VC40 1.4 users: How important is the hood/shade

[taffy]

To all the users of the 40 1.4 (SC),

Is the hood/shade absolutely necessary to control flare? I'm asking because I want to be sure to get one but not sure if I want to pay extra for the hood unless its really needed.

Thanks!

 

[kully]

Check out Robert aka 'De La Luz' on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/de_la_luz/

Most of his B&W pics are taken with a 40/1.4 SC lens without a hood.

My MC version of the lens is not very flare prone, I bought the hood for protection rather than flare and Robert does not complain about flare with his SC version.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Unless you want flare for artistic reasons, hoods are always a good idea. Modern coatings are very good in preventing flare but the right hood can only help and as already stated, the hood helps protect the glass.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

You don't need the "official" hood. Cheap aftermarket metal screw-in hoods (say for a 35mm lens) are available from e-bay sellers like heavystar. I must have a dozen of these on various lenses. Not only do they work fine, but for a couple of extra dollars (like $2) you can get one with a cap that fits on the hood. No more Zeiss-style pinchy-hood problem. Ahhhhhh ... .

 

[taffy]

thanks for the replies everyone!