Photography Gear

Gear isn't everything — but it's not nothing either. This section covers the cameras, lenses, accessories, and equipment that photographers actually use, with an eye toward helping you make smart decisions rather than just chasing the latest release. Expect news, analysis, hands-on impressions, and the occasional reality check on whether that upgrade is actually worth it.

Why Are Hasselblad Cameras So Expensive?

It's the camera manufacturer that documented the moon landing. Its build quality and design are one thing, but the images it takes with its Sony sensor and lenses are truly one of a kind. In this video, Business Insider breaks down why it's so expensive, and gives a rough estimate of how many they sell each year.  

Where Are All the Third-Party Lenses for Canon and Nikon?

One of the most compelling reasons for choosing a Sony as your first serious camera is the wealth of third-party lenses available. Why is it that there is still so little glass made by smaller manufacturers for the full frame mirrorless mounts from Canon and Nikon? 

Fstoppers Reviews the Hollyland LARK 150 Wireless Microphone System

I have slowly been making my way into the video realm and have quickly realized that I need an easy-to-use audio setup for filming on location. But since I mostly shoot photos, I didn’t want to take up a ton of room in my bag. After some research, the Hollyland LARK 150 checked all the boxes, but how does it hold up in real-world use?  

A Common Misconception About ND Filters

ND filters are fantastic pieces of kit for a number of applications, but there is a powerful use for them that sometimes gets overlooked through misconceptions. In this video, see visual examples of exactly what an ND filter can do for you. 

How to Read an MTF Chart and Why They Are Useful for Photographers

If you have ever looked at the product page for a lens, you may have noticed some strange graphs called MTF charts. Though they look a bit unusual, they are not particularly hard to read once you know what data they convey, and they can tell you a lot of useful information in a short amount of time. This helpful video will show you how they work.  

How Good Is This Impressively Affordable 35mm Lens?

A quality 35mm lens with a reasonably wide maximum aperture is useful for a huge range of applications in both photo and video, but on the other hand, such lenses can often be rather expensive. Samyang's AF 35mm f/1.8 FE sits well below those prices, however, currently retailing for only $349. Can it compete with more expensive options?

Fujifilm Is Rumored to Have Discontinued the Brilliant GFX 50R

The camera with a rightful place in the hearts of Fujifilm fans and a cemented place in medium format history has been allegedly discontinued. While it's understandable given recent announcements, many of us are sad all the same. 

How Good Is the Unique Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens?

The Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is one of the most unique lenses released in a long time, offering an extremely long focal length at an impressively affordable price with the caveat of an unusually narrow and fixed aperture. How does it perform in the real world? This great video review takes a close look at the lens.  

What Is Dynamic Range and Why Do Photographers Care About It?

Dynamic range is one of the most fundamental properties of a camera sensor and one of the leading specs photographers are concerned about these days. What is it, though, and why is it so important? This great video tutorial will introduce you to the concept and show you its practical consequences on your images.  

We Review the Zeapon Micro 2 Motorized Slider: This Might Be the Best Compact Slider You Can Buy

Zeapon Sliders are relatively new to the market. The original Zeapon slider proved to be an interesting and popular option; however, it wasn't without its flaws. Since its release, the company has worked hard to produce something more stable and capable, and we now have the Zeapon micro 2 motorized sliders. This new slider could be the best one on the market.  

Can a $500 Medium Format Zoom Lens Produce Worthwhile Images?

It is no secret that Fuji has been rewriting the paradigm of camera cost by bringing medium format cameras to the market at prices that compete with full frame options, but now, they are doing the same with medium format lenses, offering a zoom that costs just $500 when purchased as part of a kit with the new GFX 50S II. Is it any good? This great video review takes a first look. 

Hands on With the Canon EOS R3

September is shaping up to be a busy month for Canon with rumors that the greatly anticipated EOS R3 is due to be announced September 14. One lucky photographer has a preproduction model in his hands and can at least give you a quick tour of the body and its various buttons and screens. 

