What’s the best EVF mount & monitor mount? 7 devices reviewed

November 18^th, 201314

What's the best EVF mount & monitor mount? 7 devices reviewed

by Sebastian WöberNovember 18^th, 2013

Here we have 7 different EVF mounts, or viewfinder mounts, also used as monitor mounts. These dear pieces of equipment are utilized to hold your EVF in the correct place when working with a handheld rig. Not all of them are great. Here’s a review that shows you the functionality and usefulness of each of the devices.

Up until now many people have been using mini magic arms (as seen on the left) to hold EVF’s or field monitors in place. If you’re used to working with those you might be familiar with the frustration caused by them.

Downsides of using mini magic arms as EVF holders:
– They might only hold in place for a limited time when used with EVF’s.
– When applying pressure with your head towards the EVF they usually get displaced.
– Often even the screw mounted to the EVF itself loosenes.
– Attaching and removing the evf is a hassle.

That’s why out of logic EVF mounts were invented. They should hold your EVF solidly even when applying pressure and still provide flexibility in repositioning your EVF. But not all of them do that. Here’s a summary of my experience and observations with each of the devices:

The setup:
Used here was a minimal handheld setup. Any other standard setup should work similarly. For most EVF mounts a cage attachment was used in order to save space for follow focuses at the rods under the lens. For gear advice check out our gear guide.
• 5D mark III
• Gini Rigs 5D mark III cage $239
• Vocas 15mm rail support $384
• Vocas handgrip kit $574
• Vocas Shoulder Pad Underneath $385
• Six-Pro nato rail about 67€
• $995
• Great (thin) mini-hdmi to hdmi cable. Very useful.

Note: The right side of the cage has been removed as it was not needed.

Links directly to EVF mount reviews:
• Page 1: Solid Camera Universal EVF Support KIT w/ Slotted Dovetail
• Page 2: Zacuto Axis EVF mount
• Page 2: Wooden Camera UVF Mount V2 NATO Rail Kit
• Page 3: SHAPE Rod Bloc EVF Mount
• Page 3: Zacuto Z-ERM EVF Rod Mount
• Page 4: Edelkrone Monitor / EVF holder
• Page 4: Lanparte Heavy Duty Magic Arm
• Page 5: Conclusion

Solid Camera
Universal EVF Support KIT w/ Slotted Dovetail
$675

I’m listing these reviews by price starting with the most expensive one.
While the Solid Camera solution isn’t cheap, it certainly comes across as very professional. The design, the way it feels and moves, it all makes you feel that this is a very sophisticated and cool device.

Indeed, when attaching an EVF and adjusting the device it all sits extremely solid and seems well thought through.

There’s a small dovetail that can be attached anywhere on the side of your cage. This is where the device is clamped on to. It can be easily clamped on and off.

The different knobs and buttons seem confusing at first, but when you’ve got a little practice this EVF mount is flexible and easy to use.

There are also many other ways to mount this EVF mount, all of them with additional accessories which can be found on the manufacturers homepage.
Positioning the device is almost perfect. It extended just far enough to the front for me, but was a tad too far on the left (not close enough to the camera). I’d still recommend this device if the pricetag is not too steep for you.

While this one is very nice, it’s also very feature rich and heavy and might not be worth the additional cost for some.

Pro’s and Con’s:

+ Can also hold field monitors
+ Very solid! If you lock a position it stays locked
+ High quality feel
+ Can be assembled and disassembled very quikly
+ Seems bulky but still doesn’t get in the way
+ Flexible
+ EVF attaches very strongly due to custom mounts
+ Many additional components available for different mounting options
+ Friction arm for smooth one-handed adjustment
+ Extends far enough

– Price
– Custom mounts for each EVF/monitor are expensive
– Doesn’t extend very far, but just far enough
– Might be overly sophisticated for some users
– Sits a tad too far on the left (device is too thick)

If this review was helpful please use our links:
You can get the Solid Camera EVF kit from the manufacturer for $675

On PAGE 2: Zacuto Axis EVF mount & Wooden Camera UVF mount V2 NATO Rail Kit
GO TO PAGE 2 →