Lens hoods for kx 18-55mm and 55-300mm

mackloon · 07-01-2010, 04:47 PM

Hello... I have been reading up and shooting as much as possible since my kx acquisition. I have a question about lens hoods... I had a scare/slight fumble with my kx the other night which has prompted me to get a set of lens hoods for the dal18-55 and dal55-300. I was wondering if it really mattered which one. I like the flower pedal style and I was wondering if someone could link the cheapest, yet functional recommendation.

I was going to buy a pair of the cheapy, flower pedal ones found on eBay for about $3 a pop. But I figured I should check with the masses.

Let me know what your take is...?

Adam · 07-02-2010, 02:18 AM

Having a proper hood is a good investment, so unless those cheap ones are nearly identical to the original Pentax hoods for these lenses, I'd go ahead and get the original ones.

mackloon · 07-03-2010, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Having a proper hood is a good investment, so unless those cheap ones are nearly identical to the original Pentax hoods for these lenses, I'd go ahead and get the original ones.

okay... So finding the actual hood for the 18-55 kit lens does not seem to be a problem, however the da l 55-300 does not seem to exist. Maybe I'm blind...does anyone know if andvof the generic knock off hoods work well with this lens?

cloudphreak · 07-03-2010, 05:56 AM

Before you shell out for the real Pentax hood for the 18-55, check this one out:

Amazon.com: Fotodiox Lens Hood for Pentax Ph-Rba SMC DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II Zoom Lens as 38741: Camera & Photo

I just got it, and it fits my DAL 18-55 just fine. And it was significantly less expensive than the Pentax version.

mackloon · 07-03-2010, 07:28 AM

I am sold on the one you linked there buddy, but I was wondering if anyone knows if they make one similar that would work right on the da l 55-300 Ed?

I would be interested in getting one fir both of my kx kit lenses.

Anyone know of a cheap hood alternative to the hood made for the tele kit lens?

GerryL · 07-04-2010, 05:39 PM

The one for the 55-300mm is very hard to find if any one manufactures them.
I am also interested in one so I can get a hood for my FA-J 70-300mm.
How I wished they made something for the 55-300mm like the one for the 18-55mm.
If anyone has news for this, I'm also interested.

Ratmagiclady · 07-04-2010, 09:13 PM

Well, Mac, the short end of the 55-300 is long enough that you ought to be able to use an ordinary round one, ....I don't have a copy of the lens, but it should be able to take a reasonably-deep one without problems. The rubber kind that has three positions probably would work well, too. They extend out nice and far and you can fold them back if it wants to vignette when at the wider end.

mackloon · 07-05-2010, 03:53 AM

Is a flower petal hood typically used on a tele lens like this, or is a standard round hood more commonly used.

audiobomber · 07-05-2010, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

Well, Mac, the short end of the 55-300 is long enough that you ought to be able to use an ordinary round one, ....I don't have a copy of the lens, but it should be able to take a reasonably-deep one without problems. The rubber kind that has three positions probably would work well, too. They extend out nice and far and you can fold them back if it wants to vignette when at the wider end.

I bought a 58mm 3-stage collapsible rubber hood. It doesn't vignette even in the extended position, but it's huge in diameter and looks awful. It tends to pop back to the mid position easily. I hate the thing.

I use a Zeikos hood. It doesn't provide as much coverage as the original hood, but it protects as well as the 3-stage and isn't as ugly. Amazon.com: Zeikos ZE-LH58 58mm Soft Rubber Lens Hood: Camera & Photo
The 55-300mm needs a telephoto hood but I haven't found anything better than the Zeikos yet except for the original hood (stupid price, I refuse to buy one).

Originally posted by mackloon

Is a flower petal hood typically used on a tele lens like this, or is a standard round hood more commonly used.

Typically petal hoods are only used for wide angle lenses.

mackloon · 07-05-2010, 10:10 AM

That is what I thought on the petal style hoods...although I have seen them used. So the Zeikos is the way to go eh? I assume your first 3 stage hood was replaced by the Zeikos.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Can you confirm the ability to mount filters, lens caps. and perhaps a threaded adapter with a raynox 150 on the front with the hood attached?

audiobomber · 07-05-2010, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by mackloon

That is what I thought on the petal style hoods...although I have seen them used. So the Zeikos is the way to go eh? I assume your first 3 stage hood was replaced by the Zeikos.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Can you confirm the ability to mount filters, lens caps. and perhaps a threaded adapter with a raynox 150 on the front with the hood attached?

I still have the 3-stage but I only use the Zeikos. It does accept filters and caps without having to remove the hood. All you do is fold it back and screw in your filter, then pop the hood forward. Similarly for the Raynox 150, pop the hood back and clip or screw the Raynox adaptor in. The only difference is, you can't pop the hood forward over the Raynox clip. You can pop the hood forward over a Raynox in a threaded adapter, but it doesn't provide any shade. Sometimes I use a 49mm rubber hood on the front of the Raynox.

