Lens cap and petal-shaped lens hood question...

[berzin]

1) Do I need a 72mm lens cap for my FZ-20? I have a 62mm filter on it now and the lens cap never stays on(it is made out of cheap rubber). So I need one that will be secure. I was thinking of ordering the Phayee lens cap(the one you have to squeeze in the middle to get on and off), but what size would I need so that it would fit well and not fall off? Would I have to keep taking the filter off, or can I leave it on to make it fit well?

2) What purpose does a petal-shaped lens hood serve? Is this something I need to take better pictures?

3) Any suggestions on where to get the Raynox fisheye lens for a little less than the retail price? I like this lens alot but the price is a little off-putting.

Thanks in advance.

[StanStan]

1) Do I need a 72mm lens cap for my FZ-20? I have a 62mm filter on it now and the lens cap never stays on(it is made out of cheap rubber). So I need one that will be secure. I was thinking of ordering the Phayee lens cap(the one you have to squeeze in the middle to get on and off), but what size would I need so that it would fit well and not fall off? Would I have to keep taking the filter off, or can I leave it on to make it fit well? I have a Phayee lens adapter with a 62mm thread. I keep a 62mm UV filter on it most of the time to protect the lens. Better to scratch the filter than the lens. A filter has threads on both sides: internal on one end and external other end. Just use a center-opening 62mm cap. If you use the short HOOD that comes with the Phayee Adapter you have 72mm threads on the end of it. I use a 72mm rubber collapsing Hama hood to keep stray light from streaking the picture. My assembly--- FZ20>Phayee lens Adapter>62mm filter>62mm cap>Phayee lens hood>72 mm Hama hood.

2) What purpose does a petal-shaped lens hood serve? Is this something I need to take better pictures? Keeps stray glare off pictures. I like the Hama hood better

3) Any suggestions on where to get the Raynox fisheye lens for a little less than the retail price? I like this lens alot but the price is a little off-putting.

Thanks in advance.

I have no experience with fish eyes. Do not even like to eat them!!

Stan

[LoveLife]

1) Do I need a 72mm lens cap for my FZ-20? I have a 62mm filter on it now and the lens cap never stays on(it is made out of cheap rubber). So I need one that will be secure. I was thinking of ordering the Phayee lens cap(the one you have to squeeze in the middle to get on and off), but what size would I need so that it would fit well and not fall off? Would I have to keep taking the filter off, or can I leave it on to make it fit well?

If you are using a 62mm UV then check eBay search "62mm cap elasticcord"

2) What purpose does a petal-shaped lens hood serve? Is this something I need to take better pictures?

There is a long-winded answer but I do not have time. The Petal hood is a weak solution. The Hama style hood is much better. Zoom lenses require a hood at all times to protest the lens from ambient light which wash out images.

3) Any suggestions on where to get the Raynox fisheye lens for a little less than the retail price? I like this lens alot but the price is a little off-putting.

Thanks in advance.

This is a fisheye from the DCR-CF185PRO High Definition 185º Circular Fish-Eye　Conversion Lens is this what you are interested in? If so email me at jkconsultants@att.net (jkconsultants@att.net) and I will get you a price on Monday
Merry Christmas and Happy new year. YuleAllhttp://www.raynox.co.jp/actualimage/digital/comparison/fz30/fz30-cf185-7.4mm-flower.jpg