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.

Using a 70-200mm Lens for Landscape Photography

When you think of landscape photography and the lenses used, you likely think of wide angle options meant to capture all of the scene in one frame. And while those absolutely have their place, longer focal lengths can enable creative possibilities that weren't possible before. This great video examines what you can accomplish with a longer lens.  

These Filters Make Long Exposures Even Easier

One of the most rewarding yet mysterious elements of landscape photography is seeing the results of a long exposure. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to check out a new set of filters that mount using magnets, and the resulting photo is pretty interesting. 

What Is Hasselblad Trying To Tell Us With Their Slow Camera in 2021?

Once you sit back and take look at photography, I think you'd agree that the time spent taking photos is often the most undervalued yet the most significant aspect of the process. The Verge reviews the Hasselblad 907X 50C, which has a price tag of $6,400 for the body alone, and it's slow. But, can slow actually be a good thing?  

What Should You Look for in a Pro Camera?

You have carefully perfected your technique, you have developed a creative style, and you are ready to truly invest in a professional-level camera. How do you choose the right one for your work? Before you drop a significant amount of money on one, check out this fantastic video that details what you should be looking for in a professional camera.  

What I'm Hoping for From the Development of the Nikon Z 9

While March might be a bit early for me to already be filling out my holiday wish list for Santa Claus, the recent announcement that Nikon is developing a Z 9 to be released this year already has me in a festive mood. 

Are These Strange Lenses Worth Buying?

Canon has been releasing some mightily impressive lenses the last few years, but two of the more unique options we have seen are the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM. They are quite affordable, however, offering photographers the chance to use extreme focal lengths without breaking the bank. How do they hold up in practice?

How to Properly Set Up Your New Canon EOS R5 or R6

The Canon EOS R5 and R6 are Canon's newest mirrorless cameras, and they are impressively advanced machines capable of tackling a wide variety of scenarios with ease. But to get the most out of those capabilities, you need to set yours up properly, which is a bit of a complicated process.

Can an $800 f/0.95 Lens Compete With a $8,000 Option?

No doubt, many of us would love the extremely thin depth of field and light-gathering powers of an f/0.95 lens, and the price range of those options covers a huge range. Can an $800 f/0.95 lens keep up with an $8,000 f/0.95 lens?

A Look at the Filmmaking Capabilities of the Sony a1

The Sony a1 is by far one of the most extreme cameras we have ever seen, with some particularly head-turning video features that make it (at least on paper) ready to tackle just about anything you can throw at it. How does its video performance hold up in the real world? This fantastic video review takes a good look.  

Remember When No One Believed Rumors for the Canon EOS R5? Now We Have Rumors for the R1

The latest rumors for the Canon EOS R1 have been published on several sites, and in many respects, they're pretty unbelievable. The alleged leap in technology from Canon's current flagship, the Canon 1D X Mark III to the potential EOS R1 is huge, to say the least. However, this seems awfully familiar to what happened before the Canon EOS R5 was released.  

Canon Is Planning to Update One of Its Best Lenses

Canon's 200mm f/2L is known as one of the most impressive lenses out there, and so, it was disappointing not to see it on the company's mirrorless roadmap. That may be changing, however, as a patent for a new version has emerged.  

Why I Only Use One Lens for My Portfolio

This is far from a "why you should do this" video, more a "why I do this." I want to talk about how I accidentally ended up shooting my whole portfolio with a single lens, even though commercially, I use many. 

The Sony a1: How Good Is This Mirrorless Flagship Camera for Video?

The Sony a1 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive cameras ever released, and it offers photographers and filmmakers extreme performance and the sort of versatility to tackle just about any project you need to. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera's video performance and if it is the right choice for your work. 

We Review the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Mirrorless Lens

It was a matter of time before Canon released the RF version of the popular EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6L II IS USM. This new lens has 100mm more reach, together with a smaller aperture at the longest focal length. I got a chance to review the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM to find out how this lens performs. 

Battle of the Premium 35mm Mirrorless Lenses: Sony Versus Sigma

A wide-aperture 35mm lens is a versatile tool, useful for a wide range of genres ranging from portraiture to events coverage and more. For Sony shooters, two of the most premium options are the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM and Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art, and this excellent video review takes a look at how the two perform for portraiture and which edges out the other.  

