Viewfinders - Advice Please

Hi all,

I've been shooting macro for several years and recently moved towards supermacro thanks to the addition of Subsee +5 and +10 D to my expanding gear list. I had a brief look through a test rig in a store, which incorporated an Inon 45 degree viewfinder and was pretty impressed with the image (compared to the view I have through my Nexus pick up lens/Nikon D300 viewfinder).

So, questions for those of you who have tried and used/rejected the viewfinder route:

1. What are the primary advantages/benefits of using the viewfinder in your actual experience ?

2. Anyone tried both straight and 45 degree viewfinders ? Is it just a matter of preference or do shooting styles/ergonomics etc come into play. I mean, how many of us regularly have to twist, contort or invert ourselves to get a decent shot, with an uncluttered background of a critter that is less than co-operative ???

Appreciate your thoughts,

Thanks

Steve

The nice, big, sharp image from a viewfinder is a boon. 45-degree finders are wonderful for shooting wide-angle images, but I find mine a bit awkward for macrophotography because it's hard to find the subject. I tend to aim the camera several inches above the proper location. Once the subject is in-frame, then it's fine.

Tim

The nice, big, sharp image from a viewfinder is a boon.

Absolutely!

45-degree finders are wonderful for shooting wide-angle images, but I find mine a bit awkward for macrophotography because it's hard to find the subject. I tend to aim the camera several inches above the proper location. Once the subject is in-frame, then it's fine.

I use my S45 for both w/a and macro and find it brilliant for macro photography although subject matter can be a trifle trickier to find at times. The low angle allowed by the S45 is really useful too. I would not be without mine.

So I'd highly recommend a 45-degree finder - be aware that it might take a fair few dives to get used to but once you have adjusted you won't look back.

Hi,

I use the S45 viewfinder & it is brilliant I use it for all my photography, as Tim & Paul have mentioned once you have

mastered the angle their is no going back. I can remember being told before I bought my viewfinder, don't look through

it as you will want one & yes Paul you were right. But I will say it is amazing bit of kit.

Andy