Fstoppers Gear Reviews
This Lens Was Made Just For Me: Sony 50-150mm f/2 GM
It’s been a while since I’ve used a lens that felt like a must-have. That's because most lenses have simply been upgraded versions of past offerings. But this lens is different.
Neewer's Magnetic Flash Accessory Kit: A Perfect Partner for Q4 Outdoor Studio Flash?
This flash accessory pack is a must-have for anyone with the Neewer Q4 flash. Furthermore, they increase the versatility and, therefore, desirability of the flash. Here are some examples of what the modifiers do.
Hands-On With the Viltrox DC-A1: Clarity, Control, and Convenience
Do you struggle to see your camera screen in bright light or fine-tune critical focus? This compact tool might be the simplest upgrade to transform how you shoot in the field, without changing your camera. Here's why a 7-inch external monitor could be the piece you didn’t know you were missing.
This Budget Fast Prime Goes Beyond Expectations: Sirui Sniper 75mm f/1.2 Review
You don’t get good fast prime lenses at a bargain price—definitely not below $400. That’s what we thought. But this lens from Sirui seems to be an absolute hidden gem that we need to talk about.
A Photographer’s Safety Net: We Review Stellar Photo Recovery 12
As a photographer, your photo library is one of the most important things to keep safe and backed up. Of course, you can have backups on multiple drives, cloud storage, and servers, but hardware can still fail. The risk is exceptionally high during or after a shoot, between the time you take the SD card out of the camera and plug it into your card reader. The last thing you want to see is a drive read error, but it happens. Luckily, there's an easy solution.
We Review the Latest DJI Osmo Mobile 7: The Perfect Smartphone Gimbal for Beginners
DJI has long been a household name when it comes to drones and camera stabilization, consistently pushing the boundaries of what compact gear can achieve. With the launch of the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 (OM7), the company has decided to bring a highly capable gimbal to the hands of beginners without the usual high price tag. While many smartphone gimbals are often geared toward enthusiasts or semi-pro users, the OM7 is designed to be a true entry-level option that doesn’t feel basic. It offers minimal compromise in functionality while still packing in big capabilities, making it one of the most approachable and reliable tools for new content creators to elevate their mobile shooting game.
We Review the Latest DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal for Professional Smartphone Videographers
DJI’s latest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 7P, marks the brand’s seventh generation of innovative smartphone gimbals, bringing a completely new foldable design that’s even more compact and refined than before. It introduces a couple of pro features that really take content creation to the next level, including the new ActiveTrack 7.0 technology, which pushes three-axis stabilization and intelligent tracking to new heights. Compatible with a range of smart tools, capturing stabilized high-quality footage has never been easier. Judging by the letter “P” in its name and its expanded functionality, DJI seems to be clearly targeting the Osmo Mobile 7P toward pro smartphone videographers.
There's a Good Reason You Should Consider Buying the BOYAMIC 2 Even if You Don't Record Videos
There's a very good reason why you should consider buying a microphone. Lav mics offer a versatile solution. A combination of good sound reproduction, quality build, and value for money is more important than you may realize.
Locationscout Could Be Your Photography Best Friend
Locationscout is a sort of Swiss Army knife for all kinds of useful photo information. It comes in a variety of flavors: iOS, Android, and a full-featured web app.
For Everyday-Carry and On-the-Go Shooting: We Review the PGYTECH OneGo Solo V2
It’s light, it’s spacious, and it can carry a lot of things. If you can have only one bag for everyday use and shooting on the go, this might be worth considering.
Lumix S1 II, The World's Best Hybrid Video Camera With 1 Major Flaw
Today, Panasonic launched the new Lumix S1 II mirrorless camera. I'm convinced this would be the best hybrid video camera on the market if it didn't have one major flaw.
Trying Nikon After Again After 7 Years With Sony
Over 20 years ago, when I started my professional photography career, I shot exclusively with Nikon. Back then, I had zero intention of switching brands, but eventually I was forced to.
