Do you use your lens hood... backwards?

I'm also one of those people who leaves the lens hood reversed on the lens.... when the lens is in the cabinet or on its way in the bag

At some point I stopped putting protective filters on the lenses (why put cheap glass on expensive glass?) and I even use the lens hood in cloudy weather, also as protection. I already had the feeling that it contributes to higher-quality photos (depending on the camera body and lens).

K.J.Schilstra wrote on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 11:00  | reply

Standard on it, only reversed when it goes into the bag and with the lens cap on.

What is also noticeable is that many people with a 70-200 leave the tripod collar on underneath. If you’re not using the thing (street photography, weddings, etc..) take it off, saves weight and makes it easier to carry. If you leave it on, turn it upwards, carries a lot more comfortably.

ifiamminghi wrote on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 11:11  | reply

I always use the lens hood (even indoors), properly mounted, that is...
Besides obliquely entering light, especially also as protection for the lens against bumping into something, touching the front lens (dirty fingers!), or keeping vegetation away (when you're out walking in nature) and even keeping insects away.
Many people, however, think that having the lens hood "back to front" on the lens looks somewhat "professional"... just like "pros" absolutely have to turn their tripod collar upwards too (more convenient for carrying lens+camera), and then you see that collar on top AND a shoulder strap on the camera, which makes the whole thing hang so awkwardly diagonally downwards...) instead of attaching the shoulder strap to the lens...

Amateurish? I know enough press photographers who carry it that way to be able to use it quickly.. don't judge too quickly. And indeed, as an amateur, I sometimes have it with me too. Let everyone. Just do what he finds handy and nice.

Indeed something that surprises you as a "seasoned" photographer.
And you see it often, while, as you already indicate, you benefit from it in several ways if you put it on properly.
At least, it's always on mine.

Sometimes the lens doesn't fit in the bag unless you turn it around. It's not just the idea. Hey, I have a lens hood look how cool. But because of lack of space.

Completely agree Nando! I always use it (the right way). You also see it on TV on the well-known photography program. Then I also think that people have no idea what the intention is.

Yes Nando, I often experience it too. I then also ask people why they didn't leave the hood at home if they're not going to use it anyway. The answer you often get is: "Yes, but I do want to use it when the sun shines later." I usually respond by saying that the name of the hood was actually chosen incorrectly. The name should be changed to "anti-reflection hood". I then advise putting the hood on as standard. A matter of getting used to it. (Of course, that isn't always right either, but it's better than having the hood reversed on the camera.)

It indeed looks laughable. My lens hood is always on properly. I’ve arranged my bag so that the camera with the lens hood on fits in it properly. Only when I have to switch to my telephoto lens do I have to put the lens hood on that lens properly, but I already do that before I switch. Sounds a bit know-it-all, but if you don’t do it, that thing is of no use to you.

Yes, I also see that people don't use the hood properly, and then I sometimes want to give them a tip that the lens hood also protects your lens, and I consider that even more important. But it isn't always appreciated.

Absolutely right. When I take photos, wherever I am, indoors or outdoors, with flash or without, whatever the weather, I always put the lens hood on. In any case as protection for your precious lenses. By the way, I can't think of any disadvantage.
Rob Roelofs, Houten

Hello,
I have a Canon 100-500 lens with a lens hood that has a slider on it that you can close and open. What is that for?

Well Nando, if you jump into the Maas, I'll do it too (to save you)

Indeed Nando, I can't jump. I let myself fall into it and I can swim (to save myself).
But back to the lens hoods. I have a lens that comes with 2 lens hoods as standard. Namely a narrow and a wide lens hood. That will have to do with the fact that the lens is suitable for both Full Frame and crop cameras. I work with the R7. As you know, that is a camera with an APS-C sensor. So what is the use of a wide lens hood for me when it comes to, for example, preventing flare? By the way, that narrow lens hood will quickly cause vignetting on a full frame.

The tripod collar on my 70-200 is quite often also my 'hand collar'. Very useful for balancing the complete setup, and as an added benefit I’m not just holding my camera body with more than 1.5 kg dangling from the lens mount.

I only have 1 lens with a tripod collar, the Sigma 150-600, and I actually find it handy when it’s underneath. I can hold the whole thing properly when I’m out and about. It just hangs from a couple of fingers, and can be brought into position immediately.

Nando, take into account the casual photographers and beginners who have a built-in flash on their camera that switches on and fires at appropriate and inappropriate times. There are many who experience that.