Lens hoods

Lens hoods, small part, big impact

Why lens hoods are so important

You can have the best camera, the sharpest glass, and the most expensive body – if the light is hitting your lens from the side, the result will still look kind of “meh.” This is exactly where lens hoods come into play. Unspectacular at first glance, but in practice as important as a memory card that isn’t full when things get exciting.

With a suitable lens hood you get more contrast, cleaner colors, and less stray light out of your images, whether you’re standing by the sea, on safari, or just shooting into the sun in the city park. And yes, it also protects your lens, by the way, from bumps, raindrops, and curious fingers.

Lens hoods for on the go

Lens hoods from LensCoat or Rolanpro, perfect for travel

Especially interesting if you’re on the road a lot: Lens hoods from LensCoat or Rolanpro, perfect for travel. These models are often lighter, more flexible, and more robust than you might think at first glance. Many versions can be rolled up or stored flat so they take up hardly any space in your backpack – practical when you’re already traveling with camera, lenses, laptop, and “this one last filter that absolutely has to come along.”

Especially when you’re on tour, whether it’s a city trip, a photo journey to Iceland, or a safari in Africa, flexible lens hoods are worth their weight in gold. They not only protect against backlight, but also against dust, splashes of water, and light knocks. And if someone bumps into your camera in a crowd, I personally prefer the lens hood to take the hit rather than the front element.

Fit & application areas

Precisely matched to your focal lengths

Of course, the best lens hood is useless if it doesn’t fit your lens. In this category you’ll find lens accessories for different focal lengths and lens types: from telephoto zooms to long telephoto lenses for wildlife, sports, or bird photography.

Travel photography, outdoor, everyday use – where lens hoods make the difference

Especially in travel photography and outdoor photography you’ll see how useful a lens hood is. In the morning on the beach with low sun, at noon in harsh midday light, in the evening with backlit silhouettes – everywhere the light hits the lens at an angle or directly, the hood helps you stay in control.

Material, handling & protection

Material, handling & protection – what you should look out for

Depending on how you use it, you can choose between rigid and flexible models. Rigid lens hoods made of plastic or metal are particularly stable, fit securely, and are well suited for daily use in the city, in the studio, or at events. Flexible versions, such as those appreciated by travel and outdoor photographers, are easier to stow away and can take a knock without breaking straight away.

Target group

Who particularly benefits from lens hoods

If you work a lot with natural light, shoot outdoors, or generally place great value on maximum image quality, lens hoods really should be a fixed part of your kit. Landscape photographers, travel photographers, sports and wildlife photographers – they all benefit from clean contrast and fewer reflections.