Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I direct documentaries. I normally shoot with the hvx200 or the ex1. I thought I would test the waters in the dslr market for a recording trip to Europe. I got this a few days before the trip. I thought I would start off with the Canon T2I. It works great with the Letus Hawk, I love it. The quality seems great. It said on the Letus site that it did not work with the t2i yet, but i just flipped one of the connector pieces opposite to how it came and it works perfectly. It doesn't feel jimmy rigged at all. It looks great as Letus claims. They say they have found the sweat spot of something like 2.7 or 2.75x magnification. It is perfect so you can see the whole screen. It makes focusing very easy, and especially is optimal when outside or in bright situations. To me it is a 5 star product. I would like to see some kind of quick release, but I imagine that will come out at some point. As for Letus's first attempt at an eyepiece they have hit the nail on the head.

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The Letus Hawk viewfinder is 100% custom designed from the ground up. We were not satisfied with viewfinders on the market so using our knowledge of optics, we decided to build our own. Unlike others on the market, our viewfinder uses totally custom optics designed and manufactured by Letus. We use a 3 lenses in 2 groups rather than a single, off-the-shelf diopter. Diopters are inexpensive but they tend to "pin cushion" the image. Our lens groups produces a totally flat image with no warping or sharpness loss on the edges of the image frame.The Letus Hawk attaches to your DSLR without any modifications to the camera. The Hawk includes a camera plate as a standard feature. The plate threads into the tripod mounting hole on the bottom of your camera and is adjustable in X,Y, and Z directions for compatibility with a full range of current and future DSLR cameras. The plate is threaded on the bottom so you can attach your existing quick release tripod plates, base plates, etc. We also added an additional option so you can mount the Hawk using any articulating arm. This allows you to have a virtually limitless mounting options for special situations where standard mounting is difficult or impossible. We offer a micro articulating arm custom milled from stainless steel.

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Canon Angle Finder C for Canon EOS SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great tool for those shots where you want to get down low. Macro work and landscape/waterscape shots near the ground are so much easier with the angle finder on than without. I have also used it when doing portrait work to get a more flattering angle without having to kneel or stoop over the whole time.
Now for the negative. It fogs up much easier than the normal eyepiece, which makes seeing anything a challenge under some conditions. And the big one for me, especially with macro work, you loose some light when using the angle finder. So if you are already working in a low-light situation, this only makes matters worse.
But in well-lit conditions where fogging is not an issue and you want to shoot low, this is an amazing accessory, thus the 4 out of 5 stars.

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The Canon Angle Finder C is compatible with all Canon EOS cameras whenused with the included Ec-C and Ed-C adapters. Allowing you to adjust theviewing angle, the Angle Finder C provides a full screen image, as well asexposure data. Also, the Angle Finder C has a built-in dioptric adjustment forvariations in eyesight.

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18mm Camera Eyepiece / Eyecup, Larger Cushion Review

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(More customer reviews)This eyepiece does not fit well on the Canon xsi. It goes, but you have to force it. Buy something else for this camera.

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Lost your camera's eyepiece? Use this inexpensive eyepiece to spruce up your camera. The outer edge features a soft rubber cushion in a slightly larger size. Two small clips on the back secure the eyepiece onto your camera.Please refer to your camera's manual or manufacturer to find out if this size eyepiece will fit.

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Hoodman HMAG3.0 3X magnifying eyecup for HoodLoupe 3.0 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a cool little item - it connects to the Hoodloupe to give an "eyecup" (the "eyepiece" in the photo is all you get). It's fairly easy to use (pull the rubber circle-cup off the hoodloupe, connect this and you're done. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be the best designed (it's held in place with some jelly-like sticky material) - I would have preferred an actual connection like a screw-on connector instead of this, but it works fine.
It gives a 3x magnification which is nice - the selling point for me was the eyecup though. Being able to view the LCD even better in daylight (with the hoodloupe) made a significant difference to me (the eyecup prevents extra light from getting in around the sides.. especially if you have glasses).
It can also be used with HDDSLRs to record video (although the attachments sold to "connect" it to the camera are either expensive rubber bands.. or an expensive "crane" as they call it, which is about 3x the cost of this thing. I'm currently just using it as a loupe to review photos taken on a DSLR, and really enjoy it.
My big gripe is the price. The hoodloupe was already terribly expensive.. this is a little more than 50% the cost of that. Had it been cheaper, I'd give it 5 stars. At it's current price (which never goes on sale) I just can't give it more than 4.

