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.

Fstoppers Reviews the Fujifilm 50mm f/2 WR

Fujifilm's XF 50mm f/2 WR is the third addition in the series that have affectionately become known as the "Fujichrons." These are compact, lightweight, weather resistant, and have extremely fast autofocus.

Rebate Deals on Canon and Fuji Camera Bodies

B&H is offering a few big rebates on popular cameras and it's worth taking a peek. Valid today, Sunday, March 26th, save up to $500 on major camera bodies from Canon and Fuji. Check out all the deals below to see if there's a chance to save on the camera you've been waiting to buy. 

 

Check Out This Crazy Deal on the 5D Mark IV

This is the best price we've seen on the Canon 5D Mark IV yet, and it likely won't last long. If you're in the market for Canon's latest full-frame body, now is a really good time to pick it up. 

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100 Solar Power Pack Fstoppers Review

Having the ability to power our gear is something we often take for granted. Without power, the most expensive gear becomes an overpriced paperweight. Worst of all, passing opportunities are lost. One of my least favorite situations is to be traveling in a foreign city when I can’t find information because my iPhone battery is dead. This is where Goal Zero comes in.

 

With the Panasonic GH5 Imminent, Atomos Announce the Ninja Inferno as the Ultimate Companion

With reports that Panasonic have already begun to ship the hotly anticipated GH5, it seems Atomos have perfectly timed the announcement of their latest external monitor-recorder, the Ninja Inferno, due to ship March 31st. With 4:2:2 10-bit recording in 4k 60p and HD 120p, is this the ultimate companion for videographers awaiting their GH5 pre-order to arrive?

Canon to Provide C-Log Upgrade for 5D Mark IV

We've been hearing rumors that Canon will be releasing a firmware update for the Canon 5D Mark IV that will make it possible to capture in C-Log, Canon's own log file format, and that they will be making it available during NAB in Las Vegas next month.

Will GoPro Give up on Targeting the Average Consumer?

A decade ago, GoPro was the highest selling action camera brand in the world; however, the company’s attempts to expand into the mainstream have resulted in their inability to compete with the enormous popularity of the smartphone.  

How I Shot a Magazine Editorial With $200 eBay Strobes and a Kit Lens

I pride myself on bringing ideas to life using minimal equipment and whilst working on low budgets. I’m also in the process of setting up my second photography-related business, so I don’t currently have a ton of expendable income to splash on new gear. However, I recently invested in a cheap set of portable lights I found on eBay for a little over $200.

Check Out These Photo and Video Deals of the Week

If you're in the market for some new gear, be sure to check out these deals of the week for some great savings, including huge instant savings on the Sony a7 series along with up to $480 in trade-in credit and some absolutely crazy lighting deals! " src="/sites/all/modules/contrib/wysiwyg/plugins/break/images/spacer.gif" title="<--break-->">

Target Practice: 600mm Lens vs Shotgun

Kaiman Wong is back at it, showing that a Nikkor 600mm lens can shoot clay pigeons too – just not in the destructive sense. Who will win?

The Ins and Outs of Fujifilm X Autofocus

I recently posted an article about getting the most from the Fujifilm X system cameras. One of the points of discussion and contention that came up in the comments was that of autofocus. Other issues, such as flash system and software support were also raised. The flash system is a matter of needs. All manual systems are supported and HSS/TTL is also becoming more fully developed.

Comparison Between Two Affordable Cinema Lenses: Rokinon and Rokinon Xeen

Not all cinema lenses are made the same, not even those in the affordable price range or that come from the same manufacturer. In this article, you will see the structural and optical differences between Rokinon and Rokinon Xeen cinema lenses and what to purchase if you're looking for video glass on budget. 

This Drone Uses DJI Cameras and Can Film Underwater

I got the new DJI Phantom 4 Pro 10 days ago. I just flew it for the first time yesterday. Know why? Because Cleveland is a nonstop fountain of bad weather. I need this new waterproof drone in my life. 

