Anyone have experience with aftermarket focusing screens?

[William Petruzzo]

Back in the day, the camera I used had a handy split prism focusing screen. It made a breeze of manual focus. Of course, my current Canon 5D has nothing like that. So when I'm shooting at big apertures, like sub f/2.8, I have to rely on spot auto-focus, which usually works. But sometimes, misses it. Especially if I'm close up and the difference between an eye and an eyelash is a big deal.

I know that aftermarket screens are made for the 5D, I'm just wondering if anyone has any actual personal experience with them.

So, what do you think?

 

[musicaleCA]

Hmm, on the last TWiP podcast, they mentioned the split prisms. I think one guy had them on a few cameras and loved them...or maybe he was ordering them and loved them...
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[Garbz]

I have a Katzeye screen in my D200, which is basically a Nikon N2000 screen cut to fit. Not sure if they use the same screen to fit the canons or if they cut to size a canon screen but they work well.

I posted a review on this forum here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/.../108875-katz-eye-focusing-screens-review.html

 

[Henry Peach]

I have a split cross screen in my 5D from slrdaren.com It works great. I've used Katzeye screens in my other DSLRs, and they work great too, but SLRDaren is cheaper. I still think the big disadvantage is that DSLR viewfinders are so small and dim. I want big and bright like my Nikon FM2n.

 

[Garbz]

I want big and bright like my Nikon FM2n.

Hear Hear! This was my biggest let down after picking up a D700. The viewfinder is the same size as the D200. What a waste.