JJC Bayonet ALC-SH174 lens hood for Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G) — replaces ALC-SH174
Product description
If you’re getting flare or you simply want the lens to look after itself a bit better during shoots, a proper lens hood is one of those accessories that feels small… until you actually need it. The JJC Bayonet ALC-SH174 is built to replace the Sony ALC-SH174 hood for the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G), with the added convenience of supporting a 72mm filter and a lens cap.
The essentials
This is a bayonet-style lens hood designed to help prevent unwanted stray light hitting the front element. In practical terms, that means better control of contrast in bright conditions and less risk of flare from light coming in from the sides. The inside is finished matte to reduce glare, and the hood is shaped specifically for this lens rather than being a “one size fits most” approach.
It’s also aimed at day-to-day usability: the hood can be attached backwards for more compact storage, so it’s less of a faff if you’re swapping between shooting and packing away. And because it’s made from ABS, it should handle routine bumps better than thin plastic—though it’s still a hood, not a body shell.
Key features that matter in the field
What stands out is the combination of light control and compatibility. The hood extends and shades the end of the lens, which is where the real benefit tends to come from. With matte interior surfaces, it’s designed to minimise reflections inside the hood and help deflect stray light away from the lens.
Two other details are worth noting because they can affect your workflow: - It supports a 72mm filter and the lens cap, so you don’t have to plan your kit around removing the hood every time. - It’s said to avoid vignetting when the hood is on, which matters if you’ve ever had accidental corner darkening from a hood that wasn’t quite right.
What you’ll notice day to day
In real shooting scenarios, this kind of hood tends to show up most when the sun is low or you’re shooting with strong backlight. Even if your exposure settings are spot on, a bit of unwanted light can wash out contrast—this hood is intended to reduce that by physically blocking and shading the lens front.
A small micro-example: imagine you’re shooting an indoor scene through a window during daylight. You tilt the lens slightly to frame, and the light source is off to the side. Over time you’ll often see flare or reduced micro-contrast when stray light gets in, with a hood on, the same framing typically produces cleaner results.
That said, it’s not magic—if the light is directly in the lens axis, you still need to manage angles and exposure.
Tech specs
- Type: Bayonet lens hood, replacement for Sony ALC-SH174
- Designed for: Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G)
- Filter compatibility: 72mm filters supported (Ф72 mm)
- Cap support: Lens cap supported
- Storage: Can be attached backwards over the lens
- Material: ABS
- Finish (inside): Non-glare matte finish
- Vignetting: Not expected with hood on (per product description)
Who it’s for — and who should skip it
It makes sense if you own the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G) and you want a lens hood that’s shaped for the job. If you shoot outdoors, travel, or spend time in mixed lighting, a hood is a straightforward way to improve consistency without changing your camera settings.
It may not suit you if you’re using a different lens. While the description is clear about the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G), lens hoods can be unforgiving when the fit is off—so it’s best not to assume compatibility beyond this specific model. Also, if your primary priority is maximum compactness above all else, the hood being able to reverse helps, but it won’t replace the fact that any hood adds bulk compared with no hood at all.
Is it worth it?
Worth considering if you want a purpose-fit replacement lens hood for the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G), and you care about reducing stray light, flare risk, and reflections—while still being able to use a 72mm filter and a lens cap.
Better avoided if you don’t have this exact lens, or if you rarely shoot conditions where stray light becomes a problem. In those cases, you might be carrying extra bulk for little gain.
Mini FAQ
Does this hood replace the Sony ALC-SH174?
Yes—this is positioned as a replacement for the Sony ALC-SH174 lens hood for the stated lens.
Can I still use a 72mm filter with the hood attached?
The product description says it supports a 72mm filter and lens cap, so it’s intended to work without constant removal.
Can the hood be stored more compactly?
Yes, it can be attached backwards over the lens for storage.
Will it cause vignetting?
The description states there should be no vignetting with the hood on, but it’s still sensible to double-check your framing and crop settings once mounted.
What’s the main benefit: contrast or protection?
Both are part of the pitch: the hood is designed to reduce stray light (for contrast/flare control) and the extended shape also offers some extra protection from accidental bumps and scratching.