The Best Affordable Portrait Lens: Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 Versus Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

Canon and Sony have continued to produce incredible cameras and lenses for all kinds of photography. For portrait photography, wide aperture 85mm lenses are one of the popular options. The large and expensive 85mm f/1.4 lenses are great; however, over the last few years, f/1.8 primes are starting to become better options in some regards.  

Creative Lighting Without Limits? Fstoppers Reviews the Godox TL60

Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, you know the difference lighting can make in creating a compelling shot. While there are dozens of tools and techniques you can leverage in your next shoot, the Godox TL60 tube light might offer the creative possibilities you’re looking for, particularly for video work. Want to see what makes it so special? 

Could the Next Fujifilm GFX Camera Have a 127-Megapixel Global Shutter Sensor?

Sony has announced a new 127-megapixel medium format sensor that has a global shutter. Sony has described it as having "the industry's highest effective pixel count of 127.68 megapixels." This does, however, come with a number of caveats, although it is effectively the highest-resolution sensor with a global shutter.  

A Review of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Mirrorless Lens

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is the workhorse of choice for photographers in a wide range of genres, but such lenses are both heavy and quite expensive. For those who want the versatility of those focal lengths but don't need that f/2.8 aperture, a 70-200mm f/4 lens is a far cheaper and more portable option.

Insta360’s New Go 2: A Serious Update for a Novice’s Action Cam

Insta360 has just debuted their latest action cam, just in time for the warm weather coming up. Is it worth upgrading? 

In 2019, I tested out the original Go camera. I felt it was an elevated approach to Google’s Clip and that most people should consider it before looking at more full-featured action cameras. After all, we’re not all surfers and base jumpers.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens

A wide angle zoom lens is a versatile option suitable for a wide range of scenarios, and for Fujifilm shooters, one option is the XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR lens, a recent update to the original. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Will the Canon R5 Improve My Photography?

After capturing the majority of my portfolio with the Canon 5D Mark IV over the last four years, it was time for a change. So, why did I choose the Canon R5, and what do I expect it to do for my photography? 

Do You Really Need a Tripod?

Twenty years ago, tripods were necessary for any sort of long exposure. Today, though, lenses and cameras can offer insane levels of stabilization of sometimes up to eight stops. With those capabilities, do you even need a tripod anymore? This interesting video poses that question and covers the times where you may or may not need one.  

Is This Sony's Worst Lens?

Alongside the release of the diminutive a7C, Sony released a new kit lens: the surprisingly compact 28-60mm f/4-5.6, which keeps its size and weight down by trimming 10mm off the long end and being collapsible. However, is it worth $500? 

How Much Lens Does $8,000 Get You?

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is anything but cheap, but it is also one of the most impressive lens designs out there. So, what does all that money get you? This great video review takes a look at what the 58mm f/0.95 can offer you. 

Rode Wireless Go II Review: Buy It Now

The original Rode Wireless Go was probably the best microphone system for the money when it came out. The new version, the Rode Wireless Go II, is better in every single way and still incredibly affordable.  

Just How Crazy Are These New Canon EOS R1 Rumors?

Some outlandish rumors regarding the forthcoming flagship mirrorless full frame camera from Canon have emerged, but given that the R5 took the industry by surprise, just how ludicrous are these proposed specifications? 

10 Reasons to Buy the New First-Person Racing Drone from DJI

DJI has just released its first-ever first-person racing drone, making these devices that little bit more accessible to the broader market. The new DJI FPV Drone works out of the box and costs $1,299 when purchased with the remote control unit and goggles. Here are 10 reasons to be excited. 

Nikon Planning a Mirrorless Flagship to 'Surpass the D6' for This Year

The Sony a1 recently dropped, offering some jaw-dropping specs and features. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS R5 is not far behind, and Canon is planning to bring the flagship R1 to the market later this year. What about Nikon? It turns out the flagship Z mount mirrorless camera will be here in 2021. 

How a Telephoto Lens Can Help Your Landscape Photography

When you think of the lenses that are used for landscape photography, you probably think of wide focal lengths around 16mm or 24mm. However, while such focal lengths certainly have their place, a telephoto lens can help you create eye-catching and unique landscape shots. This great video shows some of what you can accomplish with such a lens.  

What Lens Should You Buy Next?

No piece of gear can have a greater impact on the technical quality of your images and your creativity than the lens you mount on the front of your camera. So, once you are ready to buy your next lens, how do you decide what to get? This helpful video discusses some of the things you should consider when deciding what lens to purchase.