Recent Gear Articles

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens

50mm lenses featuring wide maximum apertures are typically some of the most popular options out there, offering a versatile and relatively neutral focal length in tandem with a lot of light-gathering and subject-isolating power. For Fujifilm shooters, there is the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Is the Sony a7C II Right for You?

It seems as if we have new cameras released every month, and that can make it harder to pick the right camera. Sony's newest announced camera has turned some heads, though it has a few divisive entries into the spec sheet. The question is, is it right for you?

Why Do Photographers Love the Fujifilm X100V Camera?

The X100 series of cameras from Fujifilm has long been loved for offering both excellent image quality and a uniquely fun and inspiring shooting experience. So, why are photographers so loyal to the X100 series after all these years? This excellent video comparison looks at how the camera compares to the Sony a7 IV and why, despite some disadvantages, one photographer still prefers the X100V.

A Review of the Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

The Hasselblad X2D 100C brings an ultra-powerful, modern medium format sensor inside an extremely portable body (with equally portable lenses to match), making it a dream camera for many photographers who want high image quality without a lot of bulk. How does it perform in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

A Review of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been some of the most popular workhorses out there, able to tackle a huge range of needs and genres with ease. However, such lenses are neither light nor cheap. 70-200mm f/4 lenses offer a nice alternative for those who do not need that wide aperture, and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II offers 0.5x macro capabilities as well. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in use.

6 Reasons to Choose an Atomos Ninja Recorder for Filming

If you're using your DSLR or mirrorless camera for filming, you're likely familiar with the limitations these cameras can present for this type of work. While each new model offers more options, accessories can enhance your filming experience. An external recorder is one such accessory.

A Review of the Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7R series of mirrorless cameras has long been respected for offering some of the best resolution and image quality available in a full frame camera in combination with many of the innovative features Sony's options have been known for, making it incredibly versatile in a variety of applications. The latest version, the a7R V, comes with a laundry list of impressive capabilities, and this great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Is This The Best Camera for Beginners?

At only $679, the Canon EOS R50 makes a strong case as one of the best camera for beginner photographers by offering plenty of modern features while still leaving room to grow into more advanced options. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in real-world use.

The Truth Most Photographers Don't Want to Hear

Modern cameras are absolutely ridiculous machines, capable of performing tasks and producing images that would not have been imaginable even a decade ago. And let's be honest: most cameras are far more capable than necessary, meaning if our images are not what we want them to be, the problem is probably with us. This important video essay discusses the issue.

10 Tips for Beginners on Choosing the Right Shutter Speed for a Photo

Along with aperture and ISO, shutter speed is one of the three fundamental exposure parameters of photography that not only determine a technically correct exposure, but allow you to take creative control of the image-making process. As such, having it mastered is crucial to growing as a photographer. If you are new to the craft and ready to learn about shutter speed, check out this fantastic video tutorial that offers 10 tips on how to choose the right setting for an image.

LaCie 8 TB D2 Drive Review: Affordable, Fast, Reliable

Storage is one of the most critical necessities for a content creator. After all, without a place to store your work, you can't enjoy the freedom of creating. While it might be fine to store your shoots on your computer initially, you will soon run out of storage space. This is when a product like the LaCie D2 external HDD drive becomes essential.

The Dwarf II Smart Telescope Is One Amazing Gadget

I've been an amateur astronomer since I was around 11 years old. I had an uncle, a retired engineer, who had a small reflecting telescope, and when I saw Saturn for the first time I was hooked. Photography through a telescope came much later for me, and it was a very difficult undertaking in the film days. I remember taking some star shots to the drugstore for processing, and they told me they threw them away because there were just a bunch of white spots on them, and I should take better care to learn how to take pictures. Oh well.

Which of These Canon Lenses Is Better?

While fast zooms generally get most of the attention, Canon also makes some excellent slower zoom lenses for people who don't need an f/2.8 aperture or who want to save some weight in their bag or money in their bank account. Two such options are the RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM and RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM, and this great video comparison takes a look at both to help you choose the right one for your needs.

We Review theRocknRoller Cart R12T: Every Photographer Needs One!

