The detachable Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder mounts to the accessory shoe and hot shoe on Olympus E-P2 (included with camera), E-PL1, and E-PM1 digital cameras. The viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1.15x magnification shows you how the subject you are shooting will look under the chosen exposure settings. The VF-2 rotates up 90 degrees which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. Its diopter can be adjusted to allow most photographers to see subjects in perfect focus without wearing glasses. An external flash unit is required when using the VF-2 for flash photography.
Note! The VF-2 cannot be used at the same time as an external flash. Do not carry the camera by holding the VF-2.
| Viewfinder |
|
| Resolution | Approx. 1,440,000 dots |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.15 x 1.9 x 1.82" (29.21 x 48.26 x 46.23 mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 oz (32 g) without cover |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Not sure it wins me over
I purchased a VF-1 optical and thought it was Ok, but an Olympus salesman convinced me to go with the VF-2 once it becomes available, as he said "it is so...Read complete review
I purchased a VF-1 optical and thought it was Ok, but an Olympus salesman convinced me to go with the VF-2 once it becomes available, as he said "it is so much better & really cool". Well, after receiving the VF-2 I was a bit disappointed in a couple areas. 1) the picture quality is not as sharp as I would have liked and 2) it lags a bit during movement. (not fun if you are using video) and lastly, 3) It has a much more prominent profile (ie: bulkier) than the optical viewfinder. On the positives, it will work with all your lenses and if you use the auto focus to zoom into an area, it responds to that nicely. You can make adjustments to suit your vision (as you would a pair of binoculars) for use with or without glasses. I am told it is a comfortable fit for eyeglass wearers. You can toggle instantly between the LCD and the Electronic Viewfinder. (you must be updated to the most recent Olympus firmware) I have the 17mm pancake lens, the kit lens of 14-42 and a zoom of 150mm for my Olympus e-PL1 camera and frankly, I am going back to the low-tech optical, as I use the 17mm pancake a lot. I suppose it really comes down to personal preference. (you either like it or don't) I strongly suggest trying it out in a retail (photo) store prior to investing big $$$.
I might consider one in the future, after the next generation of digital/electric viewfinders come on board. I LOVE my e-PL1, 50/50 on the VF-2 viewfinder.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Useful but expensive and bulky
This accessory is unquestionably useful in bright ambient light situations.
However, it adds significant bulk to the camera. Sans the VF-2, my E-PL1 slips into my shoulder bag or coat poc...Read complete review
This accessory is unquestionably useful in bright ambient light situations.
However, it adds significant bulk to the camera. Sans the VF-2, my E-PL1 slips into my shoulder bag or coat pocket easily. Adding the adapter severely compromises the camera's form factor and makes these maneuvers awkward.
Also, it press-fits onto the camera without any strong lock-down mechanism, making it susceptible to working its way loose and disappearing when you are carrying the camera around. This requires extra care and attention, which is a PITA.
Also, its cheap plastic construction doesn't inspire confidence.
Also, i suspect that price vs. actual production cost are way out of line.
Nevertheless, it comes in very useful when taking pictures in bright light, or when it's advantageous to hold the camera up to the eye (e.g. for adding stability). Occasionally the swiveling feature is useful.
Reviewed by 95 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
The view finder works as advertised.The view is great and it 's easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Makes taking photos with olympus much more steady and enjoyable
getting some terrific angles
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Fantastic view finder,a must have for the pen system.
View finder produces a clear and accuraate image. Little worried about it not locking on but in practice this isn't a problem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Makes the EP-3 just like a DSLR in a small package. Shuttle back and forth between viewfinder and screen is a big plus. Pretty pricey and makes the camera and viewfinder an expensive camera. I have only had for a couple weeks. Also makes the camera a bit more bulky as well.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Having just purchased this item, I haven't had extensive experience with it, but; it has met my need to view better in bright lighted conditions, mated with my Olympus E-PL2. Has all the fetures I need, and was able to purchase it at a reasonable price, with quick service from B&H.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
The viewfinder provides a bright high resolution image that really helps evaluate your shot in record mode and judge your image in play mode. Much better resolution than the LCD on the back of the camera. A little spendy, but worth the money, especially if you can find it on sale!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Great viewer, made the difference seeing objects in direct sunlight, now I can use it for photographing birds. Would recommend it to a friend
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
This product was for my boyfriend, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
He mentioned that the picture was so much clearer than the LCD screen, however, he wished that it came with more features, and better instructions
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
The image produced by this viewfinder is really excellent. In daylight it is close to an optical viewfinder. I leave mine on my E-PL2 all the time -- since I don't like using the LCD to frame and compose. It is well made and light weight.
