"Flower" Lens Hood

[divetex]

Since I switched from 35mm SLR to digital point and shoot, I've lost track of a lot of accessories and changes thereto. Having just bought a new Canon Rebel XT, I also purchased a Tamron 28-200 lens. It came with a "flower" lens hood. I'd never seen or heard of one before. Is there supposed to be an advantage of that weird shape over the more conventionally-shaped lens hood like we used 15 years or so ago? I'm just curious.

[rg-tom]

they tend to be used on wide angle lenses i think, they are different for each lens rather than the new style :)

Tom.

[Curtis N]

I think the general idea is they are more open on the corners and extend further on the top, bottom and sides. They are designed to provide the most protection against flare without vignetting the corners.

[divetex]

OK, that makes sense. Thank you both!

[KevC]

Plus... they look cool :)

[Jon, The Elder]

They are quite often refered to as "Tulip" shaped hoods as they resemble the flowers profile.

[gasrocks]

Demonstration? Set the lens to 28mm and do not rotate the lens hood all the way on (unitl it clicks) = a misteak. Look for the dark corners in the pix.