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.

These Sources Will Help You Find the Right Photography Gear

While there is much discussion about different camera brands, models, and the development of the market, the perfect camera still hasn't been built. This article will show you where to find information to make your best choice from what's available. 

Fstoppers Reviews the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock

In today’s computing landscape, laptops are replacing desktops for many on-the-go creative and business professionals. There are still, however, a few things that make a desktop setup more productive for many. A Thunderbolt Dock, such as the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock, can help to bridge that productivity gap when you return home or to the office.

Why Don't All Cameras Have These Five Features?

Modern cameras are much more than light-tight boxes for capturing images; they are small but powerful computers that offer an array of capabilities for photographers. Here are five features that every modern camera should have.  

Should You Buy a Mamiya RZ67?

The Mamiya RZ67 has something approaching legendary status in the world of medium format film photography, but it’s not to everyone’s taste, as this short video makes clear. Would you buy one? 

A Comprehensive Review of the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera

The EOS R5 has been making waves as one of the most exciting products to be released by Canon or pretty much any company in quite a while, as it pushes the limits on both video and stills. If you have been reading specs sheets and wondering if it is the camera for you, this fantastic comprehensive review should help you make a decision.  

Sony a7C Versus a7 III: 16 Important Differences

One of Sony's newest full frame, mirrorless bodies has been well received, but also left a lot of people unsure of just how different it is to one of its predecessors. Here are 16 of the main differences between the two. 

Is Canon's New Camera Nothing More Than a Firmware Upgrade?

Canon’s big announcement this week was the brand new EOS M50 Mark II, an upgrade to the insanely popular M50 that was released in 2018. But how “brand new” is it, and does it qualify as an upgrade if all of the new features could easily have been delivered through a firmware update? 

A Hands-on Review of the New DJI RS2

DJI have launched their second iteration of the Ronin gimbal, and this hands-on review will take you through exactly what's changed and how good it really is. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: 10 Years of BCN Sales Awards

BCN Retail's sales data is a staple of the photographic industry for providing an indicator of the level of sales across the sector. It's now been 10 years since they began reporting on DSLR and MILC sales, so what does the data show, are their any strong trends, and can it help us understand the future?

The Lens That Every Sony User Should Buy? Fstoppers Reviews the Samyang 35mm f/1.8

Until 18 months ago, affordable 35mm primes for the Sony system were like hen’s teeth. Last year, Sony finally plugged the gaping void in its lens lineup, and now, a new contender has appeared: the lightweight, affordable AF 35mm f/1.8 from Samyang/Rokinon — appealing to full frame and APS-C shooters alike. 

Is This the New Must-Have Portrait Lens?

The XF 56mm f/1.2 R has long been one of the favorite portrait lenses of Fuji shooters, offering great performance with an extremely wide maximum aperture. Then, the XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR came along, pushing the boundaries of lens design all the more. Is it the new top portrait lens for Fuji shooters? This fantastic video review takes a look at the new lens.  

What a Polarizing Filter Is and How to Use One for Better Photos

If you are new to photography, you might be wondering what a circular polarizing filter is and how it can be used to create better images. This excellent video tutorial will show you why circular polarizing filters are useful and how to employ them in your own work.  

Just How Good Is the Image Quality of the Canon EOS R5?

It has now been two years since Canon got into the full frame mirrorless camera market, and they have gone from camera bodies in the middle of the pack to class-leading cameras that have reinvigorated their brand. How far have their sensor capabilities and image quality come in that time?

Nikon Announces Z 6II and Z 7II: Small But Meaningful Improvements

Nikon has just announced the second generation of their full-frame mirrorless bodies, updating the Z 6 and Z 7 to Z 6II and Z 7II. These feature updates improve some crucial areas of camera performance, but is it enough to keep them competitive? Check out the features that have changed and decide for yourself. 

Are Canon's Unique 600mm f/11 and 800mm f/11 Lenses Worth Buying?

Canon's RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses caused a bit of a stir when they were announced, as they offered ultra-long telephoto reach at a very affordable price, but also raised eyebrows with their very narrow maximum apertures. So, how do these unique lenses hold up in practice? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.  

