The DK-17M
Originally I started using the Nikon DK-17M on my D800E for help with fine focus macro work but after using it in the field for all of my photography I have only one thing to say, stop reading and order one for each of your Nikon DSLRs, really it is that good! On a recent trip to Europe I had the chance to use my D800E side by side with my D4 without a DK-17M and was so impressed with how much easier it was to see the exact point of focus on subjects, it allowed me to see the fine feathers in a bird's eye ring for example, that I went online and ordered 3 more even before I even arrived back in the US.
Officially Nikon lists the magnification for the DK-17M at 1.2X but it seems like a lot more than that in person. More importantly the DK-17M really makes a huge difference in the field making it much easier to see the finest detail in the viewfinder image to verify focus or sharpness.
DK-17M advantages
Larger, cleaner and more detailed viewfinder image that seems much larger than official 1.2x
Additional magnification makes it much easier to see the exact point of focus and sharpness, this is really important with cameras like the D800
The extra eyepiece thickness creates a more comfortable shooting position slightly away from the viewfinder
Easy 30 second installation
Glass optical elements not easy to scratch plastic
Great value, I paid $37 with free shipping
No visible distortion or CAs
Compatible with the Nikon DK-19 eyecup
Nikon D4
Nikon D800E
Installing the DK-17M is very easy and should only takes 30 seconds or so just remember to close the viewfinder shutter before you try to unscrew the stock eyepiece or the eyepiece will stay locked. The viewfinder shutter is the small lever above and to the left of the viewfinder eyepiece.
The DK-17M should be compatible with any Nikon DSLR body with the round type eyepiece. For the D300 or D300s you need the DK-21M magnifying eyepiece.
Note: you should be aware that Nikon warns that with the DK17M installed could be issues seeing the corners of focusing screen. I have asked a few people, one wearing glasses, and they did not have any issues at all on the D800E with DK-17M installed.
This is the official DK-17M compatibility list from Nikon:
D3
D3S
D3X
D4
D700
D800
D800E
The DK-17M is a simple 1.2X magnifying eyepiece for round style viewfinder Nikon bodies but this no special application accessory, this is something that works so well for all types of photography so give one a try today, you will thank me later.
The official DK17M page at Nikon USA:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Eyepieces/4793/DK-17M-Magnifying-Eyepiece.html
Compatible With
D3
D3S
D3X
D4
D800
D800E
D700
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Eyepieces/4793/DK-17M-Magnifying-Eyepiece.html
The official DK21M page at Nikon USA:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Eyepieces/25339/DK-21M-Magnifying-Eyepiece.html
The official DK19 eyecup page at Nikon USA:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Eyepieces/4787/DK-19-Rubber-Eyecup.html
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