mind you im kinda surprised the pop-up flash isnt deployed![]()
my lens hoods are like that all the time unless I really think I need them...
I would take mine off (and maybe it on like that just for somewhere to put it) if I was indoor taking shots with natural light as it can reduce light getting into the camera
No, it can't.
It only blocks extraneous light coming from angles the lens can't see. If you are seeing a difference in meter reading between hood or no hood, then you should use the hood as the lights in the room may be causing small amounts of flare or fogging.
Indoors, I keep my hood on as it offers some protection against a dog's nose touching the front element.