Tulip shaped Lens Hoods are used on zoom lenses with a wider to zoomed (e.g. 18-200, 55-250 etc) field of view . The sides are shaped to allow no obscuring of images at the wider angle of view and at the same time it blocks light from causing lens flare.

Circular shaped Lens Hoods are used on zoom lenses with a telephoto zoomed (e.g. 55-250mm) field of view . The lens hood blocks stray light from causing flare in your photographs.

The primary use of a lens hood is to block direct light from reaching the front of your lens. When light shines directly on your lens front element/glass, it causes lens flare on photos.

Using a lens hood will reduce the amount of lens flare which in turn reduces time spent on photo editing. Lens hoods are easilly screw mounted or clipped on to the front of your lens. It can also help protect your lens against reasonable impact .

Snub Circular shaped Lens Hood used with various lenses . The Hood is constructed of metal and easilly screw mounts to the front of your lens. It can also help protect your lens against reasonable impact .