Recent Gear Articles

Which Canon Mirrorless Kit Lens Is Right for You?

While Canon initially focused on full frame cameras and lenses with the RF mount, the release of cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10 and associated RF-S lenses has shown that the company also intends to develop APS-C options in tandem with the full frame line. For those APS-C cameras, there are two relatively new lens options, the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. Which one is right for you? This excellent video comparison will help you pick.

A Review of the New Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

Tamron has established itself as a maker of both pragmatic lenses at practical prices and more unique designs that the photo world has not seen before. The new 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is one of those more unique designs, offering an interesting focal length range that sits between two more traditional zoom ranges (16-35mm and 24-70mm). This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens

Macro lenses with short telephoto focal lengths are some of the most useful and flexible optics a photographer can own, giving you access to a world of detail all around us, but also doubling as a fantastic option for tack-sharp portraits and more. The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art offers that versatile combo at a relatively affordable price ($799), and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it.

Do You Really Need That Ultra-Expensive Lens?

Canon makes some really impressive lenses, but of course, they come at prices that match that stellar performance. Do you really need that to spend that much, though, or would you be better off going with a more affordable option? This interesting video compares two 50mm options from the company to help you decide.

DaVinci Resolve Coming Soon to Your iPad

Today, Blackmagic Design announced that its prominent post-production platform, DaVinci Resolve, will now be available on the Apple iPad.

A Review of the New Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

The new Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is one of the more interesting lenses to come along in a while, offering an intriguing focal length range that sacrifices reach at the long end compared to a 24-70mm for the ability to go wider than the usual 24mm, putting it somewhere between a standard zoom and an ultra-wide angle zoom. 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.

Gear Up for Real Estate Photography on a Shoestring Budget

One of the most consistent opportunities we have as photographers to earn money with our cameras is photographing real estate and hospitality properties, such as Airbnb rentals, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take a huge investment to offer quality images for this purpose.

We Review the Rotolight PRO NEO 3 and PRO AEOS 2

When the Rotolight package was delivered to my doorstep, I was apprehensively excited. I was apprehensive because light is everything in photography, and LED lights are notorious for disappointing me. But I was not disappointed. To say I had to rip myself away from playing with it in the studio to type up my review would not be an exaggeration. This light is prodigious.

5 Things I Look for in a Cinema Camera

The definition of a “cinema camera” seems to be ever evolving. So what are some of the things that set them apart from mirrorless?

A Review of the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

24mm lenses with wide apertures are some of the most versatile out there, offering a reasonably wide (though not overly so) focal length in tandem with a lot of light-gathering and subject-isolating power. The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM takes that versatility and adds in macro capabilities and image stabilization, making it quite the intriguing option. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Is This the Ultimate Wedding Photography Lens?

Wedding photography generally requires at least two and often several lenses to get through the entire day, and as such, any lens that can take the place of a few offers a significant increase in convenience. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD is one such lens, and with its tremendous focal length range and wide aperture, it looks like a potentially fantastic option for wedding photographers. This great video takes you through a wedding day with the lens to show you how versatile it is.

A Review of the Do-it-All Canon RF-S 18-150mm F/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10 have shown that Canon is serious about APS-C mirrorless cameras in addition to their quickly growing full frame line. As such, the company has begun to create RF-S lenses specifically made for those smaller sensors, with one such lens being the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, which covers a huge range of focal lengths for a wide variety of needs. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Incredible Greenland Photo Battle Between a Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens

Iceland may be the standard dream destination for many photographers, but have you thought about Greenland? It is absolutely stunning, and after seeing this, I challenge you to disagree. But if you go there to shoot the icebergs, the rugged mountains, and the turquoise waters, should you use a wide angle lens or a telephoto lens?

How Good Is the Google Pixel 7's 'Unblur' Photo Technology?

We have gotten to the point where smartphones can create professional-quality photos in a wide array of situations. Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones offer some of the best cameras available, and one of their most interesting features is "unblur," which promises to use advanced tech to literally remove the blur from things like faces in photos where the shutter speed was too slow or the subject was moving too much. How well does it actually work, though? This awesome video review takes a look at what you can expect.

