Thanks for the suggestion, Chad. I will definitely look into the rubber hood. The lens hood that comes with the VCL-308BWH is very sturdy. Despite the lens cap falling off, it is very thick and provides a lot of protection. How’s the sturdiness of the 16X9 Inc. 85mm rubber shade that you linked to?

308BWH is good.

Sony VCL-308BWH Wide Angle Lens review part one (test) on Vimeo

This is my test video part one. but my English is poor. I can only speak Chinese. Sorry.

A very good alternative for the wide-angle lens is this wide-angle convertor from Sony: the VCL-HG0872K. Sony only markets it for the Z5, but it performs even better on the Z7, and it's a perfect fit. Plus no risk of dust getting into the cam in dusty working circumstances.

Originally, I was also looking at the VCL-308BWH, but for one third of the price I have a very good wide-angle solution (although there is some barrel distortion at the full wide setting), that comes with a mattebox and filter holder.

Re: VCL-308BWH Wide-Angle Lens Hood & Filter
 

I realize this is an old thread, but something happened that relates to it. I'd been going without a protective ND filter on the lens of my new EX1R because it was easier to screw on the wide angle converter when I needed it. Well, while shooting low to the ground from a moving car, a pebble was thrown and put a tiny scratch directly on the naked lens. A $2,000+ lens replacement could've been prevented with a $60 filter. Luckily, the cam is insured.

Re: VCL-308BWH Wide-Angle Lens Hood & Filter
 

As to the filter: I've managed to screw a UV (HMC) filter from HOYA on to the lens and a lens hood as well. It took some strength to put lens hood back, but it worth it considering the las post.