Requesting a few recommendations on upcoming purchases

[Aze]

I know this forum gets pretty bogged with recommendations, but after doing some googling I cannot find the right product. I need a few small pieces to add to my growing collection.

1. I need a lens hood for my 50mm 1.8 (canon). The ones I'm finding either a. are getting panned for poor fit. b. don't allow lens covers. c. mess up filters, or d. just plain suck. I'm thinking a tulip hood would be my best choice, but if I'm wrong please feel free to scold me (and maybe explain why).

2. I'd like a remote shutter switch as well. I think I saw a good one recommended. I don't need anything too fancy, just something that will allow me to get a nice shot on the tripod.

3. Decent ND filters. I'm torn between buying a larger one with a step down kit for the different lens sizes I have, or should I buy filters for each lens. This is the one I'm most unsure about. I don't know which is the best way to go. Currently I have 52 and 58mm lenses.

Thanks guys. I appreciate any advice you've got.

 

[KmH]

1. I need a lens hood for my 50mm 1.8 (canon). The ones I'm finding either a. are getting panned for poor fit. b. don't allow lens covers. c. mess up filters, or d. just plain suck. I'm thinking a tulip hood would be my best choice, but if I'm wrong please feel free to scold me (and maybe explain why).

I prefer the rubber collapsable type that screws onto the filter threads for my 50 mm 1.8 Nikon prime. You can still use the lens cap.

2. I'd like a remote shutter switch as well. I think I saw a good one recommended. I don't need anything too fancy, just something that will allow me to get a nice shot on the tripod.

You can also just use the self timer set to 2 seconds or more to let vibrations damp-out.

3. Decent ND filters. I'm torn between buying a larger one with a step down kit for the different lens sizes I have, or should I buy filters for each lens. This is the one I'm most unsure about. I don't know which is the best way to go. Currently I have 52 and 58mm lenses.

I recommend getting rectangular GND and ND filters. Just hand hold them in front of the lens.

 

[Big Mike]

I agree with Keith.

Just get a cheap rubber hood for your 50mm. You probably can't (or don't want to) get a petal hood for it because the front of the lens rotates when it focuses...so the petals wouldn't line up with the sides of the frame like they should. More expensive lenses often have 'internal focus' so the front doesn't rotate and you can use petal hoods.

Yes, you don't need a remote to keep the camera still while on a tripod, just use the self timer. Of course, you can get really cheap remotes from Chinese retailers (check E-bay etc.)

If you are just buying an ND filter, then you can get a round one...certainly get a bigger size and step down rings for your smaller lens. If you want to get graduated ND filters, then I agree, get square or rectangular filters.

 

[Aze]

Thanks guys, great advice.

About the focus on my 50mm, the ring does not rotate on focus which is one of the features I liked about it. With that in mind, which type of hood should I shoot for?

 

[Big Mike]

If you are that worried about it, just get the Canon E5-62. It's the 'proper' hood for that lens.

 

[nick_cool]

The hood and the remote can be cheap, but the ND filter absolutely not.