Zemlin hoods

zemlin · Dec 4, 2022

PDP said:
Why would someone not order a Zemlin hood to match Nikon's original dimensions?

One of my customers shoots speed runs on the salt flats. He wanted as much hood for his 400 as he could have without vignetting, so I checked the FOV and stretched the hood out for him. He reported back that he has improved contrast and AF in the harsh light of the salt flats when he's using the long hood.

The shorty and not-much-more-than-bumper hoods I have came from customer requests, for any number of reasons. Different folks shoot in different conditions and have different requirements. I don't judge. I'll make you what you want.

dasm · Dec 4, 2022

I emailed Mr. Karl Zemlin earlier today and he was very prompt in his reply. I enquired about the hood for Nikon Z 100-400mm. The great news is that one of his friends has the lens and he is planning to work on the hood over the Christmas holidays and most likely, it'll be available in the New Year. If anybody from Canada will be interested in buying his hood, the postage and handling would be about USD 39.00. If you're interested in more than one hood, he would be happy to mail them together which will bring down the mailing cost. I would probably get one for my Nikon F 200-500mm too.

zemlin · Dec 4, 2022

dasm said:
... about the hood for Nikon Z 200-400mm ...

make that the 100-400.

dasm · Dec 5, 2022

zemlin said:
make that the 100-400.

Oops! Too excited to spread the news! Thank you so much Karl!!

fcotterill · Dec 5, 2022

Nikon has taken a fork in the road on quality of their Z Telephoto hoods to turn as much as possible into plastics, what looks like polycarbonate. This is fine for the main hood for elasticity and weight, but the weakest point is the mechanism that uses a sprung hooked-arm to lock into indented groves, encircling the front of the hood. Something similar has always been a weakness of the 300 f4E PF, but the 500 f5.6E PF uses a metal locking arm which works reliably IF it's attached properly. This mechanism of the latter prime is similar to that in the 70-200 f2.8E, which still works as it should 4+ years later. It is strange how Nikon has risked its well earned status for quality engineering by silly attempts with cost cutting

I haven't seen a 400 f2.8S TC (nor the brand new 600 f4E TC) but my experience of 3 Z telephotos are not encouraging (to put it mildly):

- 800 f6.3S PF: the locking-hook at the sharp end has worn to the degree the 'sharp end' no longer engages in the groove in the lens. This is from regular use since early May, so not encouraging to put it mildly

- 400 f4.5S: the hook end has snapped. I've informed Nikon but a replacement/repair won't alter this poor design. In the interim the hood won't lock securely;

-100-400 S: same mechanism as 400 f4.5S i.e. waiting to wear out/ break sooner than later;

Not much more to add, but I'm budgeting for Zemlin solutions.... the challenge is shipping across the pond, and southwards!

zemlin said:
There are a few reasons, but they might not apply to you.

Keep the OE hood in good shape to preserve resale

The screw clamp often falls apart on hoods and is fiddly to repair/replace. My hoods don't have the screw clamp.

My hoods are faster and easier to mount and reverse.

Hoods for older lenses are hard to find. I make them for rare and discontinued lenses.

Many folks want a hood that's shorter than the OE - easier if using the car as a blind, on safari, or whatever.

I also make hoods that are longer than OE for the longer focal length lenses. Some folks have applications where they want the maximum possible hoodage

My hoods are much less expensive than OE. If you fear losing a hood - leaving it somewhere, it's less to lose.

and an additional bonus, the lock ring that mounts on the end of the lens will help protect the lens from bumps and scratches. The function of the ring won't be impacted if it gets beat up a bit.

zemlin · Dec 6, 2022

A hood for the 400 f/4.5 is on the horizon as well.

agrumpyoldsod · Dec 8, 2022

As promised Karl has added the Hoods and Lens caps for the Z 600mm f/4.0 TC VR S-line lens to the Zemlin Photo website.

JamesFarrell · Dec 8, 2022

zemlin said:
A hood for the 400 f/4.5 is on the horizon as well.

This is great news. While the Nikon hood for the 400/4.5 is one of the better hoods that Nikon has made, I look forward to the Zemlin one especially as I'll use it with rain protection gear out in the wild.

hrv · Dec 11, 2022

zemlin said:
One of my customers shoots speed runs on the salt flats. He wanted as much hood for his 400 as he could have without vignetting, so I checked the FOV and stretched the hood out for him. He reported back that he has improved contrast and AF in the harsh light of the salt flats when he's using the long hood.

