Recent Gear Articles

Everything a Beginner Photographer Needs to Know About Lenses

The lens is probably the most important piece of gear any photographer will carry, having a tremendous impact on the technical and creative qualities of your images. If you are new to photography and wondering what you need to know about lenses, check out this fantastic video tutorial by an Australian Geographic photographer that will teach both their standard properties and the fundamentals of their usage.

5 Hacks for an Inovativ Camera Cart

Camera carts can be an expensive tool on set, and Inovativ are at the top of the bunch. Hopefully, these ideas can get more out of your cart for less.

What's the Best Computer for Your Work, the Mac Studio M1 Ultra or MacBook Pro M1 Max?

Apple's M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra chips have blown the doors off the industry by providing highly powerful performance with equally impressive efficiency to match. The Max and Ultra chips sit at the top of the line, but the Ultra chip is only available in the desktop Mac Studio. So, should you opt for the Studio and its top-level power or the versatility of a MacBook Pro with the M1 Max chip? This excellent video comparison will help you decide.

You'll Be Amazed What You Can Accomplish With a $25 Camera

Modern cameras are highly impressive, able to tackle just about any challenging situation you can throw at them, even those that just a few years ago would have thrown the best options off their game. As such, it can be easy to rely on that technology a little too much and to forget just how far you can get with good technique and a solid creative foundation. This neat video reminds you of that by showing what you can do with a $25 camera that is almost two decades old.

Can This Affordable Portrait Lens Compete With Top Options?

85mm lenses with wide apertures are some of the most popular out there, but a high-quality one is often far from affordable. On the other hand, the Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 bucks that trend by coming in at over 75% less than the price of the highly respected Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM, making it quite the intriguing alternative. Can it keep up with those top-shelf options, though? This great video review takes a look at its performance and image quality to answer that question.

A Review of the Tokina SZ SUPER TELE 500mm f/8 Reflex Lens

Mirrorless lenses allow you to experience the fun of supertelephoto focal lengths without the often stratospheric prices, but they generally come with a few compromises as well. Nonetheless, depending on your needs and budget, they can be a decent alternative. One such option is the Tokina SZ SUPER TELE 500mm f/8 Reflex, 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 practice.

A Review of the Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Camera and NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Lens

The Nikon Z 9 has put Nikon back into competition with Sony and Canon in the upper echelon of the full frame mirrorless market, offering a no-compromises design at a competitive price. When combined with the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens, it offers a highly capable option for anyone needing top-of-the-line performance for things like sports or bird photography, and this excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can except from them.

This Legendary Camera Is Just $330

There have been a few digital cameras that have been landmarks in the industry, whether as major technological steps forward or impressive performers. One such groundbreaking camera was the Canon 5D Mark II, and this neat video takes a look at the camera and how you can still use it for great shots even 14 years after it was released.

Which Is Better: The DJI Mic or Rode Wireless Go II?

Video is more prevalent than ever, and along with the expectation of high-quality production and editing, clients expect top-notch audio to match. The Rode Wireless GO II has been a popular choice for some time, but the DJI Mic has recently challenged it and offers some compelling features and smart design choices that make it a great alternative. This excellent video review takes a look at both options to help you choose which is right for your work.

Can Sigma Dethrone This Impressive Fujifilm Lens?

Sigma has finally arrived on the Fujifilm X mount, and it has photographers excited at the prospect of using the company's popular lenses that are well known for providing excellent image quality at impressively competitive prices. One such example is the affordable 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary, and this fantastic video review compares it to the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR to see which provides better performance and image quality.

A Six-Month Review of the DJI Action 2 Camera

DJI's Action 2 is a tiny action camera meant to be placed in a variety of challenging environments and still come away with compelling footage, making it potentially quite the fun sidekick. This great video review takes a look at the camera after six months of usage, including how it holds up and the kind of performance and quality you can expect from it.

Are Your Photos Not Sharp? Here Are 15 Reasons Why

It's taken me years to figure out the myriad reasons why my photos weren't always as sharp as I expected. You can cut out all of that learning time by watching this one video that sums it all up.

The Nikon Z9 Is Better Than the Sony a1, Or Is It?

It's no secret that everyone is buzzing about the Sony a1 and the Nikon Z 9. Both are beautiful mirrorless cameras that have a lot of great features to offer. But, which one should you pick?

