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.

A Comparison of 10 Popular Wildlife Lenses

Nowadays, with companies like Tamron and Sigma putting out impressive, high-quality lenses, photographers have more choices than ever when it comes to wildlife equipment. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options, this awesome video compares 10 of the best to help you pick the right one for you.  

How to Choose Your First Digital Camera

The easiest way to decide on which digital camera is right for you is to consider budget, size, features, and a few more things. Follow this guide on what to look out for and help make a decision for your first digital camera purchase. 

Aputure Launches New Projection Lens Spotlight Minizoom

Aputure has been one of the most interesting companies in the lighting space over the last few years, with some brilliant and affordable options. This latest projection lens attachment has had me very interested indeed. 

Comparing Canon's Impressive RF 50mm f/1.2L to the EF 50mm f/1.2L

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L was one of the company's most well-known and popular lenses, but it was a rather quirky model that was not without flaws in both autofocus performance and image quality. On the other hand, the new RF 50mm f/1.2L USM quickly established that the company had set a new standard for itself when it came to lens design and image quality.

What to Look for When Purchasing Used Gear

Photo gear tends to be quite expensive, and when you are outfitting your camera bag, the costs can add up rather quickly. However, the used market is always bustling, and you can save significant amounts of money by buying what you need there.

Is This the Only Filter System You'll Ever Need?

Accessories for cameras have improved in both quality and function over the last decade or so, but perhaps not as quickly as other areas of equipment. This new filter system, however, aims to overcome a lot of the irritants around stacking filters. 

5 Reasons to Consider the Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a more affordable version of the company's flagship line, but it still comes with an impressive range of features that make it useful for a wide range of photo and video scenarios. This great video discusses five reasons it makes an excellent choice for a lot of users.  

Let's Not Lie: Camera Gear Does Matter

We hear all the time about how camera gear does not matter, and while there is a useful sentiment in that, the truth is far more nuanced than that. This excellent video essay details a lesser-discussed reason why camera gear matters and why you should consider it more often.  

Can a $900 M1 Mac Mini Keep Up With a $14,000 Mac Pro?

The Mac Pro is in a class of its own as far as Apple computers go, but the new M1 Macs have turned the industry on its head, offering frankly ludicrous performance for their price. Can a $900 Mac Mini keep up with a Mac Pro model that goes for over 15 times the price? The results are mightily impressive, and this great video shows you what you can expect.  

Nikon Is the New Hasselblad: That’s Bad

Hasselblad is and was a photography company with a true pedigree, known for making the cameras NASA chose to use on the moon. But in the early 2010s, they seemed to have lost their way. Nikon seems to be in a similar position. Can they turn it around as Hasselblad did? 

A Long-Term Review of the Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's X Series has been highly refined over several generations and is now a powerful system capable of tackling a wide variety of scenarios that still maintains the design and controls that won it praise upon its release.

The Awesome $300 Camera You Probably Don't Need

Having two cameras can give you so much more versatility and security when you're out shooting. If you are in the market for something cheap yet amazing, this addition could be for you. 

Are Fuji's f/1.4 Primes Lenses Worth the Premium Over the f/2 Versions?

Fujifilm shooters are lucky to have a lot of choices in prime lenses, with many focal lengths having both f/1.4 and f/2 options. And as such, you might wonder if the f/1.4 versions are worth the premium price or if you would be better suited sticking with the more affordable f/2 versions.

Nikon's Retro Zfc Mirrorless Camera Likely Coming Tomorrow

There have been persistent rumors that Nikon is readying a heavily retro-inspired mirrorless camera called the Zfc for release, and more information has emerged, including a likely announcement date of June 28. Other information includes an expected price and likely specifications.  

The Sony a7R IV Is Now Discontinued Amid Confusion

Back in April, Sony quietly updated its a7R IV, bumping the quality of its rear display and renaming it the a7R IVA, in keeping with manufacturers’ tendency to choose model names that follow no logic. The a7R IV has now disappeared from sale, and right now, you’ll struggle to buy either of these cameras. 

Simple Mods To Make Vintage Lenses Easier To Use for Cinematography

There are a wealth of great vintage lenses that are as cost-effective as they are full of character, but they can be tricky to use for cinematography. These little mods can be huge quality of life upgrades and make shooting with vintage lenses easier and more enjoyable. 