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The HoodMAG 3.0 is designed to fit where the original HoodLoupe 3.0 eyecup was installed. Remove your original HoodLoupe rubber eyecup by pulling the low profile eyecup up and off of your HoodLoupe. Mount the HoodMAG by pushing it over viewing end of HoodLoupe. HoodMAG has a tighter fit than the original eyecup and will stay in place once mounted.

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Z-Finder Pro 3x Review

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(More customer reviews)Pros: Great Viewfinder. Well made, the anti-fog coating covers are wonderful. It is simply great, fits perfectly on my T2I. I suggest buying the "Z-Finder Mounting Frame" if you have the Canon T2I so you don't have to unscrew the mounting plate every time you have to change the battery. Plus if you have only one viewfinder and a spare camera, you can swap between the two.
Cons:It is very expensive...there are much cheaper ones, but I am unsure of the cheaper one's quality.
Final Thoughts: I took off one star for the price, but in my opinion, when filming video on these DSLRs or any video for that matter, one of the most important things is seeing what you are recording. Focus is SO important. So I decided to not skimp out with this one item, and I am very happy I did not skimp out. Dont get me wrong, you may be able to get similar results out of another viewfinder, but I have not found any that are 3x and that have anti-fog and a diopter. Plus most others use magnetic strips which...I don't like the idea of magnets near my electronics.

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The Z-Finder Pro 3x is another one of Zacutos Optical Viewfinders that allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video. It offers 3x focusable magnification (2.5x is available),a 40mm diameter Zacuto optical designed Anti-Fog lens, an eyecup preventing extraneous light leakage, a diopter and a field of view perfectly matched to 3 LCD screens. The diopter allows you to dial in the focus to match your eye. If you need extra focal point you can use the Z-Finder Extender Frames. The Z-Finder Pro 3x has a diopter range of -2.75 and up (unlimited with extender frames). These are semi-permanently stackable frames that attach to the skirt of the Z-Finder Pro and extends the Z-Finder glass further way from the LCD screen for people who are farsighted.The Z-Finder Pro uses the Gorilla Baseplate and Z-Finder mounting frame to mount to the camera. The Gorilla Baseplate attaches to the bottom of your camera using a20 screw and the Z-Finder mounting frame attaches to the Gorilla Baseplate using thumb screws. The rubber back mounting frame does not attach to your LCD; it is held in place against your LCD with pressure. This method allows you to quickly remove the Z-Finder Pro by snapping it off the frame. If you want to remove the entire mounting frame from your camera, you can do so by loosening the thumb screws and pulling up on the metal mounting frame to release it.

