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.

Affordable and Unique: A Review of the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE Lens

Samyang's AF 75mm f/1.8 FE is a lightweight, compact, and highly affordable lens that offers shooters a unique focal length for portrait work and more. This fantastic video review takes a look at the lens and the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.  

Is Fujifilm About to Shock the Photography Industry Again?

A few years ago, Fujifilm sent shockwaves through the industry by releasing a medium format mirrorless camera with modern features and capabilities that was priced tens of thousands of dollars below other medium format offerings, followed by two more models that pushed the boundaries of price and capabilities all the more. And now, the company seems set to do it again. 

How Good Is Fujifilm's X-S10 Mirrorless Camera?

Fujifilm's X-S10 mirrorless camera is the company's latest model in the highly popular X Series line of bodies. It comes with a lot of the company's newer designs and useful features, such as 4K video. This excellent video review takes a deep look at the camera and the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.  

What Is the Best Walkaround Zoom Lens for Canon Mirrorless Cameras?

Canon mirrorless users have a variety of general purpose walkaround lenses available, each with a different set of specs and prices. This excellent video review takes a look at three different RF options, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, and the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM.  

How Much Lens Sharpness Do You Really Need?

Lens sharpness is one of the most sought-after characteristics in photography, with photographers often willing to shell out a lot of money on lenses that are often quite bulky and a lot to carry around. Why are we so obsessed with sharpness? How much do we really need? This excellent video essay discusses the topic.  

Fstoppers Reviews the Canon RF100-500mm Lens: My Initial Impressions Are Outstanding

Canon has been very busy in the last few years playing catchup in the mirrorless game. Along with a number of new bodies, Canon has also released a bunch of new lenses, including the brilliant RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L lens. I've had it for a couple of months now, and here are some of my initial thoughts, along with various images I've taken. 

A Long-Term Review of the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS R has been out for a while now, with newer mirrorless cameras from the company offering updated feature sets, but it still sits as a decent all-around full frame camera at an affordable price. This great video review takes a look at how it holds up over the long run.  

A Review of the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G Lens

A 35mm lens with a wide aperture is useful for a wide array of applications ranging from events coverage to portraiture and more. Nikon offers an affordable budget version of such a lens, the AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G, and this fantastic video review takes a look at the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.  

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens

An f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens is a staple optic in many photographers' kits, offering versatile focal lengths combined with a wide maximum aperture. This great video review takes a look at Fujifilm's offering, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WR.  

A Guide to Buying Used Camera Gear

Are you looking to get some new gear for cheaper prices? Here are some tips that can help you get better and safer deals anywhere.

Which Is Better Out of the Canon EF and RF 50mm f/1.8 Lenses

With many Canon photographers making the transition from the EF DSLR mount to the RF mirrorless mount, there are questions over whether it's worth adapting your current glass, or selling it and replacing it with the RF versions where possible. So, how do they compare? 

What New Camera Equipment Can We Expect to See in 2021?

2020 has been a tumultuous year for the industry with some manufacturers struggling while others seem to have all but shrugged off the pandemic and released incredible new cameras and lenses. What does 2021 have in store? 

Canon Dominated Gear Rentals in 2020 — Again

Each December, LensRentals releases its list of the year’s most-rented equipment and it’s evident that change might be coming but it is taking its time. Canon dominated 2020 — and so did its DSLRs. 

Canon's Other Mirrorless Line May Finally Be on Its Way Out

With all the fanfare and excitement surrounding Canon's RF mirrorless line, it can be easy to forget that the company actually has two separate mirrorless lines, with the second being the EOS M. That line's future has been in question since the introduction of the more advanced RF line, and it seems now that Canon may be getting ready to shutter the line. 

Comparing the iPhone 12 Mini to the Google Pixel 3a, the 'Photographer's Phone'

I’ve waffled and flip-flopped on Apple’s computational imaging claims in its new iPhone 12 series, and so, to finally put my curiosity to rest, I decided to pit what’s (to me) the most compelling iPhone, the iPhone 12 Mini, against my previous favorite phone photography standard-bearer, the Google Pixel 3a. 

Faking the Anamorphic Look With a $35 Vintage Lens

The anamorphic look is attractive and loved by many videographers and filmmakers. The problem is, it costs a lot to achieve, and prices itself out of reach for most videographers. But what if you could effectively fake it? 

Is an 8K Sony a9 III Going to Be the Canon R5 Killer?

