RED Digital Cinema introduces the Denz Premium Optics Eyepiece for the RED Compact EVF. This is an add-on sitting on your EVF and significantly improves the viewfinder. It’s not cheap though. This little thing plus the EVF cost $7,700. Would you buy it? 

Upgrade your RED EVF

The Denz Premium Optics upgrade for RED Compact EVF is a quick and seamless option to enhance the RED Compact EVF and DSMC2 RED EVF (OLED). This ocular attaches to the integrated bayonet mount on the EVF, replacing the standard optics and providing the following enhancements to the EVF. This is the first RED product launched after the Nikon acquisition. It allows higher optical qualities with a sharper image to assist with operating and pulling focus.

Key features are:

• For RED Compact EVF and DSMC2 EVF
• Secures via Bayonet Mount
• Improves Optical Quality
• -4 to +3 Diopter Range
• Integrated Ocular Heater
• Quick-Connect Eyecup, 5-Pin Power Cable

As described by RED: “The Denz Premium Optics upgrade for RED Compact EVF is a quick and seamless option to enhance the RED Compact EVF and DSMC2 RED EVF (OLED). This ocular attaches to the integrated bayonet mount on the EVF, replacing the standard optics and providing the following enhancements to the EVF”. Important notes:

• The RED Compact EVF is sold separately.
• When using the RED EVF Mount and RED EVF Extension Arm, a thumbscrew must be replaced by a wing nut (2x included) to enable full motion of the EVF.
• If the supply voltage is too high (> 40V), the electronic circuit of the eyecup might be damaged.

How much?

The system costs $7,700 ($3,450 for the RED Compact EVF, plus this Denz Premium Optics which costs $4,250). You can buy it at B&H and ADORAMA.

Final thoughts

As explained, this is the first RED product launched after the Nikon acquisition. BTW, it’s a lot of money for an improved EVF (Even now the Komodo-X is cheaper). Would you invest $7,700 on an EVF for your RED?