lens hood

[Portrayed1]

hey, just got my valentines gift early and got a 55-200mm lens. its came with a hb-34 hood. what does it do for the lens? thanks.

 

[tirediron]

It protrects the front element from bangs and bumps, and more importantly reduces flares and chromatic abberation and other light-induced issues when shooting too close to the sun or light source.

 

[AlexColeman]

And if it is petal shaped, makes it look better.