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Hoodman H-EYEC18 HoodEYE for most of the Canon 18mm SLR models Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Canon seems to have designed the standard eye piece for their EOS40D/50D to keep a low profile on the backside of the camera. It "works", but experimentation in various ambient light situations clearly demonstrates how much variance one can get in captured picture color and brightness, depending on where the sun is, or lights are, how tightly you press your eye to the standard eye piece, and even whether your raincoat hood on your head extends out over the camera or not. These are simple experiments anyone can try, including the case of completely blocking the eye piece opening with a finger for total darkness. You'll probably be surprised at the difference these factors can have on your finished product.
While some of this variance can be compensated for with post processing of images, what you REALLY want is consistency, so that you can apply one correction process for all the shots taken with the same lighting. Who wants to have to individually process EACH picture differently?
What the Hoodman eye cup does is provide a much better "fit" to most people's eye socket. With experimentation, I found overhead bright lights, direct sunlight behind me, and other varying lighting conditions were LARGELY masked by this eye cup, without any great care on my part to fit my face tightly to the cup. A tight fit seems natural, and comfortable with this unit. And once mounted, the eye cup can be rotated to any 360 degree position for Left, Right, or angled shooting. This makes shooting between landscape and portrait trivial to adjust for. The cup is tight, and retains its orientation well, but at the same time is easy to rotate.
Your camera/lens combo is now a bit longer - by about 1" - which can make for a tighter fit in a camera bag, but the cup is soft and will conform.
My one gripe with this unit is how nearly impossible it is, straight out of the package, to mount on a Canon EOS 50D. In fact, I gave up. I did a lot of Googling and found many others who had the same experience, so I knew it wasn't user error.
The problem is a plastic retaining "lip" along the bottom of the eye cup, that's designed to snap in to place and retain the eye cup so it doesn't get "brushed off" in the field or in your camera case. This lip sticks out so far that I (and many other reviewers) were afraid of breaking the camera cup mount, or the cup itself. Then I got to thinking that *if* I somehow managed to get it on, I'd probably never get it off.
What I decided to do was to pocketknife the thickness of the soft plastic retaining clip down just a bit, and that solved the problem. It's a trivial thing to do, believe me. Now it slides on and locks easily, stays locked in place, and yet can be removed as easily as the original Canon eye piece. While it's EASY to make this trim adjustment, I'd pass along one caution - ONLY SHAVE A SMALL AMOUNT OFF AT A TIME, and trial fit often. You don't have to remove much at all, and then it fits like a glove, while staying securely locked in place.
I gave it a 4-star rating only because I still don't think one would EVER want to force-snap this on to their 50D without modifying it, and I think the supplier should include a note to this effect. They must have received several of these "returned" for a refund as a result of this situation.
This accessory WILL make a difference in your pictures - providing better consistency, more comfort against your face, and another inch of separation between your oily nose and the LCD screen. I can't imaging going back to the orignial eye piece, but I'm a pack rat and will keep it in my camera bag ... just in case.
Make sure you go with the 18mm version for the Canon EOS40D/50D !!!
Fast shipping, good packaging, great transaction from the seller!
Hoodman H-EYEC18 HoodEYE for most of the Canon 18mm SLR models


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Eyecup for Canon DSLR, excluding 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III, 5D and 5D Mark II.

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Adorama Aputure Gigtube, Digital Screen Remote Viewfinder for Nikon D90 Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)This is just a gas. It is very useful, and what a joy to use. I can take photos with the camera in any position and see the actual image as seen in the LCD screen in real-time. Over my head, on on the floor, or even around a corner if needed. This thing is terrific. I was going to buy the conventional 90 degree angle finder, but wanted to be able to take photos over my head (holding the camera above a crowd if needed) and this allows that, and more. Great item, a bit pricey, but it is a gadget after all. I love it, and the flexibility it provides for my photography. It will be a terrific augment for creativity.

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The Aputure Gigtube is an innovative device that offers a camera remote with a LCD liveview screen built in! These units are compatible with any camera that has the liveview option. The screen rotates to accommodate almost any viewing angle needed. Great for: Product Photography; Portrait Photography; High/Low Angle Photography; Astrophotography/Infrared Photograph

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Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Images Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD Review

