Should I consider any other hood for 1.8G 50mm rather than the default one?

Question

The supplied lens hood with Nikon's 50mm f/1.8 G is HB-47 Bayonet Lens Hood, as mentioned on the tech specs for that lens.

Is it the best for this lens or should I look for a better one? If yes, then on what basis?

Asked by Anisha Kaul

Answer

The supplied or purposely built hood is the safest to use on a lens.

While you can easily find a hood that fits the lens, getting one which works as well is a matter of luck. Even it a hood fits, it can still cause vignetting. I learned the hard way since two of my hoods have the same size :(

If you do not accidentally get one which a too narrow field of view, you may get one with a too wide field of view which affords less protection against flare than the specific hood which is made for your lens.

The one option to consider for physical protection is a retractable rubber hood which you can extend to protect and retract without removing it before shooting.

Answered by Itai

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