Zacuto Z-Finder vs Hoodman Loupe
- Thread starter xianchi
- Start date
puredrifting
Major Contributor
I have the Z-Finder. I have not used the Hoodman but the general consensus on the boards is that the Hooman is just okay, but if you try view it at any angle other than dead on, the images distort and as far as mounting, the Hoodman rubber band overall does not hold the loupe in the exact position you want it to stay in.
The Z-finder has a big, bright image and works really well, I did an all weekend even shoot a few weeks ago and the Z-Finder was excellent. Zacuto is re-designing the Z-Finder and coming out with the version 2.0 soon.
Well worth the money.
Dan
The Z-finder has a big, bright image and works really well, I did an all weekend even shoot a few weeks ago and the Z-Finder was excellent. Zacuto is re-designing the Z-Finder and coming out with the version 2.0 soon.
Well worth the money.
Dan
I have the Z-Finder and have tried the Hoodman. The Z is much better, far better magnification and much brighter. Does it justify being more than 5 times more expensive? Probably not. The Hoodman is great value for the money. However if you are professional, there is an obligation to use something twice as good, even if it is 4/5 times more expensive. It still does not have a good mounting system and the rubber eyepiece fogs up the viewfinder if you cup it too firmly to the eye. There is apparently a version 2 on it's way, and I am sure it will improve. However another option looks interesting as well:
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2675
Redrock will be coming out with a new mounting option for any viewfinder you chose shortly as well.
It appears a new class of product is coming onto the market and this is really only the beginning.
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2675
Redrock will be coming out with a new mounting option for any viewfinder you chose shortly as well.
It appears a new class of product is coming onto the market and this is really only the beginning.
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DEPTH OF PHIL
Well-known member
Yes, go Zacuto but wait till version 2
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Yes, I don't think any more of the V1 Z-Finders are available. Steve Weiss mentioned that the V2 is going to be available in 10 weeks and that was about 2 weeks ago. Can't wait to try it.
Dan
Dan
what is the difference between the ZFinder and the Schneider loupe it's based on? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/214582-REG/Schneider_08_034551_3x_Magnifier_for_6x7.htmlhttp://www.nextag.com/SCHNEIDER-3x-Magnifying-Loupe-55196049/prices-html
A $240 eyecup?
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Paul:
Do you own or have you tried the Z-Finder or are you playing armchair quarterback? I had one of the first Z-Finders V1.0 sold and have shot about 30 hours with it now.
1. The front piece (that spaces the loupe optics the correct distance from the LCD for the correct FOV) of the Z-Finder is custom made
2. Optics have been optimized per Zacuto's specs
3. The eyecups cost $50.00 to $70.00 when purchased as a Sony or Panasonic part
4. There are numerous threads on this on this site and others but after doing the math, IF you had the time, CAD/CAM skills and optical printing acumen to custom fabricate the front piece, with the loupe, eyepiece, fabricating the front piece, Velcro and shipping, you would be at around $280.00 to $300.00. Of course, this is discounting your time and effort, which for some of us is really expensive. For others with nothing better to do, perhaps their time is cheap, there are plenty of DIY solutions out there that people have fabricated but few of them will be at the level of the Z-Finder.
The Zacuto is close to perfect, it works very, very well and makes focusing the 5D MKII a breeze in bright daylight. The only downsides are the eyepiece will fog under certain humid circumstances and the Velcro mounting system leaves something to be desired, it works but is not really the ideal solution. Just wanted to offer my experience from actually using the product.
Best,
Dan
Do you own or have you tried the Z-Finder or are you playing armchair quarterback? I had one of the first Z-Finders V1.0 sold and have shot about 30 hours with it now.
1. The front piece (that spaces the loupe optics the correct distance from the LCD for the correct FOV) of the Z-Finder is custom made
2. Optics have been optimized per Zacuto's specs
3. The eyecups cost $50.00 to $70.00 when purchased as a Sony or Panasonic part
4. There are numerous threads on this on this site and others but after doing the math, IF you had the time, CAD/CAM skills and optical printing acumen to custom fabricate the front piece, with the loupe, eyepiece, fabricating the front piece, Velcro and shipping, you would be at around $280.00 to $300.00. Of course, this is discounting your time and effort, which for some of us is really expensive. For others with nothing better to do, perhaps their time is cheap, there are plenty of DIY solutions out there that people have fabricated but few of them will be at the level of the Z-Finder.
The Zacuto is close to perfect, it works very, very well and makes focusing the 5D MKII a breeze in bright daylight. The only downsides are the eyepiece will fog under certain humid circumstances and the Velcro mounting system leaves something to be desired, it works but is not really the ideal solution. Just wanted to offer my experience from actually using the product.
Best,
Dan
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