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.

Why Would You Buy the Nikon D780 Instead of the Z 6?

While some would have you believe that we’re currently experiencing the death rattle of the DSLR camera, Nikon has recently released the D780. Given that mirrorless is the future, why would you buy this new DSLR instead of switching over to the Z 6? 

Is the Sony E-mount Already Becoming Obsolete?

Mirrorless… the one design to rule them all. The master of the full frame is undoubtedly Sony, however has it inadvertently introduced a short-lived shelf life with some in-built obsolescence?

 

High Quality Continuous Lighting: Fstoppers Reviews the Broncolor LED F160

Continuous LED lights have made a ton of progress in the last few years, and they have become more powerful and versatile than ever, making them a viable alternative to strobes in a lot of situations. In this review, we will take a look at the Broncolor LED F160, a compact, high quality option. 

Will the Next iPhone Have a 64-Megapixel Camera?

It’s definitely not the 108 megapixels of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, but 64 megapixels is a lot of camera to pack into the forthcoming iPhone 12. Rumors have emerged that Apple is testing various sensors for its next flagship phone, which would be quite the bump from the iPhone 11 Pro’s meager offering of 12 megapixels. 

Every RF Zoom Lens Compared: Which Canon RF Lens Is Best for You?

The Canon EOS R is a camera that may have split the crowd a little. In my view, it's not the best release from Canon for a number of reasons. The lenses for this system, however, are a very different case. In typical Canon form, the latest RF lenses are fantastic, and if you're having difficulty picking between them all, then this video might be of help.  

What Is the Right Camera for You?

It is great just how many cameras are on the market right now, but at the same time, the number of options can be a bit overwhelming. If you are looking to invest in a camera and a bit unsure of what is right for you, this helpful video will run you through a range of things you should consider and understand before you pull out your credit card for that shiny new toy. 

Could You Shoot Portraits at 16mm?

Ask any photographer what their preferred focal length for portraiture work is, and they will probably say 85mm or maybe 135mm. Certainly, few will say 35mm or something even wider. Do you think you could shoot portraits at 16mm? This fun video follows photographers as they challenge themselves to shoot a variety of subjects at an ultra-wide focal length. 

A First Look at the New Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 DI III VXD Lens

Tamron's recent zoom lenses for Sony have been highly popular, and many photographers are waiting for the 70-180mm F/2.8 DI III VXD to hit the market. This video takes a quick first look at the new lens and what you can expect from it. 

Nikon D6 Delayed Due to Coronavirus

In a statement released today by Nikon, it has been revealed that the COVID-19 Coronavirus is having a knock-on effect on camera production. Due to the virus, Nikon is experiencing delays in receiving parts from a third party, and that has meant a delay to their upcoming flagship DSLR, the D6. 

f/1.2 for Cheap: Using Vintage Canon Lenses on the EOS R

Canon's new RF lenses are spectacular, but they are also very expensive, and you might not want to drop thousands of dollars on just one. The great thing is that the company has a very rich history of quality optics, and you can adapt pretty much any older Canon lens to their newer cameras.

Tokina Unveils Expansive Lens Road Map, All to Be Released in 2020

Japanese lens maker, Tokina, announced today their huge development in lenses with the addition of a variety of Mirrorless camera lenses.

 Tokina's announcement comes in light of the cancelation of the CP+ 2020 trade show, Asia's largest annual camera and imaging expo which was to be held in Yokohama, Japan. 

A Look at a Famous Lens: The Canon 50mm f/1.0L USM

Few lenses hold a more legendary status among photographers than the 50mm f/1.0L. Even 31 years after it hit the market, it still commands around $4,000 on the used market. What makes it so special? This great video takes a look at the lens affectionately known as the "bokeh beast." 

Is the Fujifilm X100V the Perfect Travel, Documentary, and Street Camera?

With the long-awaited release of the Fujifilm X100V — the fifth generation of the X100 series — it is fair to say that this is now a pretty mature camera system. The question is whether the improvement brought with this latest iteration makes the X100V the perfect camera for travel, documentary, and street photographers. 

A Review of the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens

The 24mm f/1.4 prime is a favorite lens of many photographers, offering a useful wide angle focal length with a large maximum aperture. How does Sony's version of the classic lens hold up in practice? This great video review takes a look at the FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens. 

