Lens Hood Question

[krusty]

Hi all. I guess I missed a thing or two while reading-up on photography, so please bear with me. Regarding lens hoods, I realize their purpose is to keep any stray light (glare) from entering the lens, however my question is: are they employed as frequently indoors as they are outdoors? Would they, for example, be usefull in a low-lit gymnasium school dance? Or are they really only usefull for bright light sources .. like the sun?

Thanks for any input.

[zona5101]

school dance? sure - there will probably be some stage or dance floor lighting or reflections from shiny surfaces that you may want to avoid. Also, like a UV filter, a hood offers some protection for the front of your lens. Thats always a good thing in any lighting.

[RichardTaylor]

I use mine all the time.

[kencaleno]

Lens hoods not only help protect lenses and keep out stray light-they also give images better contrast-Indoors they are vital.Ken

[RustySterling]

Ditto what was said about stray light and providing protection. I use mine all the time.

[krusty]

All right ... that was easy ... all-round consensus. Thank you all for your input.

[SusanH1970]

I agree with all previous posters - I have lens hoods on all of my lenses and never take them off (except for when I clean my gear, of course. )

[sk66]

Hmm, guess I'm odd man out.
I almost never use a lens hood. I have them for all of my lenses, and some lenses require it be used (i.e. FX 12-24mm). But other than that I only use them if I need too.

[Samanax]

I use lens hoods all the time, but I mainly use them to protect the front element of my lenses because I don't use UV/haze/protection filters.

[Raoul Isidro]

I don't use lens hoods on casual photography.