Can You Tell the Difference Between the 24-70mm EF and RF Lenses? Look For Yourself and Prepare to Be Shocked

I upgraded my camera to the Canon EOS R5 last year and have since been shooting with my adapter ring and the EF lenses. If this sounds like jargon to you: let me catch you up to speed. Canon launched its first mirrorless camera in 2018, and the mount on the mirrorless cameras is different than the ones of the previous DSLRs. As a workaround, you can use an adapter ring to shoot with your older EF lenses on the new mirrorless cameras.

A First Look at the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

With Nikon and Canon starting to push quite hard in the professional mirrorless realm in the last few years, we have seen a resurgence of the development of professional supertelephoto lenses. Most such lenses have long been near the top of image quality and autofocus performance, so a lot of the focus has been on reducing weight and size while maintaining that performance and image quality. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is the latest in that trend, and this great video takes a first look at what we can expect from it.

A Review of the Affordable But Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 Lens

A small, affordable prime lens with a relatively wide focal length can be tremendously useful (as long as it has the image quality to back it up), and at just $256 and 5.5 oz (155 g), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 lens certainly fits the bill. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of sharpness and performance you can expect from it in real-world usage.

The Fun of Shooting Street Photography at 200mm

Most street photography is shot at around 24mm or 35mm, but, of course, there is no reason you can't shoot it at longer focal lengths — even much longer if you so desire. This fun video follows a street photographer as he roams around Chicago, shooting at 200mm and showing just how different the photos look with such a distinctive focal length.

The Sony a7C Versus the a7 IV: Which Mirrorless Camera Is Right for You?

When it comes to Sony's a7 series of camera, both the a7C and a7 IV are the most generalist options, offering the best balance of photo and video features at reasonable prices. So, if you are looking for an all-around option, which of the two is the best? This great video comparison takes a look at the two cameras to help you decide which is right for you.

Which Fujifilm 35mm Lens Is Best?

50mm (equivalent) lenses are rather versatile, able to cover a range of situations. Fujifilm shooters have quite a few options available to them at that focal length, and this excellent video comparison takes a look at three of them: the Fujifilm XC 35mm f/2, XF 35mm f/1.4 R, and the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR.

We Review the Laowa 20mm F/4.0 Zero-D Shift Lens

Shift lenses provide crucial solutions to problems faced by architectural and real estate photographers, and until recently, options have been extremely limited. Let’s take a look at this new shift lens option from Laowa.

What Is the Best-Handling Camera of All Time?

We often get quite caught up in the headline-grabbing specs of cameras — things like sensor resolution, burst speed, autofocus, and more. However, one thing you will not find on a spec sheet but that can have a huge impact on your quality of life is a camera's handling. Which cameras have been the best? This neat video discusses five top choices.

What's the Better Camera: The Sony a7 IV or the Canon EOS R6?

All of the major camera companies have released some incredible cameras in the last few years, but many of us do not need top-shelf features and would rather opt to save thousands of dollars by buying a more generalist option. Such cameras have come quite a way and can handle most demands, and this great video review takes a look at two of the best options, the Canon EOS R6 and the Sony a7 IV.

We Review the Aputure LS600x: A Viable Alternative to HMI Lights?

When Aputure released the LS 600d Pro, it took the market by storm and signaled an era of high-power LED coming. But when the LS 600X Pro came out, it took the D version and made it greater. I’ve been using the 600X Pro for the past month, and here are some of my thoughts on it.

The Unsung Heroes of Portrait Lenses

There are many staple lenses in portrait photography that are recommended to beginners and professionals alike. However, there is something of an unsung hero lurking in a different genre entirely that could complement your gear arsenal perfectly.

Should You Use an 85mm or 70-200mm Lens for Portrait Photography?

When it comes to portraiture, the wide-aperture 85mm lens has been the classic choice for years, but zoom lenses have come along quite a bit in the past decade, and with their impressive image quality, you might prefer the versatility of having a variety of focal lengths at your disposal. If you are wondering whether to use an 85mm or 70-200mm lens for your portrait work, check out this excellent video tutorial that will show you the pros and cons of each.

A Review of the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Ultra-wide angle zoom lenses with wide maximum apertures are popular for a variety of uses, ranging from astrophotography to weddings and events work. For Sony shooters looking for professional-level options, there is the FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, 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.

Fstoppers Reviews the HEX Back Loader DSLR Backpack V2

HEX has been on a tear lately, releasing plenty of functional bags with some meaningful limited editions. The HEX Back Loader DSLR Backpack V2 continues the trend with a useful and stylish package that’s just about perfect for shooters with DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

Which of These Fujifilm Lenses Will Satisfy Your Bokeh Craving?