The shorty and not-much-more-than-bumper hoods I have came from customer requests, for any number of reasons. Different folks shoot in different conditions and have different requirements. I don't judge. I'll make you what you want.

Hi @zemlin

I have one more question on hood length. For the Z 400 2.8, I am trying to decide between the 150mm (original size) and 115mm, which I think will be slightly more manageable when traveling. Do you have any feedback on possible downsides in regards to flare, etc. from the 115mm hood? Any customer feedback on that? Could you also share what length gets ordered (or returned?) most?

I know I want the lens cap, not yet fully decided on the lens hood. With the hood reversed, the lens doesn't properly fit my Peli Air 1535, tight squeeze to get the lid closed. The original hood is also a bit of a pain in my backpack when traveling with just hand luggage. A shorter one would be easier to manage, but I don't want too much chance of flare, ghosting and whatever else can happen with a shorter hood.

Any additional insight and wisdom is appreciated!

agrumpyoldsod · Dec 11, 2022

hrv said:
Hi @zemlin

I have one more question on hood length. For the Z 400 2.8, I am trying to decide between the 150mm (original size) and 115mm, which I think will be slightly more manageable when traveling. Do you have any feedback on possible downsides in regards to flare, etc. from the 115mm hood? Any customer feedback on that? Could you also share what length gets ordered (or returned?) most?

I know I want the lens cap, not yet fully decided on the lens hood. With the hood reversed, the lens doesn't properly fit my Peli Air 1535, tight squeeze to get the lid closed. The original hood is also a bit of a pain in my backpack when traveling with just hand luggage. A shorter one would be easier to manage, but I don't want too much chance of flare, ghosting and whatever else can happen with a shorter hood.

Any additional insight and wisdom is appreciated!

I chose the shorter length -- which works fine for me -- but then I do not tend to work near low level lights.
You can see an album of shots here of both the 400 and 800 with Zemlin products attached

zemlin · Dec 11, 2022

As far as most popular for that lens, 40% of the hoods I've sold have been the 115mm length. Returns for any reason are exceptionally rare. Usually it's because there was an issue with the lens so the lens was returned (that's only happened once with this lens). I've never received negative feedback from a customer regarding hood performance for any length. I sell some stuff on ebay and the most common reason for returns there (still very rare) is that the customer didn't read the description and expected a $6000+ lens with their $175 purchase.

I have a customer who shoots speed runs on the salt flats. For him I extended a one-piece 400 hood to the maximum length possible without vignetting (200mm). He reported back that he felt contrast and AF were improved with the additional length, but that's pretty harsh conditions - so much white and full sun. Snow in sun could present similar conditions.

In addition to lighting conditions, a longer hood can be a benefit in mist or rain, keeping water off the front element.

ssheipel · Dec 11, 2022

Lance B said:
There are 5 options for the length of the 400's hood and I chose to get the same as the original hood.

There are 3 options for the length of the 500's hood and again I chose the same as the original hood.

I had no reason to select another length.

What are the reasons for the different hood lengths? My non engineering mind thought the length was based on focal length and field of view angles and all that?

DRM · Dec 11, 2022

JamesFarrell said:
This is great news. While the Nikon hood for the 400/4.5 is one of the better hoods that Nikon has made, I look forward to the Zemlin one especially as I'll use it with rain protection gear out in the wild.

I agree with your assessment of the 400 f/4.5 hood. It feels much better all around than the stock hood from the 100-400 S lens I had. If I still had that lens I would definitely run the Zemlin on it.

BillW · Dec 11, 2022

hrv said:
Hi @zemlin

I have one more question on hood length. For the Z 400 2.8, I am trying to decide between the 150mm (original size) and 115mm, which I think will be slightly more manageable when traveling. Do you have any feedback on possible downsides in regards to flare, etc. from the 115mm hood? Any customer feedback on that? Could you also share what length gets ordered (or returned?) most?

I know I want the lens cap, not yet fully decided on the lens hood. With the hood reversed, the lens doesn't properly fit my Peli Air 1535, tight squeeze to get the lid closed. The original hood is also a bit of a pain in my backpack when traveling with just hand luggage. A shorter one would be easier to manage, but I don't want too much chance of flare, ghosting and whatever else can happen with a shorter hood.

