That's a perfect example.  If I shot racing or off road sports, I wouldn't go anywhere without having a filter and hood on either.  It really depends on the type of stuff you're shooting.

Yes, I thgink that was my point, indoors, people may find a lens hood superfluous. Outside essential.

That UV filter adds contrast? There's one more point for why I like them. I'm a contrasty kind of guy.

Just thought of another one, for the no hood people (who probably don't wear seat belts, because it might make a wear mark on their shirt, it's restricting, or they don't have accidents.   )

I've only had something close to this happen once, but I've seen stories and lenses for sale with "filter stuck on" after someone banged it and warped the threads. The other side is, banging the front of the lens and making it so you can't add any filter because the threads just got dented.

A hood isn't just for protection, it's more for glare and reflections, but now that people have pointed it out, it does protect more than the glass at the end. It also helps the barrel and the threads.

Hey it makes the lens look bigger and more impressive too?

and it is not unusual for me to bang glass into sitting guests heads, etc. 

let me know when you are in the room, prefer to sit on the other side from you

When shooting from a moving helicopter with no door do not stick the camera out into the wind stream when you have the lens hood on. It makes a very efficient wind sail.

Hi All,

 I always use them you never know when you might get a flare and the image does seem to have better contrast. The main reason I use them is it is a cheap protection for your lens when you are on the move.

Best,
Jonathan