Slippery Lens Caps: All my pinch type Nikon lens caps are a pain in the but to put on with a lens hood in place. This is true for most of the other brand lenses I have owned. The only...

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

All my pinch type Nikon lens caps are a pain in the but to put on with a lens hood in place. This is true for most of the other brand lenses I have owned.

The only exception was a couple of Sigma lens cap. They had a back taper on the pinch surface that resulted in a positive grip.

You would think as complex as cameras and lenses are today the manufactures would be able to make a decent cap.

Perhaps they should consult with Sigma.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

joer wrote:

All my pinch type Nikon lens caps are a pain in the but to put on with a lens hood in place. This is true for most of the other brand lenses I have owned.

The only exception was a couple of Sigma lens cap. They had a back taper on the pinch surface that resulted in a positive grip.

You would think as complex as cameras and lenses are today the manufactures would be able to make a decent cap.

Perhaps they should consult with Sigma.

Interesting. My genuine Canon ones have a slip free design, the cheap chinese knock offs don't but they still work OK...

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Indeed! I understand that problem. Then what to do with the lens cap while shooting? I contemplated getting some velcro and sticking it on my lens caps and also the camera strap. Then I could stick it on the strap. However I saw a recommendation take the lens cap off and leave it off during a shoot ,or walk about, and let the hood protect the lens. I tried that and it seems to work better than having to take the lens cap off and put it back on. It makes sense to me because when shooting having the camera ready facilitates getting the shot. The len's caps can serve their purpose when transporting or storing the camera or lens.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

JD750 wrote:

Indeed! I understand that problem. Then what to do with the lens cap while shooting? ...

I've been using a cunning little piece of technology called a pocket. Apparently they are supplied with several types of clothing and can be quite effective if used properly. The learning curve is not too steep either.

Of course, it may not work too well if you are into nude photography, but I have found it works well for most other things...

Or, here's another approach!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Peterff wrote:

I've been using a cunning little piece of technology called a pocket. Apparently they are supplied with several types of clothing and can be quite effective if used properly. The learning curve is not too steep either.

Of course, it may not work too well if you are into nude photography, but I have found it works well for most other things...

Ha ha yes the pocket and the lens cap como makes a fine lint and dust transfer system. Then there are cargo pants with too many pockets and where did I put it? So not perfect but yes it works and I use it.

I think your doing nude photography wrong it's the subject who is supposed to be nude not the photographer! :-)

Leitz Loc: Solms

joer wrote:

All my pinch type Nikon lens caps are a pain in the but to put on with a lens hood in place. This is true for most of the other brand lenses I have owned.

The only exception was a couple of Sigma lens cap. They had a back taper on the pinch surface that resulted in a positive grip.

You would think as complex as cameras and lenses are today the manufactures would be able to make a decent cap.

Perhaps they should consult with Sigma.

Heliopan metal hoods have front threads, convenient for screw-in caps, which seal from dust and don't pop off if bumped.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Leitz wrote:

Heliopan metal hoods have front threads, convenient for screw-in caps, which seal from dust and don't pop off if bumped.

That's interesting, and personally to me a little funny. I have an old Canon FDn 500mm f/8.0 reflex lens adapted to use on my Canon DSLR. It has an 83mm filter thread - seen many of those recently? - and has a screw in lens cap. Sealed yes, pain in the butt, more so for normal use. Oh, and the lens has its own built in metal lens hood....

A cheap chinese 82mm pinch lens cap works like a treat and seems to be quite secure.

I guess it depends upon each of our personal preferences....

Leitz Loc: Solms

Peterff wrote:

That's interesting, and personally to me a little funny. I have an old Canon FDn 500mm f/8.0 reflex lens adapted to use on my Canon DSLR. It has an 83mm filter thread - seen many of those recently? - and has a screw in lens cap. Sealed yes, pain in the butt, more so for normal use.

A cheap chinese 82mm pinch lens cap works like a treat and seems to be quite secure.

I guess it depends upon each of our personal preferences....

Right. We all do things differently. Fortunately, we have many options.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Leitz wrote:

Right. We all do things differently. Fortunately, we have many options.

Agreed, and for many reasons. I have an old FL 55mm f/1.2 lens adapted for Canon EOS. I can use modern screw in lens hoods, and I have some, but I also have the original lens cap and vintage Canon metal lens hood and leather case in pristine condition. Feels nice to have.

Just a sort of nostalgia thing, although I've heard that even nostalgia isn't what it used to be!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I don't use a lens cap...I'd lose 'em too.

Fortunately, my camera can get by without one.

(Download)

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I have the same problem and thought had found the answer in the Op/Tech Hood Hat, however, although its relatively simple to get off putting it back on again can be a pain especially if the hood is of the petal design. Interested to hear more solutions.

joer wrote:

All my pinch type Nikon lens caps are a pain in the but to put on with a lens hood in place. This is true for most of the other brand lenses I have owned.

The only exception was a couple of Sigma lens cap. They had a back taper on the pinch surface that resulted in a positive grip.

You would think as complex as cameras and lenses are today the manufactures would be able to make a decent cap.

Perhaps they should consult with Sigma.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Peterff wrote:

I've been using a cunning little piece of technology called a pocket. Apparently they are supplied with several types of clothing and can be quite effective if used properly. The learning curve is not too steep either.

Of course, it may not work too well if you are into nude photography, but I have found it works well for most other things...

Or, here's another approach!

The op asked about placing the lens cap on when using a a lens hood.

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

JD750 wrote:

Indeed! I understand that problem. Then what to do... (show quote)

I agree, leave it off. I have Protector or UV filters on all my lenses as well as lens hoods and I find that is all I need. I leave the lens hood an all the time and that will protect from accidental bumps and if by chance something would touch the front element the filter will take the hit. I've never had and incident in 60 years. The front lens caps are just a pain in the aspidistra.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

Lens cap implant.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Lens cap off, lens hood on and the cap stays off until I get back in my vehicle.