A Review of the Highly Affordable TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens

Tilt lenses are some of the most versatile out there, allowing you to control depth of field independently of aperture, a unique capability that allows for both major technical advantages and highly creative images. However, such lenses tend to be quite expensive, which is what makes the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt lens, which sits at about $200, such an intriguing option. Can it provide decent performance, though? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Why One Photographer Left Canon

Canon has caused a bit of controversy with its stance on third-party lenses, and that has left many users pondering their future relationships with the company. This interesting video features a seasoned Canon user discussing why he has decided to sell his gear.

Hasselblad Explains Why There Are No Video Features in The X2D 100c Camera

Hasselblad recently released its highly anticipated 100-megapixel camera, the X2D 100c. The new camera boasts significant upgrades to the autofocus system, colors, and dynamic range. However, during the announcement, there was no mention of video features. In a recent interview, Hasselblad explains why there are no video features in the new X2D camera.

We Review the New Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens for Sony E

Another worthy contender enters the ring. Tamron has just released the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD. With this lens in my bag, I am freshly back from a whirlwind trip to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Check out what I saw and my thoughts on how the lens performed.

We Review the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi

Some months ago, I was excited enough to place a preorder upon hearing of the announcement of Sky-Watcher’s Star Adventurer GTi, the latest in their Star Adventurer series of star trackers. In September, I finally received it and have been checking it out. Let’s see if it has indeed met my expectations.

Affordable and Versatile: A Look at the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens

Canon makes some spectacular portrait lenses, but they tend to command equally spectacular prices, and many photographers might not wish to shell out several thousands dollars for one. At $499, that makes the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM a breath of fresh air, and when you add in the versatility of 1:2 macro capabilities, it looks like a very intriguing option. 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.

3 Professional Camera and Lens Combos You Can Get for About $1,000

When it comes to professional photography equipment, outfitting your camera bag can become expensive very quickly. Thankfully, though, we have been in the digital era long enough that there is a huge range of used gear available that is still plenty capable for a lot of applications. This great video will show you three great camera and lens combinations that can be had for about $1,000 and that will serve you well for plenty of needs.

7 Steps for Buying a Lens

Perhaps no piece of photographic equipment is more crucial to your work and image quality than the lens you put on your camera, and as such, when it comes time to purchase one, it is something you should consider carefully. If you are ready to purchase your next lens, check out this great video tutorial that will give you seven steps to follow to ensure you get the right lens for your needs and budget.

The Viltrox 35mm f/1.8: A Prime Example of High Quality 3rd Party Lenses

At half the price of the Nikon equivalent, how does the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF Lens for Nikon Z fair? Pretty darned good in my opinion. Third-party lenses can be a hit-or-miss affair with a lack of sharpness, and cheap construction, Viltrox, however, is certainly not guilty of that.

A Review of the Nifty New Sony ZV-1F Camera

The Sony ZV-1F is here, and it brings with it a lot of great features in a small package and at an affordable price. This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from the new camera.

This 20-Year-Old Camera Will Surprise You

Cameras are constantly improving. Keeping up with the latest model and its arguably better performance can instill a need for a perpetual upgrade and a bad case of G.A.S. Well, I'm here to turn back the clocks and look at a 20-year-old compact digital camera that is a lot more capable than we might give it credit for. Read on to remember, reflect, and be surprised by this forgotten gem.

Here Comes Another Canon Mirrorless Camera

It has now been over two years since Canon first released the EOS R5 and EOS R6 and showed the world they were extremely serious about competing in the professional mirrorless camera space. As such, it is about time for that first generation of cameras to move to their next iterations. It looks as if that will happen relatively soon, as specifications for the EOS R6 Mark II have emerged.

We Review the Amazing Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera

Together with the EOS R7 Canon released the entry-level EOS R10 mirrorless camera. Although I didn’t expect that camera to be special, it turned out to be a surprisingly capable camera. If you want to step into the Canon EOS mirrorless world, you can’t go wrong with this little gem.

