In the Field: Equipment Review…Now I can See It
The scenario goes like this..It’s a bright sunny day. Compose subject, push shutter button, look at LCD screen on the back of the camera. The sun is so bright and glaring, nothing is visible on the LCD screen. Cup hands around the screen to see if shot is as intended. Still don’t have a clear, glare free view.
Try another tactic. Move to a shady area to view the screen. Shot didn’t work. Now position is changed. Go back to former position, set up again, and retake the photo. Repeat as needed.
These methods work, but they are not the most efficient.
A few years ago I got this handy little device that solves all the problems of viewing the LCD screen on bright sunny days. It called the HoodLoupe 3.0 by Hoodman Corporation.
It’s really easy to use. All you do is take the picture, place the Hoodman on the LCD screen to eliminate the sun glare, and view the shot. The loupe will cover up to three inch LCD screens.
The Hoodman Loupe is made of a soft rubber and the lens is German glass. For those that may wear glasses or contact lenses, it has +/- 3 diopter so you can adjust focus. It also comes with a lanyard to go around your neck and it comes with a quick release buckle. That way you can detach the loupe, and hand it to another person to view the image you just shot. The manufacturer even provides a soft carrying case with a belt clip. How cool is that!
The loupe retails for about 80 bucks US. I use my Hoodman all the time when I am outdoors, whether it is sunny or not. Checking exposures and or compositions is so easy and convenient. Going home with shots that are poorly exposed, or composed for that matter, is a thing of the past.
David Heilman 
Hey! Were you looking at me when I was all hunched over the other day trying to view a shot on the screen? This is a cool device! Thanks
I sure was and that’s where I got the idea for this post! You could hurt your back the way you were bent over! It is a cool device…a little pricey but certainly worth saving for!
Thanks for the review, David. I’ve been thinking about getting one of these! Right now I use a black piece of cloth (about a square yard) that I put over my head and camera, kind of like an old view camera. Looks pretty strange, but it works except when it’s windy. 😉
You’re welcome Ted…. I used to do the same thing with a cloth or jacket or whatever else was handy. The Hoodman works just as it is supposed to. I’m glad I put it on my Christmas list a few years ago!
Awesome, David! I should look into getting one (or something similar, but cheaper…haha), as this is always my problem when shooting outside. Thanks!
These things are great! I just wish I had thought of it !!! I would think there are other devices similar to this one. The first time I used it I said OMG this is unbelievable. I can see!!!
Exactly what I should have had in Italy!
Until I got one of these…I don’t know how many times I said “I really wish I could see what’s on the screen”…as I cupped my hands, tucked the camera under a shirt, moved to a shady spot, or just took my chances and was usually bummed when I put the photos on the computer screen….jeez had I re-done this shot I wouldn’t have to be sitting at the computer fixing it…
These Hoodmans are a tremendous asset!!!
For now I say “I really wish I could see what’s on the screen”…
You’re funny Cornel ! I guess we all have to do what we can with what we’ve got…for years I used a shirt, my jacket, the shade of a tree or whatever else I had handy!
I just got to try a friend’s hoodman loupe a couple of weeks ago, fantastic device, loved it, but been so busy, I keep forgetting to order. Thanks for this post, David, great timing in reminding me, it is now officially on my “To Do” list to order. Seriously, just got up and wrote it down to order tomorrow! 🙂
I love spending other people’s money…just kidding. So now you have first hand experience…I have found it to be an invaluable device to keep in the camera bag/around my neck! I wish I had thought of the idea!
Ah…what a great tool! It will go on my wish list. You just journaled what goes through my mind, and perhaps in most people’s minds. Sometimes, like on the last road trip we had this past weekend, I end up hoping I got some good shots, and checking it when I get back in the car because there wasn’t a good shady spot.
It’s a great little tool to take with you. It doesn’t take up much space, you can wear it around your neck or wear it on your belt, or have someone else carry it LOL. Before I got mine, I used to do the same thing…get a bunch of shots and then check them in the car. Most of the time the moment or light would be gone by then, so it really does help having one of these things. Put it on your Birthday or Christmas list or your “I really do want this thing list” hint hint hint…
I used a friend of mine’s to view his photos on his LCD screen a few weeks ago and it works very well, even seems to magnify a bit. For now i am paying for my lens and will have to work blind. 🙂
It does work really well…in any kind of light actually! Ah yes, the budget. I know all about that! The other day I gathered up all the spare change from the basket we put it in…$64.17. Yippee I’ve got 1/2 for the graduated neutral density filter I want!
Ya lo conocía pero estoy pendiente de comprarlo, lo encuentro muy útil, es verdad que a veces no vemos nada de nada, gracias por compartir, abrazos
Trato de compartir lo que sé. Este dispositivo funciona muy bien y vale la pena tener en la bolsa de la cámara!
Pues seguro que me lo compro, lo veo muy útil y después de tu post, seguro que cae, ¡pero son tantas cosas las que necesitamos!, ¿verdad?, de nuevo muchas gracias por compartir, besos
I’ve got one of these devices too, David. I’ve only had it for about six months and haven’t used it more than a couple of times, but I’m sure the frequency will increase, and soon.
Ah ha…I did the same thing. Used it a few times, forgot I had it, and then the brain cells connected one day out in the field…”oh yeah, I’ve got a Hoodman…duh.” I always have it with me and use it most of the time now.