Customer Reviews

Seagull 1x-2x Right Angle Finder for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Fuji, Olympus and Leica SLR cameras

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The quality of the Canon Right Angle Finder C is high but the fit was quite loose on my Canon XT and 50D. The metal portion of this finder with the prongs had slightly worn a tiny bit of the top edge of the glass LCD so I decided to look into the Seagull version. The fitting of the Seagull version is plastic so it should not damage glass at all. I also heard the fit was tighter, which I hoped would be safer after I accidentally popped my Canon one off the camera quite easily a few times.

I actually received the newer model of the Seagull that goes up to 2.5 in magnification (there is actually an even newer one providing 3x magnification). The adapters were supposed to be made from a better quality of nylon than the previous versions. Here's my findings:

1. Quality:
The Canon is definitely a higher quality item and it has a heavier feel. The Seagull is much lighter. They both are mainly plastic with a metal barrel that is rotated for focusing. Both the Canon and Seagull fit snugly into their included soft cases. The Seagull appears to be a little snugger fit and may take a bit more fiddling to get it into its case.

2. Fit:
This may vary depending on the camera but I will report on what my experience is with my Canon. The adapter labeled for my Canon 50D was actually too big. I had to use a smaller size (labeled for the Canon Rebel line) that fit too snugly. With the Canon finder, I did not require using an adapter but it attached too loosely to my camera, even though I tried to bend the springs in to make it fit more securely.

The Seagull's adapter had a tighter fit but it was so tight that it was not possible to remove the viewer together with the adapter still attached to it. The fit between the viewer and adapter was loose enough that swiveling the viewer misaligned it from the adapter much too easily. The tightness of the "clicks" inside the rotating mechanism meant that I had to firmly hold the base while I rotated the viewer in order to keep the whole unit properly in place on my camera. This was the same problem I had with the Canon viewer.

When removing the Seagull viewer, the unit itself came off easily and left the adapter attached to the camera tightly. The fit of the adapter was so snug that I had to use both thumbs under both corners to push it off the camera's eyepiece fitting (and hoping I don't pop it off into oblivion). However, since this adapter is plastic, it might wear down over use and become looser.

3. Operation:
The optics of the Seagull is as good as Canon's. Like the Canon viewer, ball bearings can be felt when swiveling the eyepiece to different angles.

There are also little "notches" that can felt that are set to specific angles for the finder. These are much looser in the Canon viewer and it was very easy to accidentally rotate the eyepiece from where you had it set. The Seagull's are much tighter and the force required to rotate the eyepiece actually causes the unit to misalign from the adapter attaching it to the camera. With both the Canon and Seagull viewers, you have to keep the right angle viewer in place with one hand while you rotate it with your other hand. This can be awkward especially for handheld photography.

The focusing systems are very similar between the Canon and the Seagull.

4. Value:
As mentioned at the beginning, the Canon right angle finder is a better quality piece but it also costs almost 3 times as much as the Seagull version. The Seagull finder works as well as Canon's and is a good deal in comparison.

Conclusion:
The Seagull right angle finder does what it is supposed to and would be especially trouble-free for photographers who often use tripods and do not remove the finder from their cameras as often as street and event photographers or move around as much. I was disappointed to discover that the problem of looseness was still there... but in a different form than my Canon finder. The adapter attached to my Canon cameras too tightly and was too loose where the adapter itself attaches to the Seagull finder. To shoot in a "normal" mode without the right angle finder, this meant that I had to first remove the Seagull finder itself and then use both thumbs to push off the adapter. This is a nuisance that varies depending on the individual.

This loose fit with both the Seagull and Canon right angle finders requires that one much be careful not to accidentally knock it off the camera. The Seagull finder is much more reasonably priced and the build seems to be of a good quality. It is a good alternative to the Canon version as it provides the same purpose of use. I gave this a 4 star rating because of the general loose fit onto the Canon camera. If the adapter and the fit between the finder and the adapter where both equally and adequately better fitting, it would have been perfect. Only time will tell if some of the tightness of the parts will loosen. I would have given it a 5 star rating if I only considered the price and quality.

Update: 01/26/2008

I have used this a few times now. It feels and operates exactly the same as my Canon right angle finder. This also feels more secure on my camera and would take a good bump to knock it off. The Canon version always feels as though it could slip off because of its heavier weight.

I have noticed that the Seagull finder's case is too tight of a fit. It takes some fiddling to get it back in when I am done with it. I might pick up a small camera case to replace the one it came with.

Update: 02/12/2009

I picked up a Crumpler (Thirsty Al) gadget pouch which the viewer fits much more easily into. After using the Seagull viewer for a while, the fit onto my 50D has loosened a bit and it is easier to remove. I have noticed no difference in the way this works in comparison to my Canon right angle viewer. The Seagull version actually feels more secure on my camera since it is lighter and doesn't feel like it will fall off because of its weight.

