6
\$\begingroup\$

I found a nice project on Kickstarter that I would like to fund: Camera Lens Cap Holder

But it's listed that there will be 10 different lens caps sizes for the holder:

From the site (as of June 7, 2011):

52mm, 55mm, 72mm & 77mm for Nikon, Pentax, Fujifilm, Sony, Pro-series and vintage lenses

46mm, 58mm & 67mm for M4/3, Cannon and Nikon lenses

40.5mm, 49mm & 62mm for M4/3, Olympus and vintage lenses

What is the difference between a Canon and Nikon lens cap, in terms of it's fitting?

Specifically, I have a 72mm lens for my Canon, so does the 72mm lens cap holder listed for the Nikon here not fit my Canon lens cap?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
5
  • \$\begingroup\$ See also photo.stackexchange.com/questions/11036/… \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Jun 7, 2011 at 10:44
  • \$\begingroup\$ Very cool project, if only some of my lenses shared the same filter thread! \$\endgroup\$
    – ChrisFletcher
    Jun 7, 2011 at 12:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ The brands there are really just examples. The Pentax DA Limited lenses, for example, use a 49mm thread (which is listed as m4/3, Olympus, and vintage!). \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Jun 7, 2011 at 12:45
  • \$\begingroup\$ @mattdm - Actually, not many. Plus, several use a lens cap that holds to the outer edge of the lens. \$\endgroup\$
    – Itai
    Jun 7, 2011 at 13:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Hm, nice idea. My old EVF Finepix S9600 had something similar. I often miss something on my Pentax DSLR. I think, that the lens caps should be interchangeable as they works also when you use filters and the filters does not have different design for various manufacturers. \$\endgroup\$
    – Juhele
    Jun 12, 2011 at 21:04

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
11
\$\begingroup\$

Lens caps that are attached to filter thread can easily be shared between different brands. The sizes listed here are frequently used by given manufacturers. So yes, a 72mm Canon lens cap will fit a lens cap holder with 72mm filter thread, even if it appears to be "for Nikon".

Comparing lens caps of Canon and Nikon, Canon's lens caps are usually based on simple plain design with two release buttons on mutual sides. Nikon has those for point-and-shoots; the ones for (d)SLR lens use snap-on design (i.e. you can pinch the center to release), which is much more convenient to operate when your lens hood is on. Some Pentax lens caps are also using similar design.

Some lenses use a different mechanism for attaching a lens cap, slipped on lens hood - usual suspects for this solution are ultra-wide, fish-eye, and vintage lenses. Their lens caps are generally specially made for the lens model and cannot be used on different lenses. These lens caps do not use millimeter designation.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
6
  • 6
    \$\begingroup\$ The question is, would you want to have an icky Nikon lens cap on your Canon lens? ;D \$\endgroup\$
    – Guffa
    Jun 7, 2011 at 11:39
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ It's beyond me why Canon does not adopt a similar lens cap to Nikon, perhaps a patented design? \$\endgroup\$
    – ChrisFletcher
    Jun 7, 2011 at 12:21
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ I found a Nikon lens cap on the trail earlier this year. Just so happens that it fits my Canon lens quite nicely, and I like the center-pinch design a lot better. I'm not above improving on the original. \$\endgroup\$
    – D. Lambert
    Jun 7, 2011 at 12:46
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Sigma does the pinch on center too - so its not patented. \$\endgroup\$
    – rfusca
    Jun 7, 2011 at 13:47
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Not being sued is not a proof. Actually they are being sued by Nikon for more important patents involving stabilization. A number of companies keep patent portfolios to sue defensively. \$\endgroup\$
    – Itai
    Jun 7, 2011 at 20:06

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.