Recent Gear Articles

Fstoppers Reviews Venus Optic’s 85mm f/5.6 2x Macro Lens: Amazing Magnification From a Tiny Lens

If you’re into macro photography, you might be wondering why so many macro lenses emphasize a wide aperture; f/2.8 is nice to have, but when focused down to 1:1, it’ll leave you with no depth of field. From my point of view, Venus Optics seems to have had the same thought. They built a macro lens with a spec sheet that’s focused on delivering macro results. Is this the new best option for macro photographers?

A Review of the Quirky and Capable Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Camera

I have never loved a fixed prime lens camera, except for the Fujifilm X100 series. Quirky, fun, and impressively capable, these small cameras have become quite respected across the industry. Now in the fifth generation, the newest version is highly refined and versatile, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it.

Sony a7 IV Versus Sony a7 III: Should You Upgrade?

Sony kept fans waiting a long time before finally unveiling the a7 IV, and with the release date quickly approaching, a7 III users will be weighing whether it’s worth the upgrade. And what if you're pondering your first a7 camera? Should you shell out the extra cash for the newer camera?

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens

It might not be the most exciting lens out there, but Nikon's NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is highly portable, affordable, and surprisingly sharp given its size and price. If you are looking for such a lens, check out this excellent video that takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

What I Took on a 10-Day Commercial Ad Campaign

Knowing what equipment you should take on a job is always difficult, so I thought I would share with you what I ended up taking on a 10-day ad campaign, and more importantly, why.

How to Choose the Right Camera Gear

Camera gear is not only meant for professional work, it is a ton of fun as well. However, it is quite expensive, and as such, every purchase you make should be carefully considered beforehand. This helpful video tutorial features some good advice on how to choose the right gear for you.

10 Very Affordable Gifts for Photographers

If you’re plotting a gift for the photographer in your life, check out this list of ideas. I should warn you, some of them are slightly silly, but they are all very affordable and could make for some excellent stocking fillers.

A Review of the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens was highly respected for being relatively affordable compared to other premium lenses while still offering tack-sharp images, fantastic image stabilization, and of course, 1:1 macro capability, all making for one of the most versatile lenses out there. The RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM follows up on the EF version's legacy by introducing a range of new features and improvements, and this great video review takes a look at how it performs.

Will Sony Release These Four New Cameras in 2022?

2021 has been a busy year for flagship cameras from Nikon and Canon and while Sony made a significant impact after finally announcing the a7 IV, the company might feel that it is now behind the competition. With that in mind, what does it have in store for 2022?

Fstoppers Reviews the HEX x Misshattan Ranger DSLR Sling Bag

I’ve never been one to consider style in my bag purchases, but if that style comes at no extra cost, then, why not? That’s certainly the case with the new HEX x Misshattan Ranger DSLR Sling, a different take on the company’s regular Ranger DSLR Sling.

Photography Gift Ideas for Under $100

With Christmas lurking over the hill like a bright red flashing pickpocket, it's time to start figuring out what to buy your loved ones. If they are a photographer, here are some ideas that won't bankrupt you.

A Review of the Hasselblad 907X 50C Medium Format Camera

Hasselblad's 907X 50C is one of the more unique cameras to come along in quite some time, putting a modern medium format sensor in a body completely devoid of a viewfinder, meant to be used like a TLR camera of yesteryear. This great video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens

A 100-400mm zoom lens is highly versatile, useful for anything from sports and wildlife photography to landscape work and more. They come in many different options with a wide variety of price points. Canon's RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM sits at the affordable end of the spectrum but still offers some great features, and this excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

This Might Be the Craziest Lens Ever Made

Lens designs have been pushed to some pretty extreme lengths in the past decade or so, with full frame options like 50mm f/0.95 or 28-70mm f/2 becoming standard fare. However, the most extreme consumer lens design ever made might be from several decades ago. So crazy is the design that only one copy was ever made, and this fascinating video takes a look at what you can do with it.

Mistakes Beginner Photographers Make Regarding Lenses

Perhaps no piece of equipment has a bigger impact on your photos than your lens. There are some common misconceptions about lenses, however, and as expensive as they are, it is important to make sure you know everything you can about them. This helpful video tutorial discusses some common mistakes photographers make when thinking about lenses.

Tamron's New Secret Weapon: Smarter Lenses

If there's one area of photography that has stagnated with regards to improved tech, it's lenses. That isn't to say they haven't improved, but by nowhere near the rate at which cameras have. Perhaps that's about to change.

Canon R3 Versus Sony a1: Which Has Better Autofocus?

Canon’s latest full frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R3, was launched only a few months ago, and we’ve had to wait patiently to find out how its autofocus system compares with that of one of its biggest rivals, the Sony a1. This video puts the pair head to head in a real-world situation.

A Review of the Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Camera for Wildlife Photography

Nikon's Z 9 mirrorless camera is here, and it challenges the supremacy of the Sony a1 and Canon EOS R3 at the top of the professional mirrorless camera race. One of the genres that often demands such cameras is wildlife photography, and this awesome video review takes a look at how the Z 9 performs.

A Review of the Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS R5 and the recent EOS R3 have received most of the attention the last few years, but hidden behind them is the EOS R6, which offers a lot of the same features and advanced capabilities at a much more affordable price. This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the camera in practice.

A Review of the Powerful Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera

Canon's EOS R3 is here, and it takes another major step forward for the company, offering specs sure to capture the attention of a lot of photographers and videographers. Do those specs hold up in the real world? This great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from the camera.

How Many Camera Bags Does a Photographer Need?

Every photographer needs a camera bag. Preferably one that not only protects the equipment, but is also comfortable to use. It has to carry at least a camera and a couple of lenses, along with the necessary accessories. Unfortunately, there is not one camera bag that is perfect for every situation.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lens

40mm lenses have become a bit more popular in recent years, offering an interesting and unusual focal length between the much more standard 35mm and 50mm options. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is one such lens, and with a small footprint and light weight combined with an affordable price, it makes for a compelling option. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it.