Angle View Finder

I was wondering if anybody can tell me what the real differences were between the Canon Angle view finder http://digitalrev.com …arch_category_i​d=0&page=2 and the Seagull brand view finder http://digitalrev.com …arch_category_i​d=0&page=2. I've read the descriptions which all sound great but apart from the price and the name i can't see any real difference between the two products.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Cyrus

There are two types of Chinese Knock-Off right angle finders. One has both 1x and 2x (or 2.5x) viewing and the other is restricted to 1x only. I would opt for the viewfinder with both the 1x and 2x selections if I were shopping for one now. The difference in cost seems to be minimal if there is any difference at all.

That said, I have the Seagull that only has 1x and it suits me just fine. I love the right angle finder because I have modified a SLIK Pro 330DX tripod with a short center column and an F1 Adorama Flashpoint Ball head. The combination is really nice and it is very light (2 pounds and 11 ounces) but, it is pretty short, elevating only to 4 feet. However, the right angle finder helps me and since I cut my photographic teeth on twin lens reflex cameras, looking down to frame and focus comes as second nature to me.

Another use which few people try, is using the right angle finder when photographing standing people using wide angle lenses. The natural distortion of a WA lens will often cause a person's upper torso to look a LOT BIGGER than the lower torso because you are shooting down from eye level. The right angle finder will lower your point of view and reduce the distortion somewhat.

I cannot speak for the Canon, but the Seagull seems to work fine. The Canon model would need to be a lot better for me to choose it since it is drastically more expensive. BTW, I have seen right angle finders for as low as $30 on eBay. If memory serves, I paid less than that for mine which I also bought on eBay.

I have the Seagull one as well. With the 1x and 2x. I don't find the 2x terribly useful. With the little use I have for it, I rather save the money for something else.

i can't think of when i'd actually need the 2x .... when would you guys use that?

Cyrus wrote in post #6545518
i can't think of when i'd actually need the 2x .... when would you guys use that?

I use mine when doing Macro as it helps pinpoint the point of focus when the field of focus is quite small.

does the 2x effectively crop your your view of the subject?

Cyrus wrote in post #6537943
I was wondering if anybody can tell me what the real differences were between the Canon Angle view finder http://digitalrev.com …arch_category_i​d=0&page=2 and the Seagull brand view finder http://digitalrev.com …arch_category_i​d=0&page=2. I've read the descriptions which all sound great but apart from the price and the name i can't see any real difference between the two products.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Cyrus

Another great one is the Hoodman Right Angle Finder. I have it and love it. http://www.adorama.com​/HNHRAV.html

I have the Seagul one as well. It's rock solid and really well made. I've dropped it numerous times with no issues. A very good money saver.

Cyrus wrote in post #6556265
does the 2x effectively crop your your view of the subject?

Well, yes, but it won't affect the final photo. It's there to let you verify focus.

I actually own both, the Canon original and another one, although I am not certain it's a Seagull, but it does look identical to the Canon (there are also finder that look different enough). I still can't get around to post a comparison review, but I can say this: in my case the off brand one cost ~$50 and the Canon ~$150. The only physical difference is the inserts that attach it to the camera (sorry I am writing from memory and can't be too specific). Optically they are so close that I could not justify the triple price of the Canon no matter what the application. Mechanically they are also similarly together. There are some minor differences on close inspection (like the QC was a tad better when Canon branded), and side by side they must have come out of the same mold.

Bottom line: of the two examples I have, the Canon is way too expensive for what it delivers. I will also add that neither one is loose on rotation (they swivel around for best viewing angle) as I have read many complaints in that department.

Again, what I have is same looks like Canon's and purchased it on eBay some 8 months ago from a seller in either NJ or NY.

heycow wrote in post #6556659
I have the Seagul one as well. It's rock solid and really well made. I've dropped it numerous times with no issues. A very good money saver.

I'll second that.

I have the seegull as well and I only use 1x...quality wise I think is excellent.