CowboyStudio GGS Perfect Foldable LCD Viewfinder for Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc DSLR Cameras

This viewfinder is definitely the best in this price range. It offers options that only more expensive units have:
- 3X magnification which really lets you see a very enlarged image, with the Hoodman Loupe you have to pay an extra $40 for this feature.
- It has a diopter adjustment ring, which for me is a must have and most inexpensive units don't have.
- It can be attached to the camera, which gives you extra support for video recording, but can be easily removed. The Hoodman Loupe has an option for this but you have to pay an extra $20 and is very awkward, not nearly as practical as this one.
- It has a very good rubber eyeshield, which is very comfortable to use and can be rotated for vertical viewing.
- And the feature that really puts this thing apart from the rest is the foldable option, very useful when you are outdoors especially in sunny situations.

You need to consider a few things. Follow the instructions exactly; be sure that everything is clean before installation, because you will not be able to easily remove the lcd protector/adapter. When installing make sure that the LCD is on, it will serve as reference so that you can place it in the correct position.
When installed on my Nikon D7000, the viewfinder makes it difficult to press the "Multi-Selector" control in the back to go left, cause it will be to close the right edge of the viewfinder. What I did was to configure the main control dial (with custom setting f6 in the menu, last option, set to "on") so that I could control image review with it.
The quality of the optics is good, and can even be used as a regular loupe for transparencies or negatives.
Just as other reviewers have mentioned, although I haven't seen any reports of specific problems, the hinge that allows for the foldable feature seems rather week. If it eventually breaks you can still fix it and use it with a little glue and use it without this option.

Just got mine in today. It looks nice and is a little lightweight for my taste, but for 60 bucks this viewfinder's great.

Pros

Lightweight, easy to transport
Arrives with protective plastic covering all pieces of glass
Does job as advertised, magnification is true
Dual views are convenient

Cons

Afraid I might smash it if it's dropped
The hinge that flips open seems a little fragile

I give it a solid 4/5. Great for the money, just a couple of flaws that shouldn't give the average user any trouble.

Not having the best eyesight, and being too stubborn to wear glasses while I'm shooting, I usually have to rely on my slr's autofocus...admittedly not the ideal way to shoot. Built-in diopters only help so much. Also, I was having difficulties with my 5D Mark 2's drawback of no autofocus in the live-view mode. After a good bit of research, I came across a shining YouTube review of the GGS and decided to take a chance. It's as the name implies...perfect. It brings the LCD up 3x's without cutting off any of the screen, it's extremely light-weight, has it's own diopter to correct for your vision, is easily removable, and acts as a useful LCD viewing hood when folded open. My complaints are minimal. My biggest concern was that, instead of screwing into the tripod mount under the camera, you have to adhere an LCD screen cover for the viewfinder to attach to. This actually works very well and provides a protective cover for your LCD screen, however it IS attached with adhesive. The instructions say the cover is easily removed by sliding a credit card around the seams, but this is a concern (thinking of resale). My only other (much smaller) issue is a lack of some kind of carry case. You won't have this attached to your camera constantly, and when it's off it is wide open to the elements (i.e. dust magnet).
Aside from that, I Love this thing. It showed up in a large order with two lenses, 3 flashes, and a load of other toys...and it was instantly a favorite. As far as "bang for your buck", you can't beat it.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  4.7 out of 5 stars