LCD Loupe for D810

Killerbob

In the last issue of N-Photo someone mentions how much he uses an LCD Loupe on his DSLR. It made me think and I absolutely needed that the other day when I was out in strong sunshine, and I had no easy way of checking the images I was taking. Hence, I started looking into these loupes, and they seem to have a very useful application.

I use a D800 and a D810, and I wouldn't want a fixed installation on the back, but if anyone has experience with a loupe that I can just have in my pocket, and use when needed, I like to hear about it...

TIA

Photobug

I love the Hoodman loupe. Have used one for over six years. Besides shielding out the sun it allows me to see the entire LCD screen. They are available from many web sites, including Hoodman and B&H.

funtagraph

I went for Kinotehnik LCDVF 4N which I bought for D800 and was happy to find out the magnet frame also clicks in the D810 (first remove the protection plastic). I like the soft cushion. Without I started sweating round my eye.



If you have more D8xx than one , make sure to order enough frames.

heartyfisher

Just curious.. wont it get in the way of using your camera (the normal viewfinder) ?

funtagraph

Well, the Kinotehnik is hold by magnets to it's mounting frame, which itself is snapped instead of the normal plastic protection cover of the screen. When in LiveView, the finder is dark anyway. When in OVF mode, you just remove the loupe. And it's very stable and held in place by strong enough magnets.

I like the loupe and I like for macro and night shots from tripod. Due to the delay of LV, it's nearly useless for action shots. But not because of the loupe.

It's just a limited choice for the Nikon bodies. I wish they made one for D750 as well, that'd be cool with the tilted screen. But the dimensions are different and I don't use it often enough to buy a second version with differend rectangular dimensions.

Also, the benefit with the better display of the D810 is massive - now I really see what I'm focusing on, with the D800 it was too often kind of guessing.

WestEndFoto

With the D800 I just turn up the LCD monitor brightness ( the setting is on my quick menu) and look at it in my body's shade. Does that not work for you?

Ironheart

Does the auto setting not work for you?

Killerbob

I'll look into the Hoodman and the Kinotehnik ones.

The reason I don't want one that you "install" is that I want it in my pocket, and then use it when necessary. It is NOT to see LV with, it is solely to inspect pictures already taken. In the kind of sunshine and reflection you only experience on a ski-slope, it is downright impossible to adjust anything to be able to see the screen.

paulr

If the pennies don't count the Zacuto EVF is outstanding

http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf

kanuck

I have been happy with the Hoodman for my D810 as well. I bought it back in 2008 when I was using the D700 and although it is pricey, it does what it is supposed to and has held up well. The steel ring where the clasp is attached has rusted but the rubber will outlive me it seems. Matin makes some cheaper versions as well.

Vipmediastar_JZ

I been wanting to get one but haven't pulle the trigger. BnH has a XIT Elite Series version for much less. If it is to just view photos do we need the more expensive option? just curious

funtagraph

The "expensive" ones have glass lenses and apochromatic ones, the cheaper have plastic lenses. See http://www.kinotehnik.com/genuine

kanuck

I was just in my local shop and they had the Matin Loup for just 40 bucks! It is 95% identical to the Hoodman I found after close inspection for the purpose of this thread

Killerbob

I will be ordering the Hoodman one including an eyecup. I like the design, and I don't want to have to replace the Vello protectino I have on the LCD screen already. That one works great against fogging...

Photobug

Your going to discover that the build quality is excellent and it works. Well worth the $$$. Congrats on a great decision.

kanuck

Yes it is you won't regret the purchase and its only $30 more so not a big deal. I find as with anything its better to simply pay a bit more initially rather than replace the item every now and then.

danhowl

I carry a Hoodman in my case at all times even though I am in the studio as much as I am outdoors. Certainly useful in bright conditions. I have found it also useful shooting video as well. I have the arm attachment that secures the Hoodman to the camera via the hotshoe.

MaxBerlin

I use the Hoodman. It's great for critical focus of manual lenses like the Otii and Apo-Sonnar. There are a couple of problems.

1. It isn't compatible with RRS L-bracket.
2. A small Arca-Swiss plate doesn't make enough contact with the Hoodman base.
3. The Hoodman and all other 3x loupes are ridiculously large - you're going to give up the space of a normal lens.
4. They get in the way of OVF and you have to remove them.
5. If you're a tripod shooter and wanderer - like me - the Hoodman has the potential of magnifying the suns rays and burning part of your screen. You need to be aware of this as you move about.

I tried the Zacuto and am aware of the other configurations (hanging loupe from neck, etc) So far this is the best situation for my workflow.

funtagraph

As I said: Kinotehnik is mounted with a frame and hold by magnets. None of the problems you mentioned, except it's size. It's so easily disconnected and I even don't need adhesive tape to put the frame on the LCD. It does't appear to me the Hoodman is the best choice.

Killerbob

I have no intention of having it fixed on the body. I only will use it for checking pictures already taken, and i will handhold it against the lcd screen.