Recent Gear Articles

How Good Is The 2001 Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS Lens in 2023?

The fleet of lenses I use is old. Actually old to the point where I am genuinely surprised how it still works. Nonetheless, the old Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS is still a good choice for many photographers. Here is why I will be holding onto my copy of this excellent lens.

A Look at One of the Strangest Lenses Out There

The AstrHori 85mm f/2.8 Macro & Tilt lens is definitely one of the strangest lenses to come along in a while, and yet, behind that weird design is a highly affordable option that promises to tackle the responsibilities of three or four separate lenses. Can it perform all those functions suitably and offer the performance and image quality professionals demand? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect.

What You Should Be Spending Your Money On If You're a Photographer

Gear, of course! Camera bodies and lenses galore! Nothing makes you a better photographer than dumping thousands of dollars on the latest technology! Right? No? Ok, I digress, I guess blowing all your hard earned (or borrowed) cash on the latest and seemingly greatest in camera equipment is probably about the least effective thing you can do to improve the quality of your work. So what SHOULD you be spending your money on then?

Buyer Orders a $6,000 Camera, Amazon Sends a Box of Rocks Instead

Amazon has been a reputable store for many years. But this happened: a guy received a Canon 1D X Mark II box full with rocks. You think that's all? See what happened when the Amazon representatives apologized and sent a second package to him.

Why I Sold My Studio Strobes in Favor of Exclusively Using Small Flash

I began my journey as a portrait photographer quite obsessed with the premise of blasting large studio strobes through giant modifiers. It was my workflow for years. In studio, I'd usually be washing my model with giant waves of light and on location I'd lug big, powerful strobes along with huge lengths of extension cords so that I could plug in and not bother with heavy battery packs. About a year and a half ago I stopped using my big strobes completely and eventually ended up selling them in favor of completely switching to small flash.

Canon Exec Says ‘We Don’t Cripple Our Cameras’

In a recent interview, one of Canon’s directors has said that the suggestion that Canon cripples its cameras in order to protect other product lines is a conspiracy theory and that doing so would make no commercial sense.

Is It Better to Upgrade Your Camera or Your Lens?

You've got some extra money burning a hole in your pocket and you're ready to upgrade your gear, but is it better to spend that cash on a new camera body or a new lens? This helpful video will help you decide.

Traveling the World With the Fujifilm X100F

After traveling to more than 20 countries in less than 12 months with the Fujifilm X100F, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the reasons why I found this to be my perfect travel companion.

How To Build A Wireless Monitoring Solution For Under $350

As consumer electronics continue to improve in quality and price, there are more opportunities for professionals to save some money and create DIY solutions. I thought it would be worth sharing my latest DIY project (inspired by video director Joe Simon).

Is the Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Camera One of the Best Out There?

I have rarely been a big fan of fixed prime lens cameras, but the exception has always been the Fujifilm X100 series. What started out as a quirky and fun camera has evolved into a highly capable professional tool in its fifth generation — all without losing any of the unique personality that first endeared it to photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the new model and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

Major Deal on MacBook Pro Laptops: $700 Off

The first sales of the holidays are starting to trickle in and with them comes an exclusive deal for MacBook Pro laptops. Apple is setting out to discount select MacBook Pro model signature laptops up to $700 off with their Apple Care campaign. Not only do you get instant savings on a new laptop, Apple Care is also being offered at 15 percent off.

Common Portrait Photography Composition Mistakes

Creating a successful portrait photograph takes knowledge of lighting, posing, proper camera settings, and a lot more. A good composition brings it all together, though with a person as the main focus, you have to make some special considerations. This helpful video tutorial discusses seven common mistakes photographers make when composing portrait images and how to fix them or avoid them entirely in the first place.

How To Upgrade Your Photography Without Breaking the Bank

So, you’re starting to think that you really want to grow and try something new with your photography, but don’t have the funds for a new camera? Well, there’s a good chance that you can make significant upgrades to your productivity without breaking the bank.

The Supercharged X-T3! We Review the Fujifilm X-T5

Since the launch of the X-T1 in 2014 Fujifilm have a range of cameras that appealed to both amateur and professional photographers alike. So with its 40MP APS-C sensor and up to 7 stops of IBIS is the new Fujifilm X-T5 the best in the range and should you consider upgrading?

A Sony User Tries the Fujifilm X-T3

The current mirrorless race is often framed as a competition between Canon, Nikon, and Sony, but of course, Fuji is making some great cameras that its users are fiercely loyal to. This interesting video follows a Sony user as he takes a Fuji X-T3 out for a spin and shares his thoughts.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Photography Equipment

As a photographer who has spent the last couple of years around plenty of other sponsored photographers and one who has a couple of sponsors of his own, I’m going to share the one thing that no one is actually saying aloud, the one decision you should consider before you ever press the buy button on any photography equipment.

The Rare Canon Lens You’ve Never Heard Of

Canon has released many legendary lenses over the years, but some models remain obscure. One of the rarest is the EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5 L, an autofocus L-series lens from 1988. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s so rare that even finding information on it can be difficult, but that makes testing one all the more interesting.

Why New Photographers Should Buy This Lens

If you are new to photography and working with your first camera, you are probably using a kit lens. However, the beauty of dedicated interchangeable lens cameras is that you can swap out the lens for any one of dozens that better suit your creative and technical needs. This great video tutorial will show you why one particular lens is the best choice for continuing your learning journey.

Choosing the Right Aperture for Front-to-Back Sharpness in Landscape Photos

Picking the right aperture is a balancing act. Too wide, and you risk losing sharpness in the background. Too narrow, and diffraction can soften your entire image. Knowing how to find the right setting for maximum clarity can make a huge difference in your landscape photography.

Which Standard Lens Is the Best Option for Nikon Shooters?

One thing is for sure: Nikon mirrorless shooters are not at a loss for choice when it comes to standard zoom lenses. With four native options from Nikon, plus the option to pretty seamlessly adapt F mount options, you might be wondering which lens in the crowded field is right for your needs and budget. This excellent video comparison takes a look at five options and all their pros and cons to help you make the right choice.

8K Video, 480 Frames per Second, and an Internal Gimbal: All in a Phone?

Prefer traveling with a smartphone only but still want to take perfect shots? With the latest imaging system co-engineered with ZEISS, the vivo X70 Pro+ shoots high-quality videos and fits inside your pocket, so you can easily take pictures of any moment.

35mm Focal Length: Yea or Nay?

If someone came to you and said you're going traveling and for one reason or another can only bring one lens with you, what lens is the first that comes to mind? How many of you would think of a solid 35mm prime?