When to use lens hood

I have recently (yesterday) purchased a 55-200mm lens for my Nikon D3000. Among the accessories is a lens hood.
In what situations would the use of lens hood be recommended?

Also...just thinking - should I be using a haze or polarizing filter on my 50mm lens? (as safety glasses for the lens)
The actual lens is so deep down in the housing; would a filter make any difference to the outcome of the photo?
Thanks in advance
Heidi

Heidi, I'll be watching this thread with interest - thanks for asking. I just got a Tamron macro lens that came with a lens hood, too.

A lens hood is really important when you're shooting outdoors, because it helps cut glare and lens flare, both of which can dull your colors or create a hazy look that is often unwanted. Some people also use the lens hood indoors, but I've mostly found that it's only useful for me outdoors. But it DOES make a difference. I'd say to give it a shot and see if you like it -- chances are you probably will! The 50mm is deeply recessed, like you mentioned, but if you're shooting into the sun or at certain angles, the hood can help you cut glare too.

I never use a UV filter. You don't need one for actual UV protection because your lenses are already coated with layers that cut UV; also, most people don't live in a location where UV is actually an issue. Unless you're shooting in a VERY splashy or blowing-dust environment, I recommend that you just use lens cleaners to keep your lens spotless and you won't need the UV filter for protection. I don't like to have any extra layers of glass between my lens and my photo; this keeps the picture as sharp as possible and doesn't add imperfections from the filters. If you do decide to put a UV filter on for protection, check it each time you use the camera and clean it (both sides) to make sure there are no fingerprints, dust or other debris on it, because too much filter debris can actually lessen photo quality. Fingerprints on the filters (or lens, of course) can cause soft almost hazy spots on your photo.

I DO use a polarizing filter sometimes when shooting into shallow water, because the polarizer cuts glare and lets you see into the water in the photo. I also sometimes use a polarizer for shots with a lot of sky that can be made extra blue for a pop of richer color, or for certain foliage shots, like wet leaves in the sun, b/c those are very reflective.

I'd be interested to hear what other people do!

Thanks for the info, Jennifer! I'll be shooting outdoors at Brookside Gardens next week (it's flower week), so I'll have to try shots both with and without the lens hood.

Thank you for the speedy reply and all the information.
Must get out and try both ways.
Heidi

I haven't used my hood yet but will definitely try it out this summer. As for me.. I kind of like the knowledge that my lenses are protected a bit so I like to have a filter over mine. Just my preference.

Tiffany, I hear what you're saying about using the filter for protection. I used to do that, but then I realized that a)my filter was FILTHY, because I often didn't make the time to even check it, let alone clean it, and b)leaving the filter off didn't cause any harm to my lens.

I take my camera pretty much everywhere -- it's been to Europe, Hawaii, Cancun, the beach, out in the rain shooting pictures of dd stomping in puddles. And I've gone "filterless" in all these places, and my lenses are still in the same great shape as when I purchased them.

I do of course take care not to let water splash on the lens - I'm super careful at the beach and don't take it on the beach for extended periods of time. And nobody gets to touch my camera unless I trust them explicitly. But I use several types of products to keep my lenses clean, and I've never gotten a scratch or anything due to leaving the filter off.

Just something to keep in mind!
I know I sound like an anti-filter pusher, so I'll stop now. I just love shooting with my naked lens. I feel so free.

I ALWAYS use my lens hood - inside, outside, studio. It is just habit for me. I have never used filters (except in the days when I was film and was going for an 'effect'). I spent a lot of money on my lenses and have a psychological mental 'barrier' covering them up with a filter that is most likely inferior quality to the glass in my lens.

I get the 'protection' from my lens hood in case of bumps, fingerprints, etc.

This is great, thank you all for the input.
I've been following Gavin Hoey's blog and website and he always seems to have the lens hood on whether in the studio or outside.
Never having owned one, it's going to take some getting used to.
thanks again;
Heidi

Heidi, once you get used to it, it's like you've been doing it forever. And like Jill, I find that my lens hood helps protect the lens!