Lens Hood. Use or not to use

Just a question. Does a lens hood help in keeping out Flare?

Does anyone use one?

Would you recommend purchase or is it a waste of money?

Simple answer is yes and I very rarely shoot without one but be careful with wide angle lenses as they can be problematic if the hood is not sized and shaped to suit.

Both the hoods that I have came with the lenses. They are a blessing since they fit exactly but I have to admit a pain to carry around. I need to invest in a bigger bag.

my hoods are reversible. they can go on to block the sun then turn around and screw back on for storage! I would get one if I were you.

I use the hood for my long telephoto, but not usually for my wide angle. Mostly because the hood for my telephoto is reversible and fits snugly, and the one for my wide angle does neither.

The only time I don't use a hood is when I'm using a filter that requires rotation (polarizer or variable ND)...or when I have the Cokin holder setup using the graduated ND filters -- but that has it's own hood.

Thanks for all the feedback....

Now I must eBay eBay eBay.... :)