Recent Gear Articles

This Is an Incredibly Unusual Lens, But Would You Buy It?

Anyone who has read even a few of my articles will know just how much I love unique lenses; if they have some character and unusual results, I'm all in. So, what is this lens and why has Matti Haapoja called it "the most unique lens" he's ever used?
A Review of the Fujifilm GFX100 II Mirrorless Medium Format Camera

The Fujifilm GFX 100 II medium format mirrorless camera takes what Fujifilm established with previous GF series models and adds a bevy of new features and upgrades that make it all the more appealing, all while maintaining that highly competitive price that makes it a reasonable alternative to full frame for many professionals. Can it match those impressive specs in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from the camera.

Amateur Photographer Shoots With Nikon Z8

With all of the advances in camera tech these days, it’s easy to get confused when thinking about which camera to buy or which camera to upgrade to! There are a plethora of reviews, videos, and opinions out there on which camera is best for you.

A Comparison of the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 AF and Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lenses

Both the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 AF and Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary offer Fujifilm X Series users approximately 35mm full frame equivalent focal lengths in tandem with very wide maximum apertures, making them versatile options for a variety of applications. That being said, Fujifilm's new 40-megapixel sensor can be quite demanding. Can these lenses keep up? This excellent video comparison takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect.

A 500mm Prime Lens for $329: What's the Catch?

TTArtisan has recently announced a 500mm f/6.3 lens for Sony E Mount, Leica L Mount, Nikon Z Mount, and Canon RF Mount, and it is only $329! So, what is the catch? In this video by Olle Nilsson, he reviews this lens and explains the positives and negatives.

A Review of the IRIX 15mm f/2.4 Dragonfly Lens

IRIX is one of the lesser-known lens manufacturers, but they produce some rather interesting lenses that promise high levels of image quality, particularly suitable for landscape photography. The 15mm f/2.4 Dragonfly offers a fairly wide maximum aperture paired with an ultra-wide focal length, all at a modest price, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Long-Term Review of the Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless camera was a major step forward for the company's highly respected X Series, as it was the first body to add a high-resolution sensor, increasing its versatility and making it all the more desirable for photographers and filmmakers. How does it hold up in the long run? This great video review takes a look at the camera's performance and quality after a year of use.

A Review of the Highly Affordable TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 Lens

TTArtisan has established themselves as a manufacturer of some of the cheapest lenses on the market, making them a popular option for anyone who wants access to a variety of common options at prices that will not break the bank. One such lens is the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Canon Patents a Huge Range of Remarkable Lenses

Canon has been quite aggressive in developing and releasing RF mount lenses, and it looks like they intend to keep pressing forward, with over a dozen new patents showing plans for some pretty incredible options.

Why I'm Returning My iPhone 15 Pro

The iPhone 15 Pro is an amazing phone, but after days of testing, I haven't found it to be a significant upgrade over last year's 14 Pro.

A Review of the New Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens offers a giant range of focal lengths, making it an intriguing option for variety of photographers, particularly wildlife, bird, and sports shooters. Can it offer the performance and image quality needed in those demanding genres? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in usage.

How Good Is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens?

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is one of the craziest lenses to come along in quite some time, offering an unheard-of zoom range and aperture combination for a full frame lens, making it a unique option for photographers. Nonetheless, it is neither cheap nor small. Is it worth the price and size? This excellent video review takes a look at if its performance and image quality can stand up to two demanding sensors.

5 Cameras for Winter Photography

Winter photography can be a magical yet challenging experience due to the conditions that come with cold weather, snow, sleet, high winds, and limited daylight. As photographers, we can prepare for this in advance to ensure we're insulated and dry enough to keep out the elements that this season throws at us, but what about our equipment?

I Wish I Knew This Before Going Full Frame

Full frame cameras are often considered the tool of choice for professional photographers. You rarely find such cameras in articles aimed at beginners. For many photographers, transitioning to a full frame camera is the next logical step in their journey. In this article, we will explore some crucial factors to consider before making the leap to full frame.

How Good Is the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens?

The latest lens getting all the attention is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, which promises superlative image quality and creamy bokeh. Nonetheless, the portrait lens landscape is perhaps the most competitive of all, and it takes a major achievement to stand at the top. Can the 135mm f/1.8 deliver? This excellent video takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from the lens in practice.

Review of the Amazing Sony's FE 2.8/16-35 GM II Lens

Sony has introduced the second iteration of its popular FE 16-35mm G-master lens. While improvements have been made, the most striking change lies in its reduced size and weight. Sony kindly provided me with this lens for an honest and unbiased review.

Is This Ridiculously Affordable Lens Any Good?

In the past few years, we have seen a real influx of highly affordable lenses that still offer serviceable to even good results, but even by those standards, the new TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3 is really, really cheap. Can it offer good performance and image quality despite that very low price? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it in usage.

How Good Is This Affordable Ultra-Wide Prime Lens?

Viltrox has continued to establish themselves as one of the leading companies in the industry when it comes to competitively priced lenses that still offer the sort of performance and image quality that pros and advanced hobbyists require. The AF 16mm f/1.8 FE promises to continue that tradition while also offering a range of innovative features in tandem with an ultra-wide focal length and very wide aperture, making it an appealing lens to a wide range of creatives. This great video review takes a look at the how it holds up in practice.

