Recent Gear Articles

How to Read an MTF Chart and Why They Are Useful for Photographers

If you have ever looked at the product page for a lens, you may have noticed some strange graphs called MTF charts. Though they look a bit unusual, they are not particularly hard to read once you know what data they convey, and they can tell you a lot of useful information in a short amount of time. This helpful video will show you how they work.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

Nikon is broadening their range of mirrorless lenses, moving beyond the standard varieties and venturing into more purpose-specific, professional-grade lenses. A prime example of this expansion is the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. Notably portable and competitively priced, this lens is worth a close look. This great video review does just that, showing the performance and image quality you can expect from the lens in use.

How To Take Professional Portraits With A Lensbaby

Holli True is a very well known wedding and senior portrait photographer based in Oregon. In the video below Holli takes us on one of her senior portrait sessions and explains how she gets a different look using Lensbaby products. Lensbabys are basically very simple tilt lenses. If you are unfamiliar with how they work, view the full post to see a second in depth video on how to use the products.
[Updated] Phase One Announces First Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring Zoom Lenses

In partnership with Schneider Kreuznach, Phase One has added two Blue Ring zoom lenses to their impressive lineup of high-end imaging products. These new full-frame 645 lenses, the 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6 and 75-150mm LS f/4.0-5.6, promise prime lens quality with improved precision and advanced electronics. Phase One will be hosting a webinar on July 19 where you can watch a hands-on demonstration of these lenses.

A Review of the Versatile Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens

In the past few years, we have seen some nice advancements in the quality of superzoom lenses, and there are now several options that offer good results along with the unmatched versatility of a huge range of focal lengths. For Canon shooters, there is the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Two Months With the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Drone

The DJI Mavic 3 is the company's newest drone, and it brings with it a nice range of new features and improvements. This great video review takes a look at the drone and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Why Sensor Speed Matters in Today's Cameras

Does sensor speed matter? Each time a new camera is released, incremental upgrades often leave many of us wondering about their actual significance.

Fstoppers Reviews the Aukey AC-LC2, an Action Camera Cheaper Than $70

Since GoPro released their first action cameras, many other brands have tried to take on this market and offer alternatives. One of them is called Aukey, and they designed the AC-LC2 to be a very affordable yet still capable action piece of equipment. It can shoot in 4K at 25 fps, can produce time-lapses, and even has a Wi-Fi connection. I’ve had one for a little while and wanted to share with you why having one in your bag might be fantastic, but also why it may probably not replace a higher-end action camera.

A Review of the Affordable Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens takes the place of a fantastic option from the old EF-S lineup, and it offers APS-C shooters an affordable and portable wide angle zoom lens that is perfert for a wide range of needs. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality one can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera for Landscape Photography

The Sony a7R V offers the highest resolution available in a full frame camera, tons of dynamic range, built-in focus stacking, and a range of other features that make it a strong candidate as the best 35mm mirrorless camera for landscape photography. Can it live up to that in practice? This fantastic video review takes a look at what you can expect.

A Review of the Highly Affordable TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt Lens

Tilt lenses are some of the most versatile out there, allowing you to control depth of field independently of aperture, a unique capability that allows for both major technical advantages and highly creative images. However, such lenses tend to be quite expensive, which is what makes the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 Tilt lens, which sits at about $200, such an intriguing option. Can it provide decent performance, though? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Why the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Is Ideal for Lightweight Kits

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is an updated, versatile option for Fujifilm users, designed to replace older kit lenses while handling the demands of higher-resolution sensors. This lens is lightweight, well-suited for everyday use, and provides good performance across a wide range of photography needs. It’s aimed at those who want reliable image quality without the bulk.

Which Is Better, a $589 'Proper' Boom Pole or a $10 Broom Handle?

Boom poles are an indispensable tool for both filmmaker and photographers. They can hold microphones, lights, bounces, and even props. This video by the recently-resurrected Indy Mogul compares a $10 broom handle to a $589 K-Tek K-102CCR to see which one is better for audio.

5 Affordable Tools That Will Make Your Filmmaking Lives Easier

If you're starting out in photography or videography, it feels as if there are unlimited items you need, which is not the case. However, there are some less expensive tools that can aid in your production and make a bigger difference than their cost implies.

A Review of the Sony ZV-1 Compact Camera

Sony makes some of the best compact cameras out there, and the ZV-1 is one of their latest and most unique models, with a wide variety of features designed especially for vloggers. This excellent video review takes a look at the ZV-1 and the sort of performance you can expect from it in real-world usage.

Explaining the Difference Between Parfocal and Varifocal Lenses, and Why Filmmakers Should Care

Lenses in the still photography world are just one group of lenses out there, and if you haven't done much work in cinema or broadcast, then you might not have ever considered why you might want to invest in other kinds of glass. However, as more photographers are finding themselves getting into short film production, the benefits of using parfocal lenses should be considered.

