DA 18-135 - how is it without a hood?

Hi all,

I might have a chance to buy a used copy of this lens at a good price but I suspect it doesn't have the hood. It looks like there are no third parties manufacturing replacement hoods so that would leave me three options:

1. Use it without any hood
2. Pay for a genuine one, which costs far more than a simple piece of plastic has any right to (45 quid normally, Microglobe (who I've never used, have it for 21.16 GBP)
3. Use a collapsable 62mm rubber hood

So I wanted to ask if anyone here has any experience of using this lens without the hood - how is it with regards to image quality?

Of course, if anyone has any links to third-party or cheap genuine Pentax hoods for this lens then that would be more than welcome too.

Many thanks

There are also some screw-on type petal hoods available, e.g. -

4YAAOSwQS1aLQJm">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lens-Hood-Universal-62mm-black-for-Pentax-smc-DA-18-13...

Philip

I have not used the lens without the hood, I use it for protection as I don't use filters. But I'd be very sceptical about how effective it is considering the 18-135 range.

Flare is the enemy without a hood. It's also worth thinking about damage. If a lens gets knocked then the hood will invariably absorb the shock. A metal one won't as well as a plastic one does.

Why mess about using a screw-in hood when a slick bayonet one intended for the lens is available. A hood was with the lens when new, so if it's missing a price reduction might be worth asking for?

I have bought from microglobe before - from the shop; they do exist!

Protection is the biggest advantage

As regards flare the hood is not that effective; I still have to use my hat or my hand on occasions to "impede flare" if that is the right term.

I honestly don't see that this lens suffers with flare anymore than other Pentax wide angle zooms and it is permantly mounted on my old K3 which is always with me, so it does get almost daly use and is by far my favourite walkaround , " have go at anything lens".

I have posted several times on this little Gem, so I won't sing its praises again. Except to underline that flare is not an issue anymore than is the case with my other other more expensive w/a lenses and rarely bothers me.,

Don't hesitate it is an absolute "corker"

See this thread re this lens;

I've bought from Microglobe. Just do it

Alas, this opportunity slipped through my fingers, but the 18-135 is still on my wish list and I hope to get one before too long.