Photographers often choose the rubber lens hood over the plastic lens hood because it offers more flexibility, better protection, and easy storage, especially when shooting in outdoor or travel scenarios.
Review
Lens hoods are essential accessories for photographers looking to improve the quality of their shots and protect their equipment. But the question remains: Which lens hood is better for your needs? This review delves into the differences between rubber and plastic lens hoods, guiding you through their strengths and weaknesses.
Features
When considering which lens hood to buy, these are the most frequently mentioned features:
- Flexibility: You can collapse rubber lens hoods, making them convenient for storage and travel.
- Durability: Plastic lens hoods are often more rigid and resistant to environmental factors like heat and UV rays.
- Protection: Both types offer protection, but rubber hoods excel in shock absorption.
- Ease of Use: Rubber hoods are more accessible to attach and remove, while plastic hoods often require more effort.
- Size: Rubber hoods fit more readily into camera bags due to their collapsibility.
Customer Reviews
Here’s what some users have to say about their experiences with rubber and plastic lens hoods:
“Rubber lens hood has been a game-changer for my wildlife photography. It’s compact and doesn’t need to be removed to fit in my bag. I prefer it over the plastic hood that came with my lens.” – L. Wilkin.
“The plastic lens hood is durable and works great in the studio, but I find it cumbersome when I’m on the go. I had to replace it with a rubber lens hood for convenience.” – WhiteKnight.
Pros and Cons
Rubber Lens Hood
Pros:
- Collapsible and compact for easy storage.
- Excellent shock absorption.
- Versatile, fitting most lenses.
Cons:
- Prone to wear and tear over time.
- It can cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses.
Plastic Lens Hood
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to environmental elements.
- A rigid structure offers solid protection.
- Often included with lenses.
Cons:
- Less flexible and more challenging to store.
- It is more prone to cracking if dropped.
Comparison
When deciding which lens hood is best, consider the following:
- Durability: Plastic lens hoods generally last longer in controlled environments like studios, whereas rubber lens hoods might degrade faster with rough use.
- Portability: Rubber lens hoods are ideal for travel because they are collapsible. Plastic hoods can be bulky and difficult to pack.
- Versatility: Rubber lens hoods can be used across different lenses and situations, while plastic lens hoods are more specific to certain lenses.
Conclusion
So, which lens hood should you use? A rubber lens hood is the way to go if you prioritize flexibility and portability, especially in outdoor or travel photography. However, if durability in a stable environment is more critical, a plastic lens hood might be your best bet. Ultimately, the choice between a rubber or plastic lens hood depends on your specific needs as a photographer.
FAQ
Which lens hood should I buy?
Consider your photography needs. Use a rubber lens hood if you need portability and protection in rugged environments. Choose a plastic lens hood if you prefer something more durable and rigid for studio settings.
What lens hood do I need?
If you frequently travel or shoot outdoors, a rubber lens hood will likely serve you better due to its collapsibility and shock absorption.
What’s the point of a lens hood?
The primary purpose of a lens hood is to block stray light from entering the lens, reducing lens flare and improving image contrast.
What does a lens hood do for your camera?
A lens hood improves the quality of your photos by blocking stray light and provides physical protection for your lens from accidental bumps and drops.
What does a rubber lens hood do?
A rubber lens hood offers flexibility, shock absorption, and the convenience of easy storage, making it ideal for photographers on the move.
Rubber lens hood vs plastic: which is better?
The rubber lens hood is better for flexibility and portability, while the plastic lens hood offers more durability and rigidity.
Does lens hood make a difference?
Yes, using a lens hood significantly improves photo quality by reducing lens flare and protecting the lens from physical damage.