[singlepic id=256 w=320 h=240 float=left]Another item recently added to my tool set The Varavon Loupe Ex-Solo DSLR Optical Viewfinder .

WOW! This is the Loupe. If you are shooting video with your DSLR, you must have this loupe. You simply cannot shoot without it. And those great Nikon lenses of course.

I looked at many other styles. Used the Zacuto Pro 3X on the Nikon D7000, loved it! But the Zacuto had its flaws,(eye cup always fell off, okay I could glue it on. Was very hard to remove to view the LCD screen for playback, or just switching back to photography. Was also always afraid parts were going to pop off), and cost a lot more than the Varavon. This model has everything the Zacuto has, and then some. The 3x zoom is better than most models. Most are non existent. It is the same as Zacuto. For us folks with bad eyesight, it helps. I even wear glasses and I can still use this tool very easily. The flip up viewer is perfect for reviewing what you just captured. Unlike the Zacuto.The mount is better than perfect, and easily removed if you need to convert back to photography, which is what I do.  I shoot photo and video on the fly at events, and could not ask for better.

A little more on the Zacuto. It is, hands down one of the best of its kind, but it is pricier, heavier, not as user friendly as the Varavon EX-Solo. Price is always a factor, but if you do not have the right tool, you are not doing yourself justice. For $100 less, I am glad I saved my money and got the right tool.

As an add on, be sure to throw in a Blue Star eye cushion, for the eye cup. You will be happy you did. It will save your eyes, and keep the lens from fogging during a long shoot.

Without a doubt, two thumbs up. No cons on this loupe, only I could not afford the next model up. Maybe next time.

Hope this review helps. This little loupe helped me.

Enjoy!