Originally Posted by 8540tomg 
Hey Phil,
I’ve had and used both in the past. Over time I abandoned the rubber in favour of the plastic or metal. I found the rubber ones tended to tear in places where they commonly folded. This was no big deal as they were inexpensive but a pain none-the-less. It is true the hard plastic hood can be a annoying to store. That being said they provide a bit more protection than collapsible rubber. You have a major investment in that DA *300 and if the hood offers any protection at all it seems prudent to use it. Furthermore the DA hood will be designed to provide optimal protection from stray light for this particular lens. Can the same be said of an after market rubber one? Vignetting might be a problem if it doesn't fit properly. My killer blow, if it can be called that, is the hard plastic hoods just look better. After all you have a killer lens in that DA *300 and you might as well enjoy the massive bragging rights that come with it.
Tom G
Thanks for all the coments from everyone, what a knowledgeable group!
The DA 300mm lens is a great lens and I'm delighted to have it, however, the plastic hood, although sturdy, does not fit tightly with lens body and has only a short twist of about 1/2" to bayonet it on. Its already fallen off the lens once, in the parking lot. I know where a certain owl is and i want a lens hood that won't impede me getting the camera shooting next time i see it. I'm definitely looking for that 3 part rubber hood. This was my last attempt to shoot it:
