Recent Gear Articles

I Found My Stolen Guitar By Accident

Warning: although Photoshop was used to identify the guitar, this isn't really photography-related, but this story is too good not to share.

Would You Pay $5,600 for a Zoom Lens?

Would you pay $5,600 for a zoom lens? And a variable aperture one at that? It sounds crazy, but with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH., you get that beloved Leica look with the convenience of a zoom lens. How good is this premium offering? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.

9 Things You Should Check Before Purchasing a Used Lens

The used market is always full of lenses, and given how well many photographers take care of their gear, you can often save a fair bit of money and still get a quality lens by purchasing preowned. There are a few things you should check before you agree to buy that lens you are eyeing, though, and this quick and helpful video tutorial will take you through them all to make sure you are not wasting your money.

The Lighting Modifier You Didn't Know You Needed

I own a lot of modifiers. My studio contains Broncolor Hazylights, old fresnels that are as rare as hens' teeth, and softboxes of pretty much every size from under a meter to so big I can stand inside them, but this latest addition is the one that has helped me.

How Does the Fujifilm X-T4 Hold Up After Two Years of Heavy Use?

When Fujifilm released the X-T4 in April 2020, it didn’t feel like a massive upgrade over the hugely popular X-T3, and even Fujifilm stated that the newer camera was intended more as a sister than a successor. After two years of heavy use, how does the X-T4 hold up in 2022?

Here’s Why I (Almost) Always Ignore My Light Meter

My first camera was a Minolta SRT-101. I loved that camera. It was an excellent tool for learning about photography and manual exposure. As it was completely manual in operation, the internal meter was my only guide for achieving correct exposure, outside of using an external source or just guessing. Fast forward 20-plus years and the way I use an internal light meter has remained largely unchanged. That all changed recently.

Which Standard Lens Is the Best Option for Nikon Shooters?

One thing is for sure: Nikon mirrorless shooters are not at a loss for choice when it comes to standard zoom lenses. With four native options from Nikon, plus the option to pretty seamlessly adapt F mount options, you might be wondering which lens in the crowded field is right for your needs and budget. This excellent video comparison takes a look at five options and all their pros and cons to help you make the right choice.

A Battle Between the Canon EOS R3, Nikon Z 9, and Sony a1 Mirrorless Cameras

Camera manufacturers have really found another gear the last few years, obliterating the old maxim that you could have things like resolution or shooting speed, but not both, by releasing cameras that can tackle literally any situation you can throw at them. So, who holds the current crown? This excellent video compares the Canon EOS R3, Nikon Z 9, and Sony a1 mirrorless cameras to find out.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens

In the past few years, in addition to a lot of ultra-premium lenses, there has been a second movement toward more affordable lenses that make certain compromises to provide good performance and image quality without breaking the bank. For Nikon mirrorless users, one such option is the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

8 Months With the Fujifilm GFX 100S: How Does This Medium Format Mirrorless Camera Perform?

Perhaps no camera series has created a larger paradigm shift in the industry in the last decade than the Fujifilm's GFX series, which brought medium format prices into direct competition with the upper levels of full frame and modernized many of its capabilities at the same time. The GFX 100S is one of the most impressive options in the line, and this great video review discusses one photographer's thoughts after eight months with the camera.

Here Come More Exciting Canon Lenses

Once Canon brought the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM to the market, they showed they were extremely serious about mirrorless innovation, and they have not looked back since. And it looks like they plan on keeping their foot on the gas, as more patents have emerged for interesting lens designs sure to please a lot of photographers.

Is the Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Camera One of the Best Out There?

I have rarely been a big fan of fixed prime lens cameras, but the exception has always been the Fujifilm X100 series. What started out as a quirky and fun camera has evolved into a highly capable professional tool in its fifth generation — all without losing any of the unique personality that first endeared it to photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the new model and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Powerful Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z 9 has arrived, and it has officially brought the company back into competition with Sony and Canon for the most powerful full frame camera crown. So, just how good is the new body? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from it.

Can You Really Tell the Difference Between Medium Format and APS-C?

In this comparison, you probably can't tell the difference between identical images taken on a medium format and APS-C camera. But that doesn't mean that medium format cameras are a waste of money. As with most questions like this in photography, it really depends on what type of images you make and what you plan to do with them.

Did Sony Kill the DSLR?

