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.

How Good Is Autofocus Using Adapted EF Lenses on the Canon EOS R5 and R6 Cameras?

The Canon EOS R5 and R6 cameras have created a lot of excitement in the photography world, and for the tons of photographers who already have deep investments in the EF lens library, the question of whether adapted performance can keep up with professional demands looms large. This great video shows you the kind of performance you can expect in real-world usage.  

One Lens for All: A Review of the Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens

For a lot of photographers, a superzoom is the lens they can leave on their camera most of the time for walking around and tackling whatever they can throw at it. For Fuji shooters, the closest lens is the XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, and this great video review shows you how it holds up in practice.  

Is the Base iMac All You Need?

The iMac is a highly popular choice for lots of creatives, but runs the range from a little over a thousand dollars to well past $10,000, with options at every price point in between. How much power do you really need? This excellent video review takes a look at the base model iMac 5K model and the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.  

Which Should You Choose: DSLR or Mirrorless?

Mirrorless cameras have now been on the market for a few years, and though initially, they weren't for some, have they now reached a level where you should ditch your DSLR to go mirrorless? 

Here's What You Could Buy for the Price of an Canon EOS R5

There is no doubt that new Canon EOS R5 camera is an absolute machine and brilliant for content creators. However, there are a heap of other options that you could buy for the same price that would give you far more than just a body. 

The New Frontier of Wildlife Photography

Once it was a privileged genre occupied by wealthy hobbyists and paid professionals with science degrees. Now, wildlife photography is more accessible and inexpensive than ever. 

How to Photograph the Milky Way in 5 Simple Steps

Learn how to photograph the Milky Way galaxy by choosing the correct equipment, using the right camera settings, and planning ahead with precision to avoid disappointment. You can also use these tips to photograph other astrophotography shots such as meteor showers. 

New Standard iMac May Beat Out the Pro Models for Video Editors

There's always been a certain appeal to the space-gray iMac Pro over your run-of-the-mill iMac, and of course it went beyond the looks. The machine is a flat out beast, both in price and performance. But time goes on, and it's finally happened: You can configure a standard mid-2020 27" iMac that's capable of outgunning the iMac and Mac Pro in video editing for less money.

5 Reasons to Shoot With Vintage Macro Lenses

Vintage lenses and macro photography? Ok, I'm in. 

There are a few areas of photography I love and when they combine, I'm dizzy with glee. Medium format portraits is one, for example. However, two areas I've combined a few times with much enjoyment are vintage lenses and macro photography.

A Review of the Canon EOS R6 Camera for Stills Photography

The Canon EOS R5 has been making lots of waves for its array of top-shelf features, but the EOS R6 is also a solid performer with a great feature set for a wide range of photographers. This helpful video review takes a look at the camera from a stills photography perspective and what you can expect from it in practice.  

Why You Need (And Don’t Need) Insta360’s Modular Camera

Insta360 is looking to change how we view action cameras, but can they compete? 

I’ve spent some time with the Insta360 ONE R, and I don’t hesitate to say it’s one of the best action cameras you can buy right now. With recent upgrades, it’s gotten better too. Can Insta360 compete against DJI and GoPro? Why would you buy a modular camera?

Has Sigma Finally Given up on Producing Oversized Lenses?

Not so long ago, I was known as "noodle arms" by some of the editors at Fstoppers. This is because I complained about how heavy and huge Sigma lenses were when compared to alternatives. I discussed how although Sigma lenses were brilliant, they were a little impractical. With the latest 85mm announced by Sigma, it seems this might a thing of the past.  

How Good Are Canon's New 600mm and 800mm Lenses?

Canon's new RF 600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses are quite unique, and they offer an affordable chance for photographers to check out extreme focal lengths. If you are interested in them, check out this excellent review.  

Should You Buy the New Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Instead of the Sony GM Version?

Last week, Sigma announced their brand new 85mm f/1.4 lens for Sony full-frame cameras. Its predecessor was already something of a hit, but is this updated version better choice over Sony’s own FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, which costs an extra $600? Spoiler alert: one is definitely better than the other. 

This Is the Best Camera for Beginner Photographers

The latest cameras announced by Canon and Sony are some of the best they have produced. These are professional cameras with high-end features and price tags to match. What if, however, you're just starting out in the industry and in need of a professional-grade camera but don't yet have the budget?  

The Best Focal Length for Headshots: From 24mm to 1,200mm

Headshots should be simple, direct, and effective, with a clear view of the subject, but also a simple but professional backdrop. So, which focal length lens should you use, and how does it affect the final image? 

Do You Need In-Body Image Stabilization?

Nikon announced their production of full frame mirrorless cameras in 2018 and has since offered a wide variety of quality bodies and glass in this arena of camera gear. And for non-pro enthusiasts, their recent Z 5 mirrorless bodyboasts a slew of alluring selling points. 

Is the New Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens Even Better Than the Original?

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art was one of the most hotly anticipated lenses in recent years, and now, we have an updated version specifically for mirrorless cameras that is both smaller and with lots of improvements. This great video review shows what you can expect from it in practice.  

The Best Thing for the Camera Industry Is for Nikon to Exit

Current orthodoxy in the camera market is based around the triumvirate of Sony, Nikon, and Canon. They hold the keys to the professional full frame sector, supported by wide ranging lens systems. However the last decade has taught us that change is normal, so would the best future for the sector lie in Nikon ending camera production?

Apple Introduces a New, Faster iMac

Apple introduced the new version of the 5K Retina iMac, and according to the specs, it performs way better than the previous generation. 

Sigma Announces a Brand New 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Mirrorless Cameras

As camera manufacturers transition over to mirrorless systems, lens manufacturers have been making a similar change. Sigma, a company that doesn't shy away from producing large, heavy lenses, has just announced a brand new 85mm lens for mirrorless cameras. Based on the specifications, this could be the best portrait lens produced so far. 

 

What Can You Actually Do With the Cheapest Camera on Amazon?

No doubt, camera equipment can be quite expensive, particularly if you want the best of the best. But what if you go to the other extreme, using the cheapest possible equipment you can find? This fun video follows a photographer as he goes on a shoot with the cheapest camera he was able to purchase on Amazon. 

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens

Tons of professionals regularly rely on 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses for a wide range of purposes. Fuji shooters have the option of the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR, and this excellent video review shows what you can expect from it in practice.  

Should You Use the DS or Non-DS Version of the Canon 85mm Lens?

No doubt, Canon's RF lenses are some of the best on the market, with their 85mm f/1.2L sitting near the top in terms of image quality. However, that lens comes in two options, and you might be wondering which version is right for you, the DS or non-DS version. This excellent video review shows the differences between the two to help you decide which is right for you.  

A Review of the Canon EOS R5 for Stills Photography

The Canon EOS R5 has finally hit the market, and it brings with a wide range of incredible video features, but in addition to those, it is a highly capable stills camera. If you are looking at the EOS R5 for its stills features, this great video review will show you what you can expect from it. 

The Streaming Box for Photographers: Fstoppers Reviews the Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Photographers care more about image quality than the average person, and given the current situation, many of us are streaming more content than ever. That's why the Nvidia Shield TV Pro caught my attention, as it offers some impressive features and controls that should please even those with the highest standards. 

Breaking: Leica Officially Stop Using 'Master' and 'Slave' Terms

In the past month, I've been reporting on the various camera brands that have been dropping the "master" and "slave" terms since the huge Black Lives Matter movement that surged after George Floyd's death. I can now confirm Leica is also dropping the terms.