Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x
Zacuto's Z-Finder Pro 2.5x 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 Pro 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 2.5x version offers an adjustable diopter that enlarges the LCD image by a factor of 2.5, so you can see every detail for pinpoint focus. The diopter's extended range of -4.75 and up makes it especially useful for those who are nearsighted. The Z-Finder attaches to your camera via the included Gorilla Baseplate and 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.
- 2.5x magnification
- 40mm diameter lens for excellent light throughput
- Allows DSLR cameras to have correct form factor for video
- Field of view perfectly matches 3" LCD screen size
- Diopter range is -4.75 and up (unlimited with extender frames)--ideal for nearsighted shooters 1
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 112 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (83)
- Improves performance (74)
- Professional quality (74)
- Compact (34)
- Highly compatible (33)
Cons
- Limited compatibility (4)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
- Lacks functionality (3)
- Poor design (3)
- Price (3)
Best Uses
- Independent films (64)
- Complex projects (35)
- In the studio (35)
- Home movies (31)
- Video (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional artist (50), Business owner (27), Enthusiast (18), Pro photographer (11), Semi-pro photographer (10)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (91), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Essential accessory for shooting video
It's hard to understand the advantage in using a Z-Finder until you've actually tried it. In short, it makes shooting video, obtaining focus, and using your DSLR a whole lot easier.
...Read complete review
It's hard to understand the advantage in using a Z-Finder until you've actually tried it. In short, it makes shooting video, obtaining focus, and using your DSLR a whole lot easier.
The Z-Finder magnifies the LCD screen and lets you look at it through a traditional viewfinder mechanism, which is a more natural way to use the camera than holding it away from you and trying to frame and focus on the small screen. The 2.5x magnification is perfect for your eye to take in everything in the frame and to achieve sharp focus.
The only tiny drawback is that it's a little pricey. The Z-Finder is everything it's supposed to be and you will wonder how you shot without it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not Incredible but Useful
Obviously an eye piece is extremely helpful when using your Canon 5D mark II for video, but many blogs state the Z-Finder as being absolutely essential for DSLR shooting. After purchasing the 2.5x I ...Read complete review
Obviously an eye piece is extremely helpful when using your Canon 5D mark II for video, but many blogs state the Z-Finder as being absolutely essential for DSLR shooting. After purchasing the 2.5x I feel it is useful but steeped in over-the-top hype. I shoot documentaries in a run-and-gun style and bought the Z-finder after a year of shooting without it. What I like about the 2.5x is that I do get better focus pulls (most of the time) and having the 3rd point of contact with your eye makes hand held shots more sturdy. What I don't like is the connection of the eye piece to the base plate. It was made with the 5D in mind and barely fits. The tightening bolts are on the edge of the eye piece slots, the need for another 1/8 inch of material should be blantly obvious. The whole set up is bulky as can be and combersome to take on and off. I've read the instructions and still feel like I'm going to break something everytime I remove the eye piece. If you buy this thing and you've got a compact bag setup you might need a new bag to accommodate the Z-finder, unless you want to deal with removing everything all the time. Also, critcal focus with 2.5x is sometimes hard to get. The 3x makes critical focus real easy but your frame gets cropped. Very frustrating that there isn't a middle ground.Bottom line: I like this product, but it's not a "game changer" and I think is best applied to shoots with some time to setup. I find running and gunning with the Z-finder to be a pain in the rear unless I have time to sit and get everything just right (when does the world wait for you to do that?) At [$] this is extremely over priced. I have friends who went cheap $35-$60 and have a very similar product. I would only recomment to a friend with cash to burn and looking to use for paid projects. I did just fine without one.
Reviewed by 112 customers
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Pros
- Easy to Use
- Good Video Quality
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I feel it is a bit over priced for what it is. However it does help keep your video shots in focus. The 2.5x is a great size if you want to see the full picture your framing and not get distracted by the pixels on the screen of your DSLR. Over all I am happy with the product. I will say that the dioplar is over rated on this particular finder. The dioplar does very little to correct for vision problems, you end up having to add plastic spacers which make the finder stick out much further from camera body. Also wish the mounting plate had a few more holes for mounting locations that would work better for XLR apaters.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I use this on a D3s, and opted to attach it via the sticky frames because I use an RRS L-plate.
I debated for a while between the 2.5x and 3x, but I'm glad I went with the 2.5x because even at this magnification I can really see every pixel already while still allowing easy viewing of the whole scene.