Personally I like the Raynox clip-on adapter for any lens that will take it (i.e. 52-67mm filter diameter). I only use a threaded adapter for my 49mm primes.

mackloon · 07-05-2010, 02:54 PM

What is the length on you 49mm hood for the raynox...?

Nvm the front on that thing is 43mm right?

audiobomber · 07-05-2010, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by mackloon

What is the length on you 49mm hood for the raynox...?

Nvm the front on that thing is 43mm right?

The length of the hood is not a spec you'll be able to find. I use a 49mm diameter hood for 50mm standard lens. Most of these hoods would work. You could use the same hood on any of your 49mm dia Pentax primes. 49mm lens hood

The front thread of the Raynox when it's in its adapter is 49mm. What lenses do you have? If yoiu want to use the Raynox on more than one lens, the clip-on adapter is ideal.

mackloon · 07-05-2010, 06:15 PM

I am going to mount it on a dal 55/300 kit lend that was part of the recent kx acquisition I made.

I ordered one with the adapter, but for a more stable mount for dedicated macroing I figured the step down was the way to go.

I am not actually sure how this mounts, and since my shipment had been delayed I figured the hood would be a nice addon.

So I am going dal55/300 -> 58mm to 49mm step down -> raynox 150

I would like to fit a hood in there fir contrast and protection.

Where would you mount it, and which hood would you put in there?

audiobomber · 07-05-2010, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by mackloon

I am going to mount it on a dal 55/300 kit lend that was part of the recent kx acquisition I made.

With the clip-on you can also use the Raynox on your standard zoom.

Originally posted by mackloon

I ordered one with the adapter, but for a more stable mount for dedicated macroing I figured the step down was the way to go.

The clip is stable, I`ve used Raynoxes a lot and never had one detach.

Originally posted by mackloon

I am not actually sure how this mounts, and since my shipment had been delayed I figured the hood would be a nice addon.

IME a 58mm hood for the 55-300 is a necessity and a 49mm hood for the Raynox is well worth it, but not necessary.

Originally posted by mackloon

So I am going dal55/300 -> 58mm to 49mm step down -> raynox 150

That won`t work. The Raynox thread is 43mm.

Originally posted by mackloon

I would like to fit a hood in there fir contrast and protection. Where would you mount it, and which hood would you put in there?

IMO: Definitely get a 58mm hood for the 55-300. Use the Raynox clip-on adapter. Get a 49mm hood for the Raynox, or not. It`s not a necessity but good to have.

07-01-2010, 04:47 PM	#1
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415	Lens hoods for kx 18-55mm and 55-300mm Hello... I have been reading up and shooting as much as possible since my kx acquisition. I have a question about lens hoods... I had a scare/slight fumble with my kx the other night which has prompted me to get a set of lens hoods for the dal18-55 and dal55-300. I was wondering if it really mattered which one. I like the flower pedal style and I was wondering if someone could link the cheapest, yet functional recommendation. I was going to buy a pair of the cheapy, flower pedal ones found on eBay for about $3 a pop. But I figured I should check with the masses. Let me know what your take is...?

07-02-2010, 02:18 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Having a proper hood is a good investment, so unless those cheap ones are nearly identical to the original Pentax hoods for these lenses, I'd go ahead and get the original ones. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-05-2010, 09:28 AM	#9
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady Well, Mac, the short end of the 55-300 is long enough that you ought to be able to use an ordinary round one, ....I don't have a copy of the lens, but it should be able to take a reasonably-deep one without problems. The rubber kind that has three positions probably would work well, too. They extend out nice and far and you can fold them back if it wants to vignette when at the wider end. I bought a 58mm 3-stage collapsible rubber hood. It doesn't vignette even in the extended position, but it's huge in diameter and looks awful. It tends to pop back to the mid position easily. I hate the thing. I use a Zeikos hood. It doesn't provide as much coverage as the original hood, but it protects as well as the 3-stage and isn't as ugly. Amazon.com: Zeikos ZE-LH58 58mm Soft Rubber Lens Hood: Camera & Photo The 55-300mm needs a telephoto hood but I haven't found anything better than the Zeikos yet except for the original hood (stupid price, I refuse to buy one). Originally posted by mackloon Is a flower petal hood typically used on a tele lens like this, or is a standard round hood more commonly used. Typically petal hoods are only used for wide angle lenses. Last edited by audiobomber; 07-05-2010 at 09:39 AM.

07-05-2010, 11:04 AM	#11
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by mackloon That is what I thought on the petal style hoods...although I have seen them used. So the Zeikos is the way to go eh? I assume your first 3 stage hood was replaced by the Zeikos. Thanks for the recommendation. Can you confirm the ability to mount filters, lens caps. and perhaps a threaded adapter with a raynox 150 on the front with the hood attached? I still have the 3-stage but I only use the Zeikos. It does accept filters and caps without having to remove the hood. All you do is fold it back and screw in your filter, then pop the hood forward. Similarly for the Raynox 150, pop the hood back and clip or screw the Raynox adaptor in. The only difference is, you can't pop the hood forward over the Raynox clip. You can pop the hood forward over a Raynox in a threaded adapter, but it doesn't provide any shade. Sometimes I use a 49mm rubber hood on the front of the Raynox. Personally I like the Raynox clip-on adapter for any lens that will take it (i.e. 52-67mm filter diameter). I only use a threaded adapter for my 49mm primes. Last edited by audiobomber; 07-05-2010 at 11:17 AM.