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(More customer reviews)
I can't write an in depth review of this camera because I simply don't have the knowledge of either cameras or photography. But I can tell you what I, as a rank amateur, like about it and why I chose it.
I have grandkids. I needed a camera that would allow me to capture decent pictures of them - and in a digital format - so that I can, like all good grandparents, brag about my grandkids via email and attach photos to prove that they are the cutest kids on the face of the earth.
I had my "good" camera - an old Pentax K1000 that I've had for about 30 years - and a small, inexpensive digital camera that I got a few years ago and have never been happy with. Not only was the Pentax not digital, it also turns out that the grandkids can move much faster than I can focus. And that camera purchased as my first attempt at digital just wasn't cutting it. It was overly complicated and with it I wasn't getting pictures good enough to share.
I gave my needs some thought and made the following criteria list:
Easy to use.
Fast shutter speed.
Easy to use.
Small enough to fit into my purse easily.
Easy to use.
My needs were simple and I didn't think it would be too hard to find a camera to fit the bill. Happily, I was right.
After my initial research had convinced me to go with a Canon, I borrowed my brother's Rebel (don't know the model number) and my son's Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS. I knew that neither fit my criteria (not to mention the $500-$700 price range was more than I wanted to spend), but using them for a few days gave me the opportunity to check out some of Canon's features.
That's how I discovered the Optical Image Stabilizer. I can see from reviews of other cameras that it's been around for a few years, but I'd never used it before. It immediately went to the top of my list of desired features - even above "easy to use"!
I have a tremor condition that causes fine shaking in my hands. It doesn't bother me and doesn't always affect close work, but it can make holding something steady - say, for instance, a camera - almost impossible. As you can guess, the result of that shakiness when snapping photos is, most often, crappy photos.
Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer was like a miracle for me. With it, I could take close ups that were startlingly clear - not every time, of course, but MOST times. And, in combination with a fast shutter speed, the Image Stabilizer helped me to get some great shots - even action shots - of my test subject, my dog.
With my adjusted criteria list, I did some more research that led me to the Canon PowerShot SX120IS 10MP. One of Canon's newer models, the PowerShot SX120IS puts ease of use in the forefront of its advertising. It fit all of my criteria and at a decent price.
I haven't had this camera for very long, but I'm already thrilled with it. The Easy Mode is actually EASY! What a concept! The LCD screen is larger than what I've used previously and makes it easier for me to judge if the picture I just took is relatively clear. The Image Stabilizer continues to be my new best friend.
Good points:
IMAGE STABLIZER!!
Fast shutter speed
Genuinely easy to use
Small size
Decent price
Bad points:
I'm so happy with my choice that I can't think of any right now!
If I was a serious photographer, I may well have chosen a more comprehensive camera (with all those features and symbols only serious photographers can decipher). But for my level of use and my personal needs, this one does a terrific job and didn't overly strain the budget. Yeah!
Recommended.


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Features

Advanced technology with a flexible zoom The PowerShot SX120 IS is ideal for capturing a variety of scenes and activities.A 10x optical zoom lens is perfect for family holidays or school sports days, when you often need extra zoom. For pin-sharp results, the PowerShot SX120 IS features technologies that dramatically reduce camera shake and image blur. Canon\'s Image Stabiliser (IS), ISO Auto and Motion Detection Technology work together to form a complete Anti-Blur solution.
Simplicity alongside advanced control For trouble-free shooting the PowerShot SX120 IS includes Smart Auto and Easy modes with Scene Detection Technology. By analysing people, distance, brightness and colour in the scene, the camera automatically selects one of 18 scene variables to optimise settings for the best results - freeing the user to concentrate on picture taking, while the camera takes care of the technical details.
Easy Mode makes capturing images as easy as 1-2-3 Even if you've never picked up a camera before, with Canon's new Easy Mode you can take inspiring, dramatic pictures that will impress everyone. Once you choose Easy Mode, the PowerShot SX120 IS handles all the details automatically. It automatically sets every camera control, including the flash, to reduce blur and improve image quality. So you get pictures that are bright, clear and natural just by pushing a button. Best of all, you can relax and concentrate on what really counts--your subject.
High-powered 10x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer The PowerShot SX120 IS has a 10x Optical Zoom lens that makes it easy to get the inspiring, emotive close-ups that will make your images lasting keepsakes. This magnificent lens gives you the power to shoot distant subjects with