Maono's PD300 X Dynamic Microphone and Boom Arm: Great Quality and a Budget Price
Increasingly, I am running presentations or attending Microsoft Teams meetings from my desk. Therefore, it became time to improve the sound setup at my workstation. Maono is a respected name in the field of microphones, and so their PD300X seemed a great choice for me, but how did it fare?
Travel Light, Shoot Heavy: We Review the Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Lite Tripod
With so many carbon fiber travel tripods on the market, it's hard to know which is right for you. However, Falcam has just released its latest TreeRoot tripod, which will turn some heads.
Convenience That Can Go a Long Way: A Look at the Tilta Portable Camera Battery Charging Case
Getting ready for a shoot or a trip can be quite a chore, especially when you have a lot of batteries to charge. But what if a $29 charging case can make that easier for you?
Meet the Roller Bag That Actually Delivers
Whether you're a travel or commercial photographer, getting your bag around the airport or to your next shoot can get annoying—if only there were a bag that made traveling a little easier.
Hands On With The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM Hybrid Lens
Canon has just released the fourth lens in its L VCM line of Hybrid Primes, the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM. I got to have an early look and wanted to share my thoughts.
Freewell Pro Reader: A Fast, Versatile Reader With Bonus Storage
Freewell aims to simplify the modern card storage conundrum with their Pro Reader, a device that promises not only high-speed reading of multiple formats but also integrated storage for cards when you're out in the field. I've been testing one out to see how it fits into a creator's workflow.
Which Neewer Panel Light Would You Choose?
Neewer has released two new panel lights. Perfect for video and great for photography too, these powerful yet affordable arrays have slightly different functions and open up a host of creative possibilities. If you were seeking this kind of lighting, which would you choose?
Is This the Best Budget 35mm Lens for Sony?
In this review, we’re diving into the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2, a lens that surprised me in the best ways. I’ve had this thing in my hands for more than a month and have used it on multiple sessions now, and—spoiler alert—this is one of the best and most affordable 35mm lenses for Sony.
PTGui Version 13: The Powerhouse Panorama Editing Tool Got Even Better
Panorama photography presents unique challenges, both in the field and during post-processing. For years, PTGui has been a favorite powerhouse tool for photographers needing more control and better results than the basic stitching tools provide. Now, with the release of PTGui 13, this already excellent panorama stitching software gets a significant update, focusing on a streamlined DNG-based workflow, performance boosts, and useful new features. Is it worth the upgrade?
The Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Pro: Because Your Camera's Worth It
There are dozens of tripods on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. None are suitable for every circumstance. The new model from Falcam TreeRoot, the Quick Lock Pro R240T, has a very specific use, and I put it through its paces to find out whether I need one.
Transforming Mobile Shots With Leica's Lux Grip
The Leica LUX app brought some fresh tools to mobile photography, but handling your phone like a real camera? That’s where the LUX Grip steps in. This isn’t just a Bluetooth shutter button. It’s an ergonomic extension that is meant to give you a DSLR-style hold while unlocking full control over your iPhone’s native features and LUX app functionality.
Reolink Go PT Ultra Field Review: Excellent Footage, But Not Quite a Wildlife Camera
I’ve spent some time testing the Reolink Go PT Ultra to see if it’s a viable option for use as a remote wildlife camera, particularly in woodland areas. With 4K video, pan/tilt control, and 4G connectivity, it looked promising on paper. In practice, the footage quality is superb, but the battery performance in real-world conditions—especially shaded woodland—is a significant limiting factor.
Leica Lux App: Leica Looks on Your iPhone
In a sense, the Leica LUX app brings Leica’s look and feel to the iPhone. It offers a less convoluted UI, a more tactile shooting experience, and access to custom Leica color profiles. It doesn’t try to mimic pro cameras through gimmicks and the like—it leans into what the iPhone can already do and gives you more control over it.
