I've put the sony rear lens caps on all lenses so my compulsiveness doesn't kick in when putting the right caps with the right lens.
It might also be nice for resale value a little to show everything clean, small piece of mind, one less thing to worry or care about etc.
I want to do the same with the front-caps but in this case I don't want to use the Sony ones. I don't think they're very good, rather stiff when squeezing to loosen.
My favourite are probably the voigtlander ones, low profile, smooth to put on and off. But I can't just buy a bunch of those.
Any suggestions for third party ones you like that are reasonably priced?
In my opinion, by far, the best front lens caps are Sigma's LCF-III caps. They're completely flat-facing, meaning the lens can rest on its front. The materials and plastics are very robust without risking damaging your lens, and the functional elements are precisely molded. The filter grooves do a good job of hugging the threads, and the plastic leaf spring retention setup has yet to fail me. Every non-Sigma lens I have, I buy a Sigma LCF-III in corresponding size, including my Voigtländer set. I don't rate the Voigtländers in comparison.
Stargenx wrote:
In my opinion, by far, the best front lens caps are Sigma's LCF-III caps. They're completely flat-facing, meaning the lens can rest on its front. The materials and plastics are very robust without risking damaging your lens, and the functional elements are precisely molded. The filter grooves do a good job of hugging the threads, and the plastic leaf spring retention setup has yet to fail me. Every non-Sigma lens I have, I buy a Sigma LCF-III in corresponding size, including my Voigtländer set. I don't rate the Voigtländers in comparison.
Thank you for the recommendation, appreciate it.
It looks very similar to the one that came with the 50mm, 35mm f2 dg dn. It's super sturdy, nice material, and the rim is raised making it very easy to lay flat you're right.
I didn't realise you can buy them separately.
Comparing it side-by-side with the voigtlander ones, the voigtlander is shorter, takes less resistance to unlatch while the sigma is a lot firmer. With the voigtlander just gently touching it with one finger on the parts that depress will lift it off.
Sigma needs a bit more care putting it on properly but then it's less likely to be accidentally knocked off, assuming you put it on right.
I think the sigma is actually touching the glass (uv filter/protector) though, the plastic that protrudes is quite a bit further inwards from the rim, difficult to test though unless i use a marker pen on that plastic and see if it appears on the glass.
They are nice though, and probably the highest quality ones available.
Yogifi wrote:
My favourite are probably the voigtlander ones, low profile, smooth to put on and off. But I can't just buy a bunch of those.
Why not? They're not listed on B&H or Amazon, but Voigtlander USA sells them. Their website is archaic -- https://cameraquest.com/ and I remember seeing a page there with a bunch of lens accessories that is now impossible to find. Instead, you can call the owner and he'll ship as many as you want.
For similar reaons I like the Sensei "Center Pinch Snap-On Lens Cap" ones you can find on B&H Photo. I use them on all my lenses. Reasonably priced, discreet logo and they alway feel secure and easy to use IMO. YMMV
It's bit harder finding some of these in the UK but appreciate the responses nonetheless.
Sigma ones are available on special order at a few sites here.
Interestingly the cap that came with the Viltrox 50mmf2 air is very, very similar to the sigma one but it doesn't have the knurling where you pinch inside making it a bit more difficult.