A Great Perspective on Why Gear Doesn't Matter

Yes, we've all heard this talk before, but as usual, Ted Forbes brings a fresh, insightful perspective to the discussion. Take a few minutes to watch this great video. 

Check Out These Photo and Video Deals of the Week

If you're in the market for some new gear, be sure to check out these deals of the week for some great savings, including a rare MacBook Air deal!  " src="/sites/all/modules/contrib/wysiwyg/plugins/break/images/spacer.gif" title="<--break-->">

'Grip Tips' Videos Are a Great, Free Resource for Learning Tools to Light a Film Set

If you're a fan of the informational videos put out by folks like The Slanted Lens, Film Riot, and theC47, then you'll also want to check this one out. Grip Tips focuses on tools of the trade for grips and electricians working on a film set, but the equipment that's explained could also be found in a photography studio as well. 

Are Gimbals Destroying the Cheap Steadicam?

B&H recently ran a deal on a product I had my eyes on a couple years back: the Steadicam Solo Stabilizer and Monopod for getting smooth shots. It was originally $500, but you can pick it up now for as low as $150. Where did it all go wrong?

Choosing the Best Lens for Wedding Portraits

Every wedding photographer has their favorite lens for photographing the couple. Some swear that shooting at 200mm produces the most flattering portraits, while others love the sweeping view of the surrounding environment that is showcased when composing with a wide-angle lens.

What You Need to Start Your Own Photography Studio

When many of us first entered into the realm of photography, most of us had the same question: What gear should I get? What do I need? Jay P. Morgan from The Slanted Lens helped out many with those questions back in 2015, but the video is a bit dated now.

Sample Footage From the Most Bizarre Camera Lens I've Ever Seen

Venus Optics' Laowa lenses are pretty unique; after all, they're the only company I know that makes an ultra wide-angle macro lens. But this 24mm f/14 telescopic macro lens easily beats that in terms of weirdness. Check out this new sample footage, including underwater shots with its waterproof attachment.  

Four Things Every Photographer Hates to Buy, but Absolutely Needs

We all know that being a photographer can get expensive, from camera bodies to lenses, there is a never ending list of gadgets and goodies that we can spend our hard earned money on. The last thing anybody wants to do is spend their money on the “must haves” of photography when we could just as easily drop some cash on the things we want. Below is a short list of gear that every photo

How Much Camera Do You Need for Your Photography?

How much camera do you need? No, for once I'm not talking about how many cameras. Though my inadvertent collection is growing and for every vintage camera that I sell or give away, it seems two new ones await. Gear Acquisition Syndrome (known also by the unfortunate acronym of GAS) is real and many are afflicted. Don't make fun of us. We're fellow humans. We suffer. Ok. Maybe not that much.

Confused About Where the New Canon 77D Fits? Then Watch This Video

When Canon announced the 77D as part of their Valentine’s day gift to photographers, many were left scratching their heads – Where does it fit in the lineup? Is it an amped up Rebel T6s or a toned down 80D? Wait, there was even a camera called the T6s?

How to Choose the Correct Lens to Purchase

There are literally thousands of lenses out there, and knowing which one to choose for your work can be a daunting task. By answering a few questions for yourself, though, you can narrow down the selections to the right choice.  

Dr. Ockenfels: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sun

We live in a world constantly fascinated by technology. We want the TV with the greatest definition. We want the tablet with the shiniest screen. And, as photographers, we always want the most expensive gear and the most elaborate new toys. But the more you grow as an artist, you'll quickly realize it's the man that makes the equipment, not the equipment that makes the man (or woman). 

Check Out These Photo and Video Deals of the Week

If you're in the market for some new gear, be sure to check out these deals of the week for some great savings, including huge instant savings on the Sony a7 series along with up to $480 in trade-in credit! 

Every week, B&H offers awesome deals on different photo and video gear. Check out this week's offers below.