Any additional insight and wisdom is appreciated!

I got a Zemlin hood for my 800 mm PF. It’s a two-piece version that is about the size of the original Nikon hood if I use both pieces. It packs up shorter, especially if I want to put it in my checked bag for travel. (Not smaller in diameter.) It also gives me the option of a shorter hood if I use just one piece, maybe on a windy day. I like the hood. I also have a one-piece version for my 500 mm PF that is a major improvement over the Nikon hood.

Not sure if Zemlin makes a two-piece hood for the Z 400 f2.8. But it might be interesting if he does. Of course, I’m not sure whether it would fit in your case or backpack.

zemlin · Dec 11, 2022

BillW said:
I got a Zemlin hood for my 800 mm PF. It’s a two-piece version that ... gives me the option of a shorter hood if I use just one piece, maybe on a windy day. I like the hood. I also have a one-piece version for my 500 mm PF that is a major improvement over the Nikon hood.

Not sure if Zemlin makes a two-piece hood for the Z 400 f2.8. But it might be interesting if he does. Of course, I’m not sure whether it would fit in your case or backpack.

I do have a couple 2-piece options for the Z400, but they are larger diameter than the one-piece options, so packing space is a consideration.

ssheipel said:
What are the reasons for the different hood lengths? My non engineering mind thought the length was based on focal length and field of view angles and all that?

Personal preference/requirements of different photographers. The product line has been a matter of evolution - just responding to customer requests. The majority of the hoods I sell are shorter than OE hoods. These days when I come up with a range of hoods for a new lens I'll start with the OE length. I measure the extension of the hood past the end of the lens. I then make versions that are 75%, 50%, and 25% of that extension length so customers can pick what they want. The 25% length is little more than a bumper, but a few folks select that one. If I can go longer without vignetting I'll make those options too - 125%, 150% .... I then add some two-piece options which (as noted above), are more versatile.

Whenever I go longer than the OE hood I will check the FOV of the lens to ensure I do not make anything that will vignette.

My personal preference is for two-piece options, and I would lean toward the long end on hood length just because I have no issue with a longer hood, and in some cases it may be advantageous.

Having looked at a LOT of OE hood designs over the past few years, in many cases there is very little 'engineering' behind hoods. Newer lenses are clearly responding the customer preference for shorter hoods.

ssheipel · Dec 11, 2022

zemlin said:
I do have a couple 2-piece options for the Z400, but they are larger diameter than the one-piece options, so packing space is a consideration.

Personal preference/requirements of different photographers. The product line has been a matter of evolution - just responding to customer requests. The majority of the hoods I sell are shorter than OE hoods. These days when I come up with a range of hoods for a new lens I'll start with the OE length. I measure the extension of the hood past the end of the lens. I then make versions that are 75%, 50%, and 25% of that extension length so customers can pick what they want. The 25% length is little more than a bumper, but a few folks select that one. If I can go longer without vignetting I'll make those options too - 125%, 150% .... I then add some two-piece options which (as noted above), are more versatile.

Whenever I go longer than the OE hood I will check the FOV of the lens to ensure I do not make anything that will vignette.

My personal preference is for two-piece options, and I would lean toward the long end on hood length just because I have no issue with a longer hood, and in some cases it may be advantageous.

Having looked at a LOT of OE hood designs over the past few years, in many cases there is very little 'engineering' behind hoods. Newer lenses are clearly responding the customer preference for shorter hoods.

Thank you!

hrv · Dec 13, 2022

zemlin said:
As far as most popular for that lens, 40% of the hoods I've sold have been the 115mm length. Returns for any reason are exceptionally rare. Usually it's because there was an issue with the lens so the lens was returned (that's only happened once with this lens). I've never received negative feedback from a customer regarding hood performance for any length. I sell some stuff on ebay and the most common reason for returns there (still very rare) is that the customer didn't read the description and expected a $6000+ lens with their $175 purchase.

I have a customer who shoots speed runs on the salt flats. For him I extended a one-piece 400 hood to the maximum length possible without vignetting (200mm). He reported back that he felt contrast and AF were improved with the additional length, but that's pretty harsh conditions - so much white and full sun. Snow in sun could present similar conditions.

In addition to lighting conditions, a longer hood can be a benefit in mist or rain, keeping water off the front element.

Thanks.

