Recent Gear Articles

Nikon Mount In Stock For Sigma's 35mm f/1.4 Lens

The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens is now available for your purchasing pleasure, refilling the stock that's going fast. If you want it for your Nikon, you can get it now, and get it you should, because it's freaking amazing.

A Slightly Different Skydiving Video Shot With A GoPro

Most skydiving videos are extremely high energy. This video, produced by BettyWantsIn.com, has a totally different vibe though. Instead of the heart pounding "plummeting to your death" feeling, this video creates a calm almost floating sensation by taking advantage of the 60fps that the GoPro can shoot. I thought it was creative so I figured I would share it.
Portable Studio Light: We Review the Colbor CL60R

I have a very small office space, which I use for work and filming tutorials. For the filming part, I was looking for a compact lighting solution. Typical studio lights are often quite large and wouldn't have provided the versatility I needed. That's why I'm glad I got introduced to the Colbor CL60R, which I review in this article.

Are Modern or Vintage Lenses Better for Your Work?

It might seem like a silly question; after all, modern lenses are almost universally optically superior to their vintage counterparts. But photography is about more than technical perfection, and vintage lenses may actually be the better choice for a variety of photographers and situations.

Create Higher Quality Smartphone Videos With the Joby GripTight PRO Video Mount

Joby has released their latest products aimed towards mobile content creators with the GripTight PRO Video Mount and GripTight PRO Video GP Stand. The new mount is designed to be used with smartphones for on-the-go video filming, live steaming, or creating vlog content. Here are some of my first impressions.

How to Properly and Thoroughly Clean Your Tripod

We talk about how to clean our cameras and lenses quite a bit, but for many of us, our tripods are just as essential a piece of equipment. Here's how to properly clean one to extend its life and ensure it functions fully.

A Review of the 7artisans Photoelectric 9mm f/5.6 Lens

There are wide lenses, and then, there is the 7artisans Photoelectric 9mm f/5.6, which offers the widest focal length available in a full frame rectilinear lens, which is sure to capture the attention of anyone who is a fan of extreme options. What kind of image quality and performance can it deliver, though? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect in usage.

First Look at The Westcott FJ80 and FJ200 Strobes

Last year Westcott released the FJ400, a battery/AC powered strobe. If 400watts is overkill for you, Westcott has now released the FJ200 and FJ80 and all three lights work with the same remote system.

Panasonic Announces Sub-$800 Lumix G7 with Internal 4K

Panasonic has announced the Lumix G7, a compact 4K mirrorless camera with a kit price of less than $800. Offering a solid list of features for an entry-level camera, the new Lumix G7 is perfect for amateur photographers looking for a inexpensive camera with both quality video and photo capabilities at almost half the price of the GH4. This 16-megapixel camera and small form factor make it light and compact. Even without some of the pro video features of the GH4, the G7 lowers the barrier to entry on 4K video recording even further.

Huge Backpack Savings at f-stop

If you're anything like me, you're always struggling to find the perfect bag for the job at hand. While we can usually justify getting another bag based on function, it's often the cost that stops us from investing. High-end bag manufacturer f-stop have pulled out all stops (see what I did there?) for their spring sale this year with some great deals to be had across their entire range.

Is the Portable Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens the Best Wide Angle for APS-C Cameras?

Canon's RF lenses have received a lot of acclaim for their high performance and image quality and boundary-pushing designs, but with all those things come high price tags. At $299, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a breath of fresh air, and on an APS-C camera, its 26mm equivalent focal length makes it a potentially interesting option for a variety of needs. This great video review takes a look at the lens on the EOS R7 and if it can provide the performance and image quality you need.

Getting Creative With Lav Mic Placement

In the wide world of video, one of the most important aspects of production is the sound quality. Sound sells the realism behind your favorite movies and TV shows. In fact, a lot of what you hear when you watch the latest blockbuster or HBO hit series isn't "real." It's created by Foley artists in a studio and mixed in later. This gives the editors maximum control over each individual sound, from footsteps, to gunshots, to engines. Of all the sounds, however, there is one in every feature film that just can't be faked: dialog.

A Comprehensive Review of the Powerful Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a1 might just be the most impressive camera ever released, with specs and features that let it tackle just about any photo or video scenario you can throw at it, no matter how demanding. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera for both photo and video applications and the sort of output quality and performance you can expect from it in real-world usage.