It’s little more than a year since Sony announced the launch of the Sony a9 II, but despite that, we could see its successor unveiled within a matter of weeks. Rumors suggest that the a9 III is on its way, so what does the Japanese manufacturer have lined up? 

Is the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR the Must-Have Portrait Lens for Fuji Photographers?

The XF 56mm f/1.2 R has long been known as the superlative portrait lens for Fujifilm shooters, but the company recently released the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR, which pushes the boundaries of lens design all the more. This great video review takes a look at the lens and if its performance holds up to its impressive design. 

Insights Into Hollywood's Favorite Lenses

As Gray Kotzé points out, there are bushels of reviews for entry-level cinema lenses on the web, lenses you might look to pick up on sale maybe. However, most feature films are shot on prohibitively expensive lenses that were always intended to be rented out over their multi-decade lifespans.

The Best Canon EOS R5 Settings for Bird Photography

The Canon EOS R5 has proven itself to be one of the most powerful cameras ever released, and that means it is also a rather complex device, with a variety of settings and features that take some tweaking to get the best performance from the camera. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to best set up your EOS R5 for bird photography and similar work. 

How Good Is Canon's Mirrorless Nifty Fifty Lens?

Canon's RF 50mm f/1.2L lens is absolutely fantastic, but at $2,299, it is anything but cheap. On the other hand, the RF 50mm f/1.8 costs less than a tenth that of its f/1.2 cousin. Does it offer usable performance despite its budget price? This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.  

Can the Sony a7S III Keep Up With This Camcorder From 1998?

I promise this is not actually a serious comparison. It is hilarious, however. Sony's new a7S III is the pinnacle of its latest video technology, and it brings with it a plethora of advanced features and capabilities. But let's not forget Sony's once-popular line of Handycam camcorders. This great video takes a look at the two and why the Handycam just might be better. 

Which of These Three Beauty Dishes Produces the Best Photos?

Beauty dishes are one of the most popular lighting modifiers out there, but they are not all created the same. Mola makes some of the most revered beauty dishes on the market, but with seven different models, you might wonder which is right for you. This excellent video comparison takes a look at three of the most popular versions to help you pick the best for your work. 

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens

The original Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 was a bit of a legend in the DSLR world, and now, Nikon shooters have the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, the mirrorless version of the beloved optic. It brings with it a variety of new features and improvements, and this fantastic video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in practice. 

How To Create Stunning Portraits Using a Cheap on-Camera Flash

The best portrait photographers always use the most expensive lighting set ups — right? This great video from photographer Irene Rudnyk shows you how to create stunning results from a single on-camera flash that costs only $50. 

Has Nikon Turned the Corner on Poor Results?

Nikon had a torrid 2019 and the impact of COVID-19 on manufacturing and sales has simply added to that misery. However, does recent news suggest they are beginning to turn the corner of poor financial results?

A Review of the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens

There are very few prime lenses between 50mm and 85mm, so Sigma's new 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is already an interesting lens from the start. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens, including what it is like shooting with such a unique focal length and the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice. 

It's Finally Here: A First Look at the Unique Zeiss ZX1 Camera With Lightroom Built In

No camera as unique as the Zeiss ZX1 has come along in quite some time, and its fascinating combination of a high-resolution sensor and sharp 35mm lens in tandem with a large internal SSD, a built-in copy of Lightroom, and wireless sharing abilities make it a potential all-in-one solution for shooting, editing, sharing, and even backing up on the go.

How Good is the New Canon RF 50mm f/1.8?

The 50mm focal length on a full frame camera is a staple in most camera bags. While typically preferred for portraiture, they're also used in other genres, including landscape. The best part, however, is they're cheap. So, how good is Canon's new 50mm for their mirrorless mount? 

The Best DSLR for Beginners is Only $120

If someone wanted to get into photography today, it would be undoubtedly overwhelming. There are far more cameras than ever before, many with price tags that will make your eyes water. But, what if you only needed to spend $120?  

Which are the Best EF to RF Adapters for You?

You may be the proud owner of one of Canon's new mirrorless bodies or perhaps one of their preview releases, and want to use some of your old glass. Well, here are the best EF to RF adapters for different price points. 

Is This the Best Alternative To the Hasselblad X-Pan?

There's something unique and appealing about shooting panoramic format. The most popular camera for it is the Hasselblad X-Pan, which goes for several thousand dollars these days. Do we finally have an affordable alternative?