I used the app in various locations: architectural shots, teaching sessions, and as my main iPhone camera when used in conjunction with the Leica LUX Grip. It hasn’t replaced my camera, but it’s the only mobile app that made me want to slow...
Studio-Grade Lighting, Pocket-Sized Power: The Hobolite Micro Bi-Color Light Review
In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?
Maono Wave T5 Lavelier Mic: A Sound Investment
If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video or taken part in a Zoom meeting, you will know that sound quality is usually more important than any other factor. With this in mind, I put the new Maono Wave T5 wireless lavalier mics through their paces.
Tiny but Capable: How the Canon RF 50mm Fills the Gap in My Photography Kit
If you want a small and lightweight Canon lens to fill the gap between wide angle and telephoto, the lens we review in this article is a great choice.
We Review DXO PureRAW 5
We spent some time on the new DxO PureRAW 5 when it was announced in February, but now it's out and I've had a chance to give it a run.
Hands On With the New Canon EOS R50V
Canon’s new EOS R50V has just hit the shelves, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early unit to put it through its paces.
The New Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB Lens Enters the Ring Swinging!
The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB lens is the second full frame autofocus lens in the company’s flagship line, after the 135mm LAB, which was released in 2024. And, like the 135mm LAB lens, the 35mm continues to raise the bar and offers photographers outstanding quality and performance at a much more affordable price.
Is It Really Worth Spending $600 to Import Your Files?
The ingest process is rarely the most glamorous part of being a photographer or videographer. It can often feel like a bottleneck, especially when you're juggling multiple card formats, dealing with slow readers, or fighting a tangle of dongles after a long shoot day. Lexar aims to change that with its Professional Workflow ecosystem, a modular system designed to streamline and accelerate this crucial step.
I got to try all the core components, including the Workflow Docking Station and a selection of its reader and SSD modules, to see if it lives up to the...
My Favorite Luxury Camera Accessory: A Hawkesmill Strap
We like to buy ourselves little luxury indulgences once in a while that make us feel good—something as small as a fancy bar of Swiss chocolate, or maybe a new piece of jewelry or a designer shirt. So my thinking is, why not do that with camera accessories? It makes sense. After all, you’re likely to use your camera more than you’ll wear a shirt, and too much chocolate is bad for you. When I treated myself to my Leica Q2 Monochrom, I did just that. I bought the perfect luxury accessory for it: a Hawkesmill strap, proudly handmade in England.
Saramonic K9 Review, Wireless Audio For True Audio Professionals
A few weeks ago, I tested the Saramonic Ultra against the Rode Wireless Pro and DJI Mic 2 — and to my surprise, the Ultra held its own, even outperforming in a few key areas. But what if you need something more professional? The Saramonic K9 is the answer.
Shure’s New MoveMic 88+ Is Versatile and Impressive
Don’t expect a tech review where I list a whole bunch of numbers and stats—and copy and paste lines oozing hyperbole written by young copywriters looking to impress—from the media release. I’m bored just thinking about that. No, I’m reviewing this neat and rather unique little wireless mic from Shure from the perspective of an actual vlogger and filmmaker. Because, well, that’s exactly what I am.
PolarPro's New Bags For Lightweight Travel & Street Photography
I have two photography scenarios that maybe you can relate to. I like to travel and spend a day or two exploring a new destination but don’t want to carry much—maybe a couple of lenses, some filters, and spare batteries. What I do carry is heavy enough that a backpack makes sense, making photography easier. If I pop out for a few hours to wander around doing street photography, I have one little camera and lens, a filter, and a spare battery. I may have my reading glasses and phone too. I only need a small bag for that, where I can stow the camera if the weather gets bad. Otherwise, the camera is around my neck, so the bag is virtually empty.
Hands On With The Canon PowerShot V1
I got to spend a week with the new Canon PowerShot V1 and wanted to share with you my impressions that might hopefully help you decide if this is the right camera for you.
