Recent Gear Articles

The Reason Why I Choose Profoto Over Godox

I once started with the top of the line Canon flash with a remote controller. Even though those flashes very good, they can have too little light output for off camera flash. That is why I started looking for a portable studio flash system and I ended up with the expensive Profoto system.

What's It Like Working on a 49-Inch Ultrawide Display?

Many photographers and videographers like to work on dual-monitor setups with the two screens side by side, but that can cause some complicated logistics with connections and the like, and of course, it can be quite annoying to have bezels right in the middle of your vision. Can you solve that problem with an ultrawide monitor? This great video takes a look at LG's 49-inch monster to help answer that question.

Profoto Answers Sony Shooter's Prayers: The Profoto A1X Is Here

When the original Profoto A1 entered the on-camera flash market, one huge hiccup that many photographers saw was the lack of a Sony option in the speedlight. Now, with a more robust and tweaked flash being released to address that concern and others, how does the new Profoto A1X stack up to its predecessor?

Hands on With the New DJI Osmo Action

A few months back, the GoPro Hero 7 was released with some incredible in camera stabilization. This camera caused a ton of hype, but with DJI's new Osmo Action, GoPro could be in trouble.

Travel Photographer's First Impression of the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

With floods of photographers moving to mirrorless — and a good portion of those to the Nikon Z 7 — new mirrorless intended lenses are always interesting. In this video, travel photographer Jimmy McIntyre shares his first impressions of the new wide-angle lens.

Fstoppers Reviews the New and Improved Luxury Camera Bag From Hawkesmill

Three years ago, I reviewed the original camera bag offering from the team at Hawkesmill and it has remained my favorite bag in the years since. Recently, Hawkesmill reached out to me about reviewing their updated and improved model. Read on to hear how the best bag has been made even better.

Samyang Announces AF 45mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony Full Frame Cameras

If there's one lens almost every photographer or videographer can get some use from, it's a wide aperture, normal length lens. Samyang has thrown their hat into the ring with the announcement of the AF 45mm f/1.8 FE lens, which offers Sony shooters a cheap and light option appropriate for a multitude of shooting scenarios.

Fstoppers Reviews the edelkrone SliderPlus and HeadPlus System

As someone who produces a lot of timelapses and video content for YouTube, nothing excites me more than testing out a new piece of gear. So, when edelkrone asked me to review their latest motorized slider and panning head unit, I jumped at the opportunity to see what this kit could do.

One Piece of Equipment Every Portrait Photographer Needs

Whether you’re shooting headshots at a Fortune 500 company or taking photographs of a family member for Mother’s Day, there’s one piece of gear you should definitely have in your kit for every portrait session.

How to Update Firmware on Nikon Cameras

Many of us skip updating the firmware on our cameras, but new features and bug fixes are frequently being added by manufacturers via new firmware releases. In this video, you will learn how to update the firmware on your Nikon cameras.

Insane Closeups: A Review of the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens

Venus Optics makes some unique and impressive lenses, and the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro lens is another entry into that line. With its highly affordable price tag and crazy magnification capabilities, it's a very interesting option for macro photographers or anyone who's interested in the genre. This great video takes a look at the lens and its capabilities.

Dumping My 20+ Year Canon Loyalty for a Sony Mirrorless

I've been a long-time Canon shooter, back to the film days, then a Canon 10D, 20D, 5D, and 6D. I do mostly landscape work and some nightscapes. They've been great cameras, close to state of the art at their release, and frankly, I've never needed a single repair on any of them.

Thinking of Buying a New Camera? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Most photographers enjoy playing with new gear; after all, a lot of us are gadget nerds, and modern cameras can be rather nifty little technological boxes. Before you get ready to drop a bunch of money on a brand new camera, though, be sure to ask yourself these questions to make sure you're making the right decision.

Why Was the Canon 200mm f/1.8 So Expensive?

Canon has quite a storied history of extreme lenses, and one of the most famous of those was definitely the EF 200mm f/1.8. This great video examines what made that lens so special and why it was (and remains) so expensive.

Do You Crossgrade Camera Systems?

The grass is always greener on the other side, or so the proverb says, and there is no denying that the latest offering from another camera manufacturer can be a tempting proposition. Are you a serial crossgrader?

I Wish I'd Known This Before I Moved to Sony

It’s been four months since I made the transition from my beloved Canon 6D to the much-revered Sony a7 III. There are many things that I love about this new camera, but there’s one thing that’s proving to be a problem.

Canon Announces the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Canon's EF 85mm f/1.2L II lens is one of the most popular portrait lenses of all time, and it was surely a given that it would be coming for the RF mirrorless line. Today, Canon has announced the RF version, which features an entirely new optical design that should give it increased performance over its predecessor.

Why Are Cinema Lenses So Expensive?

