What is the purpose of the Canon EF-S 18-55 lens hood and how does it enhance the performance of the lens?

The Canon EF-S 18-55 lens hood is designed to reduce glare and lens flare, which can affect image quality by causing unwanted reflections and reducing contrast. By blocking stray light from entering the lens at various angles, the lens hood helps improve image sharpness and color saturation, especially in bright lighting conditions.