For anyone who doesn't care about having the Canon logo on this accessory and would rather save some money on what essentially does the same thing, the Seagull right angle viewer is a great alternative. If I had a chance to decide all over, I would have purchased this instead of the pricey Canon one.

Update: 01/05/2010

It has been almost 2 years and one of the prongs on the plastic adapter broke off. Luckily, the Seagull finder still stays on fairly securely with the remaining prong but I have been unsuccessful finding out how to replace this broken part. I have tried contacting the original seller, the distributor and the manufacturer in China by email. It has been about 3 weeks and I have still not heard anything from any of them. I guess I will have to continue using this viewer with the broken adapter.

Update: 04/15/2010

The adapter loosened with use and eventually popped off without me noticing at a beach. Having contacted almost every seller of this viewer I came across, the ones who did reply were either unwilling or unable to sell me just the adapter that I needed. I decided to give in and purchase another entire Seagull Right Angle Viewer, even though I still have my Canon version. I had used it a lot over the two years that I had it so I suppose it was worth making the purchase again. It is just too bad that I could not just purchase the adapter so I could still use the one that I already had. Beware... getting any service or assistance after purchasing this is near impossible but the low cost sort of makes up for it.

Update: 01/02/2012

I am still using the replacement viewer without any issues. The adapter is still intact and appears to be made of a better material. I had been using the Canon one while waiting for the replacement Seagull viewer to arrive and can definitely say that I very much prefer the Seagull version. I am now using it with a 7D.

After seeing how much a friend liked a similar right-angle finder on his Canon SLR, I wondered if there was anything available for my Pentax *ist 35mm camera. After searching and only finding older right angle finders for much older Pentax models I stumbled on this beauty.

The finder is well constructed; light in weight but does not feel flimsy. Probably most appealing feature for everyone looking at this product is that it appears to be compatible with almost all SLRs, regardless of brand. Adapters allow one to attach the finder to a particular brand of camera. The fit on my Pentax was snug but not so tight that I couldn't take it off without excessive force. Though I have not made much use of the 2x magnification, I believe it would be very helpful in macro work.

The only drawback to this finder is the rather loose feel to the diopter control. The upper portion of the tube rotates to adapt the viewing focus to the user's comfort. The rotation is very fluid, but it almost feels too easy to turn. If the photographer were to orient the camera vertically, for instance, one can swivel the finder also into an upright position. Swiveling the finder, however, can bump the diopter thus throwing it out of focus slightly. This is easily fixed, but one must be aware of it when operating the camera, so be careful!

I highly recommend this right angle finder. It does its job well and costs maybe a third of the price of the comparable Canon version (which, of course, is only available for Canon cameras). It makes photography easier on my back and easy on my wallet!

I found this product to be well made and as it seems to me truly universal - at least it fit my Pentax *ist DS (a similar product by another company apparently does not). The only reason that I gave it four, rather than five, stars is that the fit is a littl too tight (although this is better than too loose). I might be able to improve this with a few adjustments, however. The viewfinder is useful for nature photography when using a tripod, especially when the camera lens is pointing upward.

Hey, this is great for the money....I use it for astronomy, focusing in the dark on tiny star images...so it pays to set it up in daylite, and tape the focus in place...its as good as the brand name one on my Nikon D-80, and much cheaper. got here quick too...good company.

Fits my Canon XTi fine - For the price it is a good deal. The only problem I have is that I have to change the diopter adjustment when changing from 1x to 2.5x power - but that is easily done and it is a minor annoyance considering the price of this unit.

This makes getting low to the ground much easier. I use it a lot and find it to be a lifesaver that keeps me from lying in the dirt quite often. It fit my Canon 40D right out of the box, without any other adaptors necessary. The built in magnification is also pretty useful when trying to manually focus on something very small. A good product for a good price - I am very pleased!

I bought this to use on my Canon XTi to take pictures through my telescopes. It has served that purpose well. It is easy to install and the built in magnification is a big plus in focusing on stars. Construction is very good and the fact that the eyepiece can be rotated is a big plus. Anyone taking pictures through a retractor telescope needs this accessory. I highly recommend it.

Indispensable tool for macro work. Saves a lot of backache. The Nikon is probably a tad better but at a fraction of the price, I have no complaints whatsoever. The magnifying flip lever is particularly handy if you need to really zoom in on detail through your macro lens.

Want to make your camera a little more fun and versatile? Buy this item. I bought this for my Pentax k20d and use it whenever I tripod my camera. It makes composing easier in many situations where its difficult to view through the viewfinder. It also works well as a waist level finder when handholding your camera. And you cant beat the PRICE!!! Highly Recommended by a pro photographer and avid shooter.

Just that, for the price this is a great viewfinder. If you want pro equipment, pay $200.00 and get it! If you want useful, this is it. I use this viewfinder often.