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Prolite 2.8X DSLR LCD Screen Viewfinder for Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 7D & T1i, Nikon D90, D300S & D3, Pentax K-7 Digital SLR Cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this LCD Viewfinder for making videos on my Caon 7D and Panasonic GF1. It works very well for what it was intended: an LCD sun shade.
You can find other LCD viewfinders that look very simialr to this but priced between $100 and $180. There are a few reviews on different websites that claim that cheaper LCD viewfinders are exactly the same as the more expensive ones, I cant say for sure if they are, but this one is very well constructed and works perfectly.
This LCD viewfinder comes with and adhesive backed thin metal mount that attaches to your camera. The viewfinder has magnets that securely connect to the thin metal mount. The only problem with the metal mount is that it isn't exactly the same size as the LCD on my GF1 so you have to be careful when sticking it on. It does not block any information on the display if you position it properly.
The inside of the LCD viewfinder is lined with felt to minimize reflections.
I was worried that this did not have an adjustable diopter. I think I read somewhere where the diopter was a -1 to +4 fixed diopter. I'm not sure what that means, but I normally wear +1.25 reading glasses but I do not need them with this LCD viewfinder. I also read that you can pop out the diopter and replace it with a lens from some inexpensive reading glasses with a little work.
An added benefit of using a viewfinder like this is that it stabilizes the camera a lot when you are shooting video.
I'm very happy with this purchase!

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The Prolite 2.8X LCD Screen Viewfinder for Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 7D & T1i, Nikon D90, D300S & D3, Pentax K-7 Digital SLR Cameras is worth investing on

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Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had seen these in the photography magazines, and they looked like a good idea, so I finally ordered a Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe about a week ago. The price felt high, and they never really go on sale too much (I've been watching them for a few months). The Loupe is well made, has a good quality feel to it, it is not too heavy, and the rubber is soft enough that I'm not worried about it scratching my cameras' glass LCD panels. The case that comes with it is constructed nicely, though the Loupe and the neck strap fit into it a bit tightly (a slightly larger case would be an improvment, but then it would take up more in your camera bag). The case also has a belt clip on it.
I wear glasses and when I really want to see if the shot worked out well in the field, especially with any sun light, it's always been a challenge for me. This Loupe does the trick. I can adjust it perfectly for my "good eye" and I can see the screen so well that I can even see the pixels on my Canon 30D and my Canon 40's screens.
Had the price been less, I would have given this 5 stars.

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3-inch Magnifing Loupe

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Seagull 1x-3.25X Right Angle Finder for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Fuji, Olympus and Leica SLR cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was optimistic about this unit but I'm happy to say that it worked like a charm. Unit went on tight and right. No issues with it falling of or not being able to get the unit on my 50D. I haven't tried to remove it and don't plan on it. I'm 6'2" and like looking down into the camera so I'm leaving the thing mounted. I feel like you can take more creative shots because you can rotate the eyepiece 360 degrees! Me Gusta! Hope this helps you out on your next purchase. Good luck.

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Product FeaturesCompatibility|Canon 18 mm adapter for: Canon 3D, 5D, 10D, 20D, 40D, 50D, D30/D60, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, Digital Rebel, XT, XTi, XSi, EOS10, 66, 88/88QD, 100, 300/300V, 500/500N, 700/750, 850/888, 1000N/1000FN, 1/1N/1D/1V |Canon 22 mm adapter for: Canon EOS3/30/33, 50D/50E/55 |Nikon 22 mm adapter for: Nikon D300, D200, D90, D80, D60, D40X, D40, D1, D50, D70, D70s, D100, FM10, F55, F65, F70, F80, F401|Konica Minolta: SE, 7XL, Dynax 5D, Dynax 7D|Sony: Alpha A900, A700, A350, A200, A100|Pentax: Most 22mm eyepiece models, no adapter is needed for SP, M, K, Z, P, MZ|Fujifilm: S3 Pro, S2 Pro, S1, STX-2|Leica - Most 22mm eyepiece models|Ricoh 7|OlympusTechnical Details |Lens Construction:| 9 elements in 5 groups, high quality glass roof prism.|Magnification:| 1X and 3.25X |Angle of rotation:| 360 degrees |Diopter adjustment:| Built-in (+/- 4) for variations in eyesight |Eyepiece fittings:| Canon EOS, Nikon, Minolta, Leica, Pentax & Olympus|Adapter:| Plastic slot-in type |Dimensions:| 60 x 35 x 85mm|Weight:| 82gHow to Attach it Your Camera *Detach original eye piece off your camera (if any).*Attach an interchangeable adapter to the angle finder, then attach the unit to camera.*Select the magnification mode: 1x or 3.25x.*Focus using the Built-in Dipotric Adjustment Ring till you can see the view clearly.

