Zacuto Z-Find-Pro 2.5 Optical Viewfinder

2018-06-03T20:00:00

I recently got one of these and it saved my project to an extent. I'm filming in the harsh sunlight of the Caribbean, in Puerto Rico. I'm currently(2018) filming a documentary there. I'm not used to any type of fixed lens apparatus to aid in my shooting. I normally use a Small HD monitor but that piece of gear became useless around noon in harsh direct light. The Z-Finder ended up being my 'go to' piece of gear in these conditions. Easily and snuggly attaches to the plate. Solid piece of gear. I can't wait to afford a powered unit. As my current lower budget stands, this thing works great to get a true focus in harsh light. Love it. I'm keeping it in the bag at all times.

DavoTheDirector

Originally posted at

2017-09-21T20:00:00

I wish I'd written this review years ago. This was the first Zacuto product I ever bought. I managed to run in to the right person at the right time several years ago. I had a 5d that I'd only ever used for stills (as had most people at that time) when I heard about the 5d being used to make incredible videos. I had a look at the quality at it was amazing. Unlike anything else for the price. This person said to me that their client (a major musician) had a gig they wanted a clip for but needed to prove to the label it was worth doing. They said I could give it a go and see what happened. I checked out the 5d, what it had and what it didn't. The biggest missing piece for me, and for this job, was the need to ensure focus and be able to work both in bright daylight and under stage lights. The best thing I found? The Z-finder. It gave me a great way to view my focus and an extra point of contact for smoother shots. The work I did that day set up my career to where it is today and I owe part of the to the Z-finder. Awesome.

ozzydave

Originally posted at

2016-12-26T19:00:00

Why is why have I not used a Z Finder before this? Simply the best at on to an EVF, bar none. Versitility galore! Easy to use, comfortable, and the perfect match to the EVF!

lborgioli

Originally posted at

2013-09-23T21:00:00

It was hard at first deciding between the 2.5x and 3x magnification. However, Adorama ran a huge special on the 2.5x which made the choice much easier. The Z-Finder is a must have for DSLR videography. I use it at all events. No need to be squinting in the bright sunlight in order to see your LCD display. Remember, with video you're looking at the LCD, not the cameras viewfinder. I'm talking about DSLRs without EVFs like SONY. I haven't tried shooting on one of those so I'm not familiar with it. I use a Canon 5D mark II. The Z-Finder not only blocks out any external light, but it also magnifies the camera's LCD, making focusing much easier. With the 3x you really have to get your eye all the way into the Z-Finder's eye cup in order to see the whole magnified LCD screen because of the 3x magnification. With the 3x you also can kind of see the LCD's pixels. With the 2.5x, there isn't any of that. I find it more comfortable to use. The Z-Finder also comes with a mounting kit that uses your camera's tripod mount instead of having to apply a frame via adhesive that surrounds the camera's LCD and accepts the Z-Finder. I don't like adhering anything to my camera, so the included kit is a big plus. All the parts are well made and durable. When you're not using it, it snaps off the frame and has a lanyard. Just be aware that while this is attached to your camera you shouldn't have the Sun directly shining through the Z-Finder. It'll magnify the Sun's light and can damage your LCD. When not using it either take it off the camera or put on the cap which is attached to the Z-Finder's body. Anyway, fantastic product and again, a must have for DSLR videographers!

keith j.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Didn't want to fork out the extra money for a loupe I've never used, but after reading MANY forums, it kept leading me to the z-finder. If you can justify the expense, get it!

PORT T.

2012-04-01T21:00:00

This is my first Zacuto product purchase and I'm happy with the Z-Finder. My only gripe is the price, but I believe the company stands behind they're product with a lifetime guarantee. Unless using a monitor, I can't see any other way to ensure accurate focus. I fretted over the 2.5 vs 3.0 finder, but settled with the 2.5 Z-Finder. With 20-30ish vision and a +2 cheater glasses for reading i was able to get a clear view of the monitor on the back of my 5D MII. This included stacking all the frame extenders and fine tuning with the diopter.

JEFF N.

2012-01-25T19:00:00

The Z-Finder is great but the mounting is atrocious if you're looking to attach it to the 5D Mark II. Works great with the 7D and T2i but on the 5D, the frame barely reaches the Gorilla plate. This requires additional purchase of the mounting frame for the 5D from Zacuto if you want to play it safe and not worry about any misplacements on the LCD. Great business strategy from Zacuto.

Stepan

2011-09-03T21:00:00

We got the 2.5 and it's perfect to grab that critical focus at a wedding. Especially the center isle shot where your so far away from the couple. Great outdoors as well. It blocks the sun from getting on your screen.

Michael M.

2010-06-19T21:00:00

This is a must have piece of gear for shooting Canon 5D video in bright sun.

gibbsphoto