The Power of Supertelephoto Zoom Lenses

When you think of supertelephoto zoom lenses, you probably think of genres like sports and wildlife photography. No doubt, they are highly useful for such applications, but their value extends far beyond those applications. This great video essay discusses some of the many great ways you can use a supertelephoto zoom in your own work.

We Review The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm

The 23mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens is the latest offering in Sigma’s lineup of fast, compact, prime lenses for Fujifilm X Mount cameras. With a 35mm equivalent focal length, the 23mm is sure to be popular for street photography, portraits, landscapes, and more.

The Best iPhone 15 Pro Max Filmmaking Accessories

The Apple iPhone 15 has been released and its camera is turning a lot of heads, not least because of some new software functionality. In fact, when it comes to videography, it is a serious piece of kit. So, here are some great filmmaking accessories.
A Review of the Viltrox AF 28mm f/1.8 Lens

Viltrox has been a company on the rise in recent years, establishing a reputation for lenses whose performance and image quality often far exceed what one would expect for their affordable prices. The AF 28mm f/1.8 lens offers a popular alternative focal length in tandem with a wide maximum aperture, again at a competitive price, and this excellent video review takes a look at if it will be another hit for the company.

3 Pieces of Camera Gear That Surprised Me

I have owned, reviewed, or tested an inordinate amount of camera gear over the years — cameras, lenses, bags, lighting — and as a result, I'm not easily surprised. That isn't to say I'm never surprised, however, and here are a few times I was.
Which of These Retro Cameras Is Right for You?

Retro cameras have become highly popular in the last few years, with many championing their tactile mechanical designs that encourage the user to be a more active part of the photographic process rather than someone operating a machine. Two leading options are the highly popular Fujifilm X100V and the new Nikon Zf. Which is right for you? This excellent video comparison takes a look at both cameras to help you choose the option for you.

Really? Is Expensive Gear Actually Even Worth It?

With the market inundated with countless products, it can be overwhelming to choose the right price point for the gear you need. Does the price tag truly reflect the quality and performance of the equipment? Let's dive into this question.

A Photographer's Review of the New iPhone 15

Apple's new iPhone 15 is here, and the latest model provides some serious upgrades for photographers and filmmakers, making it worth a look for many creatives. What can you expect from these upgrades and new features in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from the phone in practice.

Here Comes Another Canon Lens

Canon has been extremely aggressive in their approach to RF mount lenses, producing a variety of boundary-pushing and capable lenses. However, it seems they plan on introducing a lens that was not on our bingo card for 2024.

A Review of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD has been one of the hottest lenses of the last few years, with many creatives clamoring for a tool that can tackle the work of several other lenses in one package, offering unmatched levels of convenience and versatility. How does it hold up in the real world? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the Sony a7C II Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7C II mirrorless camera offers a lot of capabilities in a very small body, making it an attractive option for anyone who wants a lot of versatility in a portable package. How does the second generation compare to the first? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice?

The Full Frame Cult Is Getting Tiring

I wish we’d all just move on. The format that used to be a compromise between image quality and price in the film days is nowadays being taken as the sole possibility for a serious photographer, and if you are not part of the gang, you apparently deserve to be ridiculed.

A Look at the New iPhone 15 for Photography

The new iPhone 15 is here, and it brings with it some major camera upgrades that should be quite exciting for photographers and filmmakers alike. How do all these improvements and new features perform in practice? This fantastic video takes a look at how the phone performs for photography work.

The Power of Telephoto Lenses in Landscape Photography

When you think of landscape photography, does a wide angle lens come to mind as the go-to choice for capturing the vast beauty of nature? While wide angle lenses undoubtedly excel at framing expansive vistas and foreground elements, the importance of having a telephoto lens in your bag for landscape photography should not be underestimated. Let's explore the often-overlooked role of telephoto lenses in landscape photography. You will discover how telephoto lenses can enhance your creative possibilities, capture stunning details, and unlock new perspectives in your landscape images.

We Review the Lume Cube XL Tube Light

Tube lights are all the rage. So, when a new one comes on the market, it better have some type of stand-out feature to differentiate it from the pack.

A Review of the New Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens

Tamron has become one of the most respected lens manufacturers in recent years, creating both highly practical and very innovative lenses that both push the boundaries of lens design and that offer affordable alternatives to first-party options. The new 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is one of those pragmatic options, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR Lens

Medium format lenses are rarely cheap or portable, but the Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR is both reasonably priced and rather svelte, at least as these larger optics normally go. Can it still keep up with the demands of a modern medium format camera sensor. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of image quality you can expect from it.

A Review of the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 Lens for Fujifilm X Series Cameras

Samyang has long been known for creating manual focus lenses that offer fantastic image quality and sharpness in tandem with extremely affordable prices. However, in the last few years, the company has moved into producing autofocus options, though their prices have remained highly affordable. This makes the AF 75mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X Series mirrorless cameras a particularly exciting option, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

The Lens Every Photographer Should Own

If there is one lens I think should be in every photographer's camera bag, one that's most universal and a workhorse, it’s the 50mm.
We Review The Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: Astrophotographers Will Fall in Love

I've been through a lot of fast and wide lenses for my nighttime photography — cheap bargains, expensive highly touted lenses. But I've never been as happy as I am with the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens. Designed specifically for Milky Way and star field photography, it's by far the best lens I've used and evaluated.