Summary: Focusing Screen as Advertised

Comment: It was easy to install this into my new 50D just by following the included directions and using a little care. I tried to be forceful enough to get it to "snap" into place, while not hitting something important inadvertently, and it only took me two attempts.

The viewfinder is only SLIGHTLY darker with this screen. The difference is almost imperceptible unless you look at the same object before removing the standard screen - in the same lighting - and then repeat when you install this screen.

The lines on the screen are subtle enough that they are not bothersome, and they serve the purposes of helping you square up to the horizon line (or other reference points) quite well. Although the lines do not break the screen up into "perfect thirds" (just as some other reviewers mentioned), they do give you a bit of a reference for how the image may look if it is cropped to a ratio other than the standard 2:3 (e.g. 8x10")

I haven't done test shots to determine how close the lines are to showing the "inch" that is cropped off on either side when creating an 8x10", but with a little bit of time one could easily use it to serve as a reference point for that purpose. (This is nice when I'm looking to frame a portrait correctly, while leaving enough room for potential crops. It serves as a good reminder)

I deducted one star for installation - but again - it wasn't enough of a problem to warrant to much worry. If you're looking to be more aware of your framing, and want to be sure that your pictures are perpendicular to the horizon - this is well worth the investment.

Summary: Exactly what I needed! I wish it came with the 40D.

Comment: Lining up things is so much easier with this focusing screen. The 40D should come with this focusing screen instead of the one that it currently comes with. It is more useful. At first I was apprehensive about installing it. Once I started the process, I was able to install it in less than 5 minutes. If you are not sure what to do, there are web sites that show you step by step how to do it.

If you are getting a Canon 40d, you might as well order this when you order the camera. It will save you tons of time later when you open your landscape shots in Photoshop. You won't have to crop out part of your picture from straightening out unlevel horizons.

Summary: This has to be standard with every 40D

Comment: If you can afford a 40D you should be able to afford the grid focusing screen. I've had it on my camera for a week and now I'm thinking how did I ever take pictures when I didn't have this.

The difference is truly amazing. Before I had to use Photoshop to straighten 1 out of every 3 photos I took. Last week I took about 150 photos outdoor and indoor and none (really none) required to be straightened in Photoshop. And the grids are such that if you don't pay attention to them they don't stand in your view.

Fixing it is very simple. Just make sure you use a hurricane blower to get any dust off the focusing screen before you fix it on the camera.

Bottom line - if you haven't got it yet don't wait any longer.

Summary: Canon Focusing Screen

Comment: Excellent! Great help to stay within the 2/3 rule. . . . . .it should be standard with the camera. As a matter of fact, I think it is standard in the 50D.

Summary: Great upgrade!

Comment: I wish I would have ordered this screen the day I ordered my camera. It makes it so easy to line up horizons or buildings when doing architectual photography! The nice thing is, if you aren't looking for the grid, it doesn't really stand out, so you don't even notice it.