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07-03-2010, 05:49 AM	#3
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Having a proper hood is a good investment, so unless those cheap ones are nearly identical to the original Pentax hoods for these lenses, I'd go ahead and get the original ones. okay... So finding the actual hood for the 18-55 kit lens does not seem to be a problem, however the da l 55-300 does not seem to exist. Maybe I'm blind...does anyone know if andvof the generic knock off hoods work well with this lens?

07-03-2010, 05:56 AM	#4
cloudphreak Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ashburn, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 30	Before you shell out for the real Pentax hood for the 18-55, check this one out: Amazon.com: Fotodiox Lens Hood for Pentax Ph-Rba SMC DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II Zoom Lens as 38741: Camera & Photo I just got it, and it fits my DAL 18-55 just fine. And it was significantly less expensive than the Pentax version.

07-03-2010, 07:28 AM	#5
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	I am sold on the one you linked there buddy, but I was wondering if anyone knows if they make one similar that would work right on the da l 55-300 Ed? I would be interested in getting one fir both of my kx kit lenses. Anyone know of a cheap hood alternative to the hood made for the tele kit lens?

07-04-2010, 05:39 PM	#6
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	The one for the 55-300mm is very hard to find if any one manufactures them. I am also interested in one so I can get a hood for my FA-J 70-300mm. How I wished they made something for the 55-300mm like the one for the 18-55mm. If anyone has news for this, I'm also interested.

07-04-2010, 09:13 PM	#7
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Well, Mac, the short end of the 55-300 is long enough that you ought to be able to use an ordinary round one, ....I don't have a copy of the lens, but it should be able to take a reasonably-deep one without problems. The rubber kind that has three positions probably would work well, too. They extend out nice and far and you can fold them back if it wants to vignette when at the wider end.

07-05-2010, 03:53 AM	#8
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	Is a flower petal hood typically used on a tele lens like this, or is a standard round hood more commonly used.

07-05-2010, 10:10 AM	#10
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	That is what I thought on the petal style hoods...although I have seen them used. So the Zeikos is the way to go eh? I assume your first 3 stage hood was replaced by the Zeikos. Thanks for the recommendation. Can you confirm the ability to mount filters, lens caps. and perhaps a threaded adapter with a raynox 150 on the front with the hood attached?

07-05-2010, 02:54 PM	#12
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	What is the length on you 49mm hood for the raynox...? Nvm the front on that thing is 43mm right?

07-05-2010, 06:04 PM	#13
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by mackloon What is the length on you 49mm hood for the raynox...? Nvm the front on that thing is 43mm right? The length of the hood is not a spec you'll be able to find. I use a 49mm diameter hood for 50mm standard lens. Most of these hoods would work. You could use the same hood on any of your 49mm dia Pentax primes. 49mm lens hood The front thread of the Raynox when it's in its adapter is 49mm. What lenses do you have? If yoiu want to use the Raynox on more than one lens, the clip-on adapter is ideal.

07-05-2010, 06:15 PM	#14
mackloon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 415 Original Poster	I am going to mount it on a dal 55/300 kit lend that was part of the recent kx acquisition I made. I ordered one with the adapter, but for a more stable mount for dedicated macroing I figured the step down was the way to go. I am not actually sure how this mounts, and since my shipment had been delayed I figured the hood would be a nice addon. So I am going dal55/300 -> 58mm to 49mm step down -> raynox 150 I would like to fit a hood in there fir contrast and protection. Where would you mount it, and which hood would you put in there?

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07-05-2010, 07:21 PM	#15
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by mackloon I am going to mount it on a dal 55/300 kit lend that was part of the recent kx acquisition I made. With the clip-on you can also use the Raynox on your standard zoom. Originally posted by mackloon I ordered one with the adapter, but for a more stable mount for dedicated macroing I figured the step down was the way to go. The clip is stable, I`ve used Raynoxes a lot and never had one detach. Originally posted by mackloon I am not actually sure how this mounts, and since my shipment had been delayed I figured the hood would be a nice addon. IME a 58mm hood for the 55-300 is a necessity and a 49mm hood for the Raynox is well worth it, but not necessary. Originally posted by mackloon So I am going dal55/300 -> 58mm to 49mm step down -> raynox 150 That won`t work. The Raynox thread is 43mm. Originally posted by mackloon I would like to fit a hood in there fir contrast and protection. Where would you mount it, and which hood would you put in there? IMO: Definitely get a 58mm hood for the 55-300. Use the Raynox clip-on adapter. Get a 49mm hood for the Raynox, or not. It`s not a necessity but good to have.