Katz eye Focus Sceen?

[boxmom]

Wondering if anyone has heard of this, or switched to this on their digital SLR. I have been shooting birds, mostly with a 300mm manual focus lens. It is really hard to get perfect focus with the new digital camera focusing screens--they always seem to show perfect focus. My "keeper" rate is pretty sad. The katz-eye thing is like the old school film cameras used to be; with the split circle in the middle. I've read mixed reviews, but mostly positive for this katz eye one. Or, does anyone know any secrets to manually focusing on the newer digital cameras? Would appreciate any input! Thanks!

[Boxerworld]

I read that focusing screen can be a pain to install...

What digital SLR do you use? Do you have a "live view" system? It is often slow to use but you should be able to magnify.
You can also use tools like HoodLoupe etc
HOODLOUPE MAG 3.0-Hoodman Corporation

[boxmom]

That Hoodloupe looks cool. I have Nikon D300, which does have live view. I ordered one of the focus screens. I have a pal at a Nikon repair shop who is going to install it when I get it, and he said they would put my old one back in if I doesn't work out for me. His experience with them has not been good, but he has never seen the Katz eye one, which is made for your specific camera, which made him think it will work. I will update when I get to try it out. Thanks for the info on the Hoodloupe...

[boxmom]

Well I'm still waiting arrival of my screen (should have it any day now), but I found a real good deal on a Sigma 150-500 and ordered it. If I read correctly, if I eventually add a sigma tele-converter to this lens, I will still have to manually focus, so I will still need the screen. I like zoom lenses and hope this will get me some more keeper shots! I also like to shoot some motorsports, and this lens will be nice for that as well. BW, I know you have used the Sigma lenses...what do you think about them? Have you used the TC on any?

[Boxerworld]

Adding a tele converter to a Sigma 150-500 seems very extreme! What kind of birds do you photograph? Are they that far?

Personally I would not add a converter to it. You would lose a lot in image quality and in comfort too if you have to focus manually. With the 1.4 converter, it will become a very slow lens at f7-8.8: you would need a very bright day in order to avoid blurry photos. A good bridge camera might do better.

With your Nikon D300 and its 1.5 magnification, that zoom will already become a 225-750mm which is not bad at all. If you need more reach, instead of wasting money on the converter I suggest getting the Nikon J1/V1 and its lens adapter. They have a 2.7 magnification so your lens would become a 405-1350mm f/5-6.3.

I think Sigma lenses usually offer a good value for money and I have no problem with mine. With Canon fit, I have the 18-200 (decent as a does it all lens when hiking) and the 17-70 (same) and with Nikon fit I have a now-old 70-200f2.8 an a 1.4 -converter. The 70-200 with the 1.4 converter becomes a f4 so while it is still reasonably fast, it is already only half as fast as f2.8.
I really liked that zoom until I got the Nikon 70-200f2.8 which was a lot better (sharper at f2.8, nicer colours, better contrast, more reliable and faster autofocus) but then it is twice the price.

I am very curious to hear your feedback about the katz-eye once you get it!

[boxmom]

Thanks! I will let you know...I got it a few days ago, and will have it installed soon. That's good advice on the teleconverter...I wasn't thinking about the 2 stop loss on the 2x. I have the nikon 70-200 f2.8. I LOVE that lens...I use it for motorsports, mostly. Was worth the arm and leg I paid for it! As I get better at finding birds, perhaps I will get better at not scaring them away and be able to get a little closer to them . I've been shooting a lot of the herons, ducks and bigger birds. I love to catch them in action. I just love those super sharp pics of the birds when I get one. Thanks again!