Zacuto's Z-Finder Pro 3x optical viewfinder is a necessary tool for shooting sharp, stable video on DSLR cameras like the Canon 5D MkII, 7D, Nikon D90, D300s and others. Whether shooting handheld or on a tripod, the Z-Finder Pro turns your camera's 3" LCD screen into a clear, easy-to-focus viewfinder that lets you see your image in magnified detail even under the brightest sunlight. Just as crucially, the Z-Finder provides an extra degree of handling comfort and a crucial point of contact--between camera and eye--that adds stability to any handheld video.
The Pro 3x version offers an adjustable diopter that enlarges the LCD image by a factor of 3, so you can see every detail for pinpoint focus. The viewfinder attaches to your camera via the included Gorilla Baseplate and Z-Finder mounting frame, which mount to the bottom of your camera using a standard 1/4"-20 screw. A non-stick rubber backing ensures a tight fit and prevents scratching of the LCD screen, so that the entire Z-Finder snaps off easily when not in use. Once detached, the unit can hang conveniently around your neck from the included lanyard.
Note! For use with taller-bodied cameras such as the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3S, an optional Z-MFT mounting frame is required.
Note:The Z-finder is a magnifier and as such will magnify the sun and could damage the LCD screen if the sun is allowed to shine directly through the Z-finder lens. This is not a defect but a physical property. Caution should be taken to avoid sun magnification.
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Most Liked Positive Review
Very nicely made, but...
We bought this to use with Canon 7D on a shoulder mount DSLR video rig.
The Zacuto viewfinder is beautifully constructed and superbly functional for certain circumstances.
That being...Read complete review
We bought this to use with Canon 7D on a shoulder mount DSLR video rig.
The Zacuto viewfinder is beautifully constructed and superbly functional for certain circumstances.
That being said we have found that we do not use it as much as we though we would.
For video shooters (using a mount or rig), I would recommend buying and mounting a small 1080P HDMI monitor instead.
We have found that the outboard monitor is easier and safer to view while moving around, and also allows a second person to pull focus while the camera person concentrates on framing and hitting marks accurately.
On the other hand, in situations where the camera is locked down, in sunny locations where a monitor is difficult to see, or when shooting stills, this viewfinder is a fantastic bit of kit.
One thing to be aware of is that mounting the Zacuto Viewfinder base to the bottom of the camera and then mounting a tripod baseplate to the viewfinder does result in a small offset that has to be compensated for if one is using a 15mm rails rig with matte box and follow-focus. Not a big deal, really.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Quality Product at a High Price
I would say after using it for a film shoot that it works as advertised. Product construction is great, the provided plate is of high quality and after watching the tutorial video on [@...Read complete review
I would say after using it for a film shoot that it works as advertised. Product construction is great, the provided plate is of high quality and after watching the tutorial video on [@] I was able to setup in about 10 minutes. I am rating the Z-finder 3 stars because of the extremely high price. Compared to our b-camera on the shoot which used a generic viewfinder - after shooting with both I did not see a great difference in the actual image magnification between the two (which is pretty much the entire benefit of the device) - aside from the almost $300 price difference.also, it is not in my opinion a very viable quick release option to switch over in a very short time to go from film to stills if you are looking to do this with a z-finder on the fly.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
The Z-finder is a big step in the direction of making the 5DMKII a highly effective video platform. It is easy to focus and very securely mounted. The product is well made. One thing to note is that it can be hard to focus on the back of camera screen. That is not a fault of the Z-Finder but rather the result of using the screen for focus. The screen was not designed for such close resolution and it is noticeable with the 3x magnification. It is not a large issue but it does take some getting used to.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I purchased this during a special offer where it was free when you bought a Zacuto Striker (a $350+ value). The price of the Striker including the Z-finder, to me, is a reasonable price for the kit. I may not have purchased either separately, without the special offer, due to the cost. It allows substantial adjustment for eyesight correction so I don't have to use my reading glasses. It attaches firmly and securely to the mounts.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I use this product for video shooting with my Canon 7d. It's perfect! Iit is very comfortable to use and it really helps when shooting outdoors.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
It does what it is supposed to on my Canon 7D. No problems. I have been using it for a month now with no problems. It is a must for low budget filming.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I should have purchased this when I did the camera. Excellent product that amkes all the difference when shooting videos!!!