New Firmware for Fujifilm X-T1, X-E1, X-E2, and X-Pro1 Cameras Now Available

Fujifilm has just rolled out the firmware updates they announced last month for various members of the X-Series camera family, including the X-T1, X-E1, X-E2, and X-Pro1. While all of the updates include new features, the X-T1 enjoys the most, with a generous 21 additions. These include a new maximum shutter speed of 1/32000s, better control over the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD screen, a Natural Live View function, better customization over the AE-L/AE-F button, PC tethering support, as well as new video frame rates including 24fps, 25fps, and 50fps.

A Review of the New Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens

Tamron has gained popularity among photographers for their practical and budget-friendly lenses, as well as their innovative designs. The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is a prime example, being a staple, yet cost-effective option. Can it compete in a marketplace crowded with extremely capable 70-200mm f/2.8 options? 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 Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Lens

In recent years, Viltrox has earned considerable acclaim for producing high-quality lenses that are priced much lower than similar models on the market. A prime example is the PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens. This lens offers a 40mm equivalent focal length along with a notably wide maximum aperture, making it an appealing choice for various creative endeavors and uses. The fantastic video review delves into this lens, examining its real-world performance and the kind of image quality it delivers in various scenarios.

Watch Sigma's Mezmerizing Concept Video for New Product Line

In January we posted an unexpectedly captivating behind the scenes video of the Sigma factory in Aizu, Japan that many of you really liked (and which was shot entirely on Sigma glass). Sigma has just released another piece of eye candy in a new concept video that mixes really stunning visuals with equally beautiful music. It too was shot 100% with Sigma optics.

A Review of the Panasonic S1's After 10 Months

The Panasonic S1 is a nicely balanced stills and video camera that brings with it quite a few top-shelf features all packaged in a rugged, versatile, and well-designed body. This great video takes a look at how the camera has held up after using it for almost a year.

The Most Compact Video Crane/Jib On The Market

A few months back we posted about the cheapest crane on the market and it was a huge hit with our readers. If you happen to have a little extra money (about $300) you may want to invest in the newest and smallest crane on the market. Check out the video review below. If this looks like something you can't live without, head over to eBay to buy one of these new jibs.
A Comprehensive Guide to Canon FD and K35 Lenses

Modern lenses are technological marvels that can often offer spectacular image quality, but they are also very expensive. With the advent of mirrorless cameras and the usage of manual focus by filmmakers, vintage lenses have seen a resurgence in popularity. This fantastically comprehensive video will show you everything you need to know about Canon's FD and K35 lenses.

Phantom Camera Slo-Mo For $1000?

Well not exactly but we can still get kinda close. The Phantom camera costs a staggering $118,000 for the body alone which puts it out of the average Joe's reach. The Canon T2i costs just $699 and it currently has a $400 rebate when you buy it with a Pro9000 printer (I love these "free printer" rebates they are doing). The T2i shoots 60fps but has great manual control. Once you shoot your super sharp 60fps you can use software called Twixtor to bring that framerate to Phantom levels. Twixtor costs about $300 and we have used it in a few of our FS originals. Very cool!

More Super Slow Motion [Water] - 550D from Rickard bengtsson on Vimeo.

Wide Angle Photography With Gavin Hoey

Olympus UK has just released another Facebook Live video as part of their "Learn with Olympus" series. Their Ambassador, Gavin Hoey, talks about wide-angle photography.

Behind the Scenes of a Day of the Dead Photoshoot

Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that has seen a spike in exposure in the United States the past few years making it a perfect subject for a photoshoot. Follow Jay P. from The Slanted Lens as he takes you behind the scenes of his latest shoot featuring a model dressed up as a Calavera (sugar skull) posing in an eerie cemetery backdrop.

ARRI Introduces Ready-to-Shoot Kits for Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Blackmagic Design today announced that ARRI, the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of professional motion picture equipment, has introduced Ready to Shoot Kits for Blackmagic Cinema Camera, a realization of what was hinted/shown at NAB earlier this year.

$50 Versus $5,000 Camera in a Car Shootout

We've all heard the age-old adage that gear doesn't matter and sometimes that's true. However, it's sometimes hard to visualize how that plays out and so videos like this one are a great demonstration.
New Sony NEX-5R Mirrorless Camera

Sony's newest addition to its mirrorless lineup expands on its midrange mirrorless line, the NEX-5R. Building on the NEX-5N, the 5R adds some nice upgrades that make it a much nicer camera to use...

A Look at the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

Nikon has really started to step it up in the professional mirrorless realm lately, and the new NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is particularly emblematic of that, offering professional-level performance and image quality in an extremely portable design, all at a frankly insanely low price. This great video takes a first look at the new lens and what you can expect from it in real-world usage.