Lens hoods does the brand matter...?

[nightOwl]

Well I finally plan to purchase two lenses for my Rebel Xsi today. I plan on purchasing the Telephoto EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens and the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens. I see some non-Canon brands of hood covers that are almost half of the Canon lens hood. I am trying to stick with the Canon brand where it makes a difference.

Does the brand of lens hood matter?


Thanks,

Henry

 

[BlueCorn]

I don't have any experience with 3rd party hoods but I can tell you that, while I did buy one for my 100 macro, I've never used it. I am very conscious of lens flare and may shield the lens with my hand, but I never use a hood on any of my lenses. I just find them to take up space unnecessarily in my bag.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I use hoods on all my lenses. I prefer not to use filters due to IQ distortion, but a lens hood is great. Often hiking though the scrub forests and swamps for Florida, the hoods act as a shield from thorny branches and saw grass. I have never dropped my camera, but if I did I think a hood would do better to absorb the shock of the impact over any filter.

On the topic of 3rd party hoods, the shape of the hood is everything. If the hood is too long, it will show up in your image. If the hood is too shallow, it won't block the light. As long as the geometry of the 3rd party hood replicates the Canon version perfectly, I say go for it.

One example of a bad 3rd party choice is available for the 18-55 kit lens. Canon's version is an even cup. The 3rd party alternative is a petal hood. The 3rd party version may cost less and look better, but it just doesn't do its job...so you may have payed half price but you paid it in vain. Canon knows best what the hood should look like for best performance, just make sure the 3rd party company duplicates that.

 

[nightOwl]

Thanks guys...I think I will stick to the Canon brand . Next up is the 70 -200 that TitusvileSurfer recommended in my first thread I think I will pick that up next month.

Thanks Again