Angle Finder for Macro Work?

How many folks have looked into using different styles for viewing when doing macro?
Any recommendations on a good one?

I use an old Minolta sometimes. Actually a very old one.
Good for me if I have the camera on a tripod for semi macro work.

Is a tripod necessary?

This is the way I use it, with my film camera and bellows, setup on a tripod. For bugs hand held (camera + lens), I would think it is impractical unless you are close to the ground. Since physically it is difficult for me to go close to the ground I cannot tell you.

I use a Hoodman Anglefinder (as far as I've been able to find out its the same as teh Seagull brand anglefinder and about as good as the canon). Generally I use it when working with tripod macro only and I find that the 2* viewfinder view is fantastic to really get the focus right.

It is rather impractical for handheld work unless you have a very difficult angle to shoot at and can't get your head behind the camera to take the shot*/

whats an angle finder?

ceriltheblade wrote in post #10390873
whats an angle finder?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk …D-500D-400D-/270520223583

I have a Canon angle finder and frankly it makes my eyes hurt! I never use mine.

Odd it shouldn't do that - have you made sure that you've set the anglefinders diopter correctly and that you are not leaning on the anglefinder too much? From what I gather most of the anglefinders suffer from a bit of play around the mounts and thus if you lean too much onto it you can end up pushing it out of focus (the anglefinder not the camera). Also some appear to need a little adjustment when flicking from the regular to the 2* view

The latter I generally find not a problem for macro as my settings are usually pretty static whilst I let the flashlight balance the exposure so I don't miss the lack of onscreen setttings in the 2*mode so I can just sit in that and have the diopter set only once

Overread wrote in post #10393751
Odd it shouldn't do that - have you made sure that you've set the anglefinders diopter correctly and that you are not leaning on the anglefinder too much? From what I gather most of the anglefinders suffer from a bit of play around the mounts and thus if you lean too much onto it you can end up pushing it out of focus (the anglefinder not the camera). Also some appear to need a little adjustment when flicking from the regular to the 2* view

The latter I generally find not a problem for macro as my settings are usually pretty static whilst I let the flashlight balance the exposure so I don't miss the lack of onscreen setttings in the 2*mode so I can just sit in that and have the diopter set only once

I think it might have to do more with the way I have to bend my neck to use it. I cannot use my right eye and have always used my left eye. I just find it hard to use/focus and it causes eye strain. I always get a headache afterwards to. It is possible that it is my health issues that cause it but I have seen postings from others about it being a waste of money. I have been keeping it around in case I want to try it again but I probably should sell it.

To me its like having a good tripod and geared head and focusing rail - I don't use it all the time and heck majority of my macro is not done with it -but its there for when I do need it as an option. I prefer having options and open possibilities (esp after I buy something) rather than working my way into a shooting process corner whereby I can't branch out again without having to repurchase/reinvest.

Overread wrote in post #10396562
To me its like having a good tripod and geared head and focusing rail - I don't use it all the time and heck majority of my macro is not done with it -but its there for when I do need it as an option. I prefer having options and open possibilities (esp after I buy something) rather than working my way into a shooting process corner whereby I can't branch out again without having to repurchase/reinvest.

Very true. I don't have any need to sell it and would loss more money on it than I would like. I guess I will keep it in my bag Thanks!

I use the angle finder C a lot if working on a tripod or beanbag.

I use it not just for an easier viewing angle in some conditions but because the 2.5X magnification mode aids manual focus.

With the newer cameras with live-view you can focus on the monitor as long as the light levels on the monitor are not too high, else it is back to the angle finder.

The angle finder will always have a place, even if Canon produce swivel monitors (which I am sure they will) there will still be the visibility issue in bright light.

I use my Hoodman 90 when I need it (that's only when working at high angles)

I use their 3" LCD Loupe too when I need it -usually it's when doing video.

I use the Canon Angle Finder C. When I need it I love it! I dont use it too often, but it depends on what you mostly shoot I suppose. If you want to shoot anything low to the ground or low on a tripod it can really help! Plus the magnification helps ensure precise focus.