I have pretty shaky hands and this is definitely a step up from holding the camera out front to look at the LCD.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Very helpful for shooting video on day exteriors with the Canon 5D. It's awkward ergonomically with low or high angle shots, but that's more to do with the Canon than the Zacuto.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Solves the problem of image focusing in day light shooting. Very clear great quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
This viewfinder helps in accurately focusing the DLSR camera when shooting video. Also because the camera is now held to my eye rather than away from my body when shooting video, much longer shots are able to be taken because I no longer have arm fatigue.
I also like the sturdy construction and the way the viewfinder is attached to the camera. The attachment plate that comes with the viewfinder allows for fine tuning of the attachment of the viewfinder to the camera and also does not interfere with the use of a tripod
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- DSLR Production
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
This viewfinder makes focusing with the Canon 5d mk II much easier. It also makes it possible to see the LCD in bright daylight. Adds a third point of contact for stabilizing the camera during handheld shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I do like the ability to be able to look through the eyepiece at a distance and see the image, but it kind of negates the need for the eyepiece itself
initially we expected to have a much easier time getting critical focus, but this eyepiece simply gives you bigger pixels...and as I already know, simply enlarging the pixels does not increase the resolution so it almost seems blurry.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Good Video Quality
- Great Picture Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Definitely z-finder its the best in the market
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Awesome Image
Easy to Install
The cap on the eyepiece falls off easy though
The cap to close the viewfinder when putting away is hard to put back on
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Production quality is very good.
fitted my Canon7D.
Visibility is good even if I wear glasses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Good Video Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Amazing, so useful when shooting outdoors and unable to see all the colors and trying to focus on certain subjects!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Price is a bit high, but worth it. Feels extremely solid and comfortable mounted on the Canon 5D. 2.5x is plenty (almost too much) of magnification.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Before buying this product I bought a cheaper view finder, the "V-Finder" by another brand--it was 40 bucks, and I got what I paid for. At the end of my very first shoot with it, the plastic piece on the bottom snapped in two and it would no longer sit on my tripod. Then a a few minutes later the viewfinder couldn't be used either. I bought a cheap product and got burned.
So I decided to buy what I should have in the first place. The z-finder is in another class--another universe, really as far as construction goes. I dropped the z-finder on concrete during my second shoot with it--not a scratch--solid construction and a great gorilla plate to secure to your tripod.
I don't notice much difference when turning the diopter, but maybe that's because my vision can compensate throughout...
I was using this z-finder on my friend's Canon 60D, but plan on using it on other cameras in the future--I feel certain Zacuto will make different mounts for any future cameras that may come out, as well.
Quality product that's really necessary if you're doing any outside shooting or if you LIKE your shots to be in focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Coupled with a Canon 60D for HD video production. Easy to assemble. I leave the base bracket attached for easy setup. Two thumb screws tighten the lens to the camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
If all your shots are preformed from a tripod and you can always prefocus on still subjects, then maybe you can do without a viewfinder. But for on the run focusing, excellent ergonomics, and a very large, crisp viewing experience, you really can't go past this product. For me, functionality, design, and build earn this product 6 stars. But I feel the high price is a bit excessive.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adjustable
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- DSLR Video
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I added this to my T2i and it opened up a ton of possibilities I had not thought of before.
Since I picked up my T2i, I didn't think that a viewfinder was terribly necessary, until I used one. At first I tried a friends Z-Finder and then an acquaintance's cheaper competitor. The competitor did not stand up to the quality of the Z-Finder.
The quality greatly justifies the cost in the comparison of the Z-Finder and any cheaper alternative.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Excellent product. it really transforms a DSLR that can take video in a real Video Camera a lot easier to be operated accurately and a lot more ergonomic.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear view
Cons
- Fragile
Best Uses
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I've just purchased the product recently and I did not have enough time for a proper review. So far it seems to do the job pretty well. What I don't like is the fact that it can quickly fall if you don't handle the camera properly. The viewfinder area is also very fragile and it jumps out if you just touch it with your hand inappropriately. The 3 stars rating is just because I find the product too expensive compared to how fragile it is. Conclusion - handle it with care.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
Works great with video shooting on my Nikon D7000. Sun glare and focus are no longer an issue. Great build quality and worth every cent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x:
I use this product with my Canon 5D Mark II for shooting wedding. It is a great thing to have. It helps a lot to obtain a sharp focus and in strong sun light. This is a gear you must have when shooting with DSLR cameras.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Viewfinders Accessories
- Price: $2.85
System Extensions
- Price: $736.25
What's in the Box
- 3 x Extender Frames
- Gorilla Plate w/Short Body Frame
- Lens Cap & Protective Boot
- Lanyard and Lanyard Hook
- 2.5x Lens with Anti-Fog Coating Protective Cover
- Additional Anti-Fog Coating Protective Cover
- Eyecup
- Lifetime Warranty
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