Without knowing which wind cap you are referring to, it's tough to answer, Wind caps serve a specific purpose and also require some care in use. I use them often as my photography requires me to be out in all weather. I prefer cupping my hand to deflect breezes and winds.
I lift the the cap when it's hinged or remove it, depending on the design, for tamping, I tamp with my finger and open or remove for relighting. The wind cap you are probably referring to causes the wind to move across the grid and will over-heat the tobacco without something deflecting the wind. Always wise to keep a hand positioned so as to deflect above the grid and reduce the overheating somewhat. Once I'm setup, camera and tripod, I can usually control the camera while holding the pipe in such a manner to keep the ember manageable. Wind caps and their use is entirely second nature to me now. There is a learning curve.
It's much easier to keep the hand more or less deflecting the wind while you try to keep the wind at your back. A wind cap, while sometimes required, is just another piece of equipment, often used when other actions can better handle the problem. At least in my experience. Sometimes a cap is the answer. Mostly hand position and an awareness of where the wind is coming from is sufficient
