Best Lens Hood for Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8
The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is a legendary “nifty fifty” for budget-conscious photographers, but its glass is notoriously prone to lens flare and ghosting in harsh light. I’ve found that adding a dedicated lens hood is the single most effective way to boost contrast and protect that front element from accidental bumps. While there are many options, the JJC LH-68 II stands out for its perfect fit. In this guide, I’ll help you find the right match for your specific Yongnuo version.
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Best Lens Hood for Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8: Detailed Reviews
JJC LH-68 II View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are using the second-generation Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 (the one with the chrome-colored ring), the JJC LH-68 II is an absolute essential. This hood replaces the Canon ES-68 and features a high-quality ABS plastic construction that feels significantly more robust than the generic unbranded options you see floating around. I find the petal-shaped design particularly effective at blocking stray light without encroaching on the frame, even on full-frame sensors. One of the best practical features is that it’s reversible; you can flip it over and snap it onto the lens backwards for easy storage in your camera bag. While the fit is tight—sometimes requiring a bit of a firm twist during the first few uses—it eventually settles in and stays securely locked. It prevents that washed-out look often caused by the Yongnuo’s less advanced coatings.
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Vello LENS-62 View on Amazon View on B&H
The original Yongnuo 50mm (the one that looks identical to the old Canon “plastic fantastic”) requires an ES-62 style hood. The Vello LENS-62 is a fantastic value because it utilizes the two-piece design required for this specific lens. It comes with a 52mm threaded adapter ring that stays on your lens, allowing the hood itself to snap on and off easily. In my experience, this setup is great because it adds a layer of protection to the filter threads themselves. The interior has a matte finish to minimize internal reflections, which is crucial for a lens that struggles with contrast in backlit situations. The only downside is that the snap-on mechanism can feel a bit “plasticky,” but for the price, it’s a much smarter investment than buying the official name-brand version. It’s perfect for casual street photographers who want to keep their gear lightweight and low-profile.
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Fotasy 52mm Rubber Hood View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re unsure which version of the Yongnuo 50mm you have, or if you’re using the Nikon F-mount version which lacks a bayonet mount, the Fotasy 52mm Rubber Hood is your safest bet. It simply screws into the front filter thread. What I love about this hood is its 3-stage collapsible design. You can keep it fully extended for maximum flare protection, or fold it back partially if you’re using a wider lens (though on a 50mm, you’ll leave it out). Because it’s made of rubber, it acts as a shock absorber if you accidentally bump your camera against a wall. The main limitation is that you can’t reverse it for storage like a bayonet hood, and it can occasionally be a bit fiddly to screw on straight. However, for under ten dollars, it provides professional-level flare reduction for the price of a cup of coffee.
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Canon ES-68 Genuine View on Amazon View on B&H
It might seem ironic to put a genuine Canon hood on a third-party Yongnuo lens, but for the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 II, the fit is identical. The “Premium” tag here comes from the internal finish. Unlike the plastic matte finish of the JJC or Vello, the genuine Canon ES-68 uses a velvet-like felt lining. This material is objectively better at absorbing light and preventing “micro-flare” that can bounce off the inner walls of the hood. The locking mechanism is also significantly smoother; it clicks into place with a precision that third-party manufacturers struggle to replicate. If you’re a professional using the Yongnuo as a lightweight backup and want the absolute best performance possible, this is the way to go. It’s more expensive than the lens itself in some markets, but the build quality and peace of mind are unmatched.
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JJC 52mm Metal Vented Hood View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who want their Yongnuo to look a bit more “Leica-esque,” the JJC 52mm Metal Vented Hood is a fantastic choice. This hood screws into the 52mm thread and is made of solid aluminum. I love this for street photography because it’s virtually indestructible. If you drop your lens, the metal hood will likely take the brunt of the impact without cracking like plastic. The vented design is technically meant for rangefinder cameras (to prevent blocking the viewfinder), but on a DSLR or mirrorless, it simply looks cool and provides excellent protection against side-glare. Be aware that because it’s metal and screws in, you cannot reverse it, and it adds a little more weight than plastic options. It also comes with a dedicated lens cap since your standard one might not fit over the vented rim. It’s a stylish, rugged alternative for the 52mm versions.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Lens Hood for Your Yongnuo 50mm
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| JJC LH-68 II | YN 50mm Mark II | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vello LENS-62 | YN 50mm Mark I | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Fotasy Rubber | All 52mm Lenses | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Canon ES-68 | Premium Finish | ★★★★★ | Check |
| JJC Metal | Vintage Look | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these hoods cause vignetting on a full-frame camera?
Generally, no. Since the Yongnuo 50mm is a prime lens, the hoods listed (like the ES-68 and ES-62 styles) are specifically designed for the 50mm focal length. They are deep enough to block stray light but wide enough to stay out of the frame’s corners. If you use a screw-in rubber hood, just ensure it is not too long; the 52mm standard versions are usually perfectly calibrated for 50mm glass on both APS-C and full-frame sensors.
How do I know if I have the Yongnuo 50mm Mark I or Mark II?
The easiest way to tell is by looking at the lens body. The Mark I is made entirely of plastic and looks very similar to the old Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. The Mark II has a metal mount, a “chrome-style” ring near the front element, and a slightly more modern, textured barrel. The Mark II uses the ES-68 bayonet hood, while the Mark I requires the ES-62 snap-on ring adapter system. Knowing this is vital for fitment.
Can I still use a lens cap with the hood attached?
Yes, for the bayonet-style hoods like the JJC LH-68 II, your standard lens cap will snap onto the lens even with the hood in place. For screw-in hoods, it depends. Some rubber hoods allow the cap to clip into the inner thread, while metal vented hoods often require a larger, slip-on cap that usually comes included with the hood. I always recommend checking if the hood allows for “center-pinch” caps for the most convenience.
Does the Nikon version of the Yongnuo 50mm need a different hood?
Yes. The Nikon version of the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 usually doesn’t have the same bayonet mount as the Canon versions. For the Nikon mount, I highly recommend using a 52mm screw-in hood. The HB-47 style bayonet hood (used for Nikon’s own 50mm f/1.8G) often does not fit the Yongnuo barrel correctly, so stick to the threaded options like the Fotasy Rubber or the JJC Metal hood for a guaranteed fit.
Is a lens hood better than a UV filter for protection?
In my opinion, yes. A lens hood provides physical protection without adding an extra layer of glass that can degrade image quality or cause additional reflections. If you drop your lens, the hood acts as a crumple zone. While a UV filter protects against dust and scratches, a hood protects against impact and flare. Ideally, you can use both, but if you have to choose one for image quality, the hood is the winner.
Final Verdict
For most users with the newer Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 II, the JJC LH-68 II is the clear winner for its balance of build quality and reversible convenience. If you’re still rocking the original Mark I version, the Vello ES-62 is the specific tool for the job. Finally, if you’re a Nikon shooter or just want the cheapest possible protection, the Fotasy Rubber hood is a versatile choice that will serve you well across multiple lenses.