Hoodman HoodLoupe VS Zacuto Z-Finder

xbourque said:
Sorry to rain on your parade, but it IS overpriced.

Since it's almost the only game in town, then sure, if you need it, you'll pay for it.

But selling a close-up lens, a plastic tube, an eyecup and a few fittings for the same price as a brand new 50mm f1.4 AF lens is ridiculous.

-X
Click to expand...

Sad but true. Couldn't have said it better mate. I'm sure Zacuto products are great and all, but there definitely is a monopoly factor at play here. A lot of the companies in the indie film market (Redrock, Zacuto et al) are definitely not for the "lower-class" indie filmmaker...I'm talking about that kid that flipped burgers and stacked shelves all summer to buy that new 50mm f1.4 prime lens...
 
USLatin said:
Has anyone actually called Zacuto and asked if they know the frames will work with the 7D? If would be f'in hilarious if we were all left with the frame in our hand, scratching our heads with the other. :)



I know you said it wasn't much of a problem but if you can see the pixels it can be horribly distracting. So, would you say a tad less magnification would have been better? The LCDVF will have a little less magnification.
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its not horrible at all. i'll elaborate on what i wrote in a previous post...

first with the Zfinder...you are *NOT* staring at pixels, so dont worry.

on the hoodloupe i can feel that there "could" be more resolution on the LCD to some degree. the fact that the Zfinder is 3X just exaggerates that feeling a little bit more but doesnt leave me feeling i want less x or want to get away from it in the least.

with the Zfinder the degree of "closeness and intimacy" with the scene is dramatic. you feel like "your in the scene...like the front row of a theatre". i like that not only from a functional aspect but from an emotional and sensory aspect.

lets say your shooting a scene with one actor and she is filling up the frame. with the hoodman...no problem. you can focus the shot just great and you can still observe and judge their performance because she has dominated your 3" lcd.

now let say you have 5 people in the scene. with the hoodloupe you wont feel anyway near connected with their performances and their nuances as you would the Zfinder. they are much smaller sharing that 3" space. the Z's 3x keeps you up close and personal. so i see it not only as a great focusing aid but equally an "emotional connector". maybe some people wont give a hoot about what im describing but when i first put the Z on...this hit me like a ton of bricks and in a good way. i wasnt expecting this in the least...i was just thinking...i hope i can grab focus better than the hoodloupe and i just spent $400.

the Zfinder's 3x as it relates to resoluion only? im not distracted by the amplification of the LCD but i did observe that the LCD is less than perfect (but still acceptable...to get it done). there is nothing we can do about that and i accept it for what it is. the mild lack of resolution is there no matter with the hoodloupe or the Zfinder.

Zfinder is like getting 10" away from somebodies face vs 3 feet away. at 10" you observe the pores, littles hairs etc. it just makes the smaller things easier to grab focus on than using the hoodloupe simply because...you can see them.

the hoodloupe can still get it done, is adequate and inexpensive. im not preaching to anyone that the Zfinder is the only way to get it done. the Zfinder *is* better to me but that doesnt make the Hoodloupe not work.

a car can get you from point A to B. the hoodloupe is a car without AC and a nice stereo. Zfinder has what the hoodloupe is missing and just makes the ride much more pleasurable. i buy the frills if i can afford them. if i cant ill just roll down the windows and continue driving.

in case people didnt read the first page of this thread, here is a great link for Hoodloupe users as to how to mount it.
http://www.normanbonney.com/hoodloupe..html

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
xbourque said:
Sorry to rain on your parade, but it IS overpriced.

Since it's almost the only game in town, then sure, if you need it, you'll pay for it.

But selling a close-up lens, a plastic tube, an eyecup and a few fittings for the same price as a brand new 50mm f1.4 AF lens is ridiculous.

-X
Click to expand...

It is not overpriced.

If it were, no one would buy it.

And there are plenty of other options out there.

They just aren't as good.
 
It is not overpriced.
Click to expand...
So let's see, 400$ minus... an eye cup (3.45$) and a decent close up lens (9.95$) leaves us with 386$ and change to get some double sided adhesive and a plastic cup. Wow! Zacuto's profit margin must be razor thin!

mcgeedigital said:
And there are plenty of other options out there.
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Plenty?

Besides the Hoodman Hoodloupe and the SockLoupe, what else is out there? I wouldn't count 2 items as "plenty".

If it were, no one would buy it.
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Give me a break.

By your logic, I guess the 999$ "I Am Rich" iPhone app wasn't overpriced either since eight people bought it before Apple pulled the plug.

