Recent Gear Articles

How Good Is the Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Camera?

One of the unique features of the Fujifilm X Series is that almost every camera model has the same sensor, which means if you do not need top-shelf professional features, you can still get the best image quality the company has to offer. The X-E4 uses the company's newest X-Trans sensor and adds a range of new and useful features while keeping an affordable price. This great video review takes a look at the camera and the kind of image quality and performance you can expect from it.

Canon Rebates Return: Deals on 5D, 6D and 7D

Canon hasn't had any rebates on camera bodies lately, so I'm pretty pleased to find that there are a batch of rebates incoming for the 5D MKIII, 6D and 7D. Though the 7D is probably on its way out soon, deals on the 6D and the 5D MKIII are always welcome. The 5D and 7D are now $200 off, while the 6D got a slim, but still appreciated, $100 off.

5 of the Best Cameras for Filmmaking Under $1,000

Filmmaking at a decent level has been opened up to the masses over the last decade or so, with cameras that boast great video specs being available at all price points. This video breaks down one filmmaker's top five cameras for filmmaking that are under $1,000.

A Review of the Incredible Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens offers the promise of being the ultimate portrait lens for Z mount shooters by offering a combination of an extremely wide maximum aperture, top-level image quality, and smooth and buttery bokeh. Can it actually provide those in practice? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in real-world usage.

A Look at the Unique Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens

With the RF mount, Canon has really pushed the boundaries of optical design and introduced some groundbreaking lenses, the most impressive likely being the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM. If you are interested in this lens, check out this awesome video review that takes a real-world look at the sort of performance and images you can expect from it.

Who Makes the Best Telephoto Lens for Sony Cameras?

One of the best parts of the Sony system is the vast library of different lenses available, making it easy to find an option that fits both your budget and your needs. In particular, there are many options for supertelephoto zooms, with Sony, Tamron, and Sigma each offering multiple choices. This excellent video comparison takes a look at seven such lenses to help you pick the right one for you.

Is The Nikon D850 The Best Wildlife Camera Too?

When it comes to wildlife photography, high megapixel cameras aren't normally the first kind of cameras that most people tend to think of. Cameras such as the Canon 1DX Mark II, the Nikon D5, and the Sony a9 come to mind, due to their incredible burst rates, rugged build quality, and amazing autofocus systems. Tony Northrup, an avid wildlife photographer, believes the Nikon D850 to be the best camera for wildlife photography. In his latest video, Northrup describes in detail why he believes this to be true and based on the information he presents, it's difficult to argue against his points.

Go Ahead, Use Your Old DSLR Flashes on Your New Mirrorless Cameras

When I first started out using speedlights for flash photography, there weren’t many options aside from Canon and Nikon. As a result, I’ve amassed a large collection of Speedlights (and Speedlites), but now that I also shoot mirrorless bodies, are my SB-700s and 600EX-RTs any good?

My Gear and How I Use It to Affect Emotion

Photography is a game of emotions. Think about some of the most powerful images that you’ve ever seen. The ones that have left a lasting impression on you. Sure, they might have gorgeous tones, light, or composition, but the reason they have stuck with you for so long is probably the emotion or mood that the image evokes. Our job as a photographer is to control those moods and to decide which emotion we want our viewer to feel.

Why One Photographer Wants to Leave Leica After Four Years

Leica is arguably the most polarizing photography brand out there, though its users tend to be fiercely loyal to the brand, which is why it is always interesting to hear why when one leaves them for another system. This insightful video essay features a photographer discussing why he might leave Leica after four years with the brand and switch to Nikon.

Sigma vs. Tamron vs. Canon: Which Zoom Lens Wins?

High-end zoom lenses can make a real difference in the quality of your images. If you’re considering lenses with both versatility and speed, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, and Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 are all worth looking at.

This Is the First Non-Kit Lens You Should Buy

When you are new to photography, one of the most exciting things you will do is purchase your first non-kit lens. Every camera mount has dozens or even hundreds of lens available to purchase, and choosing one can be tricky. This fantastic video will show you why your first lens should be what photographers colloquially refer to as a "nifty fifty."

7 Ways a 70-200mm Lens Can Improve Your Landscape Photography

When you think of lenses for landscape photography, you likely think of wide focal lengths made for capturing a large amount of a scene in the frame. And while those are certainly useful, a good telephoto zoom can be just as useful. This fantastic video will show you seven different ways a 70-200mm lens can improve your landscape photography.

The L-Mount Alliance: Too Little, Too Late?

The L-Mount Alliance marked the culmination of a remarkable period in the history of the (digital) camera. However in five years time, will we look back and see this as the beginning of the end? Was the L-Mount Alliance simply too little, too late?

Camera Predictions for 2018

2018 is coming up fast and Tony Northrup has uploaded his latest video with his camera predictions. Although predictions can very often be wrong, it doesn't stop us from trying. On occasions, many of us, including myself, tend to make predictions based on what we hope to see in the future.

Does the Profoto B2 Have Enough Power at 250Ws?

Recently announced at the head of WPPI a couple weeks ago, was the Profoto B2 strobe system. The unit, small in comparison of its competitors, was arguably the most exciting product announcement this year at the popular photography convention. However, the burning question everyone has been asking is… is 250Ws enough for on location work like Profoto suggests?

Fstoppers Reviews the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock

In today’s computing landscape, laptops are replacing desktops for many on-the-go creative and business professionals. There are still, however, a few things that make a desktop setup more productive for many. A Thunderbolt Dock, such as the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock, can help to bridge that productivity gap when you return home or to the office. Let’s take a look at how it stacks up in today’s article.

Fstoppers Reviews the Fujifilm VPB-XT2 Camera Grip

The Fujifilm X-T2 has been in my hands since the day it was released here in Korea, and I have been really enjoying all the new features and speed upgrades. For all intents and purposes, it has become my primary camera now. It is responsive enough that unless I'm working with families, I'll use it for everything I do. However, it still has a couple of flaws in terms of battery life and size. After a full day of shooting, I've been noticing that my fingers ache, and I've changed batteries more times than I can count. To address both of these, I thought I would check out the vertical battery grip (or Vertical Power Booster Grip as Fuji calls it), VPB-XT2, to see if it was worth the hefty price tag.
Mastering Headshot Photography With the Canon EOS R5 and RF 100mm Lens

Want to get great commercial, headshot photos using the Canon R5 and the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens? The following advice will help you produce the best professional headshots and show you how to interact with your clients for stunning, natural results.

Is the Leica Q the Best Camera for Street Photography — and a Bargain?

Released in June 2015, the Leica Q (Type 116) is a full frame, fixed-lens camera ideal for street photography. Thanks to the arrival of the Q2 in March last year, there’s now a fair few original Qs available to pick up secondhand approaching half of its launch price. Could it be the perfect camera for street photography?

We Review the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II Mirrorless Camera

Back in 2017, I received the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 for review. My experiences with this mirrorless MFT camera were positive. Now, six years later, Panasonic sent me the second version: the Lumix DC-G9 II. I used it under extreme weather conditions at the Opal Coast in France.