Canon 5D MKll and focusing screen

[gahspidy]

When I bought my Canon 5D MKll a few months ago, I was initially impressed with how bright the viewfinder was. Looking through it made me feel like I could see everything and have full control over what i was doing. Well, I began to realize that while the viewfinder was very bright and clear, it was also very difficult, for me anyway, to see when something was actually in focus. I'm talking locked dead on focus. I do most of my focusing manually, and i found myself focusing back and forth until I guessed that I had the spot right on where I wanted it. I could not usually tell for sure.
I looked into the precision matte focusing screen (EG-S) and after some research and reading some reviews and also being only 40.00 i thought it might be worth a look into. So I ordered one from Adorama. It was fairly simple to install. It involved a special pliers tool that came with the screen to hold on to the edge of the istalled one to remove it and installing the new one the same way. Basically snaps in and out.
After it was in, i attached my Tamron 28-75 2.8 lens and the first thing I noticed was how much darker it was. I thought to myself, "oh no, this is not going to work" I tried using it a round the dark house and then began to see that I could actually tell where my focus was much better than the standard screen even though it appeared darker.
In just a few days time, I did not feel like it was dark anymore as i was getting adjusted to it. I found it much easier to tell when i am locked on a subject and exactly where i am focused. I have used it in a nightclub while shooting a gala and found it to be a big help
I used it in the dark room where i shot my recent self portrait and the focusing was very easy.
One thing to note however is that you should be using glass that is at least 2.8 or better. I have one lens that is less than 2.8 which is my Canon 17-40 4.0 and while it is certainly darker when using that lens, I still find it easier to see where my focus is. That lens is mostly used for landscapes and other still settings so it does not factor in on my performance much.
So, i thought i would just share this bit of experience in case anyone out there finds it somewhat difficult to see where your focusing. This can help, and at 39.00 it is worth a go to see if you will benefit.
I have.

[gahspidy]

Thanks for the review! Was adorama the best price you found?

Well, i saw it for 45.00 at amazon.com. I did not look any further, but my experience with Adorama is very good and I usually find them to be the least expensive. If it is available cheaper somewhere else it could only be for a coup,e of dollars less.
Adorama has always done right by me so I usually stick with them.