I’d first written about the Canon EP-EX15 Eyepiece Extender here sometime last year. Somehow the fact that the EP-EX15 reduces overall viewfinder image by 30% completely slipped by me when I first wrote this review. Having since upgraded to the EOS 30D – which sports a bigger and brighter viewfinder than the 300D – the 30% image reduction has become so much more apparent. Now, I’m not so sure the EP-EX15 is something I’d recommend to all EOS users.
One day, while out shooting with the 30D, I removed the EP-EX15 and was surprised to see how much bigger the viewfinder image actually is. I’d never seen looked through the viewfinder of the 30D without the EP-EX15; I was in a hurry when I tested it out at my local shop prior to purchasing it, and I’d transferred all the add-ons from the 300D to the 30D before switching it on for the first time.
I have since switched my stance and will only recommend this accessory on certain EOS bodies. Considering how much smaller the viewfinder of the 300D is, I do not recommend the EP-EX15 on a hundred-series EOS body, as it reduces an already-small viewfinder image. On a ten-series body, it’s not so bad. But then again, one of the strengths of the ten-series EOS bodies is the larger viewfinder, so it is rather moot to reduce it with the Eyepiece Extender.
The good news is, you can still use the EP-EX15 and retain the viewfinder image size.
Taking a cue from users on DP Review’s forums, I opened up the EP-EX15 and removed the two plastic lens, essentially hollowing out the Extender. On the 30D, I can still see the entire viewfinder image.
If you need viewfinder magnification, but do not wish to spend the considerable amount of money for the Angle Finder, you can use a Nikon DK-21M or DK-17M Magnifying Eyepiece instead. I chose the DK-21M as I prefer a rectangular eyecup over a circular one.
When used with the EP-EK15, I have to adjust my line of sight slightly in order to see all four corners of the viewfinder image and, more critically, the viewfinder information display. While it is a slight inconvenience, the DK-21M stays in my camera bag, and I do put it on whenever I need the magnification.
34, male and very Cancerian. Often irascible, even if he is prescient to his emotions. Lives for the resonance of beautiful passages, cinematic magic and aural bliss. Dabbles in 
would you please describe how you were able to adapt the dk-17m / 21m to your canon 30d? Your input is greatly appreciated.
The DK-17M fits out of the box onto the eyecup frame of my 30D. No modifications are needed. Although there is a little freeplay when you wiggle the DK-17M left and right, it still snaps in tight enough and will not fall out.
I have never tried fitting the DK-21M, but it should hold as well. Bring your camera down to your local store and try it out.
Hope this helps.
If i use the EX15 on my 30D will it cover slightly the 4 corners of the frame and obscure some of the meter reading at bottom? Im using a third party eye cup with a cup shape that blocks out light but it has the problem above. Care to advise on EX15
Nothing you can do about that; it’s either the eye cup or the EP-EX15. One of them will have to go if you don’t want the viewfinder readouts to be obscured.
The first thing that grabbed my attention when I received my EOS 40D, even before I noticed the LCD softness “issue”, was that CANON designers have put the VF eye-piece in the same plane of the LCD and camera controls. What a failed design, and very annoying to use.
But could you tell me if the hollow EX15 approach impairs in some way the VF sharpness. Or asking it differently, the extra distance between VF and the eye interferes in the VF “focus”?
The viewfinder will appear fine as seen through a hollowed EX-15.
How hard is it to hollow the ex15? does it require complex tools? Any instruction would be great :)
It’s very easy. Remove the two screws, then take out the two plastic lenses. Done.
Thank you… i am waiting for my extender to come in and will do this diy as i normally shoot without glasses.
I have the 1D Mark III and also the 5D Mark II. Due to bad gentics, my nose is squashed against the screen in order to look directly thru the VF. Also have to twist a bit. Can you tell me if the image thru the VF of both these cameras stays the same if I too were to remove the plastic in the middle of the EP-EX15, assuming that it is compatible. Thx in advance!
The image will stay the same with the lenses of the EP-EX15 removed.