We Review the Mobile Pixels Geminos T: A Space-Saving Dual Monitor for Multi-Tasking
Two monitors in one? This unique stacked dual monitor offers to boost your productivity even with limited desk space. But can it be used for a photographer’s work?
Good Audio Without Fail: the Saramonic K9 Digital UHF Wireless Microphone System
Convenience is one thing, but not all wireless mic systems can evade signal interference and loss. When the project has no room for re-dos, this might be the mic system for you.
Why Everyone’s Talking About the Think Tank Walker Pro 24L
The Think Tank Walker Pro 24L is a bag designed for versatility, durability, and comfort. Its sleek profile is ideal for the photographer on the go. Does the bag hold up to its predecessor?
M4 Macbook Air Vs Microsoft Surface Laptop Is Embarrassing
Apple's latest M4 MacBook Air is here and I put it head to head against Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7th Edition. Both laptops are exactly $1,000 and have almost identical specs, but one of them is better in almost every way.
Essential and Rather Unique Filters: The 135 Series From PolarPro
A circular polarizer (CP) and a mist filter are two filters that, in my opinion, everyone should own. And PolarPro makes some lovely CP and mist filters. I’ve been using their CP for the past couple of years. From travel photography to tabletop food photography in the studio, it’s a great filter. So, with an already great CP and mist filters to their name, why did PolarPro launch new versions?
Ocean Photographer on a Budget? Get the Joby Sea Pal
As a travel photographer who has spent years chasing waves across the globe, finding the right water housing has always been a challenge. I’ve lugged around massive setups like AquaTech’s housings, which offer great protection but take up a ridiculous amount of space and weight in my bag. When I discovered the Joby Sea Pal, I was skeptical—could a lightweight, budget-friendly water housing really meet the demands of professional ocean photography? After months of testing it in various conditions with my iPhone 11 Pro Max, I can confidently say: yes, it can.
The Best Camera/Lens For Wildlife Photography Today
I've been a professional photographer for 23 years and I've never been interested in or attempted wildlife photography. All that changed when Sony sent over the a9 III and their brand-new FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens. This gear, and this genre of photography has renewed my love for photography, but it's also got me worried.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Just Got a Lot Better
Insta360 has introduced a new set of accessories designed to enhance the Ace Pro 2. If you already own this 8K AI-powered action camera, the Xplorer Bundle offers an upgraded shooting experience. Featuring a dark gray Xplorer Grip Kit, co-developed with Tilta, this bundle is optimized for street photography, travel, and urban exploration. With a sleek modern look and vintage-inspired design, it refines both the functionality and protection for your Ace Pro 2.
Raising the Bar of Portable Pen Displays: We Review the Wacom Movink 13-Inch OLED Pen Display Review
It’s about time that pen tablets and pen displays caught up with the portability of the computers we use for editing. The Wacom Movink allows you to bring the convenience and precision of pen displays anywhere your work takes you.
We Got Our Hands on the Beautiful New Fujifilm GFX100RF and Loved It!
Fujifilm has just announced its smallest and lightest medium format camera yet, the GFX100RF, in the heart of Prague, and we couldn’t miss it. What are our first impressions? Does it hold up to expectations? Or does it exceed them? In short, yes. But you’re not here for the short version, are you
Small and Powerful: The Neewer HB 80C Opens A Host of Creative Opportunities
If you seek an affordable lighting solution for your photography or videography, look no further. The new Neewer HB 80C RGB Light offers excellent videography effects and is bright and versatile enough for portraiture and creative work.
We Review the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Latest AI Tracker, Bringing AI Tracking to Any Phone Camera App
Earlier this year, Insta360 released its first AI-powered smartphone gimbal, packed with impressive features, including Deep Track 4.0, which offers advanced tracking capabilities. However, many of these advanced features were exclusive to iPhones, leaving a gap for Android users. Fortunately, Insta360 has addressed this with the release of its latest AI Tracker attachment for the highly popular Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal—an easy-to-use attachment that enables Android users to take full advantage of the gimbal’s advanced AI tracking algorithm.