Does a camera lens hood really make a difference?

I'm debating if i should invest in one or not.

the type of photography i do is both in and outdoors. I don't do people, just objects/nature. I prefer to do close ups of things, because it's easier for me to have a focus subject that way.

should i buy one? I have a nikon d5100

The usefulness of a lens hood depends almost entirely on the lighting situation when you're shooting. A lens hood will prevent light sources near the subject area from producing "lens flare" that will degrade contrast in your picture. (It does this by shading the front lens element from "seeing" the light source.)

If you're shooting toward bright light sources just outside your subject area, they can be very useful and can make the difference between an OK photo and a great one. If you can control your picture taking to avoid such situations, using one wouldn't do much, if any, good.

Prevents flares. The light streaks

Lens hoods prevent lens flare caused by light striking the lens at an obtuse angle.

Lens hoods are specific to the actual focal lengths of specific lenses, NOT the camera.

My Nikkor 18-200 mm lens comes with a. HB-35 Bayonet Lens Hood and my 24-70 mm with a HB-40 Bayonet Lens Hood. If you look at them, you will see the differences.

Just buying any lens hood will not do the job for which it was intended

The wrong lens hood could cause vignetting at the widest angle of the zoom lens or noting at all.

A perfect lens hood can make a big difference. Even when… The benefit of a lens hood, is that most of us are not really using very good lens… Get used on any other camera.

Always, always use a lens hood. It keeps stray light from hitting your lens. Unless you want a flared or flat shot, use a lens hood.