Regarding my last question (Canon dedicated lens hoods), are dedicated hoods more important for wide-angles because of the risk of vignetting? Also, if I were to use fill-flash outside in the sun with my 420EX, would a hood be a problem?

Any responses much appreciated. Sarah

-- Sarah Needham (sarah.needham1@orange.net), May 06, 2002

Answers

Some of the cheapie rubber lens hoods are available in wide-angle models which are designed not to vignette with wide-angle lenses; the package should say it's designed for (say) a 28mm lens. But usually these hoods are not as effective as a dedicated petal-shaped hood.

You'll be OK with your flash unit. I use the 420EX with my 28-135 and hood and never have a problem.

-- Steve Dunn (steved@ussinc.com), May 06, 2002.

Dedicated hoods are designed specifically for a certain lens. They would probably be more important for both wide angle lenses and zooms, particularly wide angle zooms, than for telephotos.

-- Lee (Leemarthakiri@sport.rr.com), May 06, 2002.

I like the official Canon hoods because they quickly bayonet or clip on, and can be quickly reversed for storage. This is important if you carry 3-4 lenses in your bag.

They are expensive pieces of plastic, but are more easier to use than metal screw on hoods, and much nicer than rubber hoods (I hate rubber hoods!).

-- Kenneth Katz (socks@bestweb.net), May 06, 2002.