Lens hood and camera storage

[skysh4rk]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to the forum and a new Nikon D5100 owner and just have a question regarding lens hoods and storage.

From my limited understanding, the lens hood ought to be reversed when the camera is not in use; however, I note that Ken Rockwell recommends always leaving the hood on in the shooting position, so that you are "always ready to shoot", otherwise you should "ditch the hood".

Now I know that everything that Ken says should be taken with a grain of salt, but I'm just wondering what others think of this.

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I didn't see anything after a quick search of the forum.

 

[magicaxeman]

Its simple really, if your out and about with the camera leave the hood in the shooting position, if your storing the camera between outings then reverse it.

 

[sep9001]

Its simple really, if your out and about with the camera leave the hood in the shooting position, if your storing the camera between outings then reverse it.

Agree. This is what I do.

 

[mid_gen]

Not wanting to be rude, but is this not a decision you can make for yourself by just looking at the camera with hood attached?

 

[andyred]

Its simple really, if your out and about with the camera leave the hood in the shooting position, if your storing the camera between outings then reverse it.

Pretty much as Ian says...

and it takes up less room in your bag when not in use

 

[skysh4rk]

Thanks to everyone for the responses.

Its simple really, if your out and about with the camera leave the hood in the shooting position, if your storing the camera between outings then reverse it.

Sounds sensible to me. Done.

Not wanting to be rude, but is this not a decision you can make for yourself by just looking at the camera with hood attached?

Although the answer to my question would appear obvious to most, given that I've just spent hundreds of pounds on a new camera and new lenses, I'd much rather ask a seemingly silly question regarding best practice to ensure my gear stays intact, rather than make an assumption and risk damaging that equipment later through negligence.

 

[Mandoo]

There is no best practice, it's just down to choosing what is best for you. Having a lens hood on a lens is not likely to damage anything.

 

[skysh4rk]

Having a lens hood on a lens is not likely to damage anything.

Right, this was really my main concern. If the direction of the hood doesn't increase the risk of damage, then it's just a question of use, space, and personal preference it would seem.

 

[mortimerhill]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to the forum and a new Nikon D5100 owner and just have a question regarding lens hoods and storage.

From my limited understanding, the lens hood ought to be reversed when the camera is not in use; however, I note that Ken Rockwell recommends always leaving the hood on in the shooting position, so that you are "always ready to shoot", otherwise you should "ditch the hood".

Now I know that everything that Ken says should be taken with a grain of salt, but I'm just wondering what others think of this.

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I didn't see anything after a quick search of the forum.

If you're out with your camera out of the bag /case, it should be switched on, lens cap off and hood in the normal position so that you are ready to shoot if something catches your eye.

 

[gad-westy]

Right, this was really my main concern. If the direction of the hood doesn't increase the risk of damage, then it's just a question of use, space, and personal preference it would seem.

I've never really thought about how the hood could damage the lens if left on in storage. Would be interesting to hear. If I have the room, I've often left hoods on in the bag. Just seems more convenient and on the face of it offers a bit of protection in case lens caps pop off etc (which has happened to me).

With longer lenses and some of the bigger ones (Nikon 24-70 springs to mind) the hood is so big that I don't really have the option of leaving the hood in place.

 

[heidfirst]

consider buying rubber telescoping hoods.
In the event of seeing a shot when your camera is packed away you can be out & shooting far quicker/quieter than if you have large hoods reversed on the lens barrel (particularly if they cover e.g. the zoom ring).