Recent Gear Articles

Fstoppers Reviews the Leica Q2 Monochrom: Are Black and White Cameras Worth It?

When it comes to niche cameras, Leica is probably somewhere near the top of the list. This is especially the case with Leica Monochrom cameras. The most recent release from the company is a black and white version of the compact fixed lens camera, the Leica Q2. The new Monochrom version promises lots when it comes to image quality.

Shooting the Fuji GFX 50S With the Techart Adapter and Canon Tilt-Shift Lenses

For many architectural photographers, tilt-shift lenses from Canon are the go-to option. These particular lenses are quite possibly the best available, and although Nikon has their variants, they just don't seem to be as good as Canon. The problem, however, is that Canon doesn't currently offer the best camera to put those lenses on with cameras like the Nikon D850 and Sony a7R III offering much better noise performance and dynamic range. In this video, I adapt Canon lenses to Fuji's medium format camera.

Fstoppers Review: The ONA Leather Brixton Stylish Camera Bag

Just because we are photographers for a living doesn’t mean all our equipment has to be 100% utilitarian. Sometimes a little bit of style and fashion is appreciated, and ONA looks to deliver in that department. The ONA Leather Brixton, now available in “dark truffle” color, is a sling bag that looks like a businessman’s briefcase sling, but is designed with a photographer in mind.

Can This Affordable 85mm Lens Keep Up With Professional Photographers' Demands?

A wide-aperture 85mm lens is always a popular choice for portrait photography, but such lenses can often run well north of $2,000. However, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 lens promises a classic optic at a much more affordable price, and this excellent video review takes a look at if it can provide the sort of performance and image quality professionals still demand.

A Review of the Sony a7R IVA Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7R IVA was a quiet upgrade to the a7R IV, and though most of the changes it brought were relatively minor, it still offers the highly impressive performance of the original a7R IV along with a few extra refinements. This awesome video review takes a look at the camera and the kind of performance and image quality you can expect from it.

The Biggest Mistake Photographers Make When Choosing Gear

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible.

Tamron Announces SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

For many photographers, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with vibration compensation is a holy grail. Tamron has just introduced their second generation of that exact lens with many improvements and a slick redesign. Check out the new lens!

Explaining the Different Types of Lens Autofocus Motor

While every lens design may or or less look the same, the technology and components contained inside can be very different, particularly the autofocus motors. When it comes to autofocus (AF) systems in camera lenses, there are several types of autofocus motors used to achieve fast and accurate focusing. The decision on which autofocus motor to be used will depend on the lens manufacturer, lens type, and price range. Dive deeper into this article as we explore the most common types of autofocus motors found in lenses.
Fstoppers Reviews: The Platypod Pro Max Camera Support

Announced on Fstoppers a while back, the Platypod Pro Max Camera Support is one of my favorite recent additions to my primary camera kit. The Platypod Pro Max Camera Support is a wide, stable, and ultra low-profile platform that allows you to set up a large tripod head, camera, and lens on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The larger platform is solid and even more stable than it’s predecessor for better results.

Why and How I Upgrade My iPhone Every Year

Whether they are anti-technology, anti-corporation, or anti-spending in any way, more and more people seem to be specifically against the idea of upgrading their gadgets every year. This is not more true than it is for those shiny, beautiful, brand new smartphones. But when it comes down to it, I think it’s not only worth it, but also incredibly necessary.
One Photographer's Thoughts After Four Years With the Leica M System

Perhaps no camera system is more iconic and more polarizing than the Leica M system. While some see it as an overly extravagant status symbol for wealthy people, others absolutely swear by both the experience it offers and the images it produces. So, who is the system really for? This fantastic video review features one photographer sharing his thoughts after four years of using Leica M cameras and lenses.

Are Nikon Mirrorless Cameras Ready for Wedding Photography?

As Nikon continues to push into the mirrorless market, the Z 6 and Z 7 are finding their way into the hands of more and more photographers. Wedding photography is one of the most demanding of all genres, and many Nikon shooters are wondering if the cameras are up to the task. This great video review seeks to answer that exact question.

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.