Fujifilm makes some pretty impressive lenses, and in between their well-established X Series and the respected GFX medium format line, photographers have a lot of choices when it comes to narrow depth of field and bokeh. This great video compares an option from each line, the GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR lens and the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR.

How to Improve the Fujifilm X-T4: A Canon User's Perspective

I picked up a Fujifilm X-T4 about five months ago to use primarily as a backup camera and for street photography, video, and family use. Although I shoot with a Canon system in my studio, I fell in love with Fuji’s cameras years ago when I acquired an X-Pro1 and a few X lenses. In this article, I offer a friendly critique and some suggestions for Fuji to improve an already great camera system.

Is Leica Worth Five Times the Price of Fuji?

Leica is a legendary brand, well known for a very specific camera experience and a desirable, unique look to their images. Fujifilm has made significant strides in the past decade, though, and their X-Pro series offers an experience similar to a rangefinder with a variety of interesting advanced and hybrid features. So, is Leica worth its significantly higher price? This great video review compares the Leica M11 to the Fujifilm X-Pro3 to find out.

A Review of the Impressive Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens

It used to be that most supertelephoto zoom lenses were significantly below the standards demanded by professionals, leaving you to either buy a stratospherically priced prime or make do. However, in the last few years, we have seen an explosion of better lenses, and one of the most impressive options out there is the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

Why I Chose the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

It’s not just the price, which is considerably lower than any other camera in the market that gives the same quality. It's a camera like no other, and its digital film footage is pure eye-candy every single time I get into the editing booth.

My DSLR Is Broken. Is It Time to Finally Get a Mirrorless Camera?

It happened again. My DSLR has failed on set. While being used to it and calling in for repairs right away, I caught myself thinking whether the time has come to buy a mirrorless. Here are some points that I brought up while having this debate with myself.

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

A good 50mm lens with a wide aperture is by far one of the most versatile a photographer can own, suitable for everything from portraiture to low-light events work and more. For Fuji shooters, there is the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, and 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.

The New Standard: Apple Displays

With the release of Apple’s new Studio Display, the new creative standard may be here. Are the specs and price good enough?

3 Months With the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera was probably one of the most anticipated cameras of the last decade, as the a7 III had set a high bar for versatility, quality, and affordability in a hybrid mirrorless camera. The a7 IV brought with it several new features and upgrades when it finally arrived, and this great video review takes a look at how it has held up after three months of usage.

Is This 50mm Lens Worth Its Modest Price?

Probably no lens runs a wider price range than the 50mm. You can pick up a new wide-aperture 50mm prime for anywhere from under $100 to well over $2,000 and just about everywhere in between. The most affordable options tend to have some serious limitations, though. The Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.8 offers an upgrade over those cheap models without breaking the bank, and this great video review takes a look at the image quality and performance you can expect from it.

Can the New OM System OM-1 Mirrorless Camera Keep Up With the Canon EOS R3?

The OM System OM-1 is here, and with its impressive upgrades and new capabilities, it challenges the paradigm of full frame or even APS-C cameras ruling the sports genre, at least on paper. Can it really keep up with top-level professional cameras, though? This great video review pits the OM-1 against the highly respected Canon EOS R3 to find out.

Which of These 50mm f/0.95 Lenses Is Best?

50mm f/0.95 lens options have exploded in the last few years, all offering an ultra-wide aperture at a versatile focal length in an affordable manual focus design. So, which of the options is best? This excellent video comparison takes a look at four of them: the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III, TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95, Brightin Star 50mm f/0.95, and the Venus Optics Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95.

A Buying Guide for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras and Lenses

Canon took a bit of time to really hit the gas when it came to professional mirrorless cameras and lenses, but once the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM hit the market, the company started running and has not looked back since. Now that the company (and third parties) have a wide variety of cameras and lenses available, knowing what is right for you can be a little tricky. This great video buying guide will help you navigate the world of Canon mirrorless gear to find the best choices for your work.

Which of These Two Impressive Fuji Portrait Lenses Is Better?

Fujifilm's XF 56mm f/1.2 lens has long been one of the most popular portrait lenses out there. However, Sigma lenses recently arrived for XF shooters, creating a new option for X Series shooters, including the 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary. So, how do the two options compare? This excellent video comparison takes a look at both to help you choose the right one for you.