There is something innately annoying about having to carry stuff. I can't decide if it’s shoulder pain, back pain, or just a general need to do physical activity. If you are a photographer who has to bring out more gear than a camera bag’s worth, this is a product for you. Don’t think so? Then read on!

Still Not Taking APS-C Seriously? We Review the Sony a6700

Sony has recently released a successor to a fan-favorite a6600 fittingly called the a6700. Don’t get me wrong, in those few days I had it it performed well, but there are some features that would elevate it to a different level. First things first though, what did Sony do well with the a6700?

Why One Photographer Wants to Leave Leica After Four Years

Leica is arguably the most polarizing photography brand out there, though its users tend to be fiercely loyal to the brand, which is why it is always interesting to hear why when one leaves them for another system. This insightful video essay features a photographer discussing why he might leave Leica after four years with the brand and switch to Nikon.

Shooting Portraits on a $10,000 Lens

The Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is one of the most exciting lenses to come along in several years, and it is tailor-made for the needs of wildlife and sports photographers. Of course, there is no reason you can't use it for other things, such as portraits. This fun video follows well-known portrait photographer Lindsay Adler as she works with the lens for a portrait session.

A Review of the New Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

The new Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens is here, and it brings with it a nice range of improvements and new features that will make it a desirable option for many photographers and filmmakers. How does it hold up in practice? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from it in practice.

Simply Undefeated: We Review the Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite

If you haven't calibrated your monitor recently — or perhaps ever — you may not realize the impact it can have. It is a rather dry topic and you might want to allocate those dollars toward a new lens, which I understand, but a color-calibrating tool is an essential piece of kit and Datacolor are the best in the game.
3 Reasons Why One Photographer Uses Prime Lenses for Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is a very challenging genre that requires a lot of versatility both as a photographer and in terms of gear. As such, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are highly popular options, but they are far from the only choices for wedding work. This great video essay features a seasoned wedding photographer discussing some of the reasons he prefers using prime lenses for his work instead.

What’s New With The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II?

It’s no surprise that the well-loved 16-35mm G Master is getting a revamp, as this one completes the trinity of second generation G Master zoom lenses. But what does it have to offer, and is it worth the upgrade?

How to Use the Depth of Field Scale on Manual Lenses

If you've ever owned a fixed focal length wide-angle lens, you've probably noticed the numbers located between the focus ring and the aperture ring. This is the depth of field scale, and it's a valuable tool that helps you check the depth of field for different apertures and focus distances.

A Review of the New Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G Lens

24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are the workhorses of many genres in the industry, combining a useful focal length range with a nice maximum aperture for a zoom lens. If you do not need that f/2.8 aperture, though, f/4 versions offer the same versatility in a smaller package and at a much lower cost. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G embodies that and offers an even more versatile focal length range, making it quite desirable for a huge range of applications. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.

We Review the Sony a7cR: Compact But Full Featured

Today Sony has announced three new products: The Sony a7CII, the 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, and last but not least, the Sony a7cR. And unfortunately, I have not been able to use the first two products I mentioned, but, I have been able to use the A7cR quite a bit. In total, I’ve taken about 10,000 images with it so far. So let's talk about it.

This Cheap Lens Makes Everything Look Like a Dream

A lens that costs only a few hundred dollars and gives a unique, dream-like image? That's certainly going to catch the attention of many photographers and videographers, but how good is it?
A Review of the New Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

Few lenses on the market right now are more exciting than the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, which offers an incredibly versatile focal length range in tandem with a particularly wide set of maximum apertures. Now, the lens is available for Nikon Z mount users, and this awesome video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in use.

How Good Is the Canon EOS R in 2023?

It has been five years since we first saw the EOS R, Canon’s first full frame mirrorless camera. Though we have seen several newer models since its release, it is still a perfectly serviceable camera that can be had for a bargain now. This excellent video review takes a look at how the EOS R holds up in 2023.

A Review of the Affordable and Impressive Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 XF Lens

Viltrox has quickly become one of the most competitive manufacturers of lenses, creating options that offer excellent performance and image quality at some of the best prices in the industry. The relatively new AF 75mm f/1.2 offers APS-C users an extremely wide aperture in tandem with a portrait focal length, making it an intriguing option for many photographers, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in real-world usage.

