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Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black)

  • Price: $249.00
  • GBP 158.98
  • B&H # OLVF2
  • Mfr# 260057

Product Highlights

  • For Olympus E-P2, E-PL1, and E-PM1 Digital Cameras

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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.

The VF-2 Live Finder, for the E-P2, E-PL1, or E-PM1 easily slides into the camera's accessory port and hot shoe when needed - for example, when shooting in direct sunlight.
It tilts up to 90°, a real benefit when composing shots at low angles for dramatic or practical purposes. The LCD is 2x brighter and has 3x more contrast than competing models.
Its high magnification and built-in diopter adjustment offer easy viewing with and without eyeglasses. The VF-2 refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.
You can also adjust the brightness and color temperature of the view finder using the E-P2's EVF ADJUST menu function. Brightness can be modified + or - seven steps.
The VF-2 refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.
Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) technology enables high-speed transfer of high-resolution images.
Aspherical lenses ensure high resolution from center to edge.
Viewfinder
  • Eyepoint: approx. 18mm
  • Field of view: 100%
  • Magnification: approx. 1.5x
  • Diopter adjustment: -3.0 - +1
  • Frame rate: 60fps
  • EVF brightness and color temperature adjustment via camera menu
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 PowerReviews
OlympusVF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black)
 
4.6

(based on 109 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (72)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (35)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (93)
  • Lightweight (82)
  • Reliable (60)
  • Durable (27)
  • Great resolution (3)

Cons

  • Pricey / poor value (12)
  • Heavy / bulky (8)
  • Not durable (7)

Best Uses

  • Travel (65)
  • Everyday (62)
  • Landscape photography (60)
  • Macro photography (50)
  • Portraits (47)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (71), Semi-professional (18), Casual user (7), Professional (7), Photo enthusiast (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (95), Yes (4)

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 109 customers

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5.0

A Great Purchase

By Sweet Pea

from Moraga, CA

About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use
  • Reliable

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape Photography

    Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

    I had been wanting the electronic viewfinder for my Olympus E-PL 1 but didn't get it until a couple of weeks ago in time for a trip to the desert. I figured in the bright light conditions it would be especially helpful and I was right. I love it! No more problems seeing how to compose a shot on a screen I can barely see. Now I can see the scene I want to capture clearly. My favorite thing about the viewfinder is that in playback mode the images are in 3-D. So cool!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Essential for shooting on bright days

    By Chip D.

    from Philadelphia PA

    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Does what I want
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Lightweight
    • Reliable

    Cons

    • It's another expense

    Best Uses

    • Always on bright days
    • Landscape Photography
    • Traveling

    Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

    For months I thought I could do without this costly item, but now with bright sun making it impossible to use the LCD, I mount this well-designed viewfinder on those days.

    I have had no problems with it. I do not keep it mounted when I don't really need it

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Should have come with the camera

    By Jo

    from La Mesa, CA

    About Me Casual user

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape Photography

      Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

      The viewfinder makes all the difference in the world when taking pictures outside in bright sunlight! Living is southern California, we have bright days all year round and I was having trouble seeing the picture in the LCD monitor. As I said in the headline, to me it is a necessary addition to the camera's efficiency.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Completes the Olympus Pen Camera

      By Eddie

      from Florida

      About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Lightweight
      • Reliable

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Everyday use
        • Home
        • Landscape Photography
        • Portraits
        • Traveling

        Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

        When I got my Olympus E-PL2 I found that I missed a viewfinder, I guess I am old school. But when I put the VF-2 on the camera I felt that it completed the camera. All of a sudden I had a viewfinder, which filled me joy! I find that the camera is more useful with viewfinder and has made compositing much more enjoyable. Don't get me wrong the Olympus LCD screen is beautiful but I now use it mainly to review my photos. I find that I use the viewfinder for 90% of my photos. The other the 10% are only for those times when I want the camera to be more compact. The nice thing is that the VF-2 comes with a nice little case that attaches to the camera strap. So it is always readily available if you don't want to keep it attached on the camera. I hesitated to purchase this item because I though the price was bit high. But recently B & H Photo had it for [$] which is the lowest price I have seen anywhere, even used . So I decided to buy it. As decision that I don't regret at all. If you are thinking of getting this item, don't wait. The result of having this viewfinder is fantastic, if you are viewfinder person that is! If you don't mind using the LCD then use your money for a nice lens or other accessory for you Pen.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Unexpected Benefit

        By TAK

        from Richmond, TX

        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Everyday use
          • Home
          • Landscape Photography
          • Macro Photography
          • Portraits

          Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

          I read all the reviews and expected the VF-2 to be a useful accessory to the PEN (E-PL1). What I did not expect was how useful it is when using my old Nikon "F" lenses!

          Setting the camera on manual, with the "fixed" shutter speed, the display actually shows the (expected) exposure when adjusting the aperture ring! And the resulting exposures are accurate!

          No doubt, the built-in LCD screen behaves the same way, but LCD screen is too much affected by light conditions whereas the VF-2 (with the optional EP-9 eyecup) is not.

          As a result, my NIKKOR-S 50mm f1.4 is now my default lenses for my PEN E-PL1.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Very nice viewfinder

          By Pete the Bicyclist

          from Outside of Seattle, WA

          About Me Casual user

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home

            Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

            Expensive relative to the price of the camera (E-PL1), but works very well both looking forward and down. Easier to compose shots and a huge improvement over the screen. Too bad Olympus thinks this needs to be an add-on accessory.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Just what I needed.

