Same here...I honestly have probably used a hood maybe 10-15 times?
That said, not sure if we've covered this....and this IS important actually and I've only just thought of it - but you
should really *always* have a lens FILTER on your lens...a protective (ie, UV for example) filter that threads on the end of your lens to protect the glass....
...No biggie if you ever damage a filter but *oh crap* if you damage or scratch your lens glass
!
So, how do you know
WHAT FILTER SIZE YOU NEED? Example - take the
Nikkor/Nikon 50mm prime lens --> if you scroll down on that lens description, you will see "FILTER SIZE 52mm" - that is the filter size you would need - and
here is a basic "protection filter" you could get for it....
A whole 'nother subject...but you can also get other filters like
this basic kit, or this
close-up filter kit, or just put in "52mm filter" on Amazon...and you'll see a whole list, just as an example of what is available in the 52mm size...
Keep in mind different filters fit different lenses!