Images of the Upcoming Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera Emerge

The Canon EOS R5 has made quite the splash, with features like 8K video and 20 fps shooting showing that Canon is getting very serious about mirrorless cameras. Nonetheless, we do not know that much about the camera or its design yet. Thankfully, a gallery of images recently emerged, and it shows some of what we can expect from the forthcoming body. 

What Do You Want to See in the Sony a7S III?

Few cameras are more highly anticipated than the Sony a7S III, and Sony users are hoping it will leapfrog the current crop of highly capable cameras and reestablish the S line as a leader in video. What are you hoping to see in the camera? This great video discusses what creatives would like to see and what we can actually expect in the camera. 

Search for This Information Before You Buy a New Lens

More and more people get infected every day, and I’m a victim of it, too. Yes, I’m talking about GAS, which usually hits me when spring is coming. For this reason, I am focusing a little on purchase decisions lately. 

Here’s Why You Don’t Need a Macro Lens

Macro photography has such a draw for beginner photographers because it opens up a world we can’t see with the naked eye. Most camera stores will tell you that you need a macro lens to do this kind of work, but don’t believe the hype. There are plenty of ways to do macro with the kit you already have. 

What is the Best Way to Fire the Shutter?

It is surely the simplest of operations — instructing the camera when to take a photo. Surprisingly, for such a straight forward task, there are a myriad of ways to actuate the shutter. What are they and what is the best?

Reasons to Give the Nikon Z50 Some Consideration

If you haven't yet taken the mirrorless camera plunge, before you buy, ask yourself if you've given the Nikon Z 50 enough thought. If you haven't, this video offers some reasons to do so before you make a move. 

6 Types of Lenses You Probably Won’t Need Anytime Soon

There are amazing lenses available. It is tempting to buy a special lens, because it can open doors to a whole different kind of images. But there are lenses which you probably won’t need anytime soon. Here are six of them. 

Is This Tamron 35-150mm the Best Walk-Around Lens on the Market?

If you're looking for a lens that's super sharp, incredibly versatile, remarkably cheap, and able to cover almost every scenario you want from a walk-around lens, then this 35-150mm lens from Tamron is perfect. These images testify to that.

 

Comparing Medium Format Film to Digital

There is no doubt that digital has surpassed the quality of 35mm film, but medium format film still offers tremendous quality and is significantly cheaper than digital medium format. How does it compare to a modern medium format camera? This great video takes a look at the two and the results you can expect from them. 

The Fujifilm X-T4: The Best Camera I Won't Be Buying (Probably)

Fujifilm has officially announced the X-T4 and to me it looks like a brilliant camera. Fuji has implemented most of the major requests made by many within the community. My initial reaction in London was extremely positive towards the camera. Unfortunately, there are still a few reasons that hold me back from upgrading.  

Fast and Sharp: A Look at the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens

Sigma's Art series of lenses is loved by many photographers for its combination of great optical quality and relatively affordable prices that often undercut first party manufacturers by around 50 percent. Their 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens for Sony E and L mounts pushes boundaries a bit, as it is the first in the series with a maximum aperture of f/1.2. How does it hold up in practice?

All Photographers Need a Tilt-Shift Lens: Here's Why

One of the biggest misconceptions I have come across in the industry is that tilt-shift lenses are just for people who shoot architecture. Once you understand how these specialist lenses work, you'll realize how big of a deal they can be for almost any genre of photography. 

Canon 1D X Mark III Versus Sony a9 II: Which Has Better Autofocus?

The two heavyweights when it comes to flagship sports and wildlife cameras are the Sony a9 II and the recently released Canon 1D X Mark III. The ability of the autofocus to track a subject is critical, so how do the two compare when placed side by side? 

The L-Mount Alliance: Too Little, Too Late?

The L-Mount Alliance marked the culmination of a remarkable period in the history of the (digital) camera. However in five years time, will we look back and see this as the beginning of the end? Was the L-Mount Alliance simply too little, too late?

 

A First Look at the New Fujifilm X-T4 Camera

Fujifilm recently announced the X-T4, and it contains a bevy of improvements and new features sure to excite photographers and videographers alike. This excellent video takes a first look at the new camera and what you can expect from it in usage.