Is it possible that I have my lens hood on incorrectly? Soemtimes, there is a shadow in the bottom of the shot which I can only imagine is becasue of the lens hood. I have the Nikkor 18-70mm kit lens and I have put the hood on as it says in the manual. Am I mad or is it something simple to correct?
that's the one! I did think that the hood would get in the way of the flash but everyone says 'always use the hood'. So is an external flash the answer or is the hood redundant in any flash situation?
The main purpose of a lens hood is too keep out stray light, especially in brightly lit outdoor situations where lens flare is a good possibility. The benefit is exactly the same as the one gained from sheilding your eyes against your sun with your hand... it cuts down on the glare an allows you see the scene better.
Indoors with a flash the hood is usually not needed.