If you look at normal lenses, then look at cinema lenses of comparable aperture and focal length, you might be shocked by their prices over their counterparts. This fun video examines just why cinema lenses are so expensive.

Save $400 on a Sigma Art Lens Today Only

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is another star is Sigma's widely lauded Art line, known for its top-notch image quality at an affordable price. That price is even more affordable now, as you can take $400 off the lens today only.

Are Apple Macs Slower? It May Be Time to Switch to Windows

The Apple versus Windows discussion tends to get some strong opinions from both sides. Many creatives swear by Apple and consider them to be the only option, and this is mostly due to the operating system. Preferences aside, it would seem that Macs are sometimes the slower and worse option for creatives.

What Is Canon Missing?

It’s been about eight months since Canon launched their full frame mirrorless system. In that time, they’ve created or announced 10 lenses to be delivered by the end of 2019, as well as a second body. Despite the fast progress on building out the kit, Canon is missing a critical item.

Three Ways to Save Thousands on Gear

Buying new gear can be one of the major expenses for any photographer, so taking any opportunity to save is important. There are a number of ways to save on any gear purchase, without compromising on the quality, warranty, or buying experience.

Go Ahead, Use Your Old DSLR Flashes on Your New Mirrorless Cameras

When I first started out using speedlights for flash photography, there weren’t many options aside from Canon and Nikon. As a result, I’ve amassed a large collection of Speedlights (and Speedlites), but now that I also shoot mirrorless bodies, are my SB-700s and 600EX-RTs any good?

Canon Removes the Universal Hot Shoe Pin on Its Latest Release

Canon recently announced the EOS 200D Mark II, otherwise known as the SL3 as the company’s lightest DSLR. Besides being the lightest DSLR in Canon EOS range, it limits users’ abilities to use some third-party manual flashes and triggers.

LensCoat LegCushion Vs. LegWrap Pro: Which to Buy for Your Tripod?

Earlier this year, I wrote a full review of the new LensCoat LegWrap Pro. From the title, "The Best Way to Carry a Heavy Tripod Setup," you can probably guess that I liked it. Here I take a look another new tripod accessory from LensCoat, the LegCushion, and see how it compares to my beloved LegWrap Pro.

Which Fixed Lens Compact Should You Choose?

Fstoppers writer Andy Day recently published his thoughts on why Canon and Nikon should get into the full-frame fixed-lens camera segment and what that would mean for us as photographers. The Slanted Lens also did a great comparison of three existing options for a compact fixed-lens camera.

Fstoppers Reviews Powerex MH-C980 8-Cell Charger-Analyzer

Maha's new Powerex MH-C980 8 Cell Charger/Analyzer is out and it's a full-featured, professional charging beast. Check out the nitty gritty on one of the most advanced AA/AAA battery chargers on the market.

Sony GM vs Sigma Art: Which 135mm f/1.8 Lens Is the Best?

Portrait lenses are getting more and more ridiculous these days with their oversized glass elements and their super wide apertures. It's like every year a company will come out and try and outdo everyone by producing the most over the top lens they can and honestly, I couldn't be happier.

This Is My Favorite Portable LED Light For Video

Are you in need of a powerful, versatile, and compact RGB LED light that won't break the bank? I was and this might now be my favorite hot light for shooting on location.

Panasonic Lumix S1 Versus Sony A7III Is Bigger Better?

Panasonic Lumix S1 compared to the Sony A7 III, is Panasonic able to compete with one of Sony’s best selling cameras? Are they too late to enter the full frame market? And is bigger always better? Let’s find out.

The Ricoh GR III: An Overlooked but Highly Competent Compact Camera

The Ricoh GR series has a long history stretching back to the film era, when they were known for their high quality (particularly for a point and shoot) 28mm lens. Ricoh has continued that tradition of quality as the series has moved into the digital era, and the third iteration looks to be quite a great option for those looking for a quality pocketable camera. This great video takes a look at the Ricoh GR III.

Creating an Ultra Portable Off-Camera Flash Kit

Mention off-camera flash and people often think about C-stands, flash heads, large octaboxes, and V-flats. Hardly what you would call portable. So how do go about assembling one?

Why Does Hollywood Use These Cameras?

Gear Acquisition Syndrome is something we've all had at some point. Unfortunately, it's a steep gradient with some of the most desirable gear costing small fortunes. The Arri Alexa sits near the peak of the mountain.

How Good Is the Panasonic S1 Full Frame Camera?

The Panasonic S1 has been making waves as the company's first full frame camera, replete with a fascinating feature set in a rugged body. Nonetheless, it's part of a very inundated full frame camera market, and it has a lot of stiff competition. How well does it fare against the competitors? This great video review seeks to answer that question.

Yashica to Release Three New 35mm Cameras, Two New Films

Despite their previous camera being largely trashed by critics upon its release last year, Yashica has returned to crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Unbothered by the negative press, the company has announced plans to launch three new film cameras alongside two new films.