Recent Gear Articles

A Review of the New Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Sony's new FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens has arrived, and with it comes some of the company's best design features and optical performance. For many portrait and wedding photographers, a top-level, wide-aperture 50mm lens is one of the most important tools in their kit, and thus, the new lens is likely catching the attention of many. Can its performance match its impressive specs? This great video review takes a look.

Here's What Canon Has Planned Next

Canon recently released their corporate strategy for the next few years, and it sheds some light on where they plan to take their camera and lens business.

Settings You Should Change on Your Camera

Modern cameras are tremendously complex and intricate machines, and as such, there are often settings that may not be the best choice for your work and may even cause you to miss a shot or not come home with the best quality images. This excellent video tutorial features a seasoned photographer showing you some important settings you should consider changing to improve your workflow and photos.

A Review of the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens

In recent years, Tamron has entirely reinvented themselves as a company that produces competitive lenses that offer excellent performance and image quality at prices that are often significantly more affordable than many first-party options. One of their latest lenses, the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, offers a highly versatile focal length range suitable for a huge range of genres and applications. This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Unleashing the Power of Wide Angle Photography: We Review the Fujifilm 8-16mm f/2.8 Lens

When I got the opportunity to test out this lens, I jumped at the chance. An ultra-wide angle zoom at f/2.8 would be great for so many different photographic applications: landscape, architectural, interior, astrophotography, events, creative, and video, to name a few. Did I get the opportunity to test it out with all of these? No, but what I did get to try certainly produced the results.

Is This the Best Budget Kit for Starting Photography?

Photography can be an exceptionally expensive hobby, but it needn't be in most situations. If you're thinking about getting your first camera and a lens, this budget setup might give you the most back for your buck.
A Review of the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Laptop

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop is a beautiful device that offers Windows users a lot of versatility in a relatively small package in tandem with long battery life. This great video review takes a look at the 2023 version of the device and the sort of performance you can expect from it in usage.

Benro Theta: World’s First Smart Tripod You Will Love

As a photographer, you know that having the right gear can sometimes make all the difference, and this includes tripods. With the launch of the Benro Theta, shooting just became more fun and easy. This revolutionary tripod combines portability, stability, and intelligence, making it one of the most essential tools for photographers on the go.

Is This the Ultimate Bokeh Lens for Medium Format Cameras?

Generally, when it comes to medium format, lenses do not have the same extremely wide apertures many full frame or APS-C options do. Nonetheless, there are a few such options out there for medium format users, and they can offer some extreme and unique results. One such option is the Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f/1.4 XCD for Hasselblad mirrorless cameras, and this great video review takes a look at the sort of images you can create with the lens.

A Review of the M2 Pro Mac mini

The Mac mini line has long been popular for offering the Mac experience in a desktop at a very reasonable price and in a small, easy package. The line took a major step forward when Apple started offering their own silicon in the computers, and in the latest iteration, users can now even opt for a Pro chip. So, how good is the new M2 Pro Mac mini? This excellent video review takes a look at the computer and everything you can expect from it.

The Truth About Fujifilm's Optimized Lenses and 40-Megapixel Sensor

Fujifilm recently introduced their latest 40-megapixel APS-C sensor, the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR. Along with announcing two new cameras featuring the X-Trans 5 chip, a list of lenses that are "optimized" for the new sensor was also released. But do you need the optimized lenses to get the most out of the new cameras? I address this and more in my latest video.

With Tons of Features Is the Isteady M6 Gimbal the Best Yet?

Mobile phones have become more advanced and are capable of capturing high-quality video footage, and with that mobile phone gimbals have also become increasingly popular and are a game changer for content creators, vloggers, and anyone who wants to capture professional quality footage.

Can This Popular Lens Keep Up With the Demands of a Modern Camera?

In the DSLR days, Canon made a few surprising good wide angle lenses for their APS-C cameras, one of which was the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, which offered a versatile focal length range in a portable and affordable package. Can it keep up with the demands of a modern high-resolution sensor, though? This excellent video review takes a new look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it.

Five Fantastic Micro Four Thirds Lenses

One of the best parts about the Micro Four Thirds system is the availability of a lot of small lenses that pack a lot of image quality into those tiny footprints. If you are looking to expand your lens arsenal, check out this fantastic video that features a seasoned Micro Four Thirds user sharing five of his favorite lenses for the system.

Comparing High-end Video Monitors

Samuel Bilodeau compares some of the best monitors on the market to see how they stack up. Are the prices worth it?

Why My Synology NAS Is Still My Best Photographic Purchase in 2023

Are you thinking of buying yet another lens? Can't wait for a new body? (In my case, reincarnation is the only option). This article covers the main reason why my Synology DS1821+ is the best purchase I made in 2020 for my photography business.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are the workhorses of choice for a huge number of photographers, as they can comfortably tackle many genres and needs and often offer some of a company's best features and capabilities. For Nikon mirrorless shooters, there is the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR Lens

Fujifilm's GFX line of medium format mirrorless cameras helped to rewrite the paradigm of the format with a combination of aggressive prices and modern features traditionally reserved for smaller sensor sizes. The GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR offers GFX users an enticing wide angle focal length range suitable for genres like landscape photography, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

We Review the V-Flat Karl Taylor Light Cone

When V-Flat released the new Karl Taylor Light Cone, the comments ranged from dismissive jokes about "the cone of shame" to excitement for a product designed by esteemed commercial photographer Karl Taylor. I decided to take the cones into my product studio and see for myself if this simple tool really delivered the effortless results it boasted.

