 to go with them and try to make some commissions from referrals to help keep this blog running.
You’d have to get an additional frame to use the Z-Finder Pro with the baseplate mounting option. You can either get that or use an adhesive frame instead.
Here’s the frame you would need if you go with the baseplate option.
Superb, extensive write-up.
I actually ordered a LCDVF last night from the glidetrack site…I can’t wait. There’s no denying it’s an essential and underated piece of kit. It’ll make my life so much easier!!!
Amazing review – thanks for this!
I’m planning to buy a viewfinder for my 550D and came across the “LCDVF 3:2” which is even cheaper than the original LCDVF. Do you know if it comes with the soft eyecap? Couldn’t find this information on the web.
There is currently no eye cushion included with the LCDVF 3/2, unfortunately! I find it pretty essential and very comfortable for longer shooting.
Even after your review Im torn! I was set on getting a Zacuto Pro 2.5x but I read it isnt the best for 550D/T2i in terms of attaching. I read the base plate is a waste and doesnt really suite the 550D..so that makes me worried..at the same time I’ve read the LCDVF fits the 550D’s 3:2 aspect screen perfectly..But I’m worried that 2.0x magnification isn’t enough, as well as the lack of the diopter. I dont wear glasses or contacts and my vision is pretty good. What should I get? The LCDVF or the Zacuto pro? I dont mind saving an extra month to get the zacuto but with what I read about it fitting the the 550D well is making me hesitant..Anyway, thanks for your review Nino. You rock.
Regarding the battery grip: You’d have to get an additional frame to use the Z-Finder Pro with the baseplate mounting option, therefore I’d suggest using an adhesive frame for that as well. It works and is rock solid.
thanks for the great and honest review. The only issue I have is that you provide buying links for products that you clearly don’t recommend.
I feel a bit of a lack of integrity here.
Other then that, great review.
As you say Shmuel, I don’t recommend them 🙂 So you probably won’t buy them anyway, but you might find something else on their site instead.
However, I feel obliged to include them due to the simple fact that B&H Photo & Video was kind enough to send me all their stuff from New York to Vienna (even reimbursing me for customs), therefore I think it’s only fair to give them a bit of traffic on their website. That’s my way of thanking them.
I see your point of course, that’s why I just deleted the “Click here to buy” notion from the links for the Cavision and HoodLoupe.
Just wanted to comment about the LCDVF and their service. I had a problem with one of the magnets coming loose on my unit. I emailed them and within a week had a replacement unit at not cost, no questions asked – from overseas! Amazing service. I don’t know about a lifetime warranty, but you can feel safe buying an LCDVF.
And I agree- it’s fantastic. I actually use the old version on my t2i and while it doesn’t fit perfectly, it doesn’t bother me at all. Thanks for the review!
Cool Post. Nice that someone does this things.
Thanks for taking the time and effort to review all of those viewfinders, Nino. Great job!
I picked up a T2i/550D soon after it was released, partly thanks to the reviews and trial-runs that you, Philip Bloom and others were kind enough to share. I’m using it as a 2nd video camera as well as my primary still camera, so one of the accessories I immediately bought was a Z-Finder 2. I can’t say enough good things about my Z-Finder. It works brilliantly and I’ve come to consider it an essential part of my kit. And I’m with you about the adhesive frame mount. Once I got over the idea of having to stick that frame onto the back of my camera, I found it a great design for allowing me to quickly pop the Z-Finder on and off.
Ordered a LCDVF for use with EOS 5d mkII today via http://www.enjoyyourcamera.com as my camera-dealer could not find a distributor in Europe / Austria. Quite puzzling – company from Estonia shipping equipment only to USA or Asia.
LCDVF doesn’t sell directly to any country, only through distributors.
Did you order at enjoyyourcamera through Amazon? Then you get their return policy, which is better.
I have Toni’s LCDVF and am generally very happy with it. One of the frames came lose and I got 2 spares sent in less than a week. He’s not the quickest to reply to emails out of unknown reasons but he does deliver the goods. The magnetic snap (introduced first by Apple’s power cable snap on) is genius!
What I miss dearly though with the LCDVF is an adjustable diopter – I have to use reading glasses to get a sharp picture and that clearly sucks – too bad.
ps: I’d call it a (slight) minus that none of the other manufacturers supply an eye patch respectively offer a way to attach one. An oversight in my book.
Loving the site and blog Nino, great stuff.
Do you have affiliates to buy from over here or just the US?
By ‘over here’ you mean Europe? In Europe I have affiliations with Amazon.de & Amazon.co.uk, but oftentimes it’s a good idea to order from the US (like directly from Zacuto, who I’m affiliated with) because it’s still cheaper!
I bought the H-LCKIT Hoodman Cinema Kit from my local camera store for 100 even. The straps are not ideal but they worked very well when adjusted and secured properly. As for the magnification, I don’t really get that. I don’t know if the included HoodEYE 3.0 is a magnifier but I didn’t have any problems focusing. The eye piece did fog up a bit but a quick swipe with a tissue took care of that.
For a hundred dollar the results are amazing. Secondly, to be fair, you should review the mounting accessories and magnification of the Hoodman of the cinema kit pro. The price will go up but then you will have an apples to apples comparison.
http://www.hoodmanusa.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HCKP, This kit comes in 60 bucks cheaper than the Jr.
As I said before, I would have loved to test the pro kit version of the Hoodman, but B&H sent me this version.
I didn’t read you’re mention of the Pro Kit Version in your article. Maybe you should link to it rather than the simple hoodman loupe with straps.
Excellent work. You are doing such a great thing sharing all this information.
Thanks Jeremy, just updated the blog with some info on the Hoodman Cinema Kit Pro. Unfortunately I didn’t receive a test unit of this version.
Thanks Jason, looking forward to it too – will take a bit though, the production version will be ready in about two weeks.
Have you seen the incredible EUR 49.90 DigiFinder pro? I think it is not shipping yet, but I will be very curious to see the reviews on that one.
Just learned about it yesterday! Will try to get my hands on one. If you have any contacts, please send them to me.
They should be able to provide you one!
I’ll send you one if you review it. Send me your info where I can ship it to.
Yes, I’m VERY curious to see an update to this great review to add the DigiFinder. Right now, I’m leaning towards the LCDVF 3/2 unless the DigiFinder is comparable.
The key for me is to easily pop it off and having it around my neck on a lanyard as I take a lot of stills.
The LCDVF 3/2 is easier to pop on and off if that’s what you’re after! Will blog about the DigiFinder soon, I used it already.
Still can’t make up my mind though! I was torn between the Zacuto (a bit expensive though) and LCDVF. That Letus looks pretty nice though… any update on when you’ll have a review, or initial thoughts?
One question regarding the Zacuto Pro and Letus type base-mounting bracket. How easy is it to remove the viewfinder quickly? I’m primarily a stills shooter who might want to switch quickly between shooting stills mostly, and occasional video. Would the LCDVF with its magnetic plates be better for that do you think?
Hi Ben, hope to get the Letus for review soon, I hope to have a review up in two weeks – before that is unlikely.
It is very easy to remove the Zacuto or LCDVF from the camera if you don’t need them, both systems are close to perfect if you ask me. It’s just very comfortable