Recent Gear Articles

Photography and Video Gear, Should You Buy or Rent?

The fast pace of changing technology is not slowing down. Add to the mix new mirrorless systems, VR, 8K it’s starting to make more and more sense to rent camera bodies, or does it?

Fstoppers Reviews the Tenba Axis 20L Backpack

For those of us who insist on lugging our gear out on location, a sturdy backpack is a must-have. As a hiker, climber, and chronically over prepared photographer, I’m used to packing a heavy load up the side of a mountain. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the 20L Tenba Axis Backpack.

Get a Great Discount on The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens Today Only

Longer telephoto lenses can be very pricey, especially if you're only looking to use one occasionally or simply don't have the money to drop five figures on top of the line glass. Luckily, third party companies have been producing excellent long zoom lenses for the last few years at much more affordable prices. Today only, you can get an even better deal on the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens in Nikon F or Canon EF mounts.

How Is This New ND Filter From Panavision Special? It's Electronic.

ND filters range from useful in landscape photography to bordering on necessary for filmmakers to keep control of your aperture while under any lighting condition. This new ND filter from Panavision is special - it is electronic and fits into a standard matte box.

Get Precise Control of Your Light With Cinefoil

A lot of my work has light placed in very precise spots, just over the eyes, or the lips, or just on one spot on the face. I often get asked how I do it, and instead of just saying the product, I thought I should go more in depth and talk about the ins and outs of how to get the most out of Cinefoil.

A to Z of Photography: Bronica and Burtynsky

Continuing our A to Z foray into the world of photography, we move on to B. What better place to start than an iconic manufacturer in the form of Bronica and Burtynsky?

Are We About to See Three New Mirrorless Cameras from Nikon?

With five new camera codes recently patented, we could be in for a flurry of bodies launched in 2019 and 2020 as Nikon looks to pad out its range of Z series mirrorless cameras. Are we a few months from the announcement of a high-end, full-frame camera complete with dual card slots, beating Canon to the punch?

Will the RF 500mm f/4L IS Telephoto Be the First "Big White” Lens For Canon Mirrorless? [Rumor]

The rumor mill is always turning and the future of RF and Canon’s full-frame mirrorless offerings is where many photographers are keeping their accumulated attention. For those who shoot the “big white” lenses, this just might be the turning point for those whose talents extend to wildlife and sports photography with lenses that many times average more than $10,000 to purchase.

When Should You Upgrade Your Camera Gear?

A lot of photographers and videographers longingly look at new gear, trying to rationalize dropping a lot of money on the latest and greatest cameras and lenses. But when do you really need to actually upgrade? This great video offers some useful questions and guidelines to help you make the correct decision.

How Does DJI's Osmo Action Cam Stack up Against the Competition?

Drone-maker DJI made a bold decision to descend from the heavens and put its cameras into the hands of action sports junkies with the recent release of the Osmo Action camera. But while we know DJI has dominated the skies, how does it stack up against the competition in the action camera market? Kai Wong puts it to the test.

Why Are Sony G Master Lenses So Expensive?

Sony's G Master lenses are the cream of their crop, akin to Canon's L series lenses, and they're known for their sharpness, bokeh quality, and well, their prices. What makes them so expensive, though? This great video aims to answer that question.

Is This Really the Most Underrated Camera of 2019 so Far?

The mirrorless war has been raging for some time now, particularly since Canon and Nikon entered the frame. Not all were well received, one of which has just been called "the most underrated camera of 2019" by a prominent YouTuber.

Bokeh Monster: A Look at the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III Lens

Most of us have used an f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens at some point and seen the crazy bokeh you can get once you start getting into those really wide apertures. But f/0.95 is more than a stop wider than even f/1.4, and the light-gathering power and bokeh you can get from such a lens is on an entirely different level. Check out this look at the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III lens.

A Long-Term Review of the DJI Osmo Pocket

They say the best camera is the one you have with you, and certainly, the DJI Osmo Pocket is one that you can easily carry everywhere with you. But do you have to sacrifice video and image quality for that small size? This great video review takes a long-term look at the device and answers that exact question.

Lomography Launches the World’s Most Hipster Lens

Lomography has just announced its new Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II lens for Canon, Nikon, and Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, a piece of glass that seems made by hipsters for hipsters and could only be less understated if it came encrusted with diamonds.

Pye Jirsa Explains Why These Are the Two Lenses You Should Own First

When we think of "need to own" lenses, sometimes we ignore the utility for the aesthetics. Other times, when looking at new equipment it really comes down to the usability of a lens and whether it should be taking up space in your bag. If you’re trying to make those decisions now, Pye Jirsa may be able to help.

