Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I decided to buy the z-finder because I have a difficult time focusing when I'm shooting events with my dslr. Now with the z-finder, focus comes easy and accurate. It also made my camera more convenient and fun to use for video.My video with the z-finder is always in focus.

I even use it on my point and shoot.It made it stylish and cool to use.

Before I bought the z-finder pro 3x people stand still and wait for the flash every time I focus my camera to them, even when I'm using a video mode. My camera with the z-finder, becomes an instant celebrity or add a crown to it. People instead of standing still, they will approach you with amazement and ask for what kind of video camera do I have. The dslr was immediately transformed into a pro-user video camera. Everyone is saying what a great looking camera you have.

I think the only negative about the z-finder is the price. However, after experiencing the comfort of focusing, seeing the elegance and style it adds to your camera and it's durability the price will surely be justified. We must remember that there is no cheap price for a useful and elegant tool.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

This is perfect for photo and video. The ability to use your LCD in high sunlight without the reflections and flares to distort your media creation or review proccess. The Zacuto z Finder also has a diopter that allows for setting the ideal focus to fit your eyes. Easy snap on/off accessability. Comfortable and lightweight. Gorilla Plate is a great to have on camera always and is very sturdy as well. This works extra well on a camera rig of any style.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

A big issue with current DSLR video is focus. Most people shoot with these cameras because it allows shallow selective focus. For example, you can get a pleasingly soft, textured background for an interview instead of seeing distracting details behind the interviewee. But an out-of-focus subject ruins the effect, and it's hard to focus these cameras using the LCD screen on the back. You can hook up an external monitor to see focus, but that adds weight, cost, cables, and power requirements.
Zacuto has solved all the problems here. You get an optically excellent magnifying optic, a sturdy, lightweight housing, and a robust, convenient mounting system.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

The optic performance and focusing provides an excellent asset to both still and cine work. On the other hand, the 'retention' ( attachment of the device to the 'frame') needs work!

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I make documentary shorts and I started using the Canon 7D a year ago because I owned several lenses which gives me flexibility. Focusing in low light is a major problem for me on the 7D and I found it required either an external monitor or viewfinder. The Z-Finder came highly recommended. Although it works, I find it cumbersome because it adds additional weight to an already heavy camera and additional length. To me the length is awkward and of course it's unavoidable with a viewfinder. But for the price I was hoping it would be a little lighter and less clumsy. Perhaps too much to ask. On the plus side, it is very sturdy because of the mounting bracket that comes with it and goes on the bottom of the camera. They do make a smaller model. Perhaps that model might have been better for me. Live and learn.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

Use with Canon 7D for HD video shooting. Just getting used to my camera, The Z-finder is great for viewing LCD screen in daylight. Quality is a little lacking, the eye cap keeps coming off and it could use more support for holding it on the camera. They sell straps as an add on, it would be nice if they were included in the Pro package.
I would recomend this item for anyone wishing to shoot video with an HDSLR.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

This is a nicely made, nicely designed piece of equipment that does what is supposed to do. Video equipment is often expensive and seems "too expensive for what you get" and the Z-finder walks up to that line.

It comes with plastic extenders to increase the distance between the finder's lens and the camera's lcd screen. These are needed if your eyes are so bad, as mine are, that extra focal length is need to focus the finder on the lcd. The extenders snap to the metal piece that holds the finder next to the lcd, and to one another and then to the finder itself. I have to use two of the extenders to get reasonable focus with my glasses.

The problem is that when everything is snapped together it can be difficult to get everything apart again. I've had to apply so much force that I've nearly bent the the metal holder. The alternative to applying a lot of force is to take the whole think apart to remove the finder. So, the two extenders are effectively permanently attached, defeating somewhat the advertised easy-on, easy-off use of the finder. On the other hand, the two extenders sometimes serve as a useful hood for the lcd.