Can Sony's Budget 85mm Keep Up With Its Premium Version?

Sony's G Master lenses are well known for their strong performance and image quality, but of course, with that comes a premium price tag. At the 85mm focal length, there is the budget-friendly f/1.8 lens in addition to the f/1.4 G Master, and it comes in at only about a third of the price. However, can it keep up with the more expensive option?

Highly Anticipated Fujifilm GFX 50S Mark II Price Leaked

I'm not one for posting rumors, but there are a few sources in a few specific areas that are almost always correct, and this is one of them. Many of us wondered about the GFX 50S Mark II and where it'll fit in the line-up, and now we might have an idea. 

Here Comes the Canon EOS R3: More Specs Emerge

Canon has made a few development announcements regarding the upcoming EOS R3, dropping some specs that underscore just what a powerful camera it will be. Still, there is a lot we do not know about the upcoming body, such as its resolution. However, Canon is planning to make the official announcement in just a few days, and we'll soon know everything about the camera. 

Thrifting for Film Cameras in Ohio

There's one thing in particular that I'm really looking forward to when I next visit the United States: hunting through thrift stores for bargains. I love all sorts of vintage and retro items, but top of my list is film cameras. 

My Favorite 35mm Film Camera I've Ever Used

There are literally thousands and thousands of 35mm film cameras that have been produced over the last 100 years or so, and more are being manufactured even now. However, there's one camera that sits at the top of the tree, at least for me. 

A Review of the Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE Lens

A wide-aperture 24mm lens is one of the most useful primes you can carry in your bag, offering a wide but not too wide focal length that can work in a variety of scenarios. The Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8 FE offers great image quality at an affordable price, and this great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it.  

Incredible Abstract Lava Drone Photography in Iceland

Gudmann and Gyda, both native Icelandic photographers, decided to leave the drone at home on their first few trips to the new volcanic eruption. But this time they headed back with their drone to capture some incredible aerial footage and abstract shots of the lava flow.  As well as making art with integrity, photographers need to meet the bills.

What You Need to Know About ND Filters for Photography

ND filters are some of the most commonly used photography accessories out there, and they are great for both creative and technical applications. If you have not used them before, this great video will show you how they work and what they are useful for.  

Comparing the Video Quality Between the Canon EOS R5 and Sony a1

 The Sony a1 and Canon EOS R5 are two of the most powerful cameras out there, both offering impressive 8K video capabilities among other features. How do they compare on the video front? This excellent video review discusses the video capabilities of both after six months of usage.  

More Canon Lenses Are on the Way

Canon has been impressing with their RF lenses, which offer fantastic image quality and push the boundaries of design to interesting and useful new heights. They look like they are showing no signs of stopping, with news of more new designs being readied for announcement popping up on the radar.  

5 Reasons To Go Back to Film

I went back to shooting film recently, and I couldn't believe how different the process was. It isn't just taking a photo without the live view screen, it really is a different world. A world that you should experience if you want to improve as a photographer. 

How to Choose the Right Head for Your Tripod

Tripods are one of the most common and useful accessories a photographer or videographer can have, and just as important as the tripod itself is the head you put on top of it. There quite a few different kinds of heads, and this awesome video tutorial will show you how each of them works and which one is most appropriate for the work you do. 

Building a Polaroid Back for the Mamiya RB67

There's nothing quite like the feel of a Polaroid image in your hands. If you've run out of FP-100C and long for the days of shooting instant film on your medium format rig, all hope is not lost. 

11 Things Every Photo Studio Needs

We spend a lot of time talking about camera gear and lenses, but of course, a photo studio needs more equipment than that — a lot more, in fact. If you are outfitting a new studio space or looking to add a bit to yours, check out this great video that discusses 11 things every photo studio should have.  

Comparing the Sony a7 III to the Nikon Z 6II

Both the Sony a7 III and Nikon Z 6II are relatively affordable hybrid full frame bodies, meant for professionals who need to be able to tackle multiple scenarios with ease. If you are wondering which of the two is right for you, this great video compares their performance to help you decide.