Kuvrd's Universal Lens Hood sounds like a great idea, with made bold claims about compatibility with 99% of lenses. However, the rubber lens hood is flimsy and barely worked with the two lenses I had. I regret backing the wildly popular Kickstarter campaign, so don't make the same mistake I did.
Quick specs
- S54 fits 54mm to 76mm
- M72 fits 72mm to 112mm
- Holds any size circular filter
The Universal Lens Hood is a rubber hood that slips onto your lens and can comes with set folds to let you extend the hood. Unfortunately, while it sounds great, it doesn't work that way in practice. If your lens' zoom or focus ring is located too close to the edge of the barrel, the rubber hood blocks you from turning the ring.
I tested the S54 Universal Lens Hood, which fits 54mm to 76mm lenses, on my Tamron 28-75mm F2.8, and while it slipped over fine, I couldn't adjust my zoom anymore. After finally figuring the right position, I still found a slight vignette at the widest zoom (28mm). I had difficulties slipping the hood over my Sony 90mm F2.8 Macro, and when I finally did, it covered the focus ring. If I left the hood right at the edge of the barrel to leave the ring untouched, the hood would barely stay on before slipping off. It honestly took longer for me to get the Universal Lens Hood fitting right compared to just using the default len hoods that came with my lens.
The hood just doesn't live up to my expectations but it did have one redeeming feature. That is, you can use any circular filters with any lens. You simply extend the hood, slip in the filter in and the hood holds it in place. Obviously, the filter has to be larger than the lens you're using, or it won't work as well. I did notice severe vignetting with my Tamron lens at the widest zoom
The Kurvd Universal Lens Hood retails for US$40, but I honestly wouldn't pay for it again. If your lens' zoom or focus rings isn't located at the end of your lens, perhaps the hood will make sense for you. I have currently tossed the hood into a box, and it is probably staying inside for the foreseeable future.
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