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.

All You Wanted to Know About Tripods, But Were Afraid to Ask

While a $20 Best Buy tripod might seem like a good value, that’s not the case when in just a few short years you have to buy 6 of them because they keep breaking on you. I know from experience. After missing enough shots because my tripods kept breaking, I broke down and bought a professional tripod and haven’t looked back since. 

Wide Angle Photography With Gavin Hoey

Olympus UK has just released another Facebook Live video as part of their "Learn with Olympus" series. Their Ambassador, Gavin Hoey, talks about wide-angle photography.

 

https://www.facebook.com/124688874241403/videos/1233508470380560/?__so__=watchlist&__rv__=video_home_www_playlist_video_list

A Review of the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

A good macro lens is one of the most versatile a photographer can have in their bag, offering both the ability to capture close-up detail shots and ultra-sharp portraits. This awesome video review takes a look at one such option, the FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens, and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's GFX 100 was one of the most groundbreaking cameras of recent times, offering a medium format sensor, top-level image quality, loads of resolution, and a wide variety of advanced modern features, all in a package that significantly undercut traditional medium format prices.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens

Nikon started out its mirrorless Z mount with mostly pragmatic lenses, but as time has gone on, the library has expanded to more extreme designs. One such example is the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the kind of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.  

Dear Fujifilm, Please Give Us a Decent Instax Camera

Dear Fujifilm, on behalf of all instant photography fans, please give us a decent Instax camera — one that excites us, one that inspires us. 

I love Instax. I really do. It gives more reliable results than Polaroid, but the choice of cameras we have is rather limited.

A Review of the Irix 45mm f/1.4 Lens

A wide-aperture 50mm lens is often one of the most versatile options in a photographer's bag, suitable for a lot of work ranging from portraiture to low-light events. A lesser-known option is the Irix 45mm f/1.4, which offers some unique features along with an interesting focal length, all put together in a rugged package that can handle a variety of tough shooting scenarios.

Canon's DSLR Lens Library Is Rapidly Disappearing

The Canon EF lens exodus is continuing, with over a dozen more being discontinued or slated for it at some point this year as the company rapidly pivots toward mirrorless and its RF mount.  

The Sony a1 Is So Fast That You Can Make a Movie From Still Image Bursts

The Sony a1 is probably the most extreme camera we have seen so far, with one of its most notable features being that insane 30 fps continuous burst rate. While the camera also has some equally impressive video features to accompany its photo capabilities, it is more fun to see just how truly fast that aforementioned burst rate is by shooting video using it.  

We Review the Portable Gitzo Légende Tripod Kit

“The last travel tripod you’ll ever need” might seem like a very definitive statement, but let’s take a look at what Gitzo is talking about and exactly why is this tripod kit worth getting. 

More Exciting Canon Lenses Are on the Way

We know that Canon is bringing a lot of new RF mirrorless lenses to market fairly soon, and it looks like we have more information coming in, with some exciting news on new designs. 

What Makes a Camera Professional?

Today, I’d like to discuss one of the most overused and most misunderstood concepts in photography. What exactly makes something a “professional camera”? 

Comparing the Leica Q2 to the Fuji X100V

Both the Fujifilm X100V and Leica Q2 are advanced fixed prime lens cameras, and they each offer a range of great features and excellent image quality. Which one is right for your work? This great video review takes a look at both. 

A Review of the Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens

Zeiss lenses are well known for their contrasty, sharp, and nearly flawless renderings with smooth bokeh, making them highly sought-after portrait instruments. This great video review takes a look at one of the company's more reasonably priced options, the Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Expert Advice: What’s the Absolute Best Device Available Right Now?

This subject comes up all too often, every time a new camera body comes out or when the industry makes a big shift such as film to digital or DSLR to mirrorless. So, what’s the best kit you can buy?  Last month, I was asked by two very different people for some advice on a camera purchase. One friend is a realtor, and the other is a third-year photography student.

What Is the Right Focal Length for Portraits?

Focal length is by far one of the most important choices you can make when it comes to portraiture, as it makes a huge difference on how your subject is rendered. This helpful video will show you how five different common focal lengths render the same subject.  

A Review of the Venus Optics Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX Zero-D Lens

Venus Optics is known for producing some rather unique and extreme lens designs, and the Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX Zero-D is no different, offering an extremely wide angle of view for Fujifilm medium format shooters. This great video takes a look at the lens and the kind of performance you can expect from it in the real world. 

Do You Need or Want New Photo Equipment?

