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.

User Reviews about Fotodiox Video Camera - Camcorder DV Lens Hood - 43mm Black

Pros:
- Hood shields my lens from the rays very well. Sun bursts and flares are kept to a minimum, unless I want them in the shot. (Yes flares can look cool when applied correctly.)
- I have a UV filter (43mm threads, just the cheap Zeikos one) sandwiched between the hood and my camera. All components fit snugly.
- Hood protects my lens from foreign objects. Example: I was standing above a kid who was drawing. He threw his hands up excitedly, while still holding the pen. The hood deflected his hand and pen, and probably saved my lens from nasty scratches or cracks.
- Hood makes my camera look more expensive. Call this shallow, but be honest: most clients think the smaller your camera, the less-pro you are. For some reason clients are impressed when your camera has a hood, and the more impressed your clients are, the more business you get. Go figure, but it's true.
- The price. Can't get any better than this.
- It's black. I.e. it matches my camera. (Panasonic HS300)

Cons:
- It's pretty tiny for a hood. Looks bigger in the pic. Just double check the dimensions if you care about this.
- The plastic threads don't twist on/off very smoothly. Not a deal breaker for me. I just have to be a little patient when twisting it on.
- The overall plastic construction is pretty flimsy, but this is a given for this price.
- It comes with a lens cap with a cute little lanyard. Really? Not sure when I'd ever use this. Again not a deal breaker... just a silly addition. -- My bullet-pointed pros and cons:

There isn't much to it. The hood works, fits nicely, and that's about it. I will note it's smaller than I pictured it but this is mostly due to the fact I've gone from an HDR-FX1 to an HV40 (work related), so if you know what that means you'll understand. Good product, does it's job for a reasonable price. -- Good for the price

Nice nifty lens hood. Got rid of flare and protects the front of my camcorder. But I wish there was a way to use it with circular polarizing lens filters. My camcorder uses TTL metering so I have to use circular filters. When I do, I have to remove the lens hood because if I attach the filter to the hood, the hood will just spin around, not be static.

-- Not too bad

We are very happy with Fotodiox's DV Lens Hood. It works great with our Canon HV40 camcorders. We bought two hoods. They do their job and make the camcorders look professional. BTW--the picture clarity of the HV40 is extraordinary. The hoods came highly recommended, and we recommend them highly. -- Looks cool! Works great!