lens hood is nice and deep, i will will occasionally walk around with the lens cap off (for example, if i am walking for less than two minutes between outdoor shooting locations). but if the lens is really wide and the petal hood not very good protection i will put the lens cap on every time i lower the camera (especially if no protection filter is in place). setting the camera on the kitchen table, i put the lens cap on. laying the camera on the seat of the car, i put the lens cap on. putting the camera back into the camera bag, i put the lens cap on. 