I'd recently purchased a Canon T2i digital SLR with the almost sole purpose of shooting video, but I also use it as my primary camera for still photography. When shooting HD video with this batch of Canon DSLRs the viewfinder is blocked and the only option for seeing what you're shooting is the LCD screen, which is hardly ideal for manual focus. I'd read all the reviews of the three top contenders: the Zacuto Z-finders, this LCDVF, and the Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0. Zacuto was way out of my price range for what's essentially a good magnifying glass in a nice holder. Hoodman would've been a real option if they had a useable way to mount it to an T2i, which has an LCD screen offset to the left-bottom corner of the camera, not centered as on other models that the Hoodman was designed for. So in the end, I decided to go with the LCDVF and I'm very glad I did.I've found the magnification on the LCDVF to be fantastic with my T2i's LCD screen when manually focusing. At 200% magnification it enlarges the image just enough that you can clearly see what's in and out of focus and you can just start to distinguish individual pixels on your screen. If it were magnified anymore, it might look nicer because it's a "bigger" picture, but it's only because the individual pixels are bigger, and seeing more of each pixel won't help me know if the picture is in focus or not. The only reason you would really need magnification of more than 2x is if your camera's LCD is a higher resolution than the T2i's (1,040,000 dots). Furthermore, the physical size of the LCDVF is great. As opposed to the bulky size of the cube-shaped Zacutos, the 5 inch long LCDVF tapers down from the end to the eyepiece, making it appear somewhat smaller when attached to the camera.
As for attaching to the camera itself, this is where things get a bit sticky. The LCDVF comes with 2 frames (you only need 1 frame, the extra's a spare) with adhesive on one side requiring you to attach a "permanent" frame to your camera's LCD. It's a tiny bit on the small side, as it just barely covers the dimensions of the LCD screen (be careful when attaching it). Once attached, this metal frame holds the magnetized end of the viewfinder. What? Magnets and electronics? How can this be?! The manufacturers ensure that while the magnets are strong enough to securely hold the viewfinder to the frame, they are not strong enough to mess with any of the gizmos within your camera (although they do recommend taking if off when not using the camera.
The ONLY negative I can find with this product when compared with other models is that there is no diopter. The Zacuto and Hoodman viewfinders have diopters built in to adjust focus for folks who wear glasses. However, if you're nearsighted or wear contacts like myself then you shouldn't need a diopter at all.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who has bought a DSLR for shooting video through a 3" LCD screen, it really clarifies the image and is a great tool for pulling focus. And at about half the price of a Zacuto, it's a relative bargain and a fine alternative.
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This is a great product! I did not have any issue mounting the adhesive ring and its on there GOOD! I think the ones that are having issues with the mount ring are not getting the natural skin oils off the LCD screen before they mount it or are possibly touching the sticky side of the ring while mounting it. I cleaned mine real well first with some liquid dish soap on a soft damp towel and then rinsed and dried it real well. I also put my camera lens side down and set a large soup can on the ring (for a weight) overnight. Trust me Mine is STUCK ON GOOD! Optics are also great and are well made to give you a full view of the LCD screen enlarged to its max without cutting out the corners. I love it and would highly recommend!Read Best Reviews of LCDVF Digital LCD Viewfinder for Digital SLR Cameras with 3'' Screens Here
After much deliberation over the three top contenders, I couldn't pull the trigger on the 375.00 Zacuto ZFinder. It just seemed like too much to pay for an engineered magnifying glass. I also couldn't really take the Loupe serious, what with the rubber bands and all. I decided on the LCDVF, even though my first impression was that I wouldn't want to glue something "permanent" to the back of my 7D. It seemed there were also a fair amount of comments about the adhesion reliability of the frame as well.I received my order in 48 hours and was ready to apply my frame. I took care, as was mentioned in several reviews, to clean the area well with a mild soap and damp cloth. I then used a micro cloth to clean any residue. You'll want to take a moment to line up your frame over a brightly lit screen such as a menu to assure where you want to place it. Peel off the adhesive strip being careful to keep your finger oils off the adhesive area. Apply the frame and apply pressure with your thumb pads all around the perimeter. Now turn your camera lens down and set it on your counter. Find an appropriate size canned good to add weight to the frame. I used a Campbell's soup can against the frame, and then added another larger can on top of that.
After leaving it for several hours I was ready for a test drive. The first thing I can tell you is I think it would take a lot to knock this frame loose. I was impressed with the adhesion and would trust it. The second thing I noticed disappointedly, was that because there is no diopter setting, this viewfinder is not usable for anyone wearing corrective eyeglasses for reading. I finally figured out that for my eyes wearing my glasses, I needed to hold the viewfinder several inches back from the LCD screen on the back of my camera to get what was then a very clear, beautiful image. I don't want to give this product a black eye and say anyone with eyeglasses will have this trouble, but it sure wouldn't work for my eyes. I wish that some of the other reviews had mentioned this. I didn't take the lack of a diopter adjustment serious enough.
I decided to return the item, which Amazon does makes easy. And of course I know that I'm going to need to go for the Zacuto for the diopter, but I still need some time to digest that price. If your eyes are unencumbered with age related problems, then I think this item would be an excellent choice. If they could work a diopter into this product, then I would give it five stars.
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It's a good concept and the foam cushion over the eyecup is a nice touch; but after using it once on my 5D Mii the adhesive came loose and the intermediate frame between the LCD and the magnet lost its bond. I contacted the manufacturer and requested more glue. They said they would send some but never did, even after follow up! The kit comes with two frames but I'm using the other frame on my other camera (7D). So, this is very inconvenient, especially since I exactly followed the manufacturer's instructions for adhering the frame to the LCD. I don't know what kind of adhesive I should use now to glue it back on. It also lacks a diopter; so if you wear glasses this will be problem. It was a fairly good product and at a lower price that the Z-Finder but alas the glue was weak! Another reviewer had the exact same problem I had. Obviously they haven't worked out this problem.
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