Recent Gear Articles

Sirui 150mm Anamorphic Lens: The Lens That Rekindled My Passion For Filming

Sirui's launched the Venus 150mm T2.9 1.6x Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens. Beyond its sharp imagery, pleasing bokeh, and unique anamorphic flare, its standout feature is the remarkably close minimum focus distance. This capability sets the lens apart, elevating it to a distinct tier of optical brilliance.

New Fujifilm Camera and Lenses Available for Preorder

Since the release of the X100, Fujifilm has shown the photography community that they're very much alive, and not going down without a fight. They showed their fight once again today, with the announcement of their new affordable mirrorless camera the Fujifilm X-M1, and an additional prime and zoom lens for their X-Mount lens system.

Fstoppers Reviews the Benro S2 and S4 Video Monopods

Monopods, once really only useful in a handful of situations, have evolved into irreplaceable members of our creative arsenals due to the advent of high quality video being produced in DSLRs. The idea of a “video monopod” might frighten video purists, but there are those such as Patrick Hall and myself who swear by them. Manfrotto’s version was a fantastic foray into the medium, but slightly pricey. Benro recently released their more affordable versions, and I was more than ready to see if they were able to hold their own.

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX100 II Mirrorless Medium Format Camera

The Fujifilm GFX 100 II medium format mirrorless camera takes what Fujifilm established with previous GF series models and adds a bevy of new features and upgrades that make it all the more appealing, all while maintaining that highly competitive price that makes it a reasonable alternative to full frame for many professionals. Can it match those impressive specs in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from the camera.

The Freedom Tower: A View From The Top Of The World

Months of planning, 567 images stitched into a single panorama and a 14.6 gigabyte image results in a breathtaking view of New York City from the top of the Freedom Tower. Deemed as one the tallest skyscrapers in the US, the new Freedom Tower is about one year out from completion.

Why Less Camera Gear Makes You More Creative

The weight of camera gear on your shoulders is more than just a physical burden - it can fundamentally alter how you approach and create images. Carrying less equipment might seem limiting at first, but it can push you to see beyond the obvious shots and discover fresh creative opportunities.

Can This Affordable Kit Lens Keep Up With a More Expensive Professional Option?

With the release of cameras like the EOS R7, Canon has shown they are dedicated to building their APS-C mirrorless platform alongside their well-established full frame line. If you are shooting with such a camera and looking for a kit lens for shooting a variety of scenarios, check out this fantastic video review that compares two good options.

Should You Buy the New Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Instead of the Sony GM Version?

Last week, Sigma announced their brand new 85mm f/1.4 lens for Sony full-frame cameras. Its predecessor was already something of a hit, but is this updated version better choice over Sony’s own FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, which costs an extra $600? Spoiler alert: one is definitely better than the other.

5 Ways to Improve Your SkyGuider Pro

So, you’ve gone out and bought an iOptron SkyGuider Pro. You’ve assembled it, read the instructions, maybe even watched a YouTube video on how to use it, and you’ve got the basics down. But you find yourself wondering if it could be better. Yes, it can be heaps better.

Fstoppers Reviews the Kandao QooCam EGO: Capturing 3D Magic, but With a Fatal Flaw

Anybody of a certain age remembers the ViewMaster, a favorite childhood toy that read circular reels through a bright red stereoscopic viewfinder, rendering images from those reels in vivid, 3D detail. If nothing else, the color of Kandao’s new QooCam EGO viewfinder gives away that someone at that company has fond memories of the ViewMaster.

The Real Reason Gear Matters

Photographic equipment, often perceived as the key to getting better shots, serves a more nuanced role in the creative process. Understanding this relationship between gear and creativity is not only essential for new photographers looking to evolve but also for those questioning the impact of their equipment on their work. This insightful video addresses the dilemma faced by many photographers: balancing the allure of new technology with the essence of creativity.

Two Years With Micro Four Thirds: Can It Hold up to Professional Demands?

Most professional photographers use full frame, medium format, or APS-C cameras, though micro four thirds has been chugging along for a little over a decade now and maintains a loyal contingent of users who value its especially compact size. Are the tradeoffs in sensor size worth the portability and other features? This great video discusses one photographer's experience with the system after two years.

A Review of the Impressive and Affordable 7Artisans 15mm f/4 Lens

7Artisans has become well known for producing some of the most affordable lenses available to photographers. While that sometimes means significant compromises in performance or image quality, their 15mm f/4 lens offers rather impressive results while still coming in at a very low cost. Is it the right lens for you? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it.

A Look at Some of the Best Budget Gear for Filmmakers

Making good-looking footage isn't an easy or cheap endeavor. While for much work, it still makes sense to spend on the gear you need, sometimes, there's a workaround that is much, much cheaper. This video takes a look at some of the best video accessories you can get for under $50.

Capturing a Touchdown: My Hail Mary Camera

When shooting football or other field sports, oftentimes, you are looking downfield with your long glass such as a 400mm f/2.8, and suddenly, the play happens right in front of you. The solution is a Hail Mary camera.

Canon, Fuji, Nikon, and Sony Go Head to Head in This Color Science Battle

Color science is something that pops up in camera debates from time to time. We all hear about how amazing Canon's colors are or maybe a little bit of smack talk towards Sony's color rendition, etc. Tony Northrup recently decided to apply the scientific method to the big four camera brands (Canon, Fuji, Nikon, and Sony) to see who really has the best color, and the results honestly surprised me a lot.

Newly Released Lens Filters Come With Prism Effects Built-In

The fun thing about photography is that there are so many ways to do it. One of the most popular novelties in recent years has been the use of prisms and holding objects in front of the lens to create artistic blurs. Now, one company is helping photographers do it hands-free after releasing lens filters with prism-effects built-in.

ONA Releases Brand New Line of Camera Gear for Minimalistic Photographers

ONA, the premiere camera bag and accessories company born out of New York City, has progressively released unique and well made photography gear for nearly seven years with great success. They have just released and announced a few new products that are in line with the more affordable sector of their product lineup that all seem very interesting for anyone looking to keep minimalistic with their gear organization.

Wireless 1080p Video: Fstoppers Reviews the Nyrius Aries Pro HDMI Transmitter and Receiver

Life as a photographer or videographer means cords — lots and lots of cords. Personally, I hate them, mostly because I'm a klutz and will invariably wrap myself in them and take down the entire set in one fell swoop. I've done my best to minimize wires in my life, but one area that's remained stubbornly dependent on physical connections is broadcasting anything on my television. The Nyrius Aries Pro seeks to change that with its 1080p wireless HDMI system, and the results are quite good.

Sony A7S II Filming Videography Kevin Whitley New Orleans

For years, videographers shooting in dark situations frequently ran into the issue of a ton of noise in darks and shadows that would oftentimes make some footage difficult or impossible to use. Many have heralded the release of the a7S II with applause due to its power for video in low-light situations and even to record bursts of high frame rates in HD, so we took one into the deep recesses of an abandoned power plant in New Orleans to see how it did.

What Is the Best Affordable f/2.8 Standard Zoom for Sony?

Not too long ago, any Sony shooter wanting an f/2.8 standard zoom would have only a single option. Thanks to Sigma and Tamron, there are now three more to choose from. Which of these more affordable options is the best?

G-Technology's G-Drive Mobile Pro SSD Is a Portable Speed Demon

My favorite drives of the last several years have been these newer, compact, portable SSD drives, especially as they’ve become more affordable. But G-Technology’s G-Drive Mobile Pro SSD is in a class of its own for those that need real speed.