Some basketball basketball venues now require a rubber bumper around the lens vs a lens hood that might injure the athlete. So if you don't care to use a lens hood to protect against flare, or can't use a lens hood, here is a link to a good replacement for the lens hood and still have an ounce of prevention http://www.thestar.com/photos/masterglass/2014/04/16/masterglass_46_lens_bumpers.html