B&H Introduces Huge Discount on High-Megapixel Canon 5DS and 5DS R Cameras

There has understandably been a lot of chatter about Canon's new mirrorless cameras, but their highest-megapixel cameras are actually two DSLRs: the 5DS and 5DS R. Right now, B&H is offering significantly deep discounts on both cameras, allowing you to pick one up for almost 65% off the normal price. 

Portrait Photography With the Fujifilm 50mm f/1.0

The newest addition to the Fujifilm lens lineup is an interesting, though expensive lens. Coming in at just under $1,500, does its image quality hold up to such a premium price? 

The New Insta360 Update Is Perfect for Zoom Beer Pong

Among a slew of great updates to their ONE R camera, this is my favorite. 

It’s Friday night, and the pandemic isn’t going anywhere. Aside from the usual games, I’ve been playing beer pong with friends over Zoom. Unfortunately, it’s kind of a pain to set up.

This Is How You Prepare for a Wedding Shoot

Avoid the rookie mistakes that other amateurs make and jump ahead with some professional preparation for your first, or your next wedding photoshoot. You'll be surprised how often these steps are overlooked. 

Which Canon Mirrorless Camera Is Right for You?

Now that the EOS R5 and EOS R6 mirrorless cameras are here, Canon has a fairly complete mirrorless camera lineup that ranges from a very powerful professional model down to a quite affordable budget option. If you are wondering which model is right for you, this fantastic video will help you choose the right model for your work, budget, and needs. 

A Guide to Secret Features on the Sony a7S III

When a feature-packed camera that has been long awaited and 5 years in the making finally comes, there might be some amazing features that are overshadowed by the overall specifications of the camera.

The Best Thing to Happen to Medium Format: Fstoppers Reviews the Hasselblad 907X 50C

The last few years have been difficult for camera manufacturers. The silver lining to this is the fact that manufacturers have been really pushing the boundaries and producing incredible cameras systems and lenses. Although Fujifilm has done amazing things for medium format, Hasselblad truly has something incredible with its latest system. 

Fstoppers Reviews the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L Mirrorless Lens

I find a 70-200mm lens one of the most versatile lenses available. It is a perfect lens for different types of photography. Canon released the 70-200mm lens for its mirrorless camera system at the end of 2019. I was able to use this lens for a while, and these are my findings. 

Is the Fujifilm 50mm f/1.0 Worth the Premium Over the 56mm f/1.2?

I am a long-time user and fan of Fujifilm’s excellent XF 56mm f/1.2 R lens. I’ve never even thought twice about another portrait lens for the system since I bought it, that is, until I saw the specs on the company’s new XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR lens. 

Is This Fuji's Best Budget Option? A Review of the X-T200 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X Series is highly popular among amateurs and professionals alike, with its great design, features, image quality, and small size all adding up to an excellent experience for a wide range of applications. The X-T200 is one of the most affordable options in the lineup, and this fantastic video review takes a look at what you can expect from it in practice. 

What Is the Best 85mm Prime Lens for Sony Shooters?

There is certainly no dearth of wide-aperture 85mm lenses for Sony shooters, and given the popularity and versatility of such a lens, it is great to have so many options. This fantastic video review compares five of the best choices to help you figure out which is right for your needs. 

Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4: The GFX Mid-Range Zoom

The mid-range zoom is a staple for many working photographers. 24-70mm equivalent is one of those not-so-sexy-but-gets-the-job-done lenses that we all need in our bag from time to time. When it comes to M43, APS-C, or full-frame cameras, there are a plethora of options out there.

Nikon Isn't Dead Yet: Flagship Z 9 Mirrorless Camera Specs Emerge

Now that the Canon EOS R5 is here to match step with the Sony a9 Mark II, eyes are turning to Nikon in anticipation of a possible powerhouse mirrorless camera from their side. It seems that that camera, the Z 9, is on its way next year, and its specifications look quite impressive.  

Why Full Frame Isn't Always the Answer

Full frame is generally accepted as the standard format for most professional work and is what most photographers would choose if given the option. However, that does not mean that full frame is the best choice for everyone nor that you should spend extra money for it, and this fantastic video details several reasons why.