lens hood question

[*chris]

hi is a lens hood really necessary on these cameras? i can't seem to find one except for expensive original ones because of the 43.5mm thread.

i want to use a square one but i dont have a filter like this gentleman at the bottom of this post does http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000ftH

 

[Vics]

I think lens hoods are very important. I am currently looking for a 43.5mm one for my W-Nikkor 35/2.4. They're out there. I'll find one, and you can too. Keep looking.

 

[*chris]

do filters such as a uv filter really do anything? lenses already have a coating so i don't see it worthwhile to get a filter and then a hood that will work with it ... ill keep trolling ebay though

 

[Vics]

The UV filter keeps down the excess ultraviolet light that you would get at the beach or in the mountains. I'm not a believer in the "protective" filter theory, but I do think a lens HOOD goes a long way toward protecting the front of the lens.

 

[JeffL]

I saw a Hoya brand on ebay for about a buck and a half.
B+H have rubber ones for $5.95
Just FYI

 

[*chris]

im more or less want a square hood so the viewfinder isn't blocked.

i might just fork up the cash to get a uv filter and a square hood that will work with the filter

 

[farlymac]

You could always get a 43.5-46mm stepper ring, and then use 46mm accessories, which don't block the viewfinder. The Oly sized stuff is really hard to locate, so I just took the easy way out. The vented hood I use has a cap with it that had one of those stupid retainer straps. I tossed the strap, but the loop on the cap itself comes in handy as a reminder to remove it when you align it so it is visible in the viewfinder.

PF


With Vented Hood by br1078phot, on Flickr