Use of specifically engineered Nikon lens hoods is highly recommended.

By reducing the amount of non-essential light falling onto the front lens element, lenses can better achieve their optimum optical performance, producing more saturated images.

In less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the performance difference can be substantial.

(Lens hood is used on the end of a lens to block either the sun or other light source in order to prevent glare and lens flare)