Diopter Correction Lens?

[skoggiel]

Does anyone have any experience with a diopter correction lens? How do you know which one you need? Trial and error? I have a Canon XSi and when I attempt to manually focus, my pictures never come out sharp. I've adjusted the diopter on the camera itself with no luck and also attempt to shoot multiple times and hope one comes out clear. Too frustrating!
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

[sk66]

Can you adjust the diopter so that you can read the display clearly (meter/iso/ss/etc)? If so it's adjusted fine and an additional lens will not help. If not, then you can get one based upon your prescription.

[skoggiel]

Thanks Mods for moving this where it belonged.
Thanks sk66-I feel like my display is clear and that my picture will be too, but alas, no such luck. I'll have to take a hard look at it when i get home and see what i come up with. If it really isn't clear, I'll check into picking up the magnification as the reading glasses I buy at the local drug store! Thanks again for the reply and help!

[OsmosisStudios]

Keep in mind, especially if you're shooting RAW, that the visual "sharpness" of focus may look off if you're viewing the images very close up (ie at 100%). All images need a bit of processing to be the best they can be, unless you have a camera without an AA filter (Like most Medium Format digital backs and the Leica M9)

[Henry Wilt]

If you are manual focussing, have you thought about using the live view screen and zoom in on your focus point?
Of course you really need to be set up on a tripod or similar for this to work well but it is how I do it if I ever need to manual focus (I have real problems getting the diopter set right for my eyesight).

[sk66]

You could be having a back/front focus issue....
There are two adjustments (at least on Nikons) for "focus". One sets the image display to the autofocus sensor and one sets the image display to the focus screen.

It is possible for one to be "off" and the other fine.