Now You Can Wear Pantone Around Your Neck

Do you really, REALLY love Pantone? Did you forget to send your all important retoucher a gift this holiday? Do you have some Christmas money left over that you want to blow on your beloved Pantone? Check out the new Perfect Matching Scarf. This collection of 6 scarves will leave you set for life to match any outfit you could ever wear. Also, you will look like a moron. Enjoy!

How Professional Photographers Should Approach Buying Gear

When you are a hobbyist, you can enjoy buying gear however you want so long as you can afford it, but when you are a professional, you have to really change your philosophy to camera, lens, and lighting purchases. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced commercial photographer discussing his approach to buying gear and how he fulfills his needs without breaking the bank.

Sony ZV-1F Versus Sony ZV-1: Which Is Better?

Sony's recent ZV line of compact cameras has caught many people's attention for a number of reasons, particularly vlogging and video. But which is the best option for you and why?

[Updated] Sigma Will Repair Any of Its Warrantied Products Damaged by Hurricane Harvey, Irma, or Maria

Sigma recently announced it will repair or replace any of its products still under warranty that may have been damaged or destroyed by the recent hurricanes that have wreaked havoc on the southeastern part of the United States in recent months. If you have a Sigma product that didn't survive one of these recent hurricanes, as long as it is under warranty and received by Sigma by December 31, 2017, along with a copy your original sales receipt, you will receive repairs free of charge or a replacement at a "special price."

Meet The Octographer: The World's First Octopus Photographer

As if you didn't already have enough competition as a photographer it now seems the animal kingdom is trying to get a piece of our pie. In New Zealand there is an Octopus named Rambo, trained and equipped by Sony, to do your job. World, meet the first Octographer.

Elusive Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Back in Stock

Let's face it, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art is hard to find. I've been getting barraged with questions from fellow photographers asking me when they could buy the 50mm, or if I have some sort of mystical connection that will allow me an unlimited supply of the lenses for them to tap. The popular lens has been nearly perpetually sold out since the lenses came to the market. I just got word that B&H got a new shipment of Canon mounts for the lens in, so if you've been waiting to buy, you can get the lens right now.

KitSplit Is a Gear Rental and Listing Site That Will Do Anything You Don't Want to Do Yourself

KitSplit offers more than its already unique combination of a peer-to-peer gear rental platform with a traditional store-to-shooter online storefront that allows renters to compare all possible options. Can’t find the gear you need? KitSplit’s customer service will source it and find a way to get it on the site for you to rent. Too daunting or taxing on your schedule to list your gear yourself? Send KitSplit a gear list, and they’ll list it for you. You can set the prices or let them recommend that part based on availability and prices in your area. KitSplit brings full-service treatment to the business of connecting people with the gear they need.

Fstoppers Reviews the Garmin VIRB 360: Cream of a Very Small Crop

Garmin, the same manufacturer who probably made your first GPS unit that’s now collecting dust in the glove box of your car, also makes cameras. I didn't know this until I cruised the 360-degree video section of B&H Photo looking for something to replace my 2017 Samsung Gear 360 that I was not so happy with (note to Samsung: a stitch line that moves is a dealbreaker). There it was, sitting under a glass case, the Garmin VIRB 360.

Three Things to Do When You Get Your First Camera

Getting your first dedicated camera is highly exciting, as it opens up an entirely new world of creative possibilities. It also means you have a lot to learn and to practice. So, where should you get started? This fantastic video tutorial will give you three things you should learn when you first get a camera.

Photography Gift Ideas for Under $100

With Christmas lurking over the hill like a bright red flashing pickpocket, it's time to start figuring out what to buy your loved ones. If they are a photographer, here are some ideas that won't bankrupt you.

Vincent Laforet Plays DP For TV Commercial

Most people know Vincent Laforet as the guy that got his hands on the 5DM2 before it was released to shoot that amazing promo video. Well he is a full time photographer but in the video below he got to be the DP for a Famous Footwear commercial. The BTS is below and the final commercial is in the full post. Usually I like the BTS more than the actual commercial but in this case, I like the finished product more. It's stunning.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Famous Footwear "Neighborhood" from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

Why You Should Photograph Birds From a Floating Hide

Getting close to birds is forever a problem, the closer you get the more likely it is that the birds will notice you and fly away. However, a floating hide can transform your ability to get up close and personal with birds on the water.

Moza Air 2 Review: Balance and Setup Guide

If you are on the fence about choosing a gimbal then the Moza Air 2 is worth a serious look. Not only is it more affordable than its rival, the DJI Ronin S, but it also has some different features that may interest you.