Hoodman Loope

I've been searching the web for something to help me out so I can better see my preview photos on the back of my cameras on bright light conditions.

As you may all be aware this is extremely difficult when bright light or direct sun hit the LCD on the back and yes I'm talking about any camera from any manufacturer.

I'm not saying that Canon has a better LCD and Nikon don't or vice verse... well I'm not into those kind of battles anyway. I do believe that if you bought a camera for sure it ain't to show your friends that you got the late technology issue and not make any pictures... or is it? Do you still think a better camera will make you a better photographer?

Anyway, what I will bring you here today may change the way you look at the back of your camera, under a bright sunlight or when lighting conditions will not let you evaluate the LCD screen on the back.

So I will show you what I bought...

You may heard from so many people about this Loope device but did you ever feel it was worth the shot and buy it?

Well my friend I can tell you that since I bought this baby I cannot leave home without it.

It's call Hoodman Loope and it does the job You can get it directly from Hoodman USA and you may also check some other products they have there.

One of the hardest things to deal with when it comes to digital photography is the LCD screen on the back of the camera.

This becomes even harder to deal with when that is the only thing you have to use for framing your shot. More and more point and shoot cameras are shipping with LCDs only, no optical view finders, many don't even have an EVF (electronic view finder) while basically a small LCD your eye and face block out light making it easy to see.

But, even cameras that have an optical view finder including dSLR cameras still have LCD screens that can be near impossible to see in daylight.

While you may not need the LCD for framing your shot you still need to for shot review, menu usage and the like.

Basically, the LCD screen is one of the top 5 most important things on your digital camera. Until someone can design an LCD screen or a coating or something for them that allows them to be seen as clearly in daylight as in the shade, indoors or in the dark we have to figure out something else.

The best option that I have found outside of only taking pictures in the shade or in the dark, which does limit your photo taking opportunities is Hoodman's HoodLoupe Professional.

This handy little device allows you to view your LCD screen in total darkness so that all that you see is the LCD screen and what is being displayed on it.



This is the image of the front package.



The back of the package.



Here is the Hoodman Loope (left) and the carrying leather pouch.

The HoodLoupe works by placing the large end up against your LCD screen blocking out the light. You then look through the eye piece to see the screen.

The eye piece has +/- 3 diopter adjustment so that you can see the screen clearly and sharp. To make carrying the HoodLoupe easy and to make sure that it is always at the ready it comes with a lanyard so you can carry it around your neck and when you don't need it, it comes with a nice little zippered storage bag.



Let's take a look inside the Hoodman Loope.



Here is the view from the Top.



I have also found it helpful as a framing device. Instead of holding it up to your camera just place it to your eye and use it to frame your shots, this is great for pre-shot visualization.
Because it has generally the dimension ratio as the picture you are going to take it works very well. You can also turn it vertical for testing out vertical framing ideas.

While this at first thought may not seem like a useful thing, you can of course use your camera for the same thing. However, if your new to photography this can be a good learning tool.

Simply carry the HoodLoupe with you and practice framing and looking at things from different angles.

Framing and shooting angles are one thing that can really improve your photographs, this light weight little device is an easy way to do this on the go.



How you use it, some may ask? Well let's start with one of my Canon 1D MarkII.



You simply put the Hoodman Loope against the screen and voilá that's all you have to do with it.
You do not need to have a MarkII, since you can use it on almost all camera screens.

Now I am sure a concern is will this or can this scratch my screen? No it can't both the end that you press against the LCD screen as well as the part you press to your eye is soft, flexible rubber that is just as comfortable for your camera as it is you.

Finally, any LCD screen can be seen in the brightest day light, and you don't have to attach something to your camera with glue or double-sided tape.

Because you only use it when you need it, it doesn't get in the way. In my book this is the perfect solution to those hard to see LCD screens.



Here is a photo from a different angle and this is a perfect combination since the the Hoodman Loope is rubberized and water resistant so you can use it around your neck all day, even if it rains.

The HoodLoupe is a high quality device, it is easy to use and it really works well. I highly recommend it no matter what type of camera you have.

Until LCD screens can be used in daylight this is your only real option.