Just ordered just the lens cap for the Z 400 2.8.
Going with a rolanpro flexible lens hood for travel. The downside is that I cannot place the lens on its hood, but it packs the smallest of them all. If it doesn't work, I'll be back...

RichF · Dec 13, 2022

zemlin said:
I do have a couple 2-piece options for the Z400, but they are larger diameter than the one-piece options, so packing space is a consideration.

Personal preference/requirements of different photographers. The product line has been a matter of evolution - just responding to customer requests. The majority of the hoods I sell are shorter than OE hoods. These days when I come up with a range of hoods for a new lens I'll start with the OE length. I measure the extension of the hood past the end of the lens. I then make versions that are 75%, 50%, and 25% of that extension length so customers can pick what they want. The 25% length is little more than a bumper, but a few folks select that one. If I can go longer without vignetting I'll make those options too - 125%, 150% .... I then add some two-piece options which (as noted above), are more versatile.

Whenever I go longer than the OE hood I will check the FOV of the lens to ensure I do not make anything that will vignette.

My personal preference is for two-piece options, and I would lean toward the long end on hood length just because I have no issue with a longer hood, and in some cases it may be advantageous.

Having looked at a LOT of OE hood designs over the past few years, in many cases there is very little 'engineering' behind hoods. Newer lenses are clearly responding the customer preference for shorter hoods.

Thanks for great info

Bubbahotep · Dec 13, 2022

jcgamble said:
I use one on my 500 f5.6 PF. Highly recommend. Built like a tank. They are custom made for each lens. He has a mounting bracket for each model. Dropped my lens off a table and it landed on the Zemlin hood. No damage to anything including the hood. I'm trying to get him to build one for my Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6.

I have the same. I also highly recommend. The original one broke and kept on falling off easily. The Zemlin is a lot sturdier. The original is plastic junk quite frankly and is about as good as the stock tripod foot.

Chris K · Dec 13, 2022

zemlin said:
One of my customers shoots speed runs on the salt flats. He wanted as much hood for his 400 as he could have without vignetting, so I checked the FOV and stretched the hood out for him. He reported back that he has improved contrast and AF in the harsh light of the salt flats when he's using the long hood.

The shorty and not-much-more-than-bumper hoods I have came from customer requests, for any number of reasons. Different folks shoot in different conditions and have different requirements. I don't judge. I'll make you what you want.

That's really interesting! How do you determine how long/wide a hood could be, if not using OE "specs"?

I remember a long time back I was frustrated at the silly Canon 17-40 "sombrero" hood that did NOT fit in a bag, and took (I think) a 24/1.4 hood and Dremeled it down until I eliminated vignetting. It was trial-and-error.

I'm now using a lot of EF and F adapted lenses on my GFX. Most notably the Canon 70-200/4. As the larger sensor makes the lens behave like a "56-160/2.8", I'm considering breaking out the Dremel again. Do you have some sort of deterministic way of creating a hood with maximal coverage?

PhD69 · Dec 13, 2022

I've just placed my order for the Zemlin lens hood + lens cap for my Sony 600mm F4 GM

I can’t wait to try out this new equipment

NorthernFocus · Dec 14, 2022

I just received my Zemlin lens cap for the 800mm PF. I tend to give out praise sparingly and will say that I'm impressed. Well thought out design and looks to be pretty robust. And of course is a welcome change from the goofy Nikon executioner's hood that came with the lens.

zemlin · Dec 16, 2022

Chris K said:
That's really interesting! How do you determine how long/wide a hood could be, if not using OE "specs"?

On primes it's a simple matter of projecting the FOV from the diameter of the outer element. As long as the hood doesn't intersect the FOV there's no issue. I've double checked this with testing on a few prime lenses.

Zooms are trickier as the diameter the FOV projects from varies with focal length and can also be impacted by focus distance, so I created a device I mount to the lens so I can measure the limits of the FOV at different focal lengths.

agrumpyoldsod · Dec 16, 2022

Updated -- the Zemlin Hood(s) /lens cap I ordered for the Z 600/4 TC have arrived.
I ordered 2 hoods both with skid pads and one lens cap -- one hood "regular sized" (147mm) and the one 1 1/4" shorter (116mm - 31mm shorter than normal sized hood) -- the shorter hood is to ease use in the field. Lets see how it goes when I use it in practice.

Yes - I have taped over the control ring and lens switches.