Metal Hood Shape

yusuf · 03-15-2013, 09:01 PM

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Hi,

I am looking for a hood for some of my 50mm and 55mm lenses.

There are typically two shapes of the metal hood available, just wondering which one would you prefer. Does cylindriacal one (#2) may cause vignetting?

#1

#2

Also, do you prefer rubber or metal wood?

Thanks
Yusuf

stevebrot · 03-15-2013, 09:14 PM

A rectangular hood, matched to the lens it is mounted on and appropriate for the film/sensor format is the best. Good luck. A matched petal-shaped hood is the practical equivalent.

For what it is worth, I exclusively use cylindrical metal hoods on my lenses that did not come with hoods. The main considerations are diameter (usually just a little larger than the filter thread) and depth. For APS-C, I use a "normal" hood with my 28mm lenses and a "tele" hood with my 50s and longer. If the hood you are using vignettes, you will need to use a shallower and/or larger diameter hood.

As you might imagine, hoods for fast ultra-wide angle lenses are pretty laughable and it sometimes makes better sense to use a carefully placed card or hand as a shade.

Steve

SOldBear · 03-15-2013, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by yusuf

There are typically two shapes of the metal hood available,...

Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one:

**Kerrowdown** · 03-16-2013, 06:50 AM

For my 50mm, I've actually got the original Pentax plastic version which according to the text on the lenscap would do both, that you mention

"Standard lens 1:1.2-1.4 50mm 1:1.8 55mm. Asahi Opt. Co., Japan 52mm"

Last edited by Kerrowdown; 03-16-2013 at 02:51 PM.

yusuf · 03-16-2013, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by SOldBear

Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one:

Interesting, Is that a step down ring? Does it really work? Can you post a bit more close up?

SOldBear · 03-16-2013, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by yusuf

Interesting, Is that a step down ring? Does it really work? Can you post a bit more close up?

There are more details in this post.

Ratmagiclady · 03-18-2013, 04:03 PM

Looks like Sold missed the link, but indeed that's a step-down ring.

He was just mentioning it on another thread recently. Basically, though, the more bell-shaped hoods can physically be rather deeper without vignetting, whereas the cylindrical-shaped ones can be more compact while doing the same job. The real thing is basically the angle that the hood screens fromwith respect to the lens itself.

One advantage of the bell-shaped hoods (Apart from being able to stand the lens nicely while changing them) is somewhat more protection from bumps and knocks: they'll tend to dent rather than transfer the energy to the lens and camera itself, in case of major mishap. If it's a wider lens, they tend to help keep off any preciptiation etc somewhat better, too.

kh1234567890 · 03-20-2013, 06:57 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by SOldBear

Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods.

Well, I'm a convert ! My Chinon Auto MC 50mm f1.4 was pretty bad with lots of soft flare when wide open. A 49-28mm step down ring finally made its way from China and the effect is remarkable.

Before and after 1:1 crops.

SOldBear · 03-20-2013, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

Looks like Sold missed the link...

Not sure what I missed (assuming by "Sold" you mean me).

Originally posted by kh1234567890

Well, I'm a convert !

I'll send you an invoice

Actually, thanks for the confirmation. I believe the hood helps, but have never done a comparison.

kh1234567890 · 03-21-2013, 05:32 AM

Originally posted by SOldBear

I'll send you an invoice

Actually, thanks for the confirmation. I believe the hood helps, but have never done a comparison.

Same beneficial effect on a K-7 with a Pentax-M 50mm f1.4 fully open. Much sharper with the step-down ring hood. Same exposure and post-processing on both. Full sizes are on Flickr.

tromboads · 03-21-2013, 07:03 AM

Wtf!!!!! I can't believe the results differ so much' :s. I thought hoods fixed flares, not provide free resolution :s

**crewl1** · 03-21-2013, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by SOldBear

Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one:

Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm?
Your recommendations for the 100wr work awesome. Is it the same?

Also do you have a recommendation for similar setup for a 35mm f2?

Jean Poitiers · 03-21-2013, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

Well, I'm a convert ! My Chinon Auto MC 50mm f1.4 was pretty bad with lots of soft flare when wide open. A 49-28mm step down ring finally made its way from China and the effect is remarkable.

Before and after 1:1 crops.

Thanks ... I have the same lens and this looks like a good solution ... J

kh1234567890 · 03-21-2013, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by crewl1

Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm?

I got my step-down ring from here. Turned up in 6 days. Not bad for £2 ($3).

As for the cap - 28mm clip-on caps do exist, but a better option may be a plastic push-on 51mm cap. Unfortunately these seem to be as rare as hen's teeth

SOldBear · 03-21-2013, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm?
Your recommendations for the 100wr work awesome. Is it the same?

Also do you have a recommendation for similar setup for a 35mm f2?

I listed what I used in the post I referred to:

- Step down to 28mm: FA 50mm F/1.7, DFA 50mm Macro, DFA 100mm WR Macro, F 28mm F/2.8, DA 40mm Ltd., DA 70mm Ltd., Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Macro, Sigma 50mm F/2.8 Macro.
- Step down to 37mm: DA 21mm Ltd.
- Step down from 62 to 49mm + 49mm Pentax metal hood: Vivitar 135mm F/2.8 Close Focusing.

