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.

A Review of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

The ultra-wide angle f/2.8 zoom lens is a staple in many professional photographers' bags, but such a lens tends to be less than cheap. That is why third party options that offer comparable image quality have gained so much traction in the last few years. This great video review takes a look at the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. 

Fstoppers Review: Plugable's Thunderbolt 3 Drive

A well-devised digital storage system should be one of the most crucial considerations for every digital creative. With larger and larger camera sensors constantly emerging on the market, we find ourselves needing to accommodate and functionally access enormous raw and video files. Like many photographers, I face a near-constant search for the perfect storage solution.

Tiny and Capable: A Review of the DJI Mavic Mini

The DJI Mavic Mini is a ludicrously small drone, but that does not necessarily mean it does not come without a set of professional features. This great review takes a comprehensive look at the new drone to help you decide if it is the right one for you.  

Is Computational Imaging the Death of Truth in Photography?

I’ve been impressed with the computational imaging I’ve seen with the Google Pixel’s “Night Sight” mode. I’ve also been scared, because there are times where the images that it captures have no correlation with reality, and therein lies the danger of this emerging technology in smartphones. 

How Much Camera Do You Really Need?

Are you looking to buy a new camera this year? Perhaps you are hoping that the holiday season will bring you a fantastic new camera as a gift. I bet you already know which camera you would like to have next. But what is wrong with your current camera? 

Sigma Announces the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art for Sony and L-Mount Cameras

Sigma has just announced its new full-frame lens: the 24-70mm f/2.8 Art for Sony E-mount and L-mount cameras. 

The 24-70mm joins the 14-24mm f/2.8 as one of Sigma’s “Art” zooms for mirrorless cameras and the manufacturer claims that it is the “ultimate large-aperture standard zoom lens,” offering “best-in-class optical performance.”

Tamron Has Many More Lenses in Store for Sony Shooters

Tamron has been absolutely killing it lately, with the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens being wildly popular among Sony shooters and the announcement and release of several new lenses that widen their Sony lineup by quite a bit more. However, it seems the company has no intention of slowing down, as they have just confirmed that they have six more lenses in the works. 

Is Photography as We Know It Dying?

Every couple months or so, I find myself in a conversation about the state of photography. There is no doubt technology is pushing our field farther and faster than ever before, but is this technology actually killing photography? 

A Review of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Most of the talk about Canon's mirrorless system has centered around the bonkers lenses they have been releasing, particularly the RF 28-70mm f/2L lens. But for those who do not want to spend a fortune or carry around a massive lens, options like the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offer a much more reasonable route into the RF lens system.

Missing Focus? Check Out These Helpful Tips

One of the most frustrating things all photographers experience at one time or another is missing a shot because the focus was off. When that happens, the great tips in this video will help you make things right again.  

Shooting With a Classic 35mm Film Camera: The Canon A-1

The Canon A-1 is one of the most well known classic film cameras, and even to this day, it is an absolute blast to photograph with and one that I totally recommend trying out. This great video review takes a look at the camera and how it holds up in the modern age. 

Why No Two Lenses Are Ever the Same

When I say no two lenses are the same, I do not mean that various models have differences between them (though they do, of course). Rather, I mean that every individual lens — even those of the same model — differs from the next, and it is well worth understanding the implications of that to make sure your lenses are of the highest quality possible. 

Why I've Never Changed Camera Brands

There seems to be a flurry of “I’ve changed brand” going on again at the moment. I find the entire thing very alien, but mostly because I have never changed camera brands, and there is a good reason for that. 

Leica Announces the SL2 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: My First-Hand Impressions

Leica has just announced its successor to its full-frame mirrorless camera, and it just might be a sign they are listening to the demands of professional photographers. The Leica SL2 has a 47.3-megapixel sensor, an updated Maestro III processor, and is capable of 20 fps bursts. It can shoot video up to 5K 30 fps, C4K 60 fps, and has 5-axis IBIS.  

The Best Camera for Under $500

Photography is super expensive. There is no getting around that; even $500 is a lot of money, and there is very little at that price point. However, I think I have found the best camera for $500. 

Would You Swap out Your Strobes for Continuous Lights When Shooting Portraits?

Continuous LED lighting has come a long way in recent years, and while there are pros and cons to shooting with strobes or continuous lights, LED technology has definitely shifted the balance a little. How useful is continuous lighting for a studio portrait shoot? This video aims to find out. 

Have You Already Customized Your Camera to Your Own Needs?

Did you know a lot of people use their camera without setting it up for their needs? If you have done this already, you may find nothing new in this article. If you don’t know what I am talking about, perhaps you should read it.

What is Canon Building? Could It Be the New Niche Dominance of f/2.0 Zooms?

Canon has just released the trifecta of f/2.8 lenses that cement the workhorse length of optics for professionals and prosumers alike, but they are still missing a flagship mirrorless camera body to take advantage. This is only part of Canon’s future strategy when competing against Sony and Nikon which may include a new family of f/2.0 zooms. 

How a 360 Camera Could Replace Several Others

In the course of being a visual journalism educator, I’ve come to realize that while here at Fstoppers my colleagues and readers might be attuned to 360 cameras and imaging, by and large most of the viewing public is not, but perhaps it's time they should be. 

Resolution to Spare: A Review of the Sony a7R IV

The Sony a7R IV is the latest entry in Sony's popular series of high-resolution cameras, and it brings with it a huge bump in resolution along with other improvements. Is it the right camera for you? This great review takes a thorough look at the camera to help you decide. 

Seven Reasons Why You Should Buy the Fuji X-Pro3

Fuji made a bold move in releasing the X-Pro3, producing a camera that wasn’t afraid to step away from the norm and retain a large chunk of its rangefinder heritage. The company seems to have a deep understanding of its customers, and in this video, Gerald Undone takes you through seven reasons why you will love this camera. 

A Review of the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens is an absolute monster in both size and ambition, blowing past the traditional professional zoom aperture of f/2.8 by a full stop and offering photographers a uniquely capable piece of equipment. Is it worth the size and the price? This excellent review takes a look at the lens to help answer that question. 

Reviewing a Legend: The Canon 50mm f/1.0L USM Lens

In 1989, Canon introduced a truly insane lens: a 50mm f/1.0 with autofocus. The lens has become a bit of a legend in the photography world, highly sought after by many collectors even three decades later. This video takes a look at the lens and what it's like shooting with it. 

Huge Halloween Savings on Sigma Lenses at B&H Photo

There are some scarily good Halloween deals on Sigma lenses going down at B&H Photo this week, perhaps the standout bargain being a phenomenal price on the much vaunted Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art. In total, 73 lenses are on sale for just four days total, so you should probably check out some of these deals.