All this said, it in many instances it makes shooting/focusing video with my 60D possible in situations where it would otherwise be very difficult if not impossible.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I'm nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other, so the Zacuto Z-Finder is a necessity for me, and a lifesaver. I highly recommend it.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

At first the price tag might deter, but when you consider it, it is an essential bit of equipment if you take your shooting on a DSLR seriously. It is virtually impossible to shoot on a sunny day without one of these, not to mention the more precise focusing it allows. An essential bit of gear for your kit.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

The Z-Finder is a professional level piece of equipment. It mounts securely and does an excellent job of making the LCD screen totally viewable in bright daylight. If you wear glasses as I do then you'll also appreciate the large eyecup provided. I only take away 1 of the stars because it does have a few screws to mount and dismount making it a little awkward to take off the camera and store. For run and gun use this is a bit of an issue otherwise it is a 5 star piece of equipment.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

The Z-Finder is very simple to assemble and use. The 3X is fantastic and for someone like me (with glasses) makes it nice and easy to get accurate manual focus and to compose the shot. The only negative is the very difficult way to remove the extender frame - I have attached one extender (which works perfectly for me and the D5 that I am using) but can't remove it - still can't. Instructions are there to remove it, but it won't budge.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I decided to get the Z-Finder Pro 3x because I do a fair amount of video shooting with my Canon 60D. Now that I've had a chance to work with it a few times - I highly recommend it. Is it pricey? Sure, obviously - and that's the reason for my 4-star rating. BUT...when you're out in bright light - it's a 'must have' when you're trying to shoot with your LCD.

While it's certainly not 'must have' for shooting stills - it's still really nice for that, as well. The sun just doesn't present the same problems as it would otherwise.

I picked up a couple of the bands - but haven't used them yet. Honestly, I haven't needed them; the viewfinder fits well on the frame, and I haven't had any issues with slight/accidental bumps knocking it off.

All-in-all, I think it's a worthwhile investment.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I have recently begun taking HD video on my Canon 7D. On the 7D recording video can only be viewed on the LCD screen. I am 60 years old and looking at LCD screens is really difficult even with my glasses on. This product securely attaches to the back of the 7D and neatly covers the LCD screen. It magnifies the view so focus and tracking are clear. It adjusts to my eyesight so no glasses! Great. It has a great rubber eye piece protector that is very comfortable when tracking moving subjects.
Downside: Its not a small item and I find I have to remove it to place the camera back in my camera bag. Attaching and removing takes time - frustrating when action is happening.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I shoot videos with a Canon 5D and don't know how I did it without this. I love this Z-Finder.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

Something you should have for shooting with DSLR

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I use this with my Canon 5DMKII and love the extra magnification for focusing. I paired with a Blue Star MICROFIBER RED/ OVAL LARGE (part# BL90132) for the added comfort and WOW does it make a difference. This is even compatible with the new Zacuto EVF products coming out now.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

I use this with my Canon 5D mk II. This is a great, well made piece of equipment, it makes stabilizing and focusing while shooting video incredibly easier than without it. It is of very high quality and feels super durable. My only complaint is that it doesn't sit very securely on the back and you MUST buy the z-bands to secure it, otherwise it will fall off. For the price, I feel that they should be included and you shouldn't have to fork out another $15 and the lanyard attachment just seems bulky and awkard

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

For make movies.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

Walked into the store intending to buy the cheaper LCDVF Loupe which I read great things about, but upon realizing you had to glue the snap frame to the camera body, decided to go with the trusted old Zacuto which I had rented before. Great unit to use in the field where you have to take it on and off quickly. The safety strap is very helpful, as I loop it around the strap of the camera, which is always around my neck. Somehow, I wish the optics were a little better - when you look into the finder, the lcd screen looks like an old TV with horizontal lines. But it does help you find focus accurately, and is solid, light and easy to use at the same time. I wish the salesperson had told me about the extender plates that you can buy for it, so that you can use it with the battery grip attached to the Canon MkII. As it is, the included plate barely extends to frame the MkII's lcd correctly. All in all, very useful to have in the field.

Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 3x:

Zacuto

I hesitated for quite some time to purchase one of these as I had bought a Loopman before these really hit the market. The hoodman did it's job by being cheap, but it's about as good as using duct tape. Truth is I should have thrown out the hoodman long ago.

The z-finder is well built and well thought out. It's much more comfortable on the eye and really helps you do your thing while steadying the camera. It feels worth the money spent on it. It is tough, I have had it hit the ground a few times and it is none worse the wear.

I opted to use the stick on frames instead of the gorilla plate as it easier for the mounts I use. The lanyard is very helpful, while shooting I'll sometimes snap off the z-finder and hold the camera away from my body to track or follow on a wide lens ( I sometimes run a improvised man-cam from parts of my RR cinema bundle).

This is truly one of the essential components of any DSLR kit and should be one of the first things you buy if you are going to hold the camera versus a tripod.