I take the view that a lens hood both reduces the chance of flare and protects the lens. I would rather ding the hood than the front lens element.
There are third party metal lens hoods available from Speed Graphic and others, though they might not be the right length. As most lens hoods are designed for a 35mm frame, on a crop frame DSLR you can get away with a longer hood than the recommended one.
What really annoys me is that many Nikon lenses come without the hood, and they cost a small fortune.
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