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Digital SLR for bird photography

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Subject: Digital SLR for bird photography
From: Chris Ross <>
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:29:07 +1100
I must say I don't like using camera screens with focus aids. The peak in development of viewfinder screens for SLRs came in the 1980's with the likes of the Canon F1 with the laser Matte screen. I still use an F1 with the extra bright laser matte screen for macro work, makes manual focusing incredibly easy because the screen is so bright and the image so clear. As with anything else you tend to get what you pay for in D-SLR cameras, the Pro models such as the Canon 1D-III feature a range of interchangable screens . You can get the extra bright laser matte screens (1/2 stop brighter) for the Canon 1 series cameras, such as this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/164258-REG/Canon_4729A001_EC_N_Focusing_Screen.html

The crop factor cameras such as the 40D family are noted for having dimmer viewfinders and the screen is not as easy to use for manual focus. The 400D series are notably worse. If you want to manual focus, this is where the faster tele lenses come into their own, especially in conjunction with a body with a bright laser matte screen. I use a 500mm f 4.5 with a plain matte screen, the images just snap into focus as the depth of field is so limited. Having used a system like that I could never go back to playing around with split image focus aids when I need to focus quickly, which is vital when shooting birds. Not to say you can't manual focus with a 40D, just your percentages of keepers will be lower. This link shows the range of screens available for the old manual focus F1, I have the AJ screen for my F1, the range for the the EOS 1 series is much smaller and for the 40D there's a choice of about 3 screens, but the bright one is only for very fast lenses.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/canonf1n/metering/screens/allscreens.htm

regards,

Chris Ross
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