Same goes for Rolex watches or Louis Vuitton bags, RAM at the Apple Store or Monster Cables for that matter.

These items are sold to happy customers. Doesn't mean they aren't overpriced.

-X
 
xbourque said:
Sorry to rain on your parade, but it IS overpriced.

Since it's almost the only game in town, then sure, if you need it, you'll pay for it.

But selling a close-up lens, a plastic tube, an eyecup and a few fittings for the same price as a brand new 50mm f1.4 AF lens is ridiculous.

-X
Click to expand...


You make it sound so easy, why don't you go make one, MacGyver?
 
xbourque said:
So let's see, 400$ minus... an eye cup (3.45$) and a decent close up lens (9.95$) leaves us with 386$ and change to get some double sided adhesive and a plastic cup. Wow! Zacuto's profit margin must be razor thin!



Plenty?

Besides the Hoodman Hoodloupe and the SockLoupe, what else is out there? I wouldn't count 2 items as "plenty".



Give me a break.

By your logic, I guess the 999$ "I Am Rich" iPhone app wasn't overpriced either since eight people bought it before Apple pulled the plug.

Same goes for Rolex watches or Louis Vuitton bags, RAM at the Apple Store or Monster Cables for that matter.

These items are sold to happy customers. Doesn't mean they aren't overpriced.

-X
Click to expand...

WOW! i cant believe that i am going to have to defend Zacuto right now even though im more against their pricing that just about anyone out there.

1. first off your math is nowhere close to being accurate. for your information the Schiender 3x loupe (for photogrpahy) is somewhere around $150-$180 US just to buy it in its raw form. you can find the link somewhere in this thread to cinema5D on how to modify to copy the Zfinder. not a bad idea if your handy and want to save...a few bucks. for the money saved though i would rather just have the real thing.

2. Zacuto has actually come up with a very good mounting solution that...actually works. its not stupid looking rubber bands that makes your rig look sort of silly.

3. the design of the Zfinder does actually kick ass on the 5D adding visual clout. not important to some but for me...im glad to have if it happens to be there. it doesnt hurt to "look the part".

4. its built extremely well. and guess what...a lifetime warranty. not bad dont you think.

5. to me 3x is simply better than 1x. but thats just me. if you dont think so then the Hoodloupe should be perfect for you then.

6. there is no equal equivelent yet. there will be though, its just a matter of time. RR's will more than likely sell for around $300.

7. fabricating a quality product does cost a few bucks. Zacuto built the gizmo to a high quality standard and are pricing accordingly. maybe after a few more come on the market they will have to lower their price to compete. maybe i am just so estactic as to what this simple little item will do for my shooting that i feel lucky to have it.

in the meantime people (that actually have the money) are going to sit around and whine about the price when they could have a tool that will change your shooting experience and change your end product in a very serious way? this sort of baffles me!

i will probably never buy another Zacuto product. from what i have seen, they dont have anything over RR. i could be wrong but thats my hunch. ill probably go RR with the Eyespy rig. its not important to me now. maybe others will come along. i use a DVTEC multirig for now and dont care about FF, i either use my hand or an attach lever that is getting it done for now.

with the Zfinder i would have spent more than $400 if i would have had to. wouldnt like it but i would. why? because my end product will be better MUCH BETTER thanks to Z. my state of mind while shooting will be better as well.

this thing is probably the #1 best improvement for DSLR's. without it your just flying in the clouds unless you like to shoot @ f11 all the time.

end of rant
david
www.davidprobst.com
 
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There is no such thing as "overpriced". Value is unique to the individual comparing them. I would also contend that even if we try and give some definition of overpriced, the Zfinder can't possibly fit it because it is a non-essential item with a demand greater than its supply. Logically speaking, that would mean Zacuto is underpricing the Zfinder given it's demand.
 
sblfilms said:
There is no such thing as "overpriced". Value is unique to the individual comparing them. I would also contend that even if we try and give some definition of overpriced, the Zfinder can't possibly fit it because it is a non-essential item with a demand greater than its supply. Logically speaking, that would mean Zacuto is underpricing the Zfinder given it's demand.
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Don't bring logic into this argument.

Everyone knows that I could go into my shop with some cardboard, a magnifying glass, some glue and a dremel tool and make one just like it and it will only cost .05!
 
Question for everybody: what's the aspect ratio of the screen on the 5D/7D? (Or even better what's the actual width/height of the screen?)

sblfilms said:
There is no such thing as "overpriced".
Click to expand...

Of course there is:

http://store.zacuto.com/Zound-Hotshoe.html


@davidp:

I never questionned the quality of ZFinder or its usefulness. It seems like a quality product and it gets rave reviews.

