Can you get a lens hood for Nikon's 18-55mm VR lens?

Where at? And would you recommend it? Or rather get a lens filter?

Why doesn't Nikon include the lens hood with the lens? Does Canon do the same thing? That's just so cheap.

If your local photography store doesn't have the right hood you could probably get one from ebay or amazon and B&H and Adorama should also have one.

Sure, it's called the HB-45. Your photography shop, any of the big chains or ebay should be a good place to look.

A hood provides some protection but it also improves the contrast and sharpness of your pics because it cuts down on light source at a 85-90 degree angle of the lens which will cost you sharpness.

If you're a clumsy person or you're shooting in high risk situations also get a protective filter, a good multicoated one from hoya, kenko or B+W. You'd need a 52mm.

Nikon nor canon includes a hood with their 18-55. Weird, probably just a cost matter. Nikon includes hoods with almost every other lens.