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.

Samyang Announces AF 45mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony Full Frame Cameras

If there's one lens almost every photographer or videographer can get some use from, it's a wide aperture, normal length lens. Samyang has thrown their hat into the ring with the announcement of the AF 45mm f/1.8 FE lens, which offers Sony shooters a cheap and light option appropriate for a multitude of shooting scenarios. 

Fstoppers Reviews the edelkrone SliderPlus and HeadPlus System

As someone who produces a lot of timelapses and video content for YouTube, nothing excites me more than testing out a new piece of gear. So, when edelkrone asked me to review their latest motorized slider and panning head unit, I jumped at the opportunity to see what this kit could do. 

One Piece of Equipment Every Portrait Photographer Needs

Whether you’re shooting headshots at a Fortune 500 company or taking photographs of a family member for Mother’s Day, there’s one piece of gear you should definitely have in your kit for every portrait session. 

How to Update Firmware on Nikon Cameras

Many of us skip updating the firmware on our cameras, but new features and bug fixes are frequently being added by manufacturers via new firmware releases. In this video, you will learn how to update the firmware on your Nikon cameras.  

Insane Closeups: A Review of the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens

Venus Optics makes some unique and impressive lenses, and the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro lens is another entry into that line. With its highly affordable price tag and crazy magnification capabilities, it's a very interesting option for macro photographers or anyone who's interested in the genre. This great video takes a look at the lens and its capabilities.  

Dumping My 20+ Year Canon Loyalty for a Sony Mirrorless

I've been a long-time Canon shooter, back to the film days, then a Canon 10D, 20D, 5D, and 6D. I do mostly landscape work and some nightscapes. They've been great cameras, close to state of the art at their release, and frankly, I've never needed a single repair on any of them. 

Thinking of Buying a New Camera? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Most photographers enjoy playing with new gear; after all, a lot of us are gadget nerds, and modern cameras can be rather nifty little technological boxes. Before you get ready to drop a bunch of money on a brand new camera, though, be sure to ask yourself these questions to make sure you're making the right decision. 

Why Was the Canon 200mm f/1.8 So Expensive?

Canon has quite a storied history of extreme lenses, and one of the most famous of those was definitely the EF 200mm f/1.8. This great video examines what made that lens so special and why it was (and remains) so expensive. 

Do You Crossgrade Camera Systems?

The grass is always greener on the other side, or so the proverb says, and there is no denying that the latest offering from another camera manufacturer can be a tempting proposition. Are you a serial crossgrader?

I Wish I'd Known This Before I Moved to Sony

It’s been four months since I made the transition from my beloved Canon 6D to the much-revered Sony a7 III. There are many things that I love about this new camera, but there’s one thing that’s proving to be a problem. 

Canon Announces the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Canon's EF 85mm f/1.2L II lens is one of the most popular portrait lenses of all time, and it was surely a given that it would be coming for the RF mirrorless line. Today, Canon has announced the RF version, which features an entirely new optical design that should give it increased performance over its predecessor. 

Is Canon Gearing Up to Release a 'Holy Trinity' of Lenses for RF Mount in July?

Reports suggest Canon is to release a "holy Trinity" of L-series mirrorless lenses – those being the 15-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm f/2.8. The launch is apparently scheduled before the end of July, with all three compatible with its full-frame mirrorless RF mount cameras. 

As per Canon Rumors’ report:

Why Are Cinema Lenses So Expensive?

If you look at normal lenses, then look at cinema lenses of comparable aperture and focal length, you might be shocked by their prices over their counterparts. This fun video examines just why cinema lenses are so expensive. 

Save $400 on a Sigma Art Lens Today Only

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is another star is Sigma's widely lauded Art line, known for its top-notch image quality at an affordable price. That price is even more affordable now, as you can take $400 off the lens today only.  

Are Apple Macs Slower? It May Be Time to Switch to Windows

The Apple versus Windows discussion tends to get some strong opinions from both sides. Many creatives swear by Apple and consider them to be the only option, and this is mostly due to the operating system. Preferences aside, it would seem that Macs are sometimes the slower and worse option for creatives.  

What Is Canon Missing?

It’s been about eight months since Canon launched their full frame mirrorless system. In that time, they’ve created or announced 10 lenses to be delivered by the end of 2019, as well as a second body. Despite the fast progress on building out the kit, Canon is missing a critical item. 

Three Ways to Save Thousands on Gear

Buying new gear can be one of the major expenses for any photographer, so taking any opportunity to save is important. There are a number of ways to save on any gear purchase, without compromising on the quality, warranty, or buying experience. 

