Recent Gear Articles

The CamRanger 2 Available for Pre-Order Now (Starts Shipping September 16th)

Originally released in 2012, the CamRanger has finally announced the CamRanger 2. Set to be released on September 16th, the wireless tethering device has added a variety of features including support for Sony and Fujifilm, an SD Card slot, and dual-band Wi-Fi. The starting price is $349.

Fujifilm X-H1: Has-Been or Awesome Deal?

Technology in the video world is moving at a blistering pace. With new features being released seemingly every month, once-hyped cameras are being tossed by the wayside faster than ever in favor of the next big thing. Although this trend of rapid obsolescence could be seen as a negative, it often results in just-shy of cutting edge technology rapidly coming down to a price point that is affordable for the masses. This could be the case with the Fujifilm X-H1!

A Comparison of Lighting Modifiers

There seems to be a new modifier coming out of China every other week; in this video, I go over the key lighting modifiers I use as a food photographer.

A to Z of Photography: Von Wong (Interview) and Vivitar

This week we continue the A to Z of Photography with an interview with contemporary photographer Benjamin von Wong, renowned for his attention grabbing, fantastical images. We follow this with a history of Vivitar, a camera and lens manufacturer that didn't make cameras or lenses!

Having Fun With an Insane 16-Stop ND Filter

When you think of ND filters, you probably think of 3-stop or 6-stop filters or maybe even a 10-stop if you really want to go extreme. But what about a 16-stop filter? This fun video shows what it's like working with such an insane filter.

The Five Camera Controls a Photographer Should Master

When you are new to photography, the veritable plethora of controls on a modern camera can be a bit overwhelming. This helpful video tutorial will show you which controls and settings you should focus on the most to master your camera and take more ownership of your creative process.

A Review of the Samyang AF 45mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony FE

A few years ago, Samyang was known for producing cheap but quality lenses that used manual focus only and were particularly loved by astrophotographers. Recently, they've started to branch out into creating autofocus lenses. Does their 45mm lens for Sony shooters maintain that optical quality while adding good autofocus performance? This great video review answers that question.

What's in a Food Stylists Bag

Making food look amazing on set is as much the job of the food stylist as it is the photographer and retouchers. Here are the tools that a food stylists uses to get the job done.

Nikon D6 Announcement Rumored to Be Coming September 4. Where’s Canon?

Nikon is anticipated to announce the upcoming release of the D6 next week. The actual release isn’t expected to follow until late 2019 or early 2020. This is in line with what’s expected to be a paring down of their DSLR line-up to focus on higher-end models. What should we expect from Canon in return?

A Review of the Panasonic S1H

The Panasonic S1H is an absolute monster of a camera that's aimed squarely at videographers and filmmakers. And while it looks fantastic on paper, you might be wondering how it holds up in real-world use. This excellent video review answers just that question.

More Inches Is Not What Photographers Need in a MacBook Pro

I’ll admit it, I’ve jumped on the MacBook Pro bandwagon a lot later than most. Just a couple of years ago I was beating the drum about how great the old Macbook Air was for photographers. The thing is, after a few weeks with the 13” MacBook Pro, in some ways, I still feel that way.

Does Sony Have a Problem With Failing Shutters on the a7 III?

The number of failed shutters being reported on the Sony a7 III and a7R III Facebook groups has raised a few eyebrows over the last couple of months. Are the latest Sony cameras more susceptible to mechanical failures or is it simply the case that lots of people are suddenly reporting it?

Would You Consider a Smartphone for Your Photography

If you believe the advertisements of smartphone manufacturers, the cameras of those devices are amazing and suitable for professional use. Sometimes (often?) these advertisements turn out to be fake, shot with professional DSLR cameras. But how good are those smartphone cameras really?

Stop Asking About Camera Settings

Whenever we see a photo we really like and want to recreate ourselves, one of the most tempting things to do is to ask what camera settings the photographer used. Here is why that's actually the wrong question to ask the majority of the time.

Canon Teases Impressive Firmware Update With Improved AF for EOS R and EOS RP Coming Soon

While Canon's RF lenses have been met with general acclaim, many photographers have been clamoring for a more professionally oriented R mount body from the company. While that camera has not been announced yet, the firmware update recently teased by Canon seems to show a major improvement in autofocus performance on the way for the EOS R and EOS RP.

Is Zeiss' Cheaper 85mm Batis Lens Worth It?

Zeiss is well known for making spectacularly sharp lenses, but with that high optical quality often comes a correspondingly large price tag. However, the Batis 85mm f/1.8 is much cheaper than some of its counterparts, making it an intriguing option for many photographers. This great video review takes a look at the lens to help you decide if it's right for you.

Comparing 85mm to 135mm for Portrait Photography

Most portrait photographers have a preferred focal length that they tend to use for most shoots. Two of the most common focal lengths are 85mm and 135mm, and this great video compares the two to help you choose the right lens for you.

Here Come the Canon Mirrorless Lenses

Canon's mirrorless lenses have been esoteric, exquisite, and... expensive. While they're certainly spectacular pieces of glass, some photographers have been waiting for the more standard workhorses to come along. The good news is that they are on their way quite soon.

Beginners Guide to Buying Off Camera Flash

Getting into off camera flash can be daunting. This video covers a great and cost effective way to get your first set up without having the fear of buying the wrong equipment.

Canon Announces the EOS M6 Mark II

It was February 2017 when Canon released the EOS M6 APS-C mirrorless camera as a whole new line different from the EOS M5. The EOS M6 was actually more like a buffed up EOS M3 that came much later.

Feiyu Tech AK2000 Gimbal Review: It's Better Than the AK4000

In a recent video, we take a look at the FeiyuTech AK2000 gimbal to see how good it is and if it's worth recommending. This gimbal is the smaller version of its bigger brother, the AK4000, and I wanted to see how the little one compares.

Fstoppers Reviews the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 LM WR Lens

Fujifilm's XF 8-16mm f/2.8 lens is the widest available rectilinear lens on the system and has completed the "Holy Trinity" of professional-grade zoom lenses. Squarely aimed at the uncompromising photographer, this lens shows that Fujifilm is ready to offer working photographers of all styles great lenses to execute the images they conceive. Let's take a look at how it performs in the field.

$20,000 Versus $2,000 Bird Photography Setup

Wildlife photographers have long faced the problem of requiring extremely expensive camera equipment to follow their passion. Then came the budget 150-600mm and similar lenses that lowered the cost of entry while still getting similar looking results.

You Want to Buy a Camera? Focus on What You Love!

Making decisions about cameras and lenses is always difficult. Most of the time, we have to compromise. Finding out what you love about photography helps you making a better choice regarding your photography gear.

Fstoppers Reviews: The Fujifilm 16mm f/2.8 R WR

Earlier this year, Fujifilm released the 16mm 2.8 R WR (AKA the 16mm 2.8). A compact prime lens for their Fujifilm X system. I got to play with it for about three weeks and there is a lot to love, but it isn't without its imperfections.