Lens "bumper" needed

Whenever possible I like to keep a hood on my lens. But sometimes I can't as it will interfere with the flash on the 50D camera. The hood acts like a buffer so I don't accidentally bump (and possibly damage) the lens/filter.

Is there anyone who makes a small device that screws onto the filter that would absorb any bumps? Maybe something that would have a piece of rubber mounted on it.

Thanks.

An external flash would probably be a better option in the long run.

Which lens are you using? There are screw in hoods made of rubber, plastic, or metal that might do the job for you.

There also might be a smaller bayonet mount hood from another lens that could fit your lens.

It is the pop up flash that is in the way, not the lens hood. Get a proper flash gun to use.

How about buying a cheap hood on Amazon and cutting it down?

I agree. Stop using the built-in flash.

A rubber hood might work. It's hard to say without knowing what lens you're using. The problem is when the hood is in the "closed" position and folded onto itself, it has a larger diameter closer to the flash. This gives the hood more "height" and might block even more of the light.

The real fix is to get a proper flash. Once you learn how to bounce it, you'll wonder why you waited so long to get a real flash. The Canon ones are good, but the Yong Nuo's get pretty good reviews if you're on a budget.

I've recently seen "Lens Bands" or something like that "sort of" available at B&H. It looks like one size fits all (for zooms, at least) and it's nothing more than a big, colored rubber band. Using one or two as 'bumpers' might be just what the doctor ordered. I may even do just that!

I was thinking of getting a couple of black ones to camoflage the red "L" stripe on a couple of my lenses. In public places, I'd rather not broadcast the fact the I have the "expensive" ones... I'm even toying with getting a fake 'Rebel' sticker for my 60D. I'm not paranoid at all...but I -know- that stoplights really hate me!

@OP ... what so many others have suggested. Consider buying a proper flash instead of using the built in for everything. The Canons would be best, if nothing other than support in software. But just about any flash - even the least expensive - with TTL and a head that will allow you to bounce off the ceiling will work much better for you than what you're using now.

@bratkinson - roughly zero people (+/- one or two) that aren't into photography or gear will know what the red stripe is, and be aware of the difference in the values of a 60D vs a Rebel. A proper theif is going to see your rig and think ...

" uh. kamara. looks 'spensive. me take away."

They're not going to care one wit if the lens has a red stripe or how many digits are in the model number.

If you've got a lens where the front element moves with focussing then putting a buffer on the filter thread is a bad idea, one knock and you will probably damage the focus mechanism. You will notice that on these type of lenses the hood usually fits on the non-moving part of the lens body.

mltain wrote in post #13648645
How about buying a cheap hood on Amazon and cutting it down?

I like this idea. That would do what I want.

I agree with most of the suggestions to get the flash off the camera. I plan to get the 430EX II soon. I was just looking for something to protect the lens/filter when I'm not using the lens hood.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.