Circular polarizer vs lens hood: Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Rotate the filter then out the hood back on. Not a big deal.

You can get a Dremel tool and cut a slot on the bottom of the hood large enough into which you can put a finger to rotate with the hood in place.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

fourlocks wrote:

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

As others stated drill a hole on the bottom I guess.
All my lenses it is easy to adjust the filter with the hood on except for the 100-400mm which comes with an operable window on the bottom to make adjustments with. Also the 100mm Macro lens but I, so far, do not use a polarizer with it so haven't yet thought about a solution. Perhaps the Dremel tool will be that solution.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

CaptainC wrote:

You can get a Dremel tool and cut a slot on the bottom of the hood large enough into which you can put a finger to rotate with the hood in place.

Which will promptly defeat the purpose of a lens hood by allowing stray light onto the lens.

Just adjust the CPL then install the hood.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Which will promptly defeat the purpose of a lens hood by allowing stray light onto the lens.

Just adjust the CPL then install the hood.

Didn't Leica make hoods with holes in them? They allowed the viewfinder to work.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Which will promptly defeat the purpose of a lens hood by allowing stray light onto the lens.

Just adjust the CPL then install the hood.

No, if you place the slot at the bottom there is not that much chance of light entering. The guy wants a way to keep the hood on AND adjust the CP. Everything is a compromise.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

fourlocks wrote:

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

Why not use a collapsible rubber lens hood that will screw into the filter?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Manglesphoto wrote:

Why not use a collapsible rubber lens hood that will screw into the filter?

A solution I have used for more than 40 years. This isn't rocket science here folks.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Manglesphoto wrote:

Why not use a collapsible rubber lens hood that will screw into the filter?

Basically any screw on hood will do. Then rotate the hood to adjust the filter.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rook2c4 wrote:

Basically any screw on hood will do. Then rotate the hood to adjust the filter.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Certainly you can buy an after market hood with the little trap door in it like Canon supplies for some of their lenses.
SS

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

fourlocks wrote:

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

Turn the lens hood, or get a different hood, preferably one with a window in it, so it allows for adjustments like that!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

fourlocks wrote:

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

There is no easy way if you use a standard hood. You'll probably need to choose one or the other unless ypu go with some of the other options others have posted.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Gentle pressure and a little practise will allow you to rotate the polariser on the FRONT of the ring without touching the filter glass. A cheap ring might offer more resistance to movement but something of reasonable quality will allow this quite easily.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

fourlocks wrote:

Okay here's a rather sophomoric question I'm hoping there's an easy answer for. I like having a circular polarizer on my Nikon (18 - 200mm lens) but I also want to keep the lens hood on. Trouble is, once the lens hood snaps into place, it's impossible to rotate the polarizer because the hood covers the filter's rotating ring. Am I missing some easy way around this or do I have to choose one or the other?

Yes, that is frustrating, but I reach inside with a finger and rotate the filter. There are lens hoods with little doors that let you reach in from the side. If you have a Dremel tool, you can cut a little opening.