My beef is with the (apparently) outrageous margin Zacuto makes on that product. The only reason Zacuto gets away with it is because nobody bothered to make a competing product because it is a minuscule market.
Hey... if they can sell it at that price, more power to them... this is a free market.

At that price, at the very least it could have been metal instead of plastic, and use some sort of bracket that screws in the tripod hole instead of sticky tape. A bit like the RedRock loupe holder, but something that would allow the loupe to click on and off for quick removal.
 
What worries me about the LCDVF is the point of contact. The plastic hood seems flimsy as well, which would not allow you to use it as forcibly as you may need to as times. When you don't have a tactical, or RR support, or on a steady, or o a tripod, or whatever the hell you managed to get/rent and chose to use for your shot... when you are shooting hand held with a DSLR... then I can see a rock of an EVF loupe as a must. The LCDVF seems to have a hood that would bend, even if just a little. That could be annoying and mess with you even if just a little, mid-shot. Being messed with mid not isn't trivial.

Add to that a reliable way to take it on and off for when you want to share with a few people or need to try to shoot high. I don't know about a magnetic interface... I mean, even if it is super powerful.. I have no way of knowing if it will be good enough, but I don't feel like I would bet on it. If someone can assure me that strong enough magnets exist in such small size and are affordable enough to count on them being used for such low price and not some cheaper kind... ok... Maybe I'll wait a month, or at least till the Z-Finder is back in stock. Then maybe I get lucky and the LCDVF comes out before that and I get to make a more informed decision.

But still... I don't know if it is worth waiting for the LCDVF. As much as I want to. I do need the cash for other things. But I feel that without it I won't be able to deliver the same as the hard design and mount.

mcgeedigital said:
I've compared them both.

The LCD-VF is nice but is not as durable or well made.
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Did you? Could you care to comment on this please.

xbourque said:
Of course there is:

http://store.zacuto.com/Zound-Hotshoe.html
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Respectfully, have you ever touched one with your hands?

xbourque said:
At that price, at the very least it could have been metal instead of plastic, and use some sort of bracket that screws in the tripod hole instead of sticky tape. A bit like the RedRock loupe holder, but something that would allow the loupe to click on and off for quick removal.
Click to expand...

I bet they thought about it. My guess is weight.
 
USLatin said:
Respectfully, have you ever touched one with your hands?
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LOL. No. Not with my hands (or any other body part).

At least, in a twisted way, you could say that you are "investing" in a quality hot-shoe to quarter/twenty adatper and that you will keep it "for life"... if you manage not to lose it. (Hot shoe mounts and quarter/twenty screws aren't going anywhere).

I still think that a 25$ dollar solution would last a liftetime too... I "borrowed" at hot shoe ball head that my dad got in the seventies. Works great. I'm sure he didn't pay 183$ for it.

I wonder though what's the plan for all these 400$ ZFinders when the 5DmkIII or 7DmkII comes out with slightly larger screens? or focus assist/peaking? or flipout screens (surely you wouldn't want to use the hinge as a point of contact).

--X
 
Lol... glad to hear you are not humping gear. Guess it came out a bit funny.

Yes, but there is more. The tighten and loosen action, the security that it is tight enough because of how communicative the design is... I know it doesn't sound like much, but as you said: for life. There are many Zacuto parts that don't convince me over RR gear. But there is about as many that do.

The senenties gear was well designed, at least there was a lot less crap out there. My Dad's OM-1 MD is still a fantastic SLR! Lenses, the Contax, Zuikos, and many more... but you do realize you are making my point, right? :)
 
USLatin said:
but you do realize you are making my point, right? :)
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Well, if your point is that well made quality gear is worth a premium, yes I agree. Especially for stuff that you will keep no matter which camera you use.

If your point is that 183$ for a ball joint (half the price of the audio recorder it's meant to hold!) is "reasonable", then... I guess we agree on principle, but not on the numbers.


-X
 
xbourque said:
Question for everybody: what's the aspect ratio of the screen on the 5D/7D? (Or even better what's the actual width/height of the screen?)



Of course there is:

http://store.zacuto.com/Zound-Hotshoe.html


@davidp:

I never questionned the quality of ZFinder or its usefulness. It seems like a quality product and it gets rave reviews.

My beef is with the (apparently) outrageous margin Zacuto makes on that product. The only reason Zacuto gets away with it is because nobody bothered to make a competing product because it is a minuscule market.
Hey... if they can sell it at that price, more power to them... this is a free market.

