The kind folks from Zacuto sent us a Zacuto Target shooter and Z-Finder Pro to test out in the field and make some recommendations on how they handle.

Zacuto Target Shooter

First up, we have the Zacuto Target Shooter. I’ve used it out in the field on a couple of shoots now out (see below) in the UK countryside and I’ve found it to be a really useful bit of kit.

It’s essentially made out of a couple of tubes with a gun stock that butts into your chest, that you can adjust, to give you that extra support and stability. To adjust, Zacuto have small red levers to move the parts to fit your shooting position.

What I would say is the quick release screw (on the Gorilla baseplate) is one of its best features. I shoot outdoor sports events on a Canon 7D and because I’m moving from a tripod to handheld and back again, flicking the red lever on the Gorilla baseplate drops the rest of the rig off and, because it has a few tripod plate screw holes underneath, you can bang it on to a tripod lickety-split.

What it does is it adds support, so instead of using your two hands, you have four points of contact (Shoulder, two hands and eye – if you have the Z-Finder or another viewfinder).

For an entry into dslr support kit, it’s a great start and thoroughly recommended.

Zacuto Z-Finder Pro (2.5)

Next we have the Z-Finder Pro and what I always say is the first bit of kit you get is a viewfinder – I’ve been using the Z-Finder Jr for over a year and you need it to focus.

When you’re starting out with the dslr shooting video, you need a focussed shot – because it’s a manual focus – there’s no autofocus here. Yes, you need sound and lights, if appropriate, but to retain focus, it’s the number 1 accessory.

The one thing that the Z-Finder Pro does have over the Z-Finder Jr is the anti-fog coating. Most of my shooting is outdoors and when the weather is cold and wet, or because your eye is butted up to the Z-Finder for long periods, the glass will fog up, and it’s very hard then to focus. The Z-Finder Pro doesn’t have this problem, with it’s special anti-fog coating.

It comes in two sizes, the < a href="http://store.zacuto.com/Z-Finder-Pro-2.5x.html">2.5x and the 3x for different magnifications suited to how you like to monitor your shot, but the same price.

Easy to setup, it comes with a mount this time. The only method to attach the old Z-Finder was to use the adhesive frame, attach it to the camera body, put a book on it and leave it overnight – not anymore which gives you more options when it comes to changing bodies and fixing accessories to your camera.

It’s essential – that’s my recommendation. If you can afford the Pro, get the Pro. If you only have a limited amount of money, get the Jr, but just be aware that it’ll probably fog up in some shooting situations – that’s my experience.

You can get the Z-Finder Pro and the Zacuto Target Shooter in the UK from Creative Video.

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