Three Things to Do When You Get Your First Camera

Getting your first dedicated camera is highly exciting, as it opens up an entirely new world of creative possibilities. It also means you have a lot to learn and to practice. So, where should you get started? This fantastic video tutorial will give you three things you should learn when you first get a camera.

Is the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens the Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Options?

Many of my Canon's RF mount mirrorless lenses have been spectacular performers, but on the other hand, many of them have been quite expensive — sometimes eye-wateringly so. At $299, that makes the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM a refreshing prospect? Can its performance and image quality surpass its budget price, though? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect.

6 Things Every Photographer Should Have in Their Lighting Kit

The more you get into working with artificial lighting, the more you will realize you constantly little gadgets and accessories besides the lights and modifiers themselves. This great video tutorial will show you six things you should have in your bag that will keep your shoots running smoothly and help you tackle any problems that might arise.

Should You Use a 24-70mm f/2.8 or 24-105mm f/4 Lens?

When it comes to a walkaround lens, you generally have two options: a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 24-105mm f/4 (or something similar). So, which is right for you? Both options have advantages and drawbacks that make them the right fit for different needs and styles. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to make the right choice for your camera bag.

Do You Really Need to Upgrade Your Camera?

It seems like new camera gear comes out at a breakneck pace, with another major step forward always lurking just around the corner. As such, it can be really tempting to pull out your credit card and hit the "buy" button. Is it really necessary to upgrade, though? This excellent video discusses the issue a bit and why you might be better off waiting a while.

We Review the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E

In working for Fstoppers, we often get the chance to test and review new gear. When an assignment to try the new Sigma 150-600mm popped up, my ears instantly perked up. Superzooms are my secret weapon, and I am excited to share the results of my testing with you.

Four Steps for Balancing Natural Light and Flash

Knowing how to balance flash and ambient light is one of the most important skills a portrait photographer can have, as it will give you the maximum creative and technical versatility needed to tackle just about any scenario. If you are wondering how to do this, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you four steps to creating a balanced, compelling photo using both flash and ambient light.

What Camera Should You Buy In 2022?

There hasn’t been a bad camera released in the last few years. But, still, some cameras are better than others. In this article, we will see what cameras are the best ones to pick up in 2022. Some are cheap, while others are expensive, some are made for fast shooting, and others capture stunning detail in the studio.

A Review of the 7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.05 Lens

50mm lenses with wide apertures are quite popular, offering a versatile focal length in tandem with a lot of light-gathering power and narrow depth of field for portrait work. At $399, the 7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.05 looks quite intriguing, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Which of These Is the Perfect Camera Backpack?

Photography is not all just bodies and lenses. There's lots of other equipment that goes into creating the perfect setup. One of the most vital is your camera backpack, so if you want to find the perfect one for your needs, take a look here.

How To Set up a Complete Video-friendly Studio Setup for Under $3,000

So many YouTubers are able to project an air of authority with some amazing A-roll setups. While it may seem like you need a dedicated studio space to do so, that's not always the case, as this video shows you how to get a professional look on a budget.

A Year With the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

Few cameras have been more hotly anticipated in the last decade than the Sony a7 IV, particularly after the a7 III became one of the most popular cameras in several years for its impressive combination of versatility, quality, and affordability. So, how has the a7 IV held up in the long run? This excellent video review discusses one photographer's experience after a year of using it.

A Review of the New Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The Sigma Art Series has earned a reputation for impressively sharp lenses that offer loads of image quality at prices that often significantly undercut those of equivalent first-party options. One such lens in the lineup is the 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, and this excellent video review takes a look at it and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

What Is the Appeal of the Leica M11?

Probably no camera brand is more polarizing than Leica, with some photographers being incredibly loyal to the brand and others seeing their cameras as overpriced niche products. So, what is it about their cameras that keep photographers coming back to them over and over? This interesting video takes a look at the Leica M11 and discusses why it is such an alluring camera.

Is This the Weirdest Lens You’ve Ever Seen?

One of the most important traits of being a successful photographer is creating a style that is unique and original. There are many ways to do this, and one of them is to use unconventional equipment. This lens may be one of the weirdest you'll ever see.