Hoods: vs and vs

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I've learned how important hoods are. For protection's sake and for image's sake. My little kit lenses didn't come with any, and even if I buy an L lens, the accessories are still optional purchase (something I'm currently barking at Canon Korea's customer service). With my current third-party lens, and a big possibility of buying non-Canon lenses in the future (quite far though), I was thinking of getting uniformed (or same brand) hoods for each of my current lenses.

I have a feeling that hoods aren't affected by that YGWYPF photography motto so I opted for cheap ones. A friend of mine has a metal hood and I like the feel of it. But now came the "vs + vs" part:

Most google results say metal gives a tiny bit more protection. Honestly, I just like the feel of it. But then most of them screw into the lens threads which I think might harm the thread more than protect the lens itself. I'd be much more comfortable if it's bayonet style. So in that regard, if it's a screw-in hood, won't plastic material be the better choice?

So there you go. It's metal vs plastic + screw-in vs bayonet style hoods that's been troubling me for a while now. I really like the metal ones I see where it's got threads too (where I can place a filter and/or a lens cap), and it's quite stylish (a very minor plus). But what do you guys think?

[RLucas]

I have one lens with the metal hood, and one with the plastic bayonet style. I am like you . I prefer the metal one myself. The plastic one seems loose, and it has come off a couple of times. I prefer the threaded type. The only thing that bothers me with it is that the threads are really fine. I find myself fumbling around a lot trying to screw it on without cross threading it. That's about the only drawback for me with it.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Yay thanks Lucas. I thought metal is last century kind of thing.

What scares me is if in case the hood got accidentally bumped into something, the impact won't affect the hood but might ruin the thread. Whereas if it's bayonet style, the outer casing of the lens could be sturdy enough to absorb shock. Whereas, if it's a screw-in plastic, it'll either bend or break without affecting the thread. That's kind of the way I think it.

Fumbling with them won't be much of an issue for me though. I intend to keep the hood permanent on the lens, once I get them. Filters could be the only reason of removing them but then the metal ones are threaded that I one can fix filters on top of them. Or lens caps! These aren't optional with the plastic ones.

[OsmosisStudios]

Ive only ever had plastic bayonet ones, but mine all lock in place when they're in the right place. I've tried metal screw-on hoods on a friend's lens and i couldnt be bothered: i'd ditch it immediately. Too much work.

[kirbinster]

While the metal are nicer, the plastic might actually provide better protection as they will absorb more energy when they break than the metal one that will just transfer any shock to the lens if you hit something with it.

[dlambert]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

While the metal are nicer, the plastic might actually provide better protection as they will absorb more energy when they break than the metal one that will just transfer any shock to the lens if you hit something with it.

I was wondering the same thing, I've got a couple of the plastic bayonet-mount ones, and I've never had a problem with them falling off.

They definitely feel like they'd break if I dropped a lens or smacked into something really well, but at that point, I think I'd be pretty happy if a $20 plastic part dissipated some energy in order to save the lens.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I guess my concerns about metal screw-in hoods is not just paranoia. It's too bad 'cause they really look and feel very nice. I don't have much against plastic hoods, though how its made without threads and therefore needing to insert better designed caps on the lens, is what irks me.

Thank you guys for your input.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

I guess my concerns about metal screw-in hoods is not just paranoia. It's too bad 'cause they really look and feel very nice. I don't have much against plastic hoods, though how its made without threads and therefore needing to insert better designed caps on the lens, is what irks me.

Thank you guys for your input.

So reason #3 is to look legit?
Just buy a plastic flower petal hood, they look "cool" enough.

All my lenses have come with factory hoods, and if they didn't I never felt the need to the constantly screw one on and off. My lenses that didn't (18-55, 50mm) weren't really worth the effort and I could always use my hand if I really needed to block direct sun rays.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

So reason #3 is to look legit?
Just buy a plastic flower petal hood, they look "cool" enough.

Oh god, no. Not legit really. More like "vain". And a leica style hood on Pamela (my 55-250mm lens, 58mm thread is the biggest they make of that design) covered with a classic lens cap makes her look pampered.

[RLucas]

My 70-300vr is the one with the factory plastic hood. It is very loose. I do not like it at all. The metal one is on my 85mm. I would leave it attached all the time, but the pocket my camera goes in isn't wide enough to slide it in with the hood attached. I guess it all boils down to preference. I still prefer the metal one.