Recent Gear Articles

Phase One XF Receives First Major System Update

After seeing an initial release in June of this year, Phase One is now releasing its first big platform update for the XF camera system. The update brings new controls and functionality, plus more refinement to its operating software.

Get Precise Control of Your Light With Cinefoil

A lot of my work has light placed in very precise spots, just over the eyes, or the lips, or just on one spot on the face. I often get asked how I do it, and instead of just saying the product, I thought I should go more in depth and talk about the ins and outs of how to get the most out of Cinefoil.

The DJI Osmo Mobile Just Got... Foldable

There are many smartphone gimbals on the market but one of the most well known comes from the company DJI. The Osmo Mobile 3 is the most convenient version yet considering it is able to fold up for transport, and can be operated with just one hand.

Our Hands-On Test of Lindsay Adler's Optical Spot by Westcott

A few weeks ago, I got my hands on a light modifier I've always wanted to have in our studio. Westcott's brand new Optical Spot is one of the coolest and most useful light modifiers I've ever seen, and in today's video, I'm going to show you why you might want one or two for your photography!

Just How Good Is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens?

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is one of the most important in a wide variety of photographers' bags, but such lenses are rarely affordable. Nonetheless, with third party alternatives becoming both more available and of higher quality in recent years, it is a great time to look at different options. This great video review takes a look at the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens.

A Review of the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Laptop

Once you have used an OLED screen, it is hard to imagine using anything else. With their gorgeous, inky blacks, infinite contrast, and vivid colors, OLED laptops make for quite an enjoyable experience. One such option is the new Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, and this excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it.

Fstoppers Review Of The Giant Pro Trekker 650 Backpack From Lowepro

Can't decide which lens to take? Why not take them all! With Lowepro's new Pro Trekker 650 AW, you'll likely have to buy more lenses and accessories to fill this behemoth of a camera backpack. I got to test drive this bag for several video and timelapse shoots, so I got a pretty good idea about how it performs. In my full review I'll cover the build, features, and whether it was helpful to have or simply too bulky to deal with.

A Review of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x Lens

Venus Optics, recognized for creating distinct and unusual lenses with remarkable capabilities at budget-friendly prices, has long been respected for the unique offerings. The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x is one such lens, standing out by providing double the magnification of standard macro lenses without a hefty price tag and being compatible with all major full frame mirrorless camera mounts. In this insightful video review, the lens is thoroughly examined, highlighting the performance and image quality it offers in real-world use.

We Review the Fotopro X-Go Max E 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Travel tripods are not just for travel photography. They pack lighter and more compact so that traveling with them can be less of a hassle, but just like any tripod, they can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios. This one from Fotopro is an option for shoots with higher demand.

CameraLends' New App Opens Easy Peer-to-Peer Gear Renting to iPhone

CameraLends has been letting gear owners rent out their gear to peers when it's not in use since its inception three years ago. Until now, everything has been done through their website. The new CameraLends iPhone app, however, lets users manage the entire rental process from the ease and mobility of their iPhones. Making money on your gear when you're not using it is now easier than ever.

A Beginner's Guide to Aperture in Photography

Aperture is one of the most important fundamentals in photography, and mastering it is crucial to learning how to create better images. This excellent video will give you a great introduction to aperture and f-stops and how you can use them to take more control over your images.

Phase One Releases Capture One Pro 9.1, Feature Update for XF Camera System

Phase One has dropped two new software updates today including Capture One Pro 9.1 and a camera firmware update for its medium format XF system. Version 9.1 of Capture One Pro is focused on workflow tool improvements aimed towards working fashion and still life photographers. The XF camera system update brings interesting new software tools and autofocus improvements, as well as two new “blue ring” lenses.

Which Is Better for You: 85mm or 135mm Lenses?

When it comes to shorter telephoto primes, 85mm is probably the most common choice, but 135mm is often a popular second option. So, which is the right choice for your work? This fantastic video takes a look at the two focal lengths and shows you some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

[Funny] The Battle at F-Stop Ridge, Part 2

Everyone remembers the original Battle at F-Stop Ridge, the live-action camera battle that had camera enthusiasts everywhere laughing. The creators of the video, The Camera Store, in Calgary, AB, created a sequel and I'm happy to say that it's just as awesome as the original. Check out the full post to see it.
Vincent Laforet's Latest Video Shot On The New Canon C300

Out of the blue Canon just jumped into the movie business. Hours ago Canon just announced the new C300 video camera and minutes ago Vincent Laforet released "Movius" his newest short, shot on this unreleased camera. Patrick and I have been trying to get in contact with Vincent over the last few weeks (for a reason you will soon know) and I now understand why he was so "busy". Check out the short below and the BTSV in the full post.
How To Make Smoke Lay On Water

In this lighting lesson, Jay P. Morgan of The Slanted Lens offers a very cool DIY effect; how to make smoke lay on water. Achieving smoke and wind in photography are two very difficult tasks that Jay P. made very easy by showing this step by step process. Have you guys ever experienced with smoke and wind? If so, share your images and how you did it in the comments below.

Can This Popular Lens Keep Up With the Demands of a Modern Camera?

In the DSLR days, Canon made a few surprising good wide angle lenses for their APS-C cameras, one of which was the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, which offered a versatile focal length range in a portable and affordable package. Can it keep up with the demands of a modern high-resolution sensor, though? This excellent video review takes a new look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it.

ONA Clifton Camera and Everyday Backpack Review

$419. Let's just get that out of the way up front. The ONA Clifton Camera and Everyday Backpack costs $419 and it doesn't hold an extraordinary amount camera gear. Yet is it still worth every penny?

Uniquely Beautiful Bokeh: A Look at the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens

If you're a bokeh fanatic, you're probably always chasing those wide aperture lenses to get that smooth, out-of-focus look that makes your subject pop against the background. But, you might be surprised by the beautiful bokeh you can get from a lens that only has an aperture of f/2.8. Check out this great video on a fascinating lens.

Update Your Computer's Audio With This Amazing Speaker Deal

If you're still using those cheapo speakers you bought from Office Depot for $20, it's time to upgrade. Luckily, it's not that expensive, because today, powered Klipsch speakers are 50 percent off and a Polk subwoofer is 62 percent off.

Can This Samyang 50mm Keep Pace With a Premium Sony 50mm Lens?

A high-quality 50mm lens with a wide aperture is one of the most versatile options a photographer can own, suitable for anything from portraits to events and more. Sony shooters have an overabundance of 50mm lenses to choose from, and this excellent video review compares two of them, the premium Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA and the more affordable but still impressive Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 EF II.

A Guide to Buying Used Camera Gear

Are you looking to get some new gear for cheaper prices? Here are some tips that can help you get better and safer deals anywhere.