Recent Gear Articles

A Look at the Affordable Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR Medium Format Lens

Medium format lenses are almost always more expensive than comparable full frame or APS-C counterparts, simply because that bigger sensor needs a bigger image circle and thus, more glass. As such, a medium format lens that sits below $1,000 is worth a look. The Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR is one of those rare lenses, and this great video review takes a look at it and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Why You Should Be Syncing Your Cameras

If you only shoot with one camera, you will never have to deal with the issue of syncing clocks, but if you have ever shot a large event with multiple bodies that were not perfectly in sync, you know the frustration of trying to cull those images. This excellent video tutorial will show you why you need to sync the time between your camera bodies, how to do it, and how to fix a time discrepancy in post if you forget to sync beforehand.

Which Canon Wide Angle Lens Is Right for You?

A good wide angle lens can be tremendously useful for a range of photography genres, and Canon shooters have a few options from which to choose, with varying image quality, specs, and, of course, price. The excellent video comparison takes a look at three such lenses, the RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM, RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM, and RF 16mm f/2.8 STM.

How Good Is the Affordable Samyang 24-70mm f/2.8 AF Zoom Lens

For many photographers and filmmakers, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is the workhorse of choice for a wide variety of genres and shooting situations. That being said, such lenses can be quite expensive. Samyang's 24-70mm f/2.8 AF Zoom comes in at less than half the price of most such lenses, however, making it an intriguing option for a wide variety of creatives. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

What to Look for When Purchasing Used Cameras and Lenses

Photography gear is quite expensive, and filling out your kit can quickly add up in cost. Purchasing used can save you a ton of money, but, of course, you want to make sure the camera or lens you are considering is in good shape and fully functional. This helpful video features an experienced photographer discussing what you should look for and how to evaluate used cameras and lenses before you agree to purchase them.

Hands-on With the Leica 50mm and 75mm Noctilux Lenses

Leica is a polarizing brand by virtue of their prices and almost nothing else. But, if money was no object, would you shoot with them? Their Noctilux range is on many wishlists, but how good are they really and can they justify the price?

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade: That Is the Question.

We are constantly pressured into buying the latest cameras. As the bottom has fallen out of the camera market, maybe it’s time that camera manufacturers had a rethink about what they offer us. Nevertheless, there are good reasons for and against both upgrading and changing your system.

A Review of the New Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens

Samyang, long known for producing highly affordable but sharp manual focus lenses, has expanded into autofocus offerings in recent years while still keeping their lineup at prices well below first-party options. The new AF 135mm f/1.8 FE offers a popular portrait focal length with a pleasingly wide maximum aperture, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

An Affordable Bokeh Machine: A Review of the TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25 Lens

Portrait focal length lenses with wide maximum apertures will always be popular, but they can also be quite expensive, easily running about $2,000 at the top end of the spectrum. The TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25 offers that classic combination at a much more affordable price, making it an attractive option for a wide range of photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Why You Shouldn't Buy Canon's New Lenses

I am as big a fan of Canon's lenses as anyone; I resisted the temptation to switch brands for years simply because they offer certain lenses that I can't imagine not having. When it comes to the new RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM lenses, however, you should really think twice before you buy them.

Is There a Camera That you Regret Buying?

Most of us have made hasty purchases at one point or another, but have you ever bought something you genuinely regretted? In this video, Mattias Burling discusses five cameras he regrets buying and why.

How a Dolly Can Be a Versatile Tool on Set

Cinematographer Lewis Potts brings us through his methods in creating an indoor scene, as well as the rest of the commercial he shot. However, there’s something in particular worth sharing.

What Is the Best Prime Lens for Travel Photography?

Travel photography is a staple genre of the craft and one that most photographers try at some point. However, with such a broad scope and the many other genres that it encompasses, it can be hard to keep your kit bag light. So, what's the best prime lens?

My 4 Favorite Multi-Functional Accessories Under $30

While it’s always fun to window-shop $14,000 lenses, the best value for the dollar can be had from some simple $30 or less accessories. Over the last year, I’ve found 4 pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag — here are my favorite cheap and functional accessories that can all fulfill a variety of roles.

7 Changes Camera Companies Should Consider

Camera technology is evolving at a breakneck pace, and manufacturers are getting a lot right these days. But of course, no company is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. This great video features a photographer discussing seven things he wishes all camera companies would improve on.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR Lens

A wide angle lens with a wide maximum aperture is one of the most versatile optics a photographer or filmmaker can have in their bag. If you are a Fujifilm shooter and looking to add one to your collection, the XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is an intriguing option, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Canon Is Planning an Ultra-High-Resolution Mirrorless Camera

The Canon 5DS and 5DS R were notable for offering 50-megapixel sensors at a time when that was an extremely high resolution for a full frame camera. Nowadays, 45-50 megapixels is much more common on higher-end camera bodies, with full frame options topping out at 61 megapixels. It looks like Canon plans to eclipse that figure by a significant amount with a new camera, however.

Is the Sony a7 IV Worth the Upgrade Over the a7 III?

The Sony a7 III was widely lauded as one of the most impressive and well-balanced hybrid cameras ever made, making its successor, the a7 IV, one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent memory. Now that the a7 IV is here, is it worth upgrading from the a7 III or can you stick with what you already have? This great video comparison will help you answer that question.

What's the Better Camera for Portraits and Weddings, the Sony a7 IV or Canon EOS R6?

When it comes to wedding photography, most users will want well-balanced cameras with advanced autofocus, decent resolution, good low-light performance, and more, all without being too expensive. Two options that fit those descriptions well are the Sony a7 IV and Canon EOS R6, and this great video comparison takes a look at both cameras and discusses which is the better choice.

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX 50S II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's GFX line of medium format mirrorless cameras brought a level of popularity to a sensor size traditionally reserved for rental houses and a select few photographers by offering a modern take on the format and more importantly, doing so at a competitive price. This great video review takes a look at the latest member of the line, the GFX 50S II, and the performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

5 Ways to Improve Your SkyGuider Pro

So, you’ve gone out and bought an iOptron SkyGuider Pro. You’ve assembled it, read the instructions, maybe even watched a YouTube video on how to use it, and you’ve got the basics down. But you find yourself wondering if it could be better. Yes, it can be heaps better.

Four Weeks With the New Leica M11 Camera

The Leica M11 has arrived, and it has taken several impressive steps forward that establish it as a modern, professional camera while still providing the classic Leica experience the company's users look for. If you have been considering the camera, this excellent video review discusses one photographer's experience with it after four weeks.

How Do the Canon RF and EF 24-70mm Lenses Compare?

With Canon successfully moving into the mirrorless space, they have a dichotomy of gear. But, in a real-world scenario, how do two of the same lenses — one for mirrorless and one for DSLRs — compare side-by-side?