Go Ahead, Use Your Old DSLR Flashes on Your New Mirrorless Cameras

When I first started out using speedlights for flash photography, there weren’t many options aside from Canon and Nikon. As a result, I’ve amassed a large collection of Speedlights (and Speedlites), but now that I also shoot mirrorless bodies, are my SB-700s and 600EX-RTs any good? 

The answer is a definite yes, though with some caveats.

Canon Removes the Universal Hot Shoe Pin on Its Latest Release

Canon recently announced the EOS 200D Mark II, otherwise known as the SL3 as the company’s lightest DSLR. Besides being the lightest DSLR in Canon EOS range, it limits users’ abilities to use some third-party manual flashes and triggers.  

LensCoat LegCushion Vs. LegWrap Pro: Which to Buy for Your Tripod?

Earlier this year, I wrote a full review of the new LensCoat LegWrap Pro. From the title, "The Best Way to Carry a Heavy Tripod Setup," you can probably guess that I liked it. Here I take a look another new tripod accessory from LensCoat, the LegCushion, and see how it compares to my beloved LegWrap Pro. 

Which Fixed Lens Compact Should You Choose?

Fstoppers writer Andy Day recently published his thoughts on why Canon and Nikon should get into the full-frame fixed-lens camera segment and what that would mean for us as photographers. The Slanted Lens also did a great comparison of three existing options for a compact fixed-lens camera. 

Sony GM vs Sigma Art: Which 135mm f/1.8 Lens Is the Best?

Portrait lenses are getting more and more ridiculous these days with their oversized glass elements and their super wide apertures. It's like every year a company will come out and try and outdo everyone by producing the most over the top lens they can and honestly, I couldn't be happier. 

 

Panasonic Lumix S1 Versus Sony A7III Is Bigger Better?

Panasonic Lumix S1 compared to the Sony A7 III, is Panasonic able to compete with one of Sony’s best selling cameras? Are they too late to enter the full frame market? And is bigger always better? Let’s find out.

The Ricoh GR III: An Overlooked but Highly Competent Compact Camera

The Ricoh GR series has a long history stretching back to the film era, when they were known for their high quality (particularly for a point and shoot) 28mm lens. Ricoh has continued that tradition of quality as the series has moved into the digital era, and the third iteration looks to be quite a great option for those looking for a quality pocketable camera.

Creating an Ultra Portable Off-Camera Flash Kit

Mention off-camera flash and people often think about C-stands, flash heads, large octaboxes, and V-flats. Hardly what you would call portable. So how do go about assembling one?

Why Does Hollywood Use These Cameras?

Gear Acquisition Syndrome is something we've all had at some point. Unfortunately, it's a steep gradient with some of the most desirable gear costing small fortunes. The Arri Alexa sits near the peak of the mountain. 

How Good Is the Panasonic S1 Full Frame Camera?

The Panasonic S1 has been making waves as the company's first full frame camera, replete with a fascinating feature set in a rugged body. Nonetheless, it's part of a very inundated full frame camera market, and it has a lot of stiff competition. How well does it fare against the competitors? This great video review seeks to answer that question.  

Yashica to Release Three New 35mm Cameras, Two New Films

Despite their previous camera being largely trashed by critics upon its release last year, Yashica has returned to crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Unbothered by the negative press, the company has announced plans to launch three new film cameras alongside two new films. 

Johnny FPV's Piloting Skills Give Drones a New Perspective

Drones create unique new ways to film but as technology seems to advance day after day, true pilots begin to push these drones to their limits. Meet Johnny FPV, a drone pilot who has helped take FPV freestyle to the public eye.

 

Should You Buy DSLR or Mirrorless?

The decision to purchase a DSLR or mirrorless for new users, or the decision to switch from one to the other, is one that can be difficult to make. In this video, Engadget explore the key differences with a couple of discussions that will interest even photographers with advanced knowledge. 

 

A Review of the Panasonic S1 Full Frame Camera

The Panasonic S1 is the company's first foray into the full frame camera market. Though it's their first camera of the sort, they've had a lot of experience in the micro four thirds realm and have brought that knowledge to the S1 to give themselves a head start on the competition. How well did they do?

Fstoppers Reviews the Small HD Taradek

When it comes to shooting video, a camera screen can be a bit small and challenging to see. Depending on the type of work that is being done, sometimes it is nice to have an external monitor that can help us compose the perfect shots.

 

Surprising Micro Four Third Low Light Video Experiment

If you have previously been told micro four third cameras are not the best option for shooting video in low light situations. Then you just might be pleasantly surprised when you see the results of this video. 

Why the World's Best Photographers Are Sticking With DSLRs

Following the announcement of the winners of the World Press Photo competition last week, Spanish photography website Photolari.com compiled the metadata to examine what the leading photojournalists are using to capture their images. The results are quite interesting and demonstrate that the mighty DSLR is going nowhere. Here's why.