Recent Gear Articles

A Review of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens

Tamron’s 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD offers an interesting option for those seeking a versatile zoom lens. It expands the standard range of 70-300mm telephoto lenses to start at 50mm, making it more flexible for a variety of shooting scenarios. Whether you’re capturing landscapes at wider angles or zooming in for distant details, this lens aims to cover it all.

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this thorough video review dives into the features and performance of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD. Frost highlights that while the lens delivers a wide...

How to Use a Color Checker Passport for Accurate Color in Your Photos

Achieving accurate color in your photos can be a challenge, especially when lighting and other variables keep changing. Getting consistent results across different shoots requires using the right tools to match what you see in person with what shows up in your images. That’s where a Color Checker Passport comes in.

Tiny Lens, Big Value: The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Pancake

Compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable—pancake lenses are a popular choice for their lightweight design and versatility. The new Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens is no exception. With its ultra-slim build, this lens is ideal for travel, street photography, and situations where you need to keep a low profile without sacrificing image quality.

The Benefits of Using a Wide Angle Lens for Macro Shots

Macro photography often brings to mind extreme close-ups and tight compositions, but what happens when you pair it with a wide angle lens? This setup offers a new perspective, giving your images context by incorporating the surroundings. Understanding how and when to use a wide angle macro can help you capture more dynamic and story-driven shots.

We Review the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5 Lens

Quite recently, Viltrox introduced the AF 40mm f/2.5 lens from the “Air” series at a very budget-friendly price, considering the quality of images the lens produces. Viltrox is known for their glass quality and as a budget-friendly third-party manufacturer, and again they haven’t disappointed with this lens for both.

My Review of the Vintage Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8

It’s one of the more popular vintage lenses: the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8. It’s famous for its soap bubble bokeh. You either love the effect, or you hate it. I decided to buy one and used it on a Canon EOS R5. I want to tell you about my findings.

Canon EOS R5 vs. R5 Mark II vs. R3: Which Camera Is Right for You?

If you're considering the Canon EOS R5, R5 Mark II, or R3, you’ve likely wondered which one fits your needs best. Each camera brings distinct advantages, from advanced video capabilities to top-tier autofocus. Here's which is best for you.

Fstoppers Reviews the Express 1M2: USB4 Reaches the Portable SSD Market

New connection standards like USB4 offer photographers great opportunities to speed up their workflow. OWC has been one of the first to offer USB4 products to photographers and videographers, with products like their excellent Atlas Card Reader. Today, I’ll be taking a look at the storage side of their USB4 portfolio and reviewing the Express 1M2 portable NVMe SSD.

Mastering the 50mm Lens: Simple Tips for Better Compositions

The 50mm focal length can feel tricky to use. It’s not wide enough to capture expansive scenes like a 35mm, but it’s also not telephoto enough to isolate subjects like an 85mm. This in-between nature can leave you feeling like it’s neither here nor there. However, with the right approach, the 50mm can produce clean, minimalist images that draw attention to your subject without overwhelming the frame.

Is the TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2 the Best Budget Portrait Lens?

If you’ve been on the lookout for a low-cost portrait lens for your Sony or Nikon camera, the TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2 could be worth your attention. With its f/2 aperture, it offers a combination of smooth background blur and sharp image quality, perfect for portraits.

We Review the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Sigma’s new 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is the latest addition to the Art lens series. It's a wide angle to medium telephoto lens, making it an ideal choice for a variety of shooting styles and genres. Thanks to its constant f/2.8 aperture, you’ll get consistent brightness no matter how much you zoom, offering both flexibility and great image quality. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, taking portraits with smooth background blur, or even shooting videos, this lens is built to perform.

Portable SSDs That Won't Slow Down? Looking at the ProGrade PG10 Pro SSD Launch

Portable SSDs can offer amazing speed for content creation applications like transferring photo libraries or editing 4K video, but many suffer from a slowdown after prolonged use when their faster cache is depleted or the drive heats up too much. ProGrade has announced a new line of portable SSDs designed to address both of these issues: the PG10 Pro SSD.

Tamron Unveils the Next-Gen 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Nikon Z and Sony E Mount

Tamron announced its highly anticipated and newest lens for Nikon Z and Sony E mount, the 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD, on October 24, 2024, at $699/$949 CAD. Tamron is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 90mm macro and building on its performance legacy with cutting-edge technology, inviting you to explore the possibilities in this latest lens.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.

We Review the SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light

The use of chip-on-board (COB) LEDs has made it possible to produce small but strong light sources. Almost every light company offers one or more such lights. SmallRig has the RC 60B COB LED video light. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry with you. I took a closer look at this light.

Canon vs. Sigma: Which 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Lens Is Right for You?

Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or vlogs, having the right lens can make all the difference. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary and Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM are two strong contenders for those looking to enhance their Canon APS-C mirrorless setup.

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 PRO: A Great Budget Lens for Fujifilm Users

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO is a lens designed for Fujifilm X mount users who want sharp, premium images without breaking the bank. For less than $300, it combines a solid build with features that set it apart from other lenses in its price range.

Tips and Tricks for Discreetly Vlogging in Public

Vlogging is often fraught with peril. Whether that's overcoming your own shyness, or overcoming people on the street uncomfortable with someone overcoming their shyness in a vlog, there are techniques and gear to help minimize issues.

