When to use lens hood

We just had this same discussion over on Karen Russell's "The Photographer's Workshop" forum . . . and Karen recommends using a lens hood ALL THE TIME. AND for EVERY lens. Regardless of the shooting circumstance (EVEN when trying to create lens flare). Mainly for PROTECTION but also to reduce stray light from entering the lens from the side.

As for the UV filters . . . those are typically used for protection as well (at least the clear ones are). And you need the high quality lens filters in order to minimize reduced image quality. I have a high quality UV lens filter on my Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 AF-S and will probably use it in conjunction with my lens hood or take it off altogether. I've not decided yet. Thinking I'll take some test shots and see if there is a reduction in image quality when using it and if there is well . . . off it comes. Otherwise I'll leave it on. Figure I can't get enough protection when it comes to my lens. If you know what I mean.

A lens hood is absolutely important if you're cutting outdoors, because it helps cut blaze and lens flare, both of which can addled your colours or actualize a bleared attending that is generally unwanted. Some humans as well use the lens awning indoors, but I've mostly begin that it's alone advantageous for me outdoors.

My 50mm/f2.8 lives on my camera, for both indoor and outdoor shots. The only time I use my lens hood is when I don't want to have to keep the lens cap on when I'm not actively shooting. I hate bright light so I don't ever tend to shoot in the sort of light that would produce a situation to use a hood.

I do, however, use a polarizing filter, mostly to "fix" the color of a sky that's really blown-out. I don't tend to think of using it, then my husband points it out and I put it on, realize how smart he was, then keep shooting. Haha.