Look at your gear right now. How much of it did you need and how much of it did you want? Knowing the difference between the two can save you thousands and make you a more sophisticated photographer who focuses on art.  

Some Big Canon Lenses Are Likely Coming Soon

We have recently seen Canon discontinue more and more DSLR lenses as they continue their transition to mirrorless, but thankfully, there are a lot of mirrorless lenses on their way to replace them, and it looks like we will see three more quite soon.  

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX 100S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm GFX 100 turned a lot of heads upon its release, offering a modern medium format sensor and features normally reserved for full frame cameras, all in a package that cost less than $10,000. Then came the GFX 100S, which kept almost all the features of the GFX 100 and cut its size and price nearly in half.

A Review of the New Sigma fp L Mirrorless Camera

The Sigma fp L is the latest camera from the company, and it offers a unique design that also makes it the smallest full frame, high-resolution camera available. If you have been interested in the camera, check out this great video review that takes a look at how it performs in the real world.  

A Faux-Vintage Masterpiece? We Review the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN

A few months ago, Sigma released four rather distinctive, compact lenses for Sony and L-mount cameras. The most curious of these is the 65mm f/2 DG DN, offering a touch of speed, excellent sharpness, and a slightly odd focal length. How does it perform? 

A Review of the Portable Godox AD100Pro Pocket Flash

When you are working on location, having a lot of flash power is great, but on the other hand, it can mean carrying a lot of heavy and unwieldy equipment. The Godox AD100Pro offers more power than a speedlight, but is lightweight and fits in the palm of your hand, and this great video review takes a look at the way it performs in practice.  

A Great Camera Nobody Will Want: Pentax K-3 Mark III

It's a perplexing state of affairs: the DSLR as a product category is officially on life support now that more mirrorless cameras ship every year. Of what is left of the DSLR sector, Canon and Nikon hold a staggering 98% of it. So, why on Earth is Pentax releasing a flagship model? 

Are Liquid Lenses the Future of Photography?

Xiaomi recently teased a liquid lens for their newly announced Mi Mix smartphones. The liquid lens can change shape to alter the focal length and focus to suit a range of applications. Is this the future of lens technology? 

The Canon EOS R5 Is a Mirrorless Workhorse

Despite being a long-time Nikon shooter and a fan of their latest mirrorless offerings, it’s only fair to keep an eye on what the competition is doing. So, with the right level of begging, I was able to get my hands on the Canon EOS R5 and thought I would offer a few brief thoughts. 

Is This the Weirdest 35mm Camera That Canon Has Ever Made?

For a huge Japanese corporation that’s thought to be incredibly conservative, it’s easy to forget that Canon hasn’t been afraid to try out some radical designs over the years. This one is up there with the best of them: a point-and-shoot that looks like a video camera and featuring a flash where you'd never expect it. 

Why Every Filmmaker Should Own This $60 Lens

Modern lenses are closer to perfection than ever, offering incredibly sharpness and lacking in aberrations — but are they missing character as a result? By contrast, this vintage lens is something of a classic and there’s a good reason to add it to your arsenal. 

What You Should Do When You Get a New Camera

Getting a new camera is super exciting, but before you dive into it, there are some things you will want to do to make sure you get the best possible experience. This helpful video tutorial will guide you through how to make sure your new camera is ready to go. 

A Review of the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens

While 70-200mm lenses are generally the standard for telephoto zooms, if you do not need a wider aperture, a 70-300mm lens can offer you more reach on the telephoto end and is often far cheaper than a 70-200mm f/2.8 or f/4 lens.

What You Need to Know About Traveling With Lithium Ion Batteries

The vast majority of batteries for cameras, computers, and other devices are lithium ion, and the government has very strict regulations on how you can travel with them. If you are headed somewhere soon, check out this helpful video that breaks down what you need to know about traveling with such batteries safely so you can avoid any hassles at the airport.  

Comparing 8K Video on the Canon EOS R5 and Sony a1

The Canon EOS R5 and Sony a1 are the talk of the town right now, with their 8K video capabilities turning a lot of heads. If you are wondering which one is right for your own work, check out this great video review that takes a deep look at the video capabilities of both cameras.  

How To Choose the Right Godox Modifier for Your Photography

The number of affordable lighting products available from Godox has exploded in the last few years. If you’re not sure which modifier will best suit your work, check out this in-depth video to help you make your choice. 

A Review of Sony's Premium Ultra-Wide Zoom, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

An ultra-wide f/2.8 zoom lens is quite versatile, able to tackle anything from landscapes and astrophotography to events work. For Sony shooters, there is the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM, and this great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.