What types of lens hoods to use

[carlb]

I'm not sure if this should go in here or in the SLR forum because it relates to SLR accessories, so please feel free to move it if I've put it in the wrong place.

I want to get some lens hoods for my Pentax (20/2.8, 28/2.8, 50/1.7 and 50/2), and Nikon (35-135/3.5-4.5 zoom) SLR lenses and I've managed to find the code numbers for the ones made by each manufacturer. However, the genuine items seem pretty thin on the ground, or completely unavailable. Will a generic rubber, or metal, hood for each lens be suitable or am I likely to get vignetting if I don't use the right ones for each lens.

Does anyone know a good source for hoods or any websites where I can find more info.

Thanks
Carl

 

[marcust101]

Hi Carl,

I've used generic hoods of all kinds on a variety of lenses happily enough, as long as the focal length matches when you buy it, its usually fine. You can get nice cheap generic ones made in China from Ebay pretty easily. They don't look as good but work fine

regards
Marcus

 

[carlb]

Thanks for the quick reply Marcus. I'll have a look on Ebay and see what I can find

 

[Mike Richards]

I'll add my vote for the generic rubber (toilet plunger) types. They collapse for storage, are cheap, and do the job just fine. If they cause vignetting, you can use them on a longer lens, and get a wider one for the lens you're using. Or, at about $5 by mail order, you can just discard one that doesn't work right.

 

[photobizzz]

Check out heavystar on ebay, he is who I buy all my aftermarket hoods from, for RF and SLR.

Here is a link: Heavystar

 

[rbiemer]

For really cheap and readily available, you could try this site:
http://www.lenshoods.co.uk/
Rob