Use of Angle Finder with long Telephoto Lens

[rogerscoth]

Does anyone have experience of using an Angle Finder on a digital SLR fitted with a long Telephoto/Zoom lens? I have a Canon EOS 350D (EOS Digital Rebel XT) plus a Sigma 50-500mm APO EX DG HSM lens. I would hope the extra variable magnification of the Canon C Angle finder would assist focusing, but was wondering if the image in the Angle Finder would be very dull used with this set-up, due to the many pieces of glass involved?

Roger

(I will also ask the same question on the Birdforum web-site.)

[Leif]

I routinely use a Nikon DR3 angle finder with a range of lenses, often in dark woods, and I find focussing is no more of a problem then when viewing directly, so light loss should be minimal. The DR3 does not magnify the image. However, you don't really want a right angle finder, and the prism will degrade he image a bit, and add to the price.

More suitable would be the Nikon DG-2 eyepice magnifier, which can flip out of the way for normal viewing, but I doubt it fits Canon.

Fortunately Canon have an equivalent called the Magnifier S, but sadly it has been discontinued:

http://www.majid.info/mylos/weblog/2003/07/06-1.html

I'm sure you could find a second hand one. I bought my used DR3 on ebay for £24 compared to ~£100 for a used one on the high street. So with luck you will get a Canon Magnifier S for not too many readies.

As an aside, I wrap bright yellow tape around my DR3, so that when I put it down on the ground, I will find it easily. I lost my first DR3 in the New Forest. It was in mint condition too.

Leif

[Tannin]

I think there are all sorts of third-party focusing and viewing aids available too.

[rogerscoth]

Thankyou Leif and Tannin for your responses - I may have to check into more than my initial theories.

Roger