Rotating
Filters and Hoods
by
Don Ferrario
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USING
A LENS HOOD WITH A ROTATING FILTER I
often use a polarizer and neutral graduated filters. These filters
rotate to different positions, depending on the effect desired.
The recent trend to deep, scalloped lens hoods (tulip shaped)
present a problem with these filters. Because the lens hood is
so deep, it's almost impossible to reach the filter ring. As a
practical matter, these filters must be used with the hood removed.
You could attach the hood after adjusting the filter, but most
photographers I have observed simply don't use the hood when using
rotating filters.
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80-200mm
f/2.8D ED IF AF-S with its scalloped hood |
If
the hood had a small opening at the rear, just enough for the
photographer to adjust the filter with one finger, the process
would be much easier. Since most lens hoods today are plastic,
adding such an opening is an easy procedure. All it takes is careful
use of a rotary grinding tool (Dremel, or similar).
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These
photos are of an 80-200/2.8 AF-S lens, with the opening
added. I have performed this procedure on a dozen or so
lenses, and all the owners are quite happy. I have yet to
see flare caused by stray light entering the opening, although
it is possible. If you use rotating filters, the modification
is definitely an improvement. |
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Choosing
the size and location for the opening is important. If too
large, stray light will enter, negating the value of using
a hood. A location should be chosen that minimizes the likelihood
of side light entering. I have chosen the lower left corner,
viewed from the rear of the camera. That is, opposite the
shutter release in any 35mm SLR. |
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The
concept here is the bright side light is more likely to
come from above, than below. In the bottom left position,
the opening is near the bottom in both the horizontal and
vertical camera positions, when using a camera like the
Nikon F5, which has two shutter release buttons. |
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Before
modifying your own hood, ask yourself how you hold the camera
in vertical shots. If your camera does not have a separate
vertical shutter release button, and you shoot verticals
holding the camera with the release button at the bottom,
you may want to place the opening in the bottom right corner,
instead of the bottom left. |
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