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Angle Finders
Shooting from striking angles can be tricky enough, but being able to look through the viewfinder at the same time is sometimes an extra challenge. When shooting from a very high or very low angle, you can't always get your eye to the viewfinder. That's where an angle finder comes in, extending the distance between you and the viewfinder. Note that a Canon angle finder isn't suitable for a Nikon — so check your camera and make sure your favourite fits properly. More about
How does an angle finder work?
An angle finder is a tube with an angle in it. A prism and lens allow you to see through this angle the image you are about to photograph. A camera that fits this has a rubber rim around the viewfinder, which you can take off. Now you have a ledge around the viewfinder that you can slide the angle finder over. When you have it on your camera, you do still have to focus it. You do this by correcting the diopter. There is a small ring next to the viewfinder that you can turn to get the desired sharpness. After you have it all set up properly, you can start shooting!
When do you use an angle finder?
Generally, an angle finder is used in macro photography. In macro photography, you need to get close to your subject, which sometimes means shooting from unusual angles. For example, the camera may be on the ground to get that close to a flower, or even slightly buried. Then you can no longer reach this with the eye, where the angle finder comes into play so you can still see into the viewfinder from above.
An angle finder can also magnify the image, up to 2x, for example. In macro photography, this allows you to see even better when your image is in focus and exactly where the focus is.
