Lens Hood Sun Shades

When do you need a lens hood?

1. When shooting on a sunny day, when sun rays create reflections on the lens. 
2. When shooting with another side light source around (e.g. artificial incandescent light, reflectors). 
3. When photographing in difficult conditions - a hood can easily protect a lens from breakage. 

Lens hood shapes

Lens hoods are usually either round or petal-shaped. Petal lens hoods can't be used on lenses with a rotating front element, as this would obscure the lens' field of view.

• Round lens hoods - can be used on lenses with a rotating front element, most often telephoto lenses.
• Petal lens hoods -  the petal shape (four curved notches) helps the hood better copy the shape of the field of view, improving its effectivity. It can't be rotated, because then it would interfere with the field of view of the lens.