Recent Gear Articles

Coming Soon: An Astrophotographer's Dream?

Australian Dylan O'Donnell's over-the-top astrophotography adventure videos often introduce us to new equipment. But his "HOTTEST New Astrophotography Products in 2022" video caught my eye. At the very least, it's a bit presumptuous to think that the hottest products come out in the first half of the year!

Fstoppers Hands-On First Impressions of the Sony a7R IV

Last week, Sony surprised us all when they announced their latest a7R mirrorless camera. I had the chance to use the new a7R IV shooting a number of different portrait studio sets at the launch event, and in this first-impressions review I offer my opinions on its updated body design and performance.

Sorry Apple, I’m On the Hunt For a New Mistress

Our love story began, like many, amidst the tumultuous, coming-of-age years of high school. Me, a wide eyed, optimistic 16 year old kid with a lanky, awkward build. I stayed out of trouble… choosing books over beers, and enjoying the simplicity of a life-before-adulthood. She was different. The new girl on the scene. A wide-bottomed goddess, pear-shaped to perfection, milky-white and miraculous. The talk of the town, if there ever was one. Her name? iMac G4.

5 Unlikely Hero Accessories for Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is an art that requires creativity, patience, and the right equipment. While cameras, lenses, and tripods are essential, there are some unexpected items that can serve as game changers in the world of landscape photography. In this article, we will explore five unconventional tools and accessories that can enhance your landscape photography experience. Plus, unlike your main gear, these won't cost an arm and a leg.

Here Comes Another Canon Lens

Canon has been extremely aggressive in their approach to RF mount lenses, producing a variety of boundary-pushing and capable lenses. However, it seems they plan on introducing a lens that was not on our bingo card for 2024.

The Five Camera Controls a Photographer Should Master

When you are new to photography, the veritable plethora of controls on a modern camera can be a bit overwhelming. This helpful video tutorial will show you which controls and settings you should focus on the most to master your camera and take more ownership of your creative process.

Is Fuji About to Release the X-T4 and Two Other New Cameras?

It appears that Fuji may have a busy couple of months coming up, with rumors that the X-T4, X100V, and X-T200 may be announced as soon as February 4. Is Fuji beginning to match Sony’s aggressive release schedule? Will we see some major changes to the successor of the incredibly popular X-T3?

You've Been Lied To: Gear Matters!

You can find many articles online that state "Gear doesn't Matter." Some point out that constraints created by the limitations of your equipment force you to become more creative and present an opportunity for growth. And that's true. But the statement "Gear doesn't Matter" is not true.

Is Canon About to Announce a 90-Megapixel Full Frame Mirrorless Camera?

Rumors of Canon producing a high-resolution, mirrorless full frame camera have been circulating for more than a year, and rumbling resurfaced recently with the suggestion that an EOS R5S is in the hands of a few professionals for early testing. How many megapixels, how fast a burst rate, and when will it be announced?

To Shoot or Not to Shoot - 50mm Portraits

Help me settle this ongoing argument. In his article, my good friend Neil Van Niekerk tells his readers "Fall out of love with your 50mm lens. Use it when it is appropriate." He goes on to say that the 50mm is not appropriate for tight portraits; even uses my photos to demonstrate his point. I say he's wrong.

I'll Die on the Fujifilm Hill

Willie Nelson has played the same Martin N-20 nylon-string acoustic guitar since 1969. Serial number 242830. The instrument is an eternal flame of creative freedom, one of a kind and beautiful — just like Willie.

Does Sony Have a Problem With Failing Shutters on the a7 III?

The number of failed shutters being reported on the Sony a7 III and a7R III Facebook groups has raised a few eyebrows over the last couple of months. Are the latest Sony cameras more susceptible to mechanical failures or is it simply the case that lots of people are suddenly reporting it?

Take $1,200 Off a MacBook Pro With This Rare Apple Deal Today Only

The MacBook Pro remains the computer of choice for a large number of photographers and videographers, with great power, battery life, and reliability. However, they're very rarely discounted, but today only, you can get one of the top-level MacBook Pros for $1,200 off.

How to Improve the Fujifilm X-T4: A Canon User's Perspective

I picked up a Fujifilm X-T4 about five months ago to use primarily as a backup camera and for street photography, video, and family use. Although I shoot with a Canon system in my studio, I fell in love with Fuji’s cameras years ago when I acquired an X-Pro1 and a few X lenses. In this article, I offer a friendly critique and some suggestions for Fuji to improve an already great camera system.

Zack Arias Debunks the Full Frame / Crop Sensor Debate

Zack Arias has always been an avid Fuji shooter (starting off with the fabulous X100) and was one of the biggest influences in my decision to finally take the plunge and co-purchase an X-Pro 1 this summer. In this video Zack knocks some sense into you about how silly the full frame / crop debate really is by reviewing the progression of different formats from eight by ten through 4:3. Take a look.

How Good Is This Ultra-Affordable Lens?

TTArtisan has gained a reputation for creating some of the most affordable lenses out there, which makes their lineup intriguing for any creative who wants decent performance at prices that will not hurt their bank account. One of their latest such lenses is the 27mm f/2.8, which offers a common focal length and autofocus for only $149. Can it still offer good performance and image quality at that price? This excellent video review takes a look.

A First Look at the New Affordable and Portable DJI Mini SE Drone

DJI's latest drone, the Mini SE, is a bit strange, essentially taking some of the tech from the original Mavic Mini and putting it into the body of the Mini 2. Nonetheless, at $299, the Mini SE is highly affordable and remarkably portable, making it a potentially great option for a casual user or anyone who wants a drone they can drop in their bag for occasional photos and video without adding a ton of heft. This great first look video takes a look at the Mini SE and the kind of performance you can expect from it.

The Must Have Tool for Strobe Users

A few months ago, wedding photographer and Fstoppers writer, Trevor Dayley made a post about his favorite thing in his camera bag. Spoiler - it was a tilt shift lens, and the work he was able to produce with it made for some interesting and beautiful wedding and engagement photos. However, Trevor and I shoot entirely different styles, so what's my favorite thing in my camera bag?

Spending a Week With the Fuji X-T30

As a seemingly endless quarantine has made my daily afternoon walkabouts a mental necessity, I decided to go small and rent a Fuji X-T30 for a week to see if it could potentially save my back and my wallet.

Did Canon Get Its Mirrorless Strategy Wrong?

The photography news channels have been awash with announcements from Canon over the past few weeks and rightly so as it had a lot to talk about with the release of two new mirrorless cameras. But has it got its mirrorless development strategy wrong?

Nikon's "Lens Only" Sales Are Live!

The new Nikon "lens only" rebates are now live - a total of 15 lenses are now up to $400 off, and the good news is that you don't have to buy a DSLR body in order to qualify! If you were in the market for buying a lens, now is the perfect time.