OK. I think that on this lens - and a few others - the front filter can really degrade the image as the front element is strongly curved. I don't use a filter, but I have found a pretty good lens hood. Try a Nikon HN-3 (which is a 52mm thread) used with a 58mm -> 52mm step down ring. There will be no vignetting, and the depth from front edge of the hood to the front element is about 1.5-inches. I use the yellow plastic cover from a can of Hershey's syrup on the lens hood for additional protection when the lens is carried in the camera bag or otherwise not being used. A wrap or two or three of black plastic tape around the hood will assure a snug and tight fit for the plastic lid.
Shel > [Original Message] > From: Pawel Bartuzi > I use the filter just for front element protection, as I do on many of > my other lenses. Call me paranoid. :-) On most of other lenses using UV > filter is just because of my laziness but as for this particular lens I > believe it is so wide that it would be very difficult to find a hood > large enough to effectively protect front element. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