The only negatives (which is why I didn't rate it 5 stars) are that it does not offer a lock to keep it from coming off the hot shoe (the VF-3 does), although I have not had a problem with that yet.
Also, since it swivels up for viewing at different angles (which is a good feature) it is a bit too easy to lift up unintentionally if you wear glasses -- it should have a stronger 'snap' to lock it down.
Overall it is well worth the price, and I think an EVF is essential to using a mirrorless camera -- especially in bright light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
4 Great reasons for buying this product.
1. Much better way of composing and framing your subjects.
2. Perfect for bright days where the LCD display on the camera is a little difficult to see, especially when trying to focus.
3. An extra contact point for more stability and sharper shots.
4. The inbuilt diopter allows me to leave my glasses in my bag.
Only con is that the camera occasionally becomes unresponsive to settings changes. Switching from viewfinder to rear display and back again seems to clear this. Otherwise this viewfinder is clear and sharp and a pleasure to use.
Overall I would definitely not be without this device. Highly recommended!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
When shooting in bright sunlight this viewfinder is a must have accessory. I use it with a E-P2 and it is very useful for manual focus mode. Bright and crisp display.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
great way to see another perspective to compose picture. It is just like using your full size SLR camera. if you use external flash then you loose the capability to sync.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
I do a lot of outdoor, daylight shooting with my EPL-1 and being able to clearly see my viewing area not only improves composition, but also exposure. I find myself using this most of the time rather than the image on the back of the camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Finally decided to buy it after reading review on-line which justifies it's high price and boy was he right.
I think I have only used the focus magnification function once (in about 100 shots) since I got it...it's so bright and clear. you can clearly identify which part of the photo you have focus on since it has enough pixels to distinguish between focus and out of focus area...all of my shots were with nokton 25mm shot at f0.95 and pretty much didn't miss focus, with subject closeup or far away.
issues: $, and may slip out of the hot shoe
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
This gadget makes all the difference to E-PL1 usability.
The camera's focus assist and manual operation modes are far more usable with the viewfinder in place than overlayed on the live-view screen.
The resolution is very good; the clarity, brightness and diopter adjustment work correctly; the product switches between live-view and viewfinder-view quite intuitively.
I didn't give it five stars because it seems a little fragile. Other than that, it's fine.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
The EVF brings "photography" back to the PEN! It feels so natural to use it instead of the LCD. It offers a surprisingly large view - larger than the OVF on my Rebel DSLR.
It does not lock but one can add 'tape shims' to make it tight & solid.
Even if arguably pricy, it is a bargain!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
I was surprised that a camera of this quality did not come with a viewfinder. The VF-2 is a feature that I highly recommend because it enables the shooter to easily view the scene and compose a good picture. It works really well in bright sunlight where the view screen was hard to see under these conditions. I am very glad that I purchased it. The only drawback is the price which I think is very steep.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
Very bright and makes the E-P3 seem more like an SLR. Makes the camera a little taller than I thought it would. Really like the combo.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
A great asset to "viewfinder photographers"
I'll use it as much as possible
Gives you all the LCD screen information.
Pricey, but worth it, I think.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):
The VF-2 is as near a must have accessory as one can get. In bright sunlight, this is almost a requirement as the cameras LCD gets washed out. The 100% coverage of the VF-2 is a definite plus, with a lot of cameras views being less than 100%. Makes framing in camera simple. Having a flip-out or swivel LCD on the camera is a nice feature, but since the VF-2 pivots up to 90 degrees (looking straight down) is a great feature. The only real downside is when in use, you can't use a flash unit in the cameras hot shoe, but that isn't a huge negative. The cost might make you pull back on the "buy", but you really need to push the button.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »