{photo: courtesy of www.philipbloom.co.uk}Following the release and product launch of our Z-Finder V2: a DSLR viewfinder critical for precision focus on shallow depth-of-field cameras, we've received amazing feedback and reviews across numerous social media forums. From the independent filmmaker to avant-garde wedding videographers to professional photographers, the Z-Finder has become essential for a full range of DSLR cameras such as: Canon 5DMKII, Canon 7D, Panasonic GH1, Nikon D300, Nikon D5000, and Pentex 7D. See below for some of the most recent reviews.
For more information on the Z-Finder V2, additional benefits, and a very detailed step-by-step tutorial product video, visit www.store.zacuto.com
Z-FINDER USER REVIEWS + COMMENTS
"At the moment there is nothing that comes close to this. It is absolutely essential for video on the 5DMkII. I couldn't shoot hand-held without it that’s for sure. It has a 3x magnification making the image huge in your eye. Yes it is magnifying the pixels, but it still improves focusing a hell of a lot. ~ Philip Bloom, Independent DP and Director www.philipbloom.co.uk“The Z-finder V2, a magnificent upgrade and sharp as a tack across the whole image. The focus gearing was accurate, frictionless and backlash free.” ~ Robert Primes, ASC.
“The Z-Finder, an absolute must have piece of equipment.” ~ Rodney Charters, Director of Photography, on the Television Series “24”
"My focus is 100% more precise with the Z-finder than without it, but it could have been even better if the camera LCD had more pixels. This is great because it means the Z-finder is future proof: it’s performance is going to improve as LCDs get better!" ~ Alain Pilon, Photographer & Videographer.
"The Z-finder also make it easy to keep both eyes open while shooting. One eye is used to focus while the other look around at the environment to make sure you don’t fall, trip on something and keep the action within the frame. I use this technique a lot while shooting stills and I am happy to be able to do it now while shooting clips." Read Full Review at www.canon5dtips.com
"This Z-finder is awesome. I am using it in Lima, Peru right now and am so glad I purchased it. I had a Hoodman but the quality of this is amazing and the eye cup is truly spectacular!" ~ W. Ashley Maddox, DP/Director, Wam Pictures Ltd www.wampictures.blogspot.com
"What I'm most impressed with is the ability to critically focus my still shots. I use a lot of wide-aperture Canon lenses that are hard to get tack-on focus. So I turn on live view, move the focusing spot right on the subject's eye and with the Z-finder's help, I'm able to confirm that the eyeball is super sharp." ~ Jason Smith, Chicago Based Event Photographer www.jasonsmith.com
“Before, focusing on the LCD at arms length was impossible. The Z-finder actually adds functionality to the camera. Even though $399 is a little high, the added functionality is worth it to me. On top of video, the Z-finder actually has still photo functionality as well. It’s great for reviewing photos. Even with the large screen on the 5D, I had trouble checking focus in the field. The Z-finder solves that problem.” ~ Greg Milneck, Television and Film Producer www.digitalfx.tv/blog
"Man, I hate to sound like a Zacuto whore, but…The Z-Finder, expensive as it is, makes the GH1 do exactly what you want it to do. And they've got a grip configuration that fits the bill as well. Here's a link to footage I shot last week using exactly this combination of gear… http://vimeo.com/6636855" ~ By Stephen Mick at DvxUser
{Photo: courtesy of Mike Vlack of Cinema5D.com}"My wife saw some of my post Z-Finder V2 footage from the 5DMK2 yesterday and said, ‘Wow, you've gotten a lot better.’ What she was noticing was improved stability and focus which were hit and miss without it, but I'll settle for better.” ~ Michael Shaw.
"I have problem eyesight....Contact lenses, left eye reading, right eye, distance, + booster half frame reading glasses, when all else fails. I'm really pleased with my Zacuto Finder, the magnification allows for easy tracking focus...Really good value." ~ Ron Coker of DVinfo.net
"This is an amazingly solid, well crafted unit. The optics are clear and bright, the housing is bomb-proof, and the eye cup is very comfortable. This is such a solid unit, I have no doubt it will serve a very long life with the rest of my kit." ~ by Current Motion at www.cinema5d.com
“DSLR video is bloody hard work without my Zacuto Z-Finder. Wouldn't have a hope in hell of finding focus on my 5DmKII. ” ~ Michael Robertson www.velodramatic.com
“I purchased the Z Finder to replace a Hoodman loupe for this project I am currently shooting for and am I happy I went ahead with this purchase! An Essential item for any 5D shooter, great job Zacuto!” ~ Raffaele, Videographer & Photographer
“Lots of 5D MKII video shooting on the set today. Had three cameras rolling with good sound feeding in. Z-finder was big hit.” ~ Mark Harmel, Los Angeles based Photographer www.harmelphoto.com
“I did a shoot at a research lab with my 5D MKII and Z-Finder last week, I used the freebie Zacuto lanyard and found that the lanyard method worked very well for my needs, nice to just snap it on and off as I needed it.”~ Dan Brokett of DVinfo.net
"I got to try the Z-Finder 2 Today hands on a the HD show in NYC. It's amazing compared to the Hoodman ~ worlds apart. In my opinion after trying it out, it's worth every penny especially since there is a great warranty and believe me, I'm not being hired by Zacuto to say this." ~ FotoArt, Pro Member at Cinema5D.com
"I have never used the hoodman, so cant say. All I can add is that the Zacuto really makes a difference if you shoot video...it lets you actually set focus w/o guessing." DigitalFx from RedUser.net
"I've used a hoodman and it is not even close, the Z-finder is best in class." ~ Matt Gottshalk, www.mcgeedigitalmedia.com
"Just got my Z-Finder and it works great. A necessity rather than an accessory..." ~ Richard Maldonado.
"Before the Z-Finder had arrived, I’d been out shooting some video with the Mark II, only to find out that I couldn’t really see what was going on on a very sunny day. I was having a LOT of trouble seeing what I was filming and the Rodenstock loupe was not much help for live viewing! The Z-Finder arrived and was just a thousand times better for viewing what was being captured on the back." ~ Dave Warner. Read full review here www.LensFlare35.com.
Posts
6 comments:
Using a wide angle lens I use the Z-Finder plus the magnification to find the focus. I need them both.
Z-Finder for Stills Guys too:
Another thing the Z-Finder is superb for is focussing a fast and wide lens like Canon's 24L/1.4. For example, a half body shot in poor light when working wide open at f1.4. It's so difficult to hit those eyes with perfect focus because DOF at that distance is so shallow and tough to judge through the optical viewfinder. So I strap on the Z-Finder, hit the live-view mode, then hit the little magnify button twice, thats X10 magnification on the screen! So easy to focus those eyes now, then just hit the magnify button one more time and your back to 100% view - how cool is that?
A lovely side benefit of working like this for a stills shooter (already established that we're shooting in poor light) is the mirror is now *UP* as we're in live-view mode and the camera is effectively an electronic rangefinder with no mirror thrashing around to potentially ruin those 1/15th second exposures, she's also nice and quiet now for those got to be quiet events!
How cool is that Leica lovers?
www.chrisgibbs.com
Why do you use velcro or sticky things to attach the z-finder to the camera? Can't you incorporate the tripod mount somehow? A thin plate so you can still use a tripod. Or am I missing something really really obvious here?
"Why do you use velcro or sticky things to attach the z-finder to the camera? Can't you incorporate the tripod mount somehow? A thin plate so you can still use a tripod. Or am I missing something really really obvious here?"
Hi Brendan,
We use a snap fit frame that sticks on to the LCD screen of the camera so that the z-finder can quickly snap on and off. The Z-Finder has multiple applications, (ex. looking at stills in sunlight) and some people still want to be able to use the camera viewfinder. If you use the tripod screw, you can not quickly get the z-finder on and off the camera to be able to do this. I hope this helps answer your question.
Have you tried it on any smaller camera? Would it help with your little waterproof Lumix?
Take care of yourself.
R4i,
I have used a Z-Finder on a Panasonic GF1, and it works great. If the camera has a 3" screen, it should work. Of course, anyone who has a small camera and would like to try it, that would be great. If it didn't fit, you would obviously be able to return the Z-Finder for a full refund. Of course we would love to see pics posted, if it does work. Unfortunately, we don't have every camera in stock to test it on.
Steve
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