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Opteka Professional 1X-2.5X Right Angle Viewfinder for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, & Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If possible, I would RATE THIS ITEM 2.75 STARS
I have had the Opteka Professional 1X-2X Right Angle Viewfinder for several months and have used the device in a variety of situations and lenses, mounted to a Pentax K-20D camera.
For starters, to classify this product as having been designed and built to a professional standard and grade is a true stretch of the imagination. In terms of optical quality, I have seen better optics in a $20 pair of binoculars.
First, the coupling optics in the Opteka finder are not large enough to see the entire K-20D viewfinder frame (see photo), a very typical DSLR. Because of this, there is a lot of edge clipping of the camera's viewfinder field of view. This makes the corners of the frame dark from vignetting and hard to see objects in those areas of the frame during low lighting conditions to get proper subject composition.
Second, the quality of the Opteka view finder optical design and the lenses used could be described as sub marginal at best. Only the central area or about 12-15 percent of the K-20D viewfinder frame (see photo) is suitable for obtaining critical focus when the Opteka right angle viewfinder is mounted to the camera. Spherical aberration, coma, field distortion and off axis chromatic aberration are very bad. With the Opteka finder integrated, it is hard to read the digital displays in the camera's viewfinder.
Because the aberrations in the right angle finder's optical system are too uncontrolled, the finder becomes less functional as lighting conditions drop. The high level of optical aberrations also has a negative impact on image contrast in the finder. Since contrast in the finder is low, it is difficult for a typical person in their 40's and older to judge best focus at dusk as not enough focused light and contrast is visable to the older person. A side effect of maximum pupil size as a function of a person's increasing age.
Third, the molded plastic Pentax adapter piece (see photo) for the Opteka right angle finder slips off much too easily from the view finder, leaving the adapter on the camera. Too little manufacturing tolerance control is built into the part, for that reason, the finder does not stay in place when pointed downwards or mounted upside down such as when the camera is piggybacked on to a telescope mount, or rotated about the optical axis.
Forth, the surface finish on the Opteka finder exterior is not very good. Note the excess paint build up (see photo) and blistering on the diagonal housing. This, although minor, is a reflection of the generally low standards at Opteka.
Last, the bottom half of the Velcro base pad for the finder's case lid was not sewn on to the case properly (see photo). The stitching misses the lower part of the Velcro pad. Hence, the case cover could rip the Velcro base pad off, if not careful when opening the case. Note in the photo how the case lid tries to pull off the Velcro base pad.
In conclusion, Opteka seams to exhibit little quality control in their manufacturing process for this many issues to surface in a single product. The low quality of optics in this Opteka finder is easily superseded in quality by a pair of $20 dollar binoculars. The case and related camera adapter in their current form are essential add on items that offer very little value to the overall purchase. All things considered, with a purchase price of 49.95, the Opteka right angle finder, in my opinion, is overpriced.
Minus 1.00 for all of the optical aberrations.
Minus 0.50 for the clipping of the field edges.
Minus 0.25 for sloppy finder to camera adapter fitting.
Minus 0.25 for low quality finish.
Minus 0.25 for low quality construction of the finder case.
Additional note: The large recent (Winter 2009-10) increase in the list price of this item to the ridiculous and stratospheric price of 199.00, for the purpose of projecting to an unknowing customer the erroneous perception of receiving a "good deal" is unethical. Regardless of the motivation, raising an arbitrary value such as the list price for a marginal item that is all ready over valued does not make a purchase any more agreeable but simply laden's the sale with more deceit.