Added:

- 40.5-37: Ricoh GXR A12-28mm
- 40.5-37 + 37-28: Ricoh GXR A12-50mm

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03-15-2013, 09:01 PM	#1
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	Metal Hood Shape Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hi, I am looking for a hood for some of my 50mm and 55mm lenses. There are typically two shapes of the metal hood available, just wondering which one would you prefer. Does cylindriacal one (#2) may cause vignetting? #1 #2 Also, do you prefer rubber or metal wood? Thanks Yusuf

03-15-2013, 09:14 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	A rectangular hood, matched to the lens it is mounted on and appropriate for the film/sensor format is the best. Good luck. A matched petal-shaped hood is the practical equivalent. For what it is worth, I exclusively use cylindrical metal hoods on my lenses that did not come with hoods. The main considerations are diameter (usually just a little larger than the filter thread) and depth. For APS-C, I use a "normal" hood with my 28mm lenses and a "tele" hood with my 50s and longer. If the hood you are using vignettes, you will need to use a shallower and/or larger diameter hood. As you might imagine, hoods for fast ultra-wide angle lenses are pretty laughable and it sometimes makes better sense to use a carefully placed card or hand as a shade. Steve

03-15-2013, 09:21 PM	#3
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by yusuf There are typically two shapes of the metal hood available,... Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one:

03-16-2013, 06:50 AM	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	For my 50mm, I've actually got the original Pentax plastic version which according to the text on the lenscap would do both, that you mention "Standard lens 1:1.2-1.4 50mm 1:1.8 55mm. Asahi Opt. Co., Japan 52mm" Last edited by Kerrowdown; 03-16-2013 at 02:51 PM.

03-16-2013, 10:59 AM	#5
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497 Original Poster	Originally posted by SOldBear Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one: Interesting, Is that a step down ring? Does it really work? Can you post a bit more close up?

03-16-2013, 04:05 PM	#6
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by yusuf Interesting, Is that a step down ring? Does it really work? Can you post a bit more close up? There are more details in this post.

03-18-2013, 04:03 PM	#7
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Looks like Sold missed the link, but indeed that's a step-down ring. He was just mentioning it on another thread recently. Basically, though, the more bell-shaped hoods can physically be rather deeper without vignetting, whereas the cylindrical-shaped ones can be more compact while doing the same job. The real thing is basically the angle that the hood screens fromwith respect to the lens itself. One advantage of the bell-shaped hoods (Apart from being able to stand the lens nicely while changing them) is somewhat more protection from bumps and knocks: they'll tend to dent rather than transfer the energy to the lens and camera itself, in case of major mishap. If it's a wider lens, they tend to help keep off any preciptiation etc somewhat better, too.

03-20-2013, 08:14 AM	#9
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady Looks like Sold missed the link... Not sure what I missed (assuming by "Sold" you mean me). Originally posted by kh1234567890 Well, I'm a convert ! I'll send you an invoice Actually, thanks for the confirmation. I believe the hood helps, but have never done a comparison.

03-21-2013, 05:32 AM	#10
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by SOldBear I'll send you an invoice Actually, thanks for the confirmation. I believe the hood helps, but have never done a comparison. Same beneficial effect on a K-7 with a Pentax-M 50mm f1.4 fully open. Much sharper with the step-down ring hood. Same exposure and post-processing on both. Full sizes are on Flickr.

03-21-2013, 07:03 AM	#11
tromboads Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbs Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,239	Wtf!!!!! I can't believe the results differ so much' :s. I thought hoods fixed flares, not provide free resolution :s

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03-21-2013, 07:29 AM	#12
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by SOldBear Actually, there is another shape of metal hoods. This one: Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm? Your recommendations for the 100wr work awesome. Is it the same? Also do you have a recommendation for similar setup for a 35mm f2?

03-21-2013, 07:42 AM	#13
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by kh1234567890 Well, I'm a convert ! My Chinon Auto MC 50mm f1.4 was pretty bad with lots of soft flare when wide open. A 49-28mm step down ring finally made its way from China and the effect is remarkable. Before and after 1:1 crops. Thanks ... I have the same lens and this looks like a good solution ... J

03-21-2013, 08:02 AM	#14
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by crewl1 Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm? I got my step-down ring from here. Turned up in 6 days. Not bad for £2 ($3). As for the cap - 28mm clip-on caps do exist, but a better option may be a plastic push-on 51mm cap. Unfortunately these seem to be as rare as hen's teeth

03-21-2013, 12:22 PM	#15
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by crewl1 Soldbear can you provide the specifics on the reducer and cap setup for the 50mm? Your recommendations for the 100wr work awesome. Is it the same? Also do you have a recommendation for similar setup for a 35mm f2? I listed what I used in the post I referred to: - Step down to 28mm: FA 50mm F/1.7, DFA 50mm Macro, DFA 100mm WR Macro, F 28mm F/2.8, DA 40mm Ltd., DA 70mm Ltd., Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Macro, Sigma 50mm F/2.8 Macro. - Step down to 37mm: DA 21mm Ltd. - Step down from 62 to 49mm + 49mm Pentax metal hood: Vivitar 135mm F/2.8 Close Focusing. Added: - 40.5-37: Ricoh GXR A12-28mm - 40.5-37 + 37-28: Ricoh GXR A12-50mm