Think Twice Before You Purchase More Photography Gear

A lot of interesting photography equipment is released almost every week. This could be an upgrade to something you currently are using or something new that you've never considered buying before. However, think twice about spending your hard-earned money on new photography equipment.

A Review of the New Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Lens

Viltrox has continued to establish themselves as a manufacturer of capable lenses that are priced quite competitively, making their options intriguing for a wide range of photographers and filmmakers. Their latest lens, the Viltrox PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro, offers Fujifilm users a relatively neutral equivalent focal length of 40mm in tandem with an extremely wide maximum aperture of f/1.2, making it a potential workhorse for many applications. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in use.

A Review of the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 Art Lens

Back in 2017, Sigma released the 14mm f/1.8 Art, a lens which offered the widest maximum aperture seen in a full frame 14mm lens by more than a full stop. Now, they have released the 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, which offers even more light-gathering power and sits as the world's widest f/1.4 full frame lens. Can its performance and image quality match those impressive specs? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.

Should You Upgrade Your Camera or Your Lens First?

Photography equipment is not cheap, and as such, it pays to think long and hard about where exactly you are spending your money. And so, when it comes time to upgrade some of your gear, is it better to put your money toward a camera or a lens first? This helpful video tutorial features an experience photographer discussing the topic and offering some great advice to help you ensure you get the equipment that will serve you and your budget best.

A Review of the New Hasselblad XCD 28mm f/4 P Lens

The new Hasselblad XCD 28mm f/4 P offers uses a very portable wide angle lens that still brings with it some innovative features and the promise of image quality able to keep up with the demands of 100-megapixel medium format lenses, making it intriguing for a range of applications, particularly street photography. Can it live up to those high demands in practice? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Is This the Best Filter System on the Market?

When it comes to different filter systems, they may seem simple, but they can have wildly differing user experiences, with some a breeze to use and others an awkward, fumbling debacle. Is this magnetic system the best on the market?

Ethereal Landscapes With the Hasselblad X2D Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

In the world of photography, the name "Hasselblad" resonates with elegance, precision, and uncompromising quality. Enter the Hasselblad X2D, a piece of technological artistry that has the power to transform mundane moments into breathtaking visual narratives. Thanks to the creative prowess of Gavin Hardcastle, an acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, we are treated to a captivating video that showcases the Hasselblad X2D's capabilities.

How Good Is This Affordable 'Cookie' Lens?

Venus Optics is known for making some of the most unique lenses on the market today. Their 10mm f/4 Cookie lens takes the classic pancake design and turns it into a very wide focal length, making it an intriguing option for any photographer looking for a portable (and affordable) walkaround option for things like hikes and travel photography. This great 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 New Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's X Series of mirrorless cameras are some of the most beloved options out there, offering a great combination of a traditional and highly functional user experience in tandem with modern features and capabilities. The X-S20 offers a nice balance of features and cost, making it an intriguing option for many photographers. This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Ultra-wide angle zoom lenses with f/2.8 apertures are popular for everything from weddings and events to landscapes and astrophotography. Nonetheless, such lenses are often rather expensive, frequently costing north of $2,000. And so, at $996, the Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is a breath of fresh air. Can it keep up with more expensive competitors? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Which of These Incredible Lenses Is Better?

As a Canon user, perhaps no lens has me more jealous of other camera systems than the 35-150mm f/2-2.8. Arguably one of the most versatile lens designs, such lenses can cover a huge range of needs and applications. Both Tamron and Samyang make 35-150mm f/2-2.8 options with different advantages and prices. Which is right for you? This excellent video comparison takes a look at both to help you decide.

Macro Gone Mobile: We Review SANDMARC Macro 100mm for iPhone

If you've wanted to try macro photography but didn't want to outlay on all the special equipment necessary, you're in luck. If you're an iPhone user, SANDMARC has a 100mm Macro lens you can screw onto your phone, and I put it through its paces.

Canon Readies More Advanced Camera Sensors

The Canon EOS R3 represented a major step forward for the company, bringing with it the first stacked sensor in a Canon camera, helping them to get back into competition with the likes of Sony. It looks like the company intends to bring that technology to more cameras soon.