How dim does the Canon Eg-S focusing screen get with f/4–f/5.6 lenses on a 5D Mark II?
Asked 2/22/2018
2 views
2 answers
0
I use a Canon 5D Mark II with some manual-focus lenses and I'm considering the Canon Super Precision Matte Eg-S focusing screen to make manual focusing easier. Canon recommends it for lenses that are f/2.8 or faster, warning that slower lenses may make the viewfinder very dim.
I also use slower lenses, including a 400mm f/5.6. For anyone who has tried the Eg-S with f/4 or f/5.6 lenses: how usable is the viewfinder in practice? Is it only slightly darker, or does it become difficult enough that it's not worth it except in bright light?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
3
It seems that f/4 lens can get a bit too dark using Canon Eg-S screen. On this forum, one user said:
I tried 24-105 f/4L and for indoor uses or outdoors at evening I believe VF is too dark. It's still usable but the VF is really much darker than with standard focusing screen
Perhaps, better question would be: I have f/5.6 manual lens and would like to get better focusing screen for my Canon 5D II
Split-prism focusing screen might be a good option. Unfortunately, Canon doesn't make one for 5D mkII. From their PDF on screens:
However, there is a Taiwan company that seems to be selling split-image screens for Canon 5D mkII (and many other cameras), for ~$85 USD:
PS: on the other hand, I wonder how much precision you need to focus f/5.6 lens, even a longer one. Depth of field will be larger, so I guess there is less pressure to focus precisely, unlike with paper-thin DoF of f/2.8 tele and f/1.2-f/1.8 normal lenses.
Originally by user38691. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38691
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The Eg-S is generally best with fast lenses. Based on user experience, an f/4 lens can make the viewfinder noticeably darker, and indoors or outdoors near evening it may feel too dim, though still usable. Compared with the standard screen, the darkening is significant.
With an f/5.6 lens, you should expect it to be dimmer still, so it’s probably not ideal unless you’re working in good light and are willing to trade brightness for improved manual-focus feel.
If your main goal is manual focusing with slower lenses, a split-prism style screen may be a better fit, though Canon did not make one for the 5D Mark II. Third-party options exist.
Also, with an f/5.6 lens, focusing precision is less critical than with very fast lenses because depth of field is deeper, even though long focal lengths can still make focus accuracy important.
So: passable in bright light, but likely frustrating with f/4 and especially f/5.6 in dimmer conditions.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can you change the Canon EOS 5Ds focusing screen for easier manual focus?
How can I manually focus a handheld macro setup when a teleconverter makes the viewfinder too dark?
Should I buy a Canon 5D Mark II body only, or get it with a lens kit if I already own 18-55 and 70-300 lenses?
Will a Canon 5D Mark II autofocus with a 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 and a Kenko 1.4x teleconverter?
What’s the best way to focus a manual lens on a Canon 6D without using Live View?