ferret

Hello all.

I am new to photography and now the proud owner of a Nikon D5600 which came with a basic lens. I have taken some decent pictures (or at least I think they are) using this lens but feel I need more scope with subjects in the distance so I am about to purchase a zoom lens, a Nikon AF-P 70-300mm F/4.5 6G Ed VR. I have two questions, 1. do you think this is a suitable lens for getting a decent photos of wildlife which persist in staying out of reach of my present lens and 2. there seems to be two types of lens hoods, a petal form hood and a solid ring, why the different types and are they necessary for all photographic conditions, light / distance etc.

Thank you in anticipation of any answers.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

The primary use for a lens hood is to prevent light from hitting the front lens element from the sides - reducing contrast and creating flare. Pictures taken with a lens hood installed can have richer colors and deeper saturation. A secondary use for a lens hood is to protect the lens.

This video will answer your questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3MEaZNEQXI

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Welcome. You are in for a fun ride!! And yes, I think you will be happy doing wildlife with the proposed new lens.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

1. Yes, a suitable lens - I prefer the FX version of the 70-300 over the cheaper DX version.
2. In theory, the petal types hood is supposed to be more efficient in blocking stray light over a larger focal range.

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Orson Burleigh Loc: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

A petal-form lens hood, if properly designed and properly oriented when attached, will reduce vignetting at wide apertures. The corners and sides of the rectangular sensor are farther away from the center of the circular image provided by the lens, while the top and bottom of that rectangular sensor are closer to the center of the image circle. The portions of the sensor which are closer to the center of the image circle are less affected by any fall-off in the quantity of light which may occur near the edge of the image circle at wide apertures.

The shallow or short parts of the wavy-shaped petal hood are intended to increase the amount of light reaching the sides and corners of the rectangular sensor, resulting in a more evenly balanced distribution of light across the entire sensor. The deepest indentations of the petal-form hood coincide with the corners of the sensor, and the shorter side petals are oriented to match the sides of the sensor. The petal-form hood, particularly with zoom lenses, is a carefully considered compromise: shallow side petals and deep corner indentations do somewhat reduce the anti-flare effectiveness of the petal-form hood.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Welcome! And how is the old country? 😉

ferret

Thank you very much, very useful video

ferret

Thank you, I think I am in for a fun and sometimes confused ride but pleased I have found this forum

ferret

Thank you, I will take a look at the FX version

ferret

Wow, very comprehensive answer, thank you

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Ferret, use quote reply when answering. People would like to know who you are responding too.....

ferret

Old Country at the moment is sunny and warm, beautiful summers day

ferret

I am so sorry, I am new to forums too, could you confirm I have answered this in the correct manner please.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

I trust you will be sharing some pictures of this!

ferret

Hot off the press, sun just dipping but proof of blue skies