Camera Lens Hoods

Match the lens hood to your lens focal length and filter thread or bayonet mount: use a petal/flower hood for wide-angle lenses and a cylindrical/round hood for telephoto lenses. Confirm compatibility by checking your lens's filter thread diameter or the lens model for bayonet-specific hoods

Petal hoods have an irregular shape that blocks stray light while preserving the wide-angle field of view; round or cylindrical hoods are simpler and better suited to telephoto lenses with narrower fields of view. Choose the shape based on your lens focal length and whether vignetting occurs

Universal screw-on hoods fit lenses by filter thread size and are often less expensive, but they may not provide an optimal shape for every focal length. They work well for general purpose use, especially if you need compatibility across multiple lenses with the same thread size

A correctly sized and mounted lens hood should not affect autofocus or exposure and typically improves image quality by reducing lens flare and increasing contrast. Avoid hoods that cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses, as that can darken image corners

Keep hoods clean and free of grit; remove and reverse-mount some hoods on the lens for compact storage when not in use. For rubber or plastic hoods, avoid extreme heat and compressing them for long periods to prevent deformation

Most hoods are compatible with front-mounted screw-in filters; install the filter first and then attach the hood, or choose a hood that allows clearance. Lens caps typically fit over the hood when it is reversed or removed—check fit before field use

Lens hoods commonly range from budget options under $20 to more durable or brand-specific bayonet hoods in the $20–$80 range, with specialty or OEM hoods sometimes higher; material and fit determine cost more than brand alone