This reversible, flower style, lens hood helps prevent lens flare and reduces sun glare by extending and shading the front lens element from exposure. The hood is detachable from the mounting ring and reversible for storage, leaving any filters and caps in place on the lens regardless of the hood orientation. This allows you to use the original lens cap or the larger lens cap included in the kit as well as leaving protection filters in place no matter which way the hood is attached.
Lens hoods are primarily designed to prevent unwanted stray light from entering the lens by extending and shading the end of the lens. In addition, since the end of the lens is extended, you also get the added benefit of some extra protection from accidental impact. This lens hood maximizes the amount of hood coverage for the minimum amount of weight and hood area because of its flower shape.