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Ever find it hard to get your SLR in just the right angle to take that perfect shot you've always wanted? Opteka's Professional Right Angle Viewfinder let's you line up an off the deck shot without needing to crawl on your belly. The Opteka finder features include a built in diopter with 1X and 2.5X capability, full 360 degree rotation, and universal mounting attachments for most Digital SLR cameras including Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus EVOLT, Pentax, Sony Alpha, & many more. Padded deluxe pouch for easy handling included.

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Seagull 1x-2x Right Angle Finder for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Fuji, Olympus and Leica SLR cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The quality of the Canon Right Angle Finder C is high but the fit was quite loose on my Canon XT and 50D. The metal portion of this finder with the prongs had slightly worn a tiny bit of the top edge of the glass LCD so I decided to look into the Seagull version. The fitting of the Seagull version is plastic so it should not damage glass at all. I also heard the fit was tighter, which I hoped would be safer after I accidentally popped my Canon one off the camera quite easily a few times.
I actually received the newer model of the Seagull that goes up to 2.5 in magnification (there is actually an even newer one providing 3x magnification). The adapters were supposed to be made from a better quality of nylon than the previous versions. Here's my findings:
1. Quality:
The Canon is definitely a higher quality item and it has a heavier feel. The Seagull is much lighter. They both are mainly plastic with a metal barrel that is rotated for focusing. Both the Canon and Seagull fit snugly into their included soft cases. The Seagull appears to be a little snugger fit and may take a bit more fiddling to get it into its case.
2. Fit:
This may vary depending on the camera but I will report on what my experience is with my Canon. The adapter labeled for my Canon 50D was actually too big. I had to use a smaller size (labeled for the Canon Rebel line) that fit too snugly. With the Canon finder, I did not require using an adapter but it attached too loosely to my camera, even though I tried to bend the springs in to make it fit more securely.
The Seagull's adapter had a tighter fit but it was so tight that it was not possible to remove the viewer together with the adapter still attached to it. The fit between the viewer and adapter was loose enough that swiveling the viewer misaligned it from the adapter much too easily. The tightness of the "clicks" inside the rotating mechanism meant that I had to firmly hold the base while I rotated the viewer in order to keep the whole unit properly in place on my camera. This was the same problem I had with the Canon viewer.
When removing the Seagull viewer, the unit itself came off easily and left the adapter attached to the camera tightly. The fit of the adapter was so snug that I had to use both thumbs under both corners to push it off the camera's eyepiece fitting (and hoping I don't pop it off into oblivion). However, since this adapter is plastic, it might wear down over use and become looser.
3. Operation:
The optics of the Seagull is as good as Canon's. Like the Canon viewer, ball bearings can be felt when swiveling the eyepiece to different angles.
There are also little "notches" that can felt that are set to specific angles for the finder. These are much looser in the Canon viewer and it was very easy to accidentally rotate the eyepiece from where you had it set. The Seagull's are much tighter and the force required to rotate the eyepiece actually causes the unit to misalign from the adapter attaching it to the camera. With both the Canon and Seagull viewers, you have to keep the right angle viewer in place with one hand while you rotate it with your other hand. This can be awkward especially for handheld photography.
The focusing systems are very similar between the Canon and the Seagull.
4. Value:
As mentioned at the beginning, the Canon right angle finder is a better quality piece but it also costs almost 3 times as much as the Seagull version. The Seagull finder works as well as Canon's and is a good deal in comparison.
Conclusion:
The Seagull right angle finder does what it is supposed to and would be especially trouble-free for photographers who often use tripods and do not remove the finder from their cameras as often as street and event photographers or move around as much. I was disappointed to discover that the problem of looseness was still there... but in a different form than my Canon finder. The adapter attached to my Canon cameras too tightly and was too loose where the adapter itself attaches to the Seagull finder. To shoot in a "normal" mode without the right angle finder, this meant that I had to first remove the Seagull finder itself and then use both thumbs to push off the adapter. This is a nuisance that varies depending on the individual.
This loose fit with both the Seagull and Canon right angle finders requires that one much be careful not to accidentally knock it off the camera. The Seagull finder is much more reasonably priced and the build seems to be of a good quality. It is a good alternative to the Canon version as it provides the same purpose of use. I gave this a 4 star rating because of the general loose fit onto the Canon camera. If the adapter and the fit between the finder and the adapter where both equally and adequately better fitting, it would have been perfect. Only time will tell if some of the tightness of the parts will loosen. I would have given it a 5 star rating if I only considered the price and quality.
Update: 01/26/2008
I have used this a few times now. It feels and operates exactly the same as my Canon right angle finder. This also feels more secure on my camera and would take a good bump to knock it off. The Canon version always feels as though it could slip off because of its heavier weight.
I have noticed that the Seagull finder's case is too tight of a fit. It takes some fiddling to get it back in when I am done with it. I might pick up a small camera case to replace the one it came with.
Update: 02/12/2009
I picked up a Crumpler gadget pouch which the viewer fits much more easily into. After using the Seagull viewer for a while, the fit onto my 50D has loosened a bit and it is easier to remove. I have noticed no difference in the way this works in comparison to my Canon right angle viewer. The Seagull version actually feels more secure on my camera since it is lighter and doesn't feel like it will fall off because of its weight.
For anyone who doesn't care about having the Canon logo on this accessory and would rather save some money on what essentially does the same thing, the Seagull right angle viewer is a great alternative. If I had a chance to decide all over, I would have purchased this instead of the pricey Canon one.
Update: 01/05/2010
It has been almost 2 years and one of the prongs on the plastic adapter broke off. Luckily, the Seagull finder still stays on fairly securely with the remaining prong but I have been unsuccessful finding out how to replace this broken part. I have tried contacting the original seller, the distributor and the manufacturer in China by email. It has been about 3 weeks and I have still not heard anything from any of them. I guess I will have to continue using this viewer with the broken adapter.
Update: 04/15/2010
The adapter loosened with use and eventually popped off without me noticing at a beach. Having contacted almost every seller of this viewer I came across, the ones who did reply were either unwilling or unable to sell me just the adapter that I needed. I decided to give in and purchase another entire Seagull Right Angle Viewer, even though I still have my Canon version. I had used it a lot over the two years that I had it so I suppose it was worth making the purchase again. It is just too bad that I could not just purchase the adapter so I could still use the one that I already had. Beware... getting any service or assistance after purchasing this is near impossible but the low cost sort of makes up for it.

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Product FeaturesCompatibility|Canon 18 mm adapter for: Canon 10D, 20D, D30/D60, 300D, 350D, 400D, Digital Rebel, XT, XTi, EOS10, 66, 88/88QD, 100, 300/300V, 500/500N, 700/750, 850/888, 1000N/1000FN, 1/1N/1D/1V |Canon 22 mm adapter for: Canon EOS3/30/33, 50D/50E/55 |Nikon 22 mm adapter for: Nikon D1, D50, D70, D70s, D100, FM10, F55, F65, F80 |Minolta: no adapter is needed |Pentax: no adapter is needed for SP, M, K, Z, P, MZ|Fujifilm: S3 Pro, S2 Pro, S1|Leica|OlympusTechnical Details |Lens Construction:| 9 elements in 5 groups, high quality glass roof prism.|Magnification:| 1X and 2X |Angle of rotation:| 360 degrees |Diopter adjustment:| Built-in (+/- 4) for variations in eyesight |Eyepiece fittings:| Canon EOS, Nikon, Minolta, Leica, Pentax & Olympus|Adapter:| Plastic slot-in type |Dimensions:| 60 x 35 x 85mm|Weight:| 82g

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