Apple to Release 8-Core Macbook, Photoshop to Run 75% Faster

A new announcement from Apple has seen the company reveal plans to bring out its first 8-core MacBook Pro. Set to be the fastest notebook ever made, the new tech will be able to handle running Photoshop at much quicker speeds.

Why Are Zeiss Loxia Lenses so Expensive?

Zeiss lenses are known for being high quality, precision optical instruments with price tags to match. But what makes them so expensive anyway? This great video dives in to find out.

Fujifilm Announces the GFX100: 100+ Megapixels, 4K, In-Body Stabilization, Phase Detection Autofocus, All Under $10,000

Today, Fujifilm has announced the GFX100, their latest medium format camera. With a newly designed sensor with over 100 megapixels, in-body image stabilization, phase detection autofocus that covers approximately 100% of the frame, 4K video, and more, all coming in under $10,000, it looks like an absolute monster of a camera at an impressive price.

Really, Nobody Cares What Camera You Use

Quite frankly, neither should you. I understand that we all love our gear and we all have dreams of upgrading and moving on to bigger and better things, but that's not the real point of it all, not really.

Is the Canon EOS RP a Worthwhile Budget Full Frame Mirrorless Camera?

Though the Canon EOS RP is certainly limited in some respects, it remains a highly affordable full frame mirrorless camera and thus, an intriguing option of any photographer who is looking for a full frame camera at a budget-friendly price. Is it right for you? This excellent and balanced review takes a look at the camera.

Old Manual Lenses for Portraits on Mirrorless

So you finally made the jump to mirrorless! You've got that sexy new Sony/Nikon/Canon/Fuji/Panasonic and you're itching to get cracking on some awesome portraits! It's about then that you realize that the kit lens isn't going to cut it and you didn't quite budget as well as you'd thought for some shiny new system lenses. What's a photographer to do? Buy some cheap, old glass to get you going!

Uniquely Beautiful Bokeh: A Look at the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens

If you're a bokeh fanatic, you're probably always chasing those wide aperture lenses to get that smooth, out-of-focus look that makes your subject pop against the background. But, you might be surprised by the beautiful bokeh you can get from a lens that only has an aperture of f/2.8. Check out this great video on a fascinating lens.

Is $2,700 Fair for Canon’s New Lens?

Canon’s new RF 85mm f/1.2 L has been officially announced, along with a hefty price tag. Considering the specifications and market this lens will compete in, is the price fair?

Learn to See Before You Waste Money on Gear You Don't Need

I remember the days when all I wanted was that next piece of gear, one more light, a newer body, the latest tech, the highest pixel count, and the lowest aperture. I was certain I was only one purchase away from better work. I wasn’t, and chances are, neither are you.

How to Choose the Right Tripod

If you don't use a tripod, you're doing your photography a great disservice. But how do you know which tripod is best for your particular needs and circumstances?

How Good Is Nikon's New Eye Autofocus Compared to Sony and Canon?

Nikon’s latest firmware brings some meaty upgrades for Z 6 and Z 7 owners in the shape of eye autofocus, and many were excited to see how it compares to the likes of Canon and Sony. Photographer Jared Polin was given a week’s head start with the new feature and has tested it extensively. Check out this video to see how it performs.

Many Photographers Are Switching Camera Brands. Should You Too?

There are lots of stories here on Fstoppers about photographers, including fellow writers, who are giving up their current camera brand and changing it for a different one. If you feel you're late for the party, you're not alone.

DJI Claps Back at GoPro With the Osmo Action

As Omar famously said on "The Wire," you come at the king, you best not miss. When GoPro decided to get into the consumer drone market with its Karma quadcopter, it was taking aim squarely at the king of quadcopters, DJI. And it missed. Now, DJI is coming for GoPro with the release of its new Osmo Action.

A First Look at the New Profoto A1X

The Profoto A1 was met with mixed reactions when it was released, with many shying away from the price, but also generally quite good reviews from those who used it. Profoto recently released an updated version, the A1X, which improves on the original in several ways. This great video takes a look at the changes in the new model and what it's like to shoot with.

LensCoat Lens Cover Review: Camouflage Your Lenses for Wildlife Photography

You've probably seen them before, and the concept is nothing new to the market. However, as LensCoat keeps cranking out new Lens Cover designs to match all the hottest new lens releases, these protective camouflage sleeves are just as relevant today and worthy of taking a closer look at.

Why Is the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens So Expensive?

The Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is one of the company's best lenses, but of course, with that quality comes a hefty price tag. This fun video takes a look at the wide angle zoom lens and answers just what makes it so expensive.