A Comparison of All of My Pro Lighting Modifiers

From very dated soft lighters and Broncolor Hazylights on big stands through to modern octaboxes and reflectors, in this video, I look at them all in relation to my favorite genre of photography. 

Hands-On With the Fujinon XF R LM WR 33mm f/1.4

There are some great lenses in the Fuji range and this new release looks to further that history. In this video, see behind-the-scenes of a shoot with their latest offering and how it performs for studio portraiture. 

Fujifilm GFX 50S II Review: Who Is This Camera For?

Fujifilm’s new GFX 50S II is the company’s most affordable medium format camera, but does the performance make it a worthwhile purchase when there are full frame cameras available with similar resolutions? This review seeks to find out. 

Fujifilm Announces the GFX50S II Medium Format Camera, X-T30 II, and Lots of New Lenses

It's a good day to be a Fujifilm photographer. The company has announced multiple new cameras and lenses for both the GFX medium format series and popular X series. Check out what they have in store. 

GFX50S II

The GFX50S II features the same 51.4-megapixel sensor as the original but brings with it improvements seen in the 100 bodies. Features include:

What Is This Famous Camera Like 20 Years Later?

The original Canon 1D came out almost 20 years ago, in November of 2001, and it represented the company's arrival on the professional digital camera market. Since then, the 1D series has become well known for its high-level capabilities and almost unbreakable build, becoming a favorite of countless pros around the world. What was the original model like, though?

To High Speed Sync or Not to High Speed Sync? Maybe an ND Filter Is Best

There's a feature with flashes that if you're in the know, is a lifesaver. High speed sync is something that allows you to shoot beyond what's considered the maximum sync speed of your camera, and to shoot wide open with flash in bright light, it's often a necessity to balance the exposure. 

How Good Is Canon's $12,000 RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens?

Canon's top-level supertelephoto prime lenses are some of the most impressive in the entire camera world, offering extreme focal lengths and apertures paired with uncompromising image quality and performance.

How Good Is Canon's Strange RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens?

Canon's RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses are some of the most unique to come to the market in a while, offering photographers extremely long focal lengths at very affordable prices, albeit with the compromise of a very narrow fixed aperture. Is that compromise reasonable? This great video review takes a deep look at the lens.  

Can the Fujifilm GFX 100S Handle the Demands of Wedding Photographers?

Fujifilm's GFX series rewrote the rules on medium format, bringing it to the price level of upper-level full frame options and opening an entirely new format to many photographers. The GFX 100S continues that, bringing a top-shelf sensor and capabilities at a price ($5,999) that is about as aggressive as you will see in any camera. As such, it is an intriguing option for wedding photographers.

Learn How to Capture Stunning Bird Action Photos Mid-Flight

If you've ever wondered how professional wildlife photographers get that perfect mirror-like reflection in bird photos and what camera settings they use to capture birds in flight without missing the shot, then this walkthrough is for you. 

The Canon EOS R3 Gets Rumored Launch Date

We've been waiting a long time for the Canon EOS R3 and we finally have some good, albeit rumored, news on when it'll be launching, and it's not too far away. 

Why, When, and How to Use Two Cameras

You have probably seen professional photographers in certain genres (weddings, for example) shooting with two camera bodies simultaneously. Why do they do this and what are the benefits of carrying that extra weight? This excellent video discusses the topic and offers some tips for working with two cameras simultaneously.  

Save on a Large Hard Drive and Sigma Lens Today Only

Photographers can always use more storage, and 150-600mm lenses are some of the most versatile out there, useful in a wide range of scenarios. Today only, you can save on both through these great deals.  

A Review of the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens

A wide angle prime lens with a large aperture is one that can handle a large range of shooting scenarios ranging from weddings coverage to astro work and more. This great video review takes a look at one such option for Sony shooters, the FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens.  

Get This Great Lens for Over Half Off Today Only

Photographers who do not need an f/2.8 aperture or who want a light, portable lens they can drop in their bag and forget will certainly appreciate the Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD, and today only, you can get it for more than half off, bringing the final price to just $379.