Luiz, The HB-7 is the correct hood and is needed to reduce flare and protect the lens. The "built in" hood is rather limited in effectiveness. The HB-7 is fairly large and expensive for a plastic ring. However, I have wacked it soundly a time or two against a table edge or similar hard surface that surely would have damage the lens and/or dented a metal hood. The plastic absorbs quite a bit of energy and, contrary to my initial concerns about its fragility, is quite durable. It is also reversible on the bayonet so does not eat that much more space in my bag when stowed that way on the lens. Hope this helps. Jim Korczak Pocono Mountains, USA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 15:57:12 -0200 From: "Luiz F. Coimbra" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: 80~200/2.8 hood [v04.n138/5] Yesterday I bought myself the 80~200mm f/2.8D ED, with tripod collar, two-touch interface and a so called built-in lens hood. I bought also a Nikon UV0 filter for protection and guess what... When I screwed the filter in and put the focal lenght at 70mm, the hood simply disappear. The front element is no more than 1 or 2cm inside the front of the lens. This, in my opinion, isn't enough to protect the lens from diffused rays of light, so I am thinking that a hood is really needed. I made some research and found out that the recommended lens hood is the HB-7. Is this information correct? Also, do I really need the hood or that thing called a built-in hood is already enough to avoid flare? Thanks in advance Luiz F. Coimbra >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
