400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

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Archive 2009 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

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p.1 #1 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

I have a question about the Nikon 400 2.8 lens like the VR as all of them come with a 2 piece lens hood that gets wider at the end. Is this 2 piece lens hood necessary?? I have heard a ton of complaints on the crappy lens hoods that Nikon makes for their big lenses.

I have the 300mm 2.8 AF-S II lens and the lens hood is a one piece carbon fiber but the screw that attaches the hood to the lens is just junk and now I have to use a rubber band or tape to keep it screwed in. It’s like the screw is stripped or something like that.

I am getting a 400mm 2.8 VR lens and it doesn’t have the original Lens hood that’s why I am asking about the hoods. I have seen a cool replacement that is kind of on the market made by Aqua Tech. It’s a collapsible lens hood for the 400 and 600 lenses. It sells for around $159.00 but it seems no one has them in stock. If the original Nikon lens hood is a 2 piece hood that gets wider at the end my guess it’s because of vignette issue?? Does it really have to be this wider at the end of the lens hood?? On a wide angle lens I can understand but the 300 2.8 hoods are a 1 piece. Only the 400 2.8 and 600 f/4 Lenses come with a 2 piece lens hood.

I was shooting a football game tonight and the guy with the local paper had a 400mm 2.8 AF-S series I lens and he had used some rubber tubing used for plumbing and made it 6 inches long and attached or taped it to the end of the lens. He said he used a rubber gasket too on the end of the lens to make it less likely to come off. I didn’t have time to ask him how he would clean the lens if he needed to but I would think the way he has it is a bit permanent. I was thinking of doing this but with Velcro so that its easier to remove and store and carry with you. But I am wondering there has to be a reason why Nikon made the lens hood the way they did. If anyone has an opinion or who has made their own homemade lens hood please share your ideas.

Nov 14, 2009 at 09:01 PM

oobie
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p.1 #2 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

coffee can

Nov 14, 2009 at 09:24 PM

Merv Lowe
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p.1 #3 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

It's two piece because the tripod foot is located toward the front of the lens and it interferes with reversing the hood for storage. Two piece construction allows the hood to be broken down for storage.

Lenses with the tripod foot toward the back obviously don't have this problem.

Nov 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM

ScottSchupbach
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p.1 #4 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

I had the Canon 400/2.8 IS and now have a Nikon 400/2.8 AFS II. I didn't really like the two piece hood either.I just replaced one of the collars that the tightening screw threads into.I don't break the hoods down anymore, I leave them assembled and store it with them in place. The more often you tighten and loosen these two retaining screws the sooner the threads will strip on the collars.
I ordered the collar from Nikon parts and they run $18.00 and some change shipped.

Scott

Nov 14, 2009 at 11:17 PM

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p.1 #5 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

Aquatech Soft Hood

www.aquatech.net

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618397-REG/Aqua_Tech_1380_SoftHood_Collapsing_Hood_for.html

Edited on Nov 15, 2009 at 02:59 AM · View previous versions

Nov 15, 2009 at 02:54 AM

millsart
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p.1 #6 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

A neoprene thigh brace, about $20 at a sporting goods store, makes a very effective way to help hold the two pieces of the hood together and also keep them free from scratches etc

Its a very annoying design though no argument about it. I've often just used the bottom piece as well. Works fine under most conditions and is easier to carry.

Nov 15, 2009 at 02:58 AM

Wickedfn4u
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p.1 #7 · 400mm 2.8 2 Piece Lens Hood Questions

I carry mine in Lowepro 600 and leave the first ring on in shooting position and only reverse the end ring for speed and longevity when storing. With the body attached I can still fit it and a extender on the lens in the case.

Nov 15, 2009 at 07:54 AM


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