Back in 2006, Sony bought out camera manufacturer Minolta, triggering a sequence of events that has all but brought about the demise of the beloved DSLR.

Canon R3 Versus Sony a1 Versus Nikon Z9: The Best Flagship Camera

Canon, Sony, and Niko: the three major manufacturers within the photography industry. For a long time, Canon and Nikon held a duopoly, until Sony started producing full-frame mirrorless cameras. We now have a triopoly with Canon, Nikon, and Sony going to head to head with their flagship cameras.

Is Expensive Camera Gear Really Not That Important?

Fashion photographer Peter Coulson is back with another video showing us his process of seeing light. This time he takes an even more minimal approach than his previous videos to prove that expensive gear isn't always needed to produce quality photography.

A Review of the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7 IV was one of the most hotly anticipated mirrorless cameras of the last several years, and now that it is here, it brings with it a wide range of improvements and new features sure to capture the attention of photographers and filmmakers alike. If you have been considering purchasing the camera for yourself, check out this fantastic video review that takes an in-depth look at the camera and the sort of quality and performance you can expect from it.

5 Reasons to Buy the Original Leica M Monochrom is 2022

Leica has a rich history in photography and while their cameras are polarizing based purely on price, their pedigree isn't up for dispute. In this video, Mattias Burling discusses why the original Leica M Monochrom is a great purchase in 2022.

Is the Dell XPS the Best Windows Laptop for Photo and Video Work?

The Dell XPS (eXtreme Performance System) line has been long respected for its quality and performance, offering Windows users a lot of power and advanced features to tackle the heavy demands of professional photographers and filmmakers. If you are looking for a new computer that can tackle everything you can throw at it, check out this great video review of the latest XPS series.

One of the Weirdest Medium Format Cameras Ever Made

Before gaining popularity with the highly respected X Series and GFX Series, Fujifilm was quite active in the film industry, making some fantastic cameras that are still popular with enthusiasts today. One of the most interesting cameras they made was the GA645Zi, and this great video takes a look at what it is like to shoot with a medium format point and shoot.

Renting Photography Equipment Instead of Buying

Photography as a hobby can be rather expensive, especially when you want a high-quality camera and lenses. You can spend thousands and thousands of dollars without blinking. But you can also rent equipment, and there might be a few good reasons to do so.

A Review of the Affordable Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE Lens

An 85mm lens with a wide aperture is one of the most popular choices among photographers, offering the classic focal length for portraits paired with narrow depth of field and a lot of bokeh. Such lenses can run quite high in price, however, sometimes well over $2,000. The Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE comes in at a significantly lower price, and this great 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 XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR offers X series shooters quite a bit of reach at a relatively affordable price as far as supertelephoto zooms go. Does it still offer the sort of performance and image quality professionals demand, however? This great video takes a look at the lens to answer that question.

Have You Ever Used This Unique Type of Medium Format Camera?

There are essentially three types of modern cameras: DSLRs, mirrorless bodies, and rangefinders. There are a few other formats that mostly fell by the wayside, however, as time marched on, such as the zone focus camera and the TLR. This neat video takes a look at using a TLR, including its unique experience and images.

Canon R3 Versus Nikon Z9: Hands-on First Impressions

Canon and Nikon, after a slow start, have both been consistently releasing excellent mirrorless bodies. Their respective newest cameras are more or less direct rivals, so how do they compare?

5 Tips to Master Using Filters for Landscape Photography

Many aspiring landscape photographers hit a roadblock when it comes to long exposure and filters. They may seem confusing and too technical, but the following tips should clear the path for you.

The Best and Worst Parts of the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7 IV, one of the most highly anticipated cameras of recent years, is here, and it brings with it a range of new photo and video features and improvements, making it again one of the most balanced cameras out there, at least on paper. How does it hold up in practice? This excellent video discusses some of the best and worst aspects.

More Canon Cameras Are Coming in 2022

Canon started out slowly in the mirrorless space, but they exploded forward with the release of the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, showing they could go toe to toe in specs and that they had no intention of relinquishing their crown for creating some of the most extreme and innovative lenses. It looks like the company won't be letting off the gas, with more cameras likely to come later this year.

A Review of the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF Lens

35mm has always been a popular focal length, offering a wide but still fairly neutral view that is useful for a huge range of applications from astrophotography to portraits and more. There are tons of 35mm lenses to choose from out there, and this excellent video review takes a look at one of the more affordable options, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 AF.

