Lens Hoodequipment
The petal or tube on the front of the lens that blocks stray light to prevent flare and protect the glass.
Stray light hitting the front element causes flare and washed-out, low-contrast images. The hood shades it. It also physically protects the front element from bumps and rain. There's almost no downside to leaving it on outdoors — reverse it onto the lens for storage.
Use this when
- Backlit / bright side light: keep the hood on
Common mistake: Leaving the hood reversed (storage position) while shooting, so it does nothing.