Fstoppers Interviews Professional Action Photographer Dave Lehl

If you aren’t familiar with the work of Dave Lehl, it’s about time that you change that. Dave is not only one of the top photographers in the snowboard industry, but he consistently creates work that transcends genres and has landed him gigs shooting for a list of clients that includes the likes of Red Bull, Nike, and Lamborghini. He has been published in nearly every major snowboard magazine including the covers of Pleasure Mag and Transworld Japan’s photo annuals.

Protecting Your Camera Gear After Shooting in the Cold

Baby it’s cold outside, just look at that ice beard! Only in Northern Michigan would you find someone actually surfing in this kind of cold. But, that’s what a Marquette local, Daniel Schetter or “Surfer Dan,” does. On Christmas day, Photographer Devon Hains ventured out into the cold to photograph Schetter out on Lake Superior. If you’re thinking at all about venturing out in the cold after the next fluffy snowfall to take some shots (and you should), you need to take the appropriate actions to protect your gear. In this article, I’ll share a tip on how not to completely ruin your gear after shooting in the cold.

Pure Ingenuity Leads to Affordable 8x10 Large Format Video Capture

I'm no cinematographer. I mean I dabble, like a lot of still shooters do, but I wouldn't put myself under the category of video expert by any means. That being said, I do know what I like and what I think looks good. What I've always really liked is the depth and feel of large format in still photography and, now finally, in video. You don't need to spend a $100,000-plus to do it either. See for yourself how Zev Hoover from Massachusetts accomplished it.

Profoto Announces the Profoto B2 Battery Powered Studio Flash

Back in 2013, Profoto announced the Profoto B1 Studio flash, which would go on to change the world of on location photography. With battery powered TTL, the Profoto B1 was an all in one unit, allowing up to 200+ flashes at full power. Well today, they announced it's sidekick, the B2.

Hands On with the DJI Inspire Quadcopter, Capturing 4K Aerial Video

With budget options for aerial video becoming more affordable, while the quality and abilities of the cameras they host getting better, I knew it was only a matter or time until I got my hands on such a system. Even though I was a little skeptical from the onset, I’m pleased to say that the DJI Inspire is a phenomenal drone/quadcopter unit for adding dramatic footage to video or still projects, even for first time users.

Sony Deals: Save Up to $500 and Get Free Add-Ons With This Sale

There are some sweet deals and savings going on for Sony cameras right now. If you've been thinking of getting a new body, this is your time to save some money as well as get some free "extras" thrown into your shopping cart. Check out the details of each sale below to save up to $500 in instant rebates.

Do You Need a Medium Format Camera?

Medium format has seen a bit of a renaissance in the last few years, with bodies gaining advanced features typically reserved for cameras with smaller sensors and coming down in price significantly — to the point that they are viable alternatives to full frame cameras. So, do you need a medium format camera? This great video compares some of the best cameras out there to help you decide.

7 Things to Check When You Buy a Used Lens

Lenses are not cheap, and you can potentially save thousands of dollars by buying used, but of course, you assume certain risks in doing so. If you are thinking of buying a used lens, this helpful video will give you seven things to check to ensure that you get a high quality optic that will give you years of good performance.

Using a Telephoto Lens and a Polarizer for Better Landscapes

Thomas Heaton has released his final YouTube video of his trip to Namibia, and it ended on a fantastic note. It shows what landscape photography can be, that for many it's not just creating imagery, but a personal way of learning who they are. The tidbits in the video really are just that extra sprinkle of education on top of some life lessons for those who take their cameras to far off destinations. It’s one reason why I and many others enjoy Heaton’s videos so much.

Exploring the Versatility of the M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro is a powerful piece of tech that has captured the attention of many, thanks to its impressive features and capabilities. Can it be your main computer? This great video takes a look after two runs of usage.

Portable Power: A Review of the Fujifilm X-T4

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the latest in the company's beloved X Series, and it comes with lots of improvements and new features compared to its predecessor, sure to make lots of photographers and videographers happy. If you have been considering adding it to your kit, be sure to check out this great review so you know what you can expect.