A Review of the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens

A wide angle prime lens that comes with a large aperture can tackle a range of situations, such as astrophotography, weddings, and more. For Sony shooters, there is the FE 20mm f/1.8 G, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

How Good Is the New Leica M11 Camera?

Leica's M11 has hit the market, and it brings with it a variety of improved and entirely new features that help to modernize the company's M series. This great video review takes a look at the new M11 and the kind of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II Lens

Wide-aperture 50mm lenses are quite popular for good reason, as they offer a very neutral focal length in tandem with narrow depth of field and low-light performance, making them quite versatile for a wide range of applications. They run a huge gamut of prices, however, from under $100 to well over $2,000. This excellent video review takes a look at a mid-range option that could be the right combination of price and quality for a lot of shooters, the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II.

A Decade of Fujifilm's X Series

Fujifilm's X series of cameras began a little over a decade ago as quirky, unique bodies, but in the time since, they have evolved into powerful tools used by many professionals while still maintaining those interesting designs that captured the imaginations of many users many years ago. This neat video takes a look at the X-Pro1 and how it holds up a decade later.

Gear Mistakes Beginner Photographers Always Make

The internet, as well as being a great resource for photographers, is also a black hole for our collective wallet. It seems that almost daily a new camera, lens, computer, or must-have bit of software is launched. So let's look at the biggest gear mistakes we make as beginners.

Our In-Depth Review of the Sony a7 IV

The popular Sony a7 III has been updated. Meet the Sony a7 IV, the fourth edition of this popular camera. Sony Netherlands provided me with this camera for a review, and I also got a chance to compare it with the previous model. These are my findings.

The Lens One Photographer Believes Everyone Should Own

The holy trinity of lenses — usually 16-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm — has been a staple for decades, but it is beginning to be tested. This lens is a convention breaker and Nigel Danson believes every photographer should own one.

A Look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens

We have seen a move toward lenses that make smart compromises to reach more affordable price points in recent years, and that trend has made its way to first-party manufacturers. For Nikon mirrorless shooters, there is the new NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens, and this great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Low-Cost Path to Astrophotography

I’m occasionally asked to recommend a camera to get into astrophotography. Of course, my first answer is to use the camera and lenses you already have. Beyond that, it’s difficult to recommend a specific brand and model because I don’t have every camera at my disposal, and we are blessed (cursed?) with a continuous stream of new and improved cameras. Here are some thoughts.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens

Perhaps no lens finds itself as the workhorse of choice in more photographers' bags than the 24-70mm f/2.8. However, such lenses are quite expensive, and many photographers do not need that f/2.8 aperture. An alternative option for Nikon shooters is the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, and this excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

We Review the DJI Mic: The Best Portable Microphone for Your Video, Music, and Podcasts

Sound is a critical aspect of content creation in today’s world. Whether it’s for a YouTube channel, Twitch streaming, interviews, or podcasting, your voice will reflect who you are, and where you are recording can also have a profound effect on the audio. Viewers are used to loose camera work videos, but if the audio is bad, then most of the time, viewers give up. So, we tested out the new DJI Mic to see if does indeed produces great sound quality.

Everything You Need to Know to Set Up Your Sony a7 IV

Modern digital cameras are incredibly complex machines, and to really get the most out of their capabilities, you need to understand their underlying menu structure and how to tweak it to your specific needs and style of shooting. Perhaps no menu system is more complex than Sony's, but this fantastically comprehensive video walkthrough will show you everything you need to know to get your a7 IV up and running exactly how you like it.

These Are the Best 360 Cameras for Photo and Video in 2022

It's the start of 2022, and once again the world has retreated into pandemic bubbles. If ever there was a use-case for 360 images and videos, it's now, when it's safer to experience things virtually than in-person. That's where 360 cameras come in, and here's a pretty comprehensive list of the best horse for both photo and video courses.

Our Hands-On Test of Lindsay Adler's Optical Spot by Westcott

A few weeks ago, I got my hands on a light modifier I've always wanted to have in our studio. Westcott's brand new Optical Spot is one of the coolest and most useful light modifiers I've ever seen, and in today's video, I'm going to show you why you might want one or two for your photography!