Everything You Need to Know About Light Gels

Gels are one of the most versatile tools in your lighting kit, offering endless creative possibilities when used right. Whether you’re adding color to a scene or adjusting the quality of light, gels give you control over your final image.

Viltrox Shows Off Its Massive $100,000 Medium Format 10x Zoom Lens

Viltrox has outdone itself by producing a 10x zoom lens designed for medium format sensors. With a large 60 mm image circle, this lens can comfortably cover camera sensors such as those found in the GFX 100S II and the Hasselblad X2D. What's even more impressive is that it has a constant aperture of T5.6.

Review of the Haida Greystone Filter System

There is a new filter system on the market, made by Haida. This is the Greystone filter system, which consists of a UV filter, CPL filter, and a set of neutral density filters. I have used these filters for a while to see how they perform.

The Unique Character of Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Lens

The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens has been creating a lot of buzz, especially among those looking for something different from the usual clinical sharpness modern lenses tend to offer. If you’ve been on the lookout for a lens with character, this one might be worth a look.

The Myth of Perfect Camera Settings

Getting the right camera settings can be a challenge, especially if you think there’s always a perfect setting for every situation. But if you’re stuck chasing that ideal combination, it might hold you back from truly understanding how your camera works and how to adapt in the moment.

Fujifilm GFX100S II: Medium Format Power in a Smaller Package

Medium format cameras are known for their stunning image quality and large sensors, but they often come with a hefty price and bulky bodies. The new Fujifilm GFX 100S II is trying to change that, offering an impressive balance between high-end features and a more compact, affordable design.

A Webcam for a Modern World: The EMEET Smartcam Nova 4K

There’s an ever-growing need for decent webcams. As more people work from home, families move farther afield, and global networks grow, the ability to transmit decent sound and vision is essential to projecting good-quality images and sound.

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3: A Versatile Zoom Powerhouse

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens offers impressive versatility. With its zoom range starting at 50mm and stretching all the way to 400mm, it covers an 8x zoom ratio, allowing you to capture tight shots and wide scenes without needing to switch lenses.

Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits

The 85mm focal length is a go-to choice for many types of photography, offering versatility beyond just portrait work. Its ability to isolate subjects and create depth makes it valuable across genres like landscapes, street photography, and even product shots.

My Favorite Travel Bag that Doesn’t Exist Anymore

In the world of seemingly endless options for camera bags, this has remained a favorite of mine and has been a workhorse for the past six years. It may not be the most popular bag out there—in fact, it has since been discontinued—but here’s why I wish it weren’t.

Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition for Adventurous Photographers

Hasselblad has announced a limited edition version of its X2D 100C, designed specifically for photographers who explore and capture the beauty of Earth's natural landscapes. The X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition will be available in a limited run of 1,000 units worldwide. The camera combines the same high-performance features of the X2D 100C with a unique Tundra Brown exterior, inspired by Nordic landscapes.

Affordable 85mm f/1.4: Is This Meike Lens Right for You?

When you're in the market for an affordable 85mm f/1.4 lens, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 might catch your attention. It’s currently the cheapest of its kind, making it a tempting choice if you're budget-conscious. But with lower prices come certain compromises, and this lens has some clear pros and cons to weigh before making a decision.

Saramonic WiTalk 9 In Use: Production Level Wireless Headsets for Everyone

While the image of a harried producer talking into a wireless headset on a film lot might be a cliche, there’s a good reason why these products exist. Saramonic’s WiTalk 9 series of headsets offer an affordable way to access professional quality wireless communication, ideal for productions, drone operations, or other content creation endeavors where hands-free communication is essential.

Adventure Camera Bag Solution: Two Red Tabs

I work in some pretty inhospitable environments; in places that take multiple planes, trains, and automobiles to get to. I'm typically trying to manipulate my bags and gear at -31F (-35C), or 100F (40C), trying to get my gear out for a shot in a blizzard, or while bouncing along in a soaking wet zodiac. I've been searching for the perfect bag for a long time.

Seven Essential Tips for Finding the Right Tripod

Many people skip the tripod, thinking it's just extra weight, but without one, you limit yourself to daytime shooting and miss out on the best moments. A tripod isn't just a tool for pros; it's an essential piece of gear for anyone looking to expand their creative options.

Five Film Cameras I Can't Live Without

This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.

Could This Tiny Device Save Your Photography Shoot?

As a landscape photographer, you've likely found yourself in a situation where you're capturing breathtaking scenes, and then suddenly, your camera's battery dies. It's an unfortunate predicament, especially when you're in the middle of a stunning location with perfect conditions. For those of us who rely on our gear to perform without fail, running out of battery power can feel like a nightmare. This experience led me to search for a reliable solution that would keep me powered up, no matter where my photography adventures took me. After some research and trials, I found a product that I believe will significantly enhance my workflow.

Can Your Smartphone Really Replace a Camera?

Smartphone cameras have made remarkable strides, becoming a tool you always have on hand. They’re convenient, portable, and capable of taking impressive shots. However, are they truly enough to replace traditional cameras for at least some serious photography?

The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload.

How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.

Preserving Your Memories: Epson FF-680W Photo Scanner Review

Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.