            By Jim

            from Lake worth, FL

            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Reliable

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Home
              • Landscape Photography
              • Macro Photography
              • Portraits
              • Traveling

              Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

              Comes in very handy when there is too much light on the camera screen.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Necessary for Pen outdoors

              By Soondae

              from Pyeong Taek, Korea

              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Bulky
              • No simultaneous flash

              Best Uses

              • Landscape Photography
              • Portraits

              Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

              Let's face it, LCD only display outdoors is frustrating. The VF-2 is the answer as it offers bright resolution in it's viewfinder. Simple display On/Off switch to toggle between LCD and VF2. I think it would be great with a portrait lens. I need one.

              I haven't tried the VF-3 for comparison. I plan to purchase the VF-1 rangefinder to pair with my pancake lens for fast outdoor shots.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              i would buy this product again and again

              By shutterbug doug

              from toronto canada

              About Me Casual user

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Lightweight
              • Reliable

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Landscape Photography
                • Macro Photography
                • Portraits
                • Traveling

                Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                so easy to use.tilting feature,looks cool, no locking mechanism.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                It's everything it said it was!

                By The Photo Geek

                from Phoenix, AZ

                About Me Semi-Professional

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Easy To Use
                • Lightweight
                • Reliable

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Home
                  • Landscape Photography
                  • Traveling

                  Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                  The viewfinder is awesome. Works as designed. B&H is always awesome. I wish they had a store near me.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • Yes

                  Share this review

                   
                  3.0

                  Good Accessory with High Price

                  By Evaddnedaed

                  from Oceanside, CA

                  About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use

                  Cons

                  • Bulky

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                    Easy to install and use. Large range of focus adjustment. Compared to optical viewfinder, noticeable lag in update of viewfinder LCD -- but not a problem to use. Only negative is high price. Combined price of camera and viewfinder together pushes total price close to cost of other cameras with built-in viewfinders.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Olympus PEN electronic viewfinder

                    By drjoed

                    from Kalamazoo, MI

                    About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Lightweight
                    • Reliable

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Everyday use
                      • Landscape Photography
                      • Traveling

                      Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                      Just bought this for my recent trip to sunny Mexico. Impossible to see the screen on my "mini-PEN" E-PM1 in the bright sunlight. The viewfinder works as advertised and I used it constantly. I considered the VF-3 as it has a locking mechanism but I was swayed by the black color and the superior resolution of the VF-2. (my camera is black) I hope this device will not loosen up significantly over time but for now there is absolutely no chance it will fall off!.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Makes my life easier

                      By Neltor the D

                      from Portage, Michigan

                      About Me Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Durable
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Lightweight
                      • Reliable

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Everyday use
                        • Home
                        • Landscape Photography
                        • Macro Photography
                        • Portraits
                        • Traveling

                        Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                        faster than I expected

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Great - highly recommended!

                        By MarcB83

                        from Montreal, Canada

                        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Great quality
                        • Lightweight
                        • Reliable

                        Cons

                        • Costly

                        Best Uses

                        • Exterior photography
                        • Traveling

                        Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                        I guess I'm old fashioned because I much prefer shooting using a "classical "visor" rather than by using the screen at the back. But I also wanted a very compact camera after getting tired of carrying my Panasonic GH1 with a 14-140mm. I picked the Olympus XZ-1 which I'm very happy with. And the VF-2, despite being VERY costly, does a great job of fixing the lack of a viewfinder, especially when outside.

                        The only drawback, other than the cost, is that the viewfinder while being light is somewhat bulky. You have to find an adequate place for it to protect it and especially not lose it! Finally the viewfinder does not lock on the camera; it is therefore possible, although it has yet to happen to me, that you could end up sliding it out by accident.

                        WOrth mentioning is the fact that the visor is superior to the integrated visor in my Panasonic GH! Truly beautiful.

                        I gave it 4 stars only because of the price.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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                        5.0

                        Definitely recommend!

                        By Denise

                        from San Antonio, TX

                        About Me Semi-Professional

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Lightweight
                        • Reliable

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Everyday use
                          • Home
                          • Landscape Photography
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Portraits
                          • Studio
                          • Traveling

                          Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                          The view finder works as advertised.The view is great and it 's easy to use.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          good decision

                          By DEC

                          from KC

                          About Me Semi-Professional

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight

                          Cons

                          • None

                          Best Uses

                          • Everyday use

                          Comments about Olympus VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black):

                          Makes taking photos with olympus much more steady and enjoyable
                          getting some terrific angles

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          VF-2 Viewfinder

                          By Kim

                          from Brisbane, Australia

                          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • High Quality
                          • Lightweight
                          • Reliable

                          Cons

                          • Bulky
                          • Ugly

                          Best Uses

                          • Everyday use
                          • Traveling

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          a necessity

                          By bebo

                          from berkeley, ca

                          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight
                          • Reliable

                          Cons

                          • Bulky

                          Best Uses

                          • Everyday use
                          • Home
                          • Landscape Photography
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Portraits
                          • Studio
                          • Traveling

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Great quality for the price

                          By cnjkc

                          from Coupeville, WA

                          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight
                          • Reliable

                          Cons

                          • Needs eye hood

                          Best Uses

                          • Bright light
                          • Low light levels
                          • Macro Photography

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Makes the EPL2 a better camera.

                          By RC

                          from Portland, OR

                          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Great images

                          Cons

                          • Expensive

                          Best Uses

                          • Everyday use
                          • Landscape Photography
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Portraits
                          • Traveling

                          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!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

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