Lens extension?

elrey

Senior Member
I just bought a D3200 and the 55-200mm lens. The camera came with an extender sort of thing which is supposed to attach to the end of one or both lenses. The extender piece, which is just a black ring and about an inch wide, goes onto the end of the lense. Can someone tell me what it is for? Do I need to use it to take normal pictures or is for certain types of pictures. Thanks for any help
 

crycocyon

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

Are you talking about the lens shade? It is just open with no glass in it, right? If so that is just to prevent stray light from hitting the surface of the lens and also to protect the front of the lens. It helps to improve image quality slightly if you are working in bright sunny conditions or want to shield from bright light sources.
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

It sounds like you are describing the Lens Hood... primarily used to block stray light from entering the lens and causing glare or lens flare.

It is up to you if you use it.. I pretty much use it on my outdoor lens all the time. It helps with the flare (and does not hurt if there is no glare) and at the same time helps protect the lens it self.

Others will have different opinions ... but as stated, it is up to you.

Pat in NH
 

elrey

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

Thanks to both of you for the info. I'm just starting with my camera and Im trying to find out as much as possible. Thanks again
 

carguy

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

Yep, sounds like the lens hood?

Nikon-55-200mm-f-4-5.6G-AF-S-DX-VR-Lens.jpg
 

pedroj

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

I just bought a D3200 and the 55-200mm lens. The camera came with an extender sort of thing which is supposed to attach to the end of one or both lenses. The extender piece, which is just a black ring and about an inch wide, goes onto the end of the lense. Can someone tell me what it is for? Do I need to use it to take normal pictures or is for certain types of pictures. Thanks for any help

If it has glass they are used for extending the focal length of a lens...If it is this, they usually don't do a very good job....
 

Bill4282

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

If you got the 18-55 and 55-200 lens, the hood is for the 55-200 lens. The 18-55 does not come with a lens hood. You'll need to order one if you want one for that lens. Using the 55-200 hood on the 18-55 lens will cause your pictures to look like you shot them through a hole (called vignetting). I suggest you read your owners manual completely as you will learn a lot about your camera features. If you did not get a manual, you can download a free copy from Nikon Support.
 

grandpaw

Senior Member
Re: Question from a beginner

First of all welcome to the Nikonites site. I would like to add that when you have the lens hood attatched and use the flash that is on the camera , that sometimes you will notice a rounded shadow on the bottom of your picture and this is caused by the flash hitting the top of the lens shade. If this occurs just take it off while shooting with flash. You may notice this on some shots and not on others, it just depends on what position your lens is zoomed in to. When shooting flash I would take off the lens shade so you don't mess up any pictures. When not using flash I would leave it on.
 
Top