Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe
by Hoodman Corporation
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Our Price: $79.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $74.95 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe
Customer Review: Excellent but . . .
Summary: 4 Stars
A fantastic product and, as far as I can tell, unmatched by any other LCD hood. The Hoodman allows LCD viewing in the brightest light. We are using it with an HD Camcorder without a traditional viewfinder. The 3" LCD viewscreen was worthless in sunlight until we strapped on the Hoodman. Now, with the built in focusing lens adjusted, we can use the Hoodman like a viewfinder. Using the Hoodman this way gives an added advantage of improved stability by putting the camcorder against the eye and close to the face. As you follow the action, the camcorder pans smoothly with the natural movement of your head.
The "but" of this review is, of course, the price tag. The Hoodman is expensive. It becomes even more expensive if you want to attach the Hoodman to your device. The straps to attach the Hoodman to a DSLR or to a camcorder are close to twenty dollars each. For people (like me) with a DSLR and a camcorder that can be in use at the same time, the idea of buying two Hoodmans isn't pleasant.
The cost can be partially defeated by designing your own attachment straps. For the camcorder, I used one of those stretchy foam soda can covers. I removed the bottom, cut it down the side, made a hole big enough for the Hoodman lens to fit through, and attached velcro strips to close it up when it is wrapped around the LCD. It holds the Hoodman tightly and folds up nicely to fit in the camcorder case.
Customer Review: Does the job, a little pricey
Summary: 5 Stars
When Hoodman first brought out their viewers, I admit to having scoffed a bit at the idea of spending that much money to better 'chimp' my shots. That was a few years ago, but now that I've had it for a few months I can only say I was wrong. I mean, yes it is a bit expensive considering what it is (a simply optical tube mounted in a simple rubber holder) but it is extremely useful, particularly in outdoor situations.
If you set your digital camera's LCD review to blink or otherwise identify blown out highlights, for instance, then having the loupe is a necessity if you are shooting in the bright outdoors (that's what first prompted me to buy mine). When you are standing on a beach at noontime, for instance, no amount of shading the viewer or cupping your hand between your eyes and the back of the camera will really help - that's where the Hoodman really makes itself worthwhile.
I have the current 3" model, and my D200 has a smaller LCD viewing screen so the edge of the loupe does sometimes press down on the multi-way button causing the camera to display the next or previous image, but this is a minor hassle compared to not being able to see the LCD image at all. And for newer DSLRs with the larger 3" screens, this must look awesome. The good news is that, since it's not tied in any way to the camera, as I move up to the D800 or D4x or whatever, I'll still have it with me.
Customer Review: A must-have when shooting in bright environments
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been after one of these for a while and it does not disappoint. Good/durable construction, anti-slip finger grips, lightweight and comes with its own lanyard and case, the latter of which even has a belt loop. I will replace the stock lanyard with something wider to maximize comfort around my neck for really long outdoor shoots or will just put the HoodLoupe on a retractable key holder (on my photo belt) for easier access, but other than that, it seems Hoodman thought of everything. I use it when shooting in bright environments - especially outdoors in sunlight - for glare-free LCD screen viewing; to check composition and contrast, to see highlight warnings, and to see menu settings. There is distortion along the edges, but it's not for checking critical focus so that doesn't bother me. I use this on my Pentax K20D, which has a 3" screen. It took a little time to get used to the placement of the Hoodman so as not to inadvertently press the left arrow of the four-way controller (located to the immediate right of the LCD screen), but other than that, no issues. A keeper. I would recommend this to anyone that shoots outdoors and reviews anything onscreen. If your screen is less than 3", look at other Hoodmans, as the overlap of the H-LPP3 would bump camera controls near your screen.Customer Review: Expensive, but does the job well
Summary: 4 Stars
I had seen these in the photography magazines, and they looked like a good idea, so I finally ordered a Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe about a week ago. The price felt high, and they never really go on sale too much (I've been watching them for a few months). The Loupe is well made, has a good quality feel to it, it is not too heavy, and the rubber is soft enough that I'm not worried about it scratching my cameras' glass LCD panels. The case that comes with it is constructed nicely, though the Loupe and the neck strap fit into it a bit tightly (a slightly larger case would be an improvment, but then it would take up more in your camera bag). The case also has a belt clip on it.
I wear glasses and when I really want to see if the shot worked out well in the field, especially with any sun light, it's always been a challenge for me. This Loupe does the trick. I can adjust it perfectly for my "good eye" and I can see the screen so well that I can even see the pixels on my Canon 30D and my Canon 40's screens.
Had the price been less, I would have given this 5 stars.
Customer Review: Wow! A new life for compacts and phone cameras.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been taking photographs since the late 1950s, and have failed to get used to holding compact cameras out in front of me to look at the screen. Needing bifocals as I do, the screen on the back of the camera is still hard to see, especially in bright light. Also, I can hold a camera really steadily if I hold it to my eye, but not if I'm holding it out in front of me. This penalty approximately balances out any in-camera stabilization. I've tried hard to get used to the rear screen, but have failed.
Not fun any more to take pictures except with my DSLR, which is too big and heavy for me to carry around most of the time.
I bought the Hoodman trio: the loupe, the strap, and the magnifying eyecup. They're light and they fit in a small case on my belt. My camera phone is in my top pocket, and so will my compact be when I choose it. Very casual unplanned snaps: OK, I can do without the Hoodman. Anything more serious needs maybe 20 seconds to mount the Hoodman. As good a view as an SLR, better than a superzoom. Problem solved; now taking photographs is fun again. A further advantage: when the state of the compact camera art advances, the Hoodmen will fit any new purchases.