At that price, at the very least it could have been metal instead of plastic, and use some sort of bracket that screws in the tripod hole instead of sticky tape. A bit like the RedRock loupe holder, but something that would allow the loupe to click on and off for quick removal.
Click to expand...


i agree that almost every other item from Zacuto's pricing seems nuts. but thats ok because we have RR and many others that we can buy a rail system from starting at 100 bucks up to what zacuto wants. its just that i dont really think the Zfinder is terribly overpriced in relation to what else is currently out there. ill bet RR comes out with one at roughly $300. if they had it now and i knew it worked as good then there is no way i would pay for the Zfinder.

Zacuto want $193.00 for a hot shoe? to me...no i would rig something else before i would buy that. the loupe situation is different though. its not just a simple little clamp or twist knob.

im glad its plastic and not metal since it would probably be heavier if it was metal. i can tell you that it is built very good. it reeks of quality. do i need that high of quality for this thing? not really and i could be cool to save a few bucks if they could have scaled the build quality but in the end...400 300 200 bucks...i dont really care. its a tool that i desperately need and i will buy it even if i basically would never have bought from them otherwise. i wont sacrifice my art/work because of pride or ego because of a questionable attitude towards Zacuto. the feeling that maybe "Zacuto finally got me sucked in"... doesnt exist here. they are the only real game in town for me right now (wears eyeglasses) and i am completely happy that they offer this product.

how it attaches is really a personal preference. they way it clamps on is brilliant IMO for video purposes but wanting to shoot photography on a given day then the rim is protruding a bit and im not reall happy but i think i can live with it. the problem with the RR permanent clamp it that you cant take the loupe off without a big hassle. what if you have a few of the clients wanting to huddle around to see what you just shot. not very convenient to do that all of a sudden, at least from my POV. also there is not one problem with sticking this adhesive on there...none at all. before with my hoodloupe i had put down velcro strips. they were solid as a rock. when i pulled them off for the Zfinder adhesive i had absolutely no residue...none. i also was assured from Zacuto that there is no residue from this adhesive and i will take them at their word.

only if i cant live with the slightly protruding mount when shooting photograhpy then i might end up doing the surgery on it like i did with my Hoodloupe after all, but then i will void my warranty. not sure yet. easier to drill into the cheap hoodloupe than the pricey and pretty Zfinder.

assuming a person has the cash available there is really only 2 general questions to ask themselves.

1--will this tool make a difference in my end product by allowing me to pull focus better?
2--will this make my shooting experience any better?

two be yeses for me. $400 is not much to pay considering what i will get back in benefits. thats a fraction of the cost i have in my obscene selection of expensive nikon and canon glass....

in fairness to Zacuto. i have never....yes i said never have i heard a person complain about a Zacuto products quality or their customer service....only the price of course..haha. thats saying a lot for a company. im glad though that there are other options available to choose from if i ever buy a rail system. i like the Eye Spy rig w/ff better than the Zacuto rigs anyway. id like to think that the RR is on par quality wise with Zacuto. if i found out otherwise then who knows...maybe i will have to eventually buck up for the pricing of Zacuto....yikes!

xbourque, thanks for your comments

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
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Nothing has inherent value. The value of "Stuff" is decided by the market for said stuff. Zacuto can sell their supply of Zfinders for $400 and so the value of the Zfinder by simple logic is $400. As I mentioned, it is actually likely that the Zfinder is underpriced because Zacuto has demand that out strips its supply at the $400 price level.
 
Wow this thread is getting pretty intense. As many have stated, I also have never heard a complaint about Zacuto gear except price. That's pretty impressive. I'm in no rush for a loop yet. i want to learn the camera for a little and than decide on the best option for me and my budget. It's a tough pill to swallow that I can get a 50mm ef prime for the same price as the zfinder but ultimately it may just be a something I do. The zfinder looks great and is highly recommended. The price is crazy but every person on here says once they shoot with it, they feel it was worth the investment.
 
tony240sx said:
Wow this thread is getting pretty intense. As many have stated, I also have never heard a complaint about Zacuto gear except price. That's pretty impressive. I'm in no rush for a loop yet. i want to learn the camera for a little and than decide on the best option for me and my budget. It's a tough pill to swallow that I can get a 50mm ef prime for the same price as the zfinder but ultimately it may just be a something I do. The zfinder looks great and is highly recommended. The price is crazy but every person on here says once they shoot with it, they feel it was worth the investment.
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yes you can get a 50mm lens for roughly the same price as the Zfinder.

consider this though...wouldnt you want the best possible ***TOOL***to help you get the best results from your new 50mm?

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
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