Cameras

Cinetics Launches Their (Fantastic!) LYNX Motorized Slider on Kickstarter

You might remember the team from Cinetics from their original product, CineSkates. Well, they're back at it, this time with a big update to their motorized slider system that they're calling "LYNX." We try to avoid promoting Kickstarters when possible, but I've had the chance to play with a pre-production unit of the LYNX system and have been blown away. 

Get a Crazy Deal on the Nikon D810

The Nikon D810 is still an ultra-popular choice for Nikon shooters and for good reason. It's an awesomely versatile, high-resolution options that many portrait, wedding, and landscape photographers carry in their bags. Right now, you can pick up your own for 33 percent off! 

Panasonic GH5 Review Vs Sony a7S II and Nikon D750

While I was in Dubai a couple of weeks ago at Gulf Photo Plus, I was able to play with a pre-production Panasonic GH5. I compared the GH5 to the Nikon D750 (our current video camera of choice) and the Sony a7S II. 

Build Your Own Motorized Camera Slider

Motorized camera sliders can really improve the quality of your videos and time-lapses, but they're also rather expensive. With a little bit of savvy, however, you can build your own relatively cheaply and in just a few hours by following this great tutorial. 

How to Properly and Thoroughly Clean Your Tripod

We talk about how to clean our cameras and lenses quite a bit, but for many of us, our tripods are just as essential a piece of equipment. Here's how to properly clean one to extend its life and ensure it functions fully. 

Seven Tips to Improve Your Fujifilm X Photographic Experience

The Fujifilm X Series Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens cameras have gained a dedicated, almost cult-like following over the last few years for their colors, ergonomics, image quality, and firmware updates. However, getting into the Fuji world, especially from a DSLR user's standpoint, can be a daunting experience.

Sorry Apple, I’m On the Hunt For a New Mistress

Our love story began, like many, amidst the tumultuous, coming-of-age years of high school. Me, a wide eyed, optimistic 16 year old kid with a lanky, awkward build. I stayed out of trouble… choosing books over beers, and enjoying the simplicity of a life-before-adulthood. She was different. The new girl on the scene.

Back to Film: Camera Choices for Sony/Minolta A-Mount

It's 2017, which, if you haven't heard the news, means it's back to film (Yes, I admit I would have said the same for any year, but 2017 really is special in this regard. Read on to find out why). Most of us are living the digital photography lifestyle, however, and though every photographer is a gear hound to some degree, we're loath to overpay on stuff we don't need. Solution?

BTS: Wakesurfing with the Phottix Indra500 TTL

Action sport photography has always been something that I have been drawn to, but I just don't have the access and opportunity to shoot it very often. So when I got the chance to shoot some wakesurfing, I Instantly jumped at the opportunity. The one thing I wanted to do going into the shoot though, was come out with something different.  

Natural Light, Flash, or High-Speed Sync? Find Out In a Demonstrative Video

Toronto-based Destination Wedding Photographer Derrel Ho-Shing created a video demonstrating the difference of natural light, flash, and high-speed sync. This might seem trivial at first glance, but having the same model, same setting, and three lighting approaches makes it obvious which setup is the winner, at least to me. 

Can't Afford a Porsche? Maybe You Can Afford Their Laptop

Crossover tech-heads will rejoice when they hear about this one. In addition to their BMW coffee maker, their 80-inch Corvette LED TV, and their Mercedes-Benz umbrella, they can now add a Porsche laptop computer to their collection. Really.

4K Preview of the Panasonic GH5's Noise and In-Camera Stabilization

The Panasonic GH5 is due for release in late March, and it seems Panasonic was so happy with its product pre-release that the company has loaned plenty of bodies to influencers to publish preview footage. Every day, new preview clips pop up online, but none as comprehensive as this one by the team at Camerahoarders. 

The 'Normal' Lens Challenge

Snow, mountains, forests… The breath of Dracula down your neck. Well, maybe not vampires, but bears and wolves. Welcome to Romania.