The Ultimate Lens Hood is back in a more compact Pro version, featuring built-in suction cups for direct attachment to the windshield. Also available for smartphones and action cameras, this anti-glare accessory is currently being funded on Kickstarter.
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New Kickstarter campaign for Josh Smith
And that makes seven! In 2018, British inventor Josh Smith launched the Ultimate Lens Hood (ULH) on Kickstarter, with a concept as simple as it is effective: a flexible silicone hood designed to be placed against a glass surface to block glare and stray light.
The accessory quickly found an audience, selling more than 40,000 units worldwide. In 2019, the manufacturer expanded the line with the ULHgo (a more compact model for cameras) and the ULHmobile (for smartphones)
Today, Josh Smith is back on Kickstarter with a major overhaul of his product line, informed by years of user feedback. Three new products are on the way: the ULH Pro, the ULH Mobile 2.0, and the ULH Action.
The ULH Pro: more compact and finally hands-free
The flagship product is the ULH Pro, billed as the most compact and lightweight version ever designed. The major innovation lies in the integration of suction cups directly into the cap.
Whereas previous versions required the user to hold the accessory against the glass manually while taking a photo, the ULH Pro can now attach itself to the glass, freeing up both of the photographer’s hands for framing and adjustments. The classic mode—simply pressing the lens hood against the glass—is, of course, still available.
Still made of flexible silicone, the ULH Pro stretches to fit a wide range of lenses. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for lenses with a barrel diameter ranging from 55 mm to over 100 mm. It can also be slipped over a rigid lens hood to increase the compatible diameter.
Two versions for smartphones and action cameras
The ULH Mobile 2.0, the smartphone-specific version, features a 40mm aperture and a flexible clip that fits most phones, with or without a case. According to the manufacturer, it is the most popular model in the lineup, a sign of the growing importance of smartphone photography.
The ULH Action is designed for action camera users. Compatible with GoPro Hero 7 and DJI Osmo Action models and up, this silicone accessory wraps around the camera body to block glare when shooting through the windows of a vehicle, a cable car, or an observation deck.
The only drawback: these Mobile and Action models don’t come with a suction cup for easy mounting. However, you can easily mount the camera for a time-lapse by attaching a suction cup mount to the glass and using a universal arm.
Pricing and Availability of the New Ultimate Lens Hood
The Kickstarter campaign, which launched on March 1, 2026, and ran through April 2, has been a resounding success: €218,406 pledged against an initial goal of just €3,601.
Contribution tiers start at around £21 for the ULH Pro alone (about €25), and a “Full House” bundle including all three accessories is available for £31 (about €36).
Since the production tooling has already been finalized, the first shipments are expected to take place by July 2026. The products will then be available on the Ultimate Lens Hood online store.
Our first impression
One of the standout features of this v2 is the addition of a suction cup system. In previous versions, you had to hold the accessory against the window with your free hand, which wasn’t always practical—especially when traveling or in situations where you want to keep both hands on the camera body.
This new mount promises to eliminate any gap between the lens hood and the glass, ensuring better light sealing. A clever accessory for travelers who love exploring observation decks, as well as for photography in aquariums, through airplane windows, at zoos, or for time-lapse shots through a picture window.
