light is perfectly side-on or forward of you, which we usually don't do when spotting, I see no benefit to a lens hood...but maybe that's just me.

I DO put a UV filter on my lens because, well, I wanted to protect my lens. Over the years, you get some tiny scratches or dings on your filter....this means that if not on the filter, they'd be on your lens. Replacing a filter is much easier and cheaper than getting lens maintenance.

Two tips for lens filters....get a good quality one and it won't affect your shots. Although...if you are shooting AT the sun, in sunsets for example, remove the filter....as the light will bounce around creating glare.

[eric8669]

I avoid lens hoods because they do two things that I don't like. First, they make the lens look longer, attracting more unwanted attention from passerby who still for some reason think we are using rocket launchers. Second, it's just more surface area for wind to hit and shake your lens. Unless the light is perfectly side-on or forward of you, which we usually don't do when spotting, I see no benefit to a lens hood...but maybe that's just me.

I DO put a UV filter on my lens because, well, I wanted to protect my lens. Over the years, you get some tiny scratches or dings on your filter....this means that if not on the filter, they'd be on your lens. Replacing a filter is much easier and cheaper than getting lens maintenance.

Two tips for lens filters....get a good quality one and it won't affect your shots. Although...if you are shooting AT the sun, in sunsets for example, remove the filter....as the light will bounce around creating glare.

Phil is right about the filters, if you do get one make sure it is glass and not plastic. Good quality filters start around $65. Just my opinion.

[PhilDernerJr]

Oh, my, DEFINITELY glass ones. Without question. I didn't even know the plastic ones were sold.

[eric8669]

Oh, my, DEFINITELY glass ones. Without question. I didn't even know the plastic ones were sold.

Some of the cheaper ones that are sold are plastic. They may look like glass but are plastic.

[gpalz1]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll probably play around with the hood and judge from there. Probably doesn't hurt to have. According to Canon the SX10 wasn't designed for filters and cautions against them, but I've read elsewhere where people have fitted it with a 52mm filter. I believe Lensmate make a 58mm adapter too. I'll have to make a note to do some more reading on filters.

George