50mm Versus 85mm: Side-by-Side Lens Comparison for Portraits

There are several focal lengths that have become staples for portrait photography and both 50mm and 85mm are two right at the top of the list. If you are in the market for a portrait lens, however, which is best for you? This video might help.
Are Samyang Lenses Good Alternatives to More Expensive Options?

A decade ago, Samyang lenses were known for being sharp, affordable, and manual focus only, but in recent years, the company has expanded their offerings to start including autofocus in many options while still maintaining reasonable prices and impressive image quality. So, how do they compete with current options? This great video overview takes you through four options: the 35mm f/1.4 AF II, the AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II, AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II, and AF 135mm f/1.8 FE.

Fujifilm Patents Its Most Versatile Medium Format Lens

Fujifilm's GFX line of medium format mirrorless cameras has reinvigorated the market beyond full frame, and the company continues to invest in expanding its capabilities. Along those lines, a patent has emerged for an interesting lens that would offer a lot of versatility for its users.

A Review of the Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7R line of mirrorless cameras has long been popular for offering some of the highest levels of resolution available in a full frame camera in tandem with a wide range of features that make it suitable for many different genres and applications. We have now reached the line's fifth generation, and the a7R V brings with it some of the company's latest advancements and capabilities. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.

This Budget Tablet Is All You Need: One by Wacom Review

Wacom has become a staple in the photography industry. If you're a professional photographer, a graphic tablet can greatly improve your workflow. The issue is that many graphic tablets come with hefty price tags. Fortunately, there is a budget option that is surprisingly brilliant, and that is the One by Wacom tablet.

How You Can Save Thousands of Dollars on Top-level Professional Lenses

Supertelephoto primes are some of the most desirable lenses out there, but their prices often run upwards of $10,000. You can often pay half or even a third of that without major sacrifices if you are savvy, though, and this helpful video will show you both how and what to expect.

The Canon EOS R5 Is Getting a Major Upgrade

Recently, rumors have swirled regarding the release of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless camera, the follow-up to the company's wildly popular EOS R5. It seems as though that release might take a bit longer than initially thought, but in the meantime, EOS R5 users will likely get to enjoy a major upgrade to their cameras' capabilities.

An In-depth Review of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are some of the most versatile out there, suitable for countless applications, genres, and needs. Because of that, manufacturers often put some of their best designs and capabilities in such lenses. For Sony shooters, there is the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II, and this great video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

This Lens Could Change How You Take Photos

Have you ever tried a lens that has just changed everything? One that has made you reconsider how you approach every shot. Well, this Fujifilm lens might do it for you.
A Month With the 14" MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro line has long been the workhorse computer of choice for many photographers and filmmakers who need the power to tackle a range of demanding creative projects in a package they can take with them. For those who want that power but without the larger footprint of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 14-inch model looks like the perfect option. This great video review takes a look at the 14-inch model and how it performs after a month of usage.

Canon Hasn't Forgotten About the Flagship EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera

With the announcement of the EOS R3 now 18 months behind us, many have started to wonder where Canon's flagship mirrorless camera, the EOS R1, has gone to. In a recent interview, Canon reassured its users that the EOS R1 is indeed still in development and will be on its way eventually.

What's Next From Fujifilm?

CP+ 2023 recently wrapped up, and at it, the photo world was able to glimpse some of the most exciting cameras and lenses yet to come from some of the world's biggest manufacturers. Here is some of what you can expect next from Fujifilm.

A Review of the Apple QuickTake 100, a Neat Digital Camera From 1994

It is easy to look at modern digital cameras and forget just how spoiled we really are. After all, the latest generation of cameras make it almost impossible to miss the shot. Even a decade ago, digital cameras were far less capable, and if you turn back the clock three decades, digital models had barely just come into existence. This fun retro review takes a look at one such camera, the Apple Quicktake 100.

A Review of the New Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

Fujifilm's Instax line of instant film cameras have long been popular for reinvigorating the genre with some modern features while still allowing users to take part in the fun of instant film, all at very reasonable prices. The new Instax Mini 12 is here, and it brings with it an updated design and a range of new features. This great video review takes a look at the new camera and the kind of performance you can expect from it in usage.

The Most Confusing Thing About The Canon R6

Katelyn James answers the most common questions she gets about the Canon R6. She's done a ton of videos on the R6, but there are still more questions here that get answered. Like, are low megapixels an issue with the R6? This is the video to watch.

A Review of the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is one of the classic workhorses in countless photographers bags, suitable for a huge range of genres and scenarios. As such, you can often expect top-shelf performance out of professional 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. For Sony shooters, there is the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II, and this excellent video review takes a quick look at the image quality and performance you can expect from it in usage.

We Review the Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 LM WR Macro Lens

Fujifilm's latest release in their X mount range is the Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 LM WR Lens, a compact and lightweight lens that is perfect for a wide range of photography, including macro, portraits, and street. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, it also allows for great low-light performance. Yes, there are wider apertures from the Fujifilm range, but none I expect can shoot as close to the subject and still provide highly detailed images as this one can.

How Well Does the M2 Pro Mac mini Handle Video?

I'm not a novice to the world of computer hardware. I've been building my own Intel-based PCs for the better part of 25 years, but the new world order of Apple Silicon has turned conventional wisdom on its head for those looking to buy a machine for multimedia work.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens

35mm lens with wide maximum apertures are some of the most popular and versatile options available, offering the ability to tackle a huge variety of shooting scenarios and genres, including things like wedding photography, astrophotography, street work, and more. For Fujifilm users, there is the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR, 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 Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Right Focal Length for Photos

Perhaps no choice is more fundamental to and impactful on your images than the focal length you employ. So, how do you choose the right focal length for a photo? It is a more complex question than it might seem on the surface. If you are new to photography, be sure to check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you some helpful advice and knowledge for choosing the right focal length.