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I can't compare to other products offering the similar functionalities, but Zacuto offers a great tool for dslr shooters, I'm not sure how I managed without it for so long, it really makes a huge difference. plus the gorrilla plate is a nice bonus, if your a little creative and not bad at DIY you'll find many uses for it beyond simply holding the z-finder in place.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I use this product especially when i film outside, fits perfectly on my Cannon 7D.
Heaps easy to fit, incredibly comfortable when filming with it, and does a great job at blocking out external sun on the screen, at the same time magnifying the screen to the size of an iPad at like 3inches from your eye
Honestly can't really pick something negative about it
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I use the zacuto zfinder 3x constantly since recieving it from B&H. I have a canon 7d and it fits perfectly... After the basic assembly you'll find this product to be very sturdy and reliable. It really helps you focus better in sunlight or anyother situation and is easily removable at any time. The only and i mean only bad thing about this product is a very small one; and that is, the small rectangle hole you look through by the eye cup you install yourself. And it is easy to not make it perfectly even. And it also has the tendency to rotate so even if you do make it perfect it might shift which can get agrivating. Not sure if its something im doing or just a flaw with the product. But overall i recomend this product.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
This finder is the greatest thing for focusing on a DSLR LCD. I can see everything on the LCD crystal clear. It is easy to mount and unmount as well.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I use this product because im farsighted and need the magnification to bring everything into focus.
I liked the fact that everything was now in focus with the 3x magnification, but now a new issue arised. It magnifies too much and now what i see is many many individual pixels which in turn make it hard still to get a correct focus. instead of making it easyer to fucus, it makes it harder because now your looking at what amounts to a horrible tv screen from the 80's thats almost mosaic'd ( blocky ) all in all it helps i must admit, but what would be much better would be if they made something to magnify what you saw through the eyepiee, because then it wouldnt look like your looking at a scene so pixelated that it looks like its made of legos....
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I had a Z-Finder when I first started using DSLR, the problem was the mounting. I hated it. It was fine for studio use, but in the field it just did not work well enough. With the Z-FRM Mounting Frame for Z-Pro, I don't need the other mounting nonsense, the Z-Finder simply snaps into place and it stays in place.
I also use the Z-Finder for checking on still photographs. It's a great tool.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
The sales representative showed me several products with the same general function but this was by far the best. Minor point - had to adjust the length of my camera strap to adjust for the additional size. The eye-cup fell off several times before I finally got it secured but has not fallen off since (be careful when you first use it). Great system for adjusting for vision correction.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
This does really help with focusing video. Manual focus without it is rather hopeless with any shallow depth of field shots.
In use there are internal reflections within the loupe - perhaps just a function of the lcd screen, or perhaps a fault of the Z-finder optics. This is not a deal breaker - just unexpected for the price of the item.
The Canon 60D has a fold-out lcd screen and this means that if you use a L-plate on the camera you will be using the stick-on mount for the Z-finder. Plan on getting the Z-bands to go with it because otherwise the screen will flop out - all the time. The stick on mount has very little surface area to stick to so it tends to stick rather poorly.
Overall, I would still buy it because it is so vital for video,
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
Purchased this for my Canon 5D mark iii. Viewfinder works ok, but lacks basic versatility that allows it to work with generic dslr rigs. Basically it's only compatible with Zacuto rigs. Once the baseplate is attached to the camera it will not sit on the centre of your dslr rig or tripod due to the offset of the holes in the baseplate. Strange really. And disappointing considering the price tag. Ripped off.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
This product is a must for any Dslr. Focus is critical and with the Z Finder focus is achieved.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
Really helpful as you can clearly see what you're shooting and by holding it snugly against your eye you have a third point of contact that stabilizes your camera nicely.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I shoot video for a living and I have been having problems focusing my DSLR due to being short sighted. I wear glasses while filming otherwise I can't see the screen.
My partner (wife) has used the Zacuto for a couple of years but I still could not focus with it, however I bought the new Z-Finder Pro 3x and I am amazed to find I can use it without glasses and get the correct focus every time.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
This is great to use when filming outside or in bright rooms.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
Been shooting with this on my d300s for the past two weeks in Hawaii and Curacao. This is a great product and it does what is says it does without question! Tons of sun in Hawaii and Curacao and NO problems shooting in bright sun with the Z-Finder Pro.
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Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:
I use this with my Canon 7D. I've heard from friends who own the 2.5x version that they get slightly less pixelation magnification. I've used both and this one works really well. If you haven't shot outside using one of these bad boys, give it a try!