Recent Gear Articles

A Review of the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens

In the last few years, Tamron has established themselves as a manufacturer of some of the most cost-effective and useful lenses available, offering practical capabilities and good image quality all at very affordable prices. One such option is the 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Can Sigma's New 50mm Lens Compete With Sony's?

50mm f/1.4 lenses are both highly versatile and highly popular, able to take a wide range of needs and scenarios, including portraits, weddings, landscapes, and much more. As such, almost every manufacturer makes at least one 50mm lens. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art to the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM are both new to the market and promise high levels of performance and image quality, and this excellent video review compares both to help you choose the right for your needs.

A Look at a Powerful Portrait Photography Combination

When you pair Sony's powerful 61-megapixel a7R V mirrorless camera with the FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, it seems like a match made in heaven for portrait photography. How does the combination perform in the real world, though? This excellent video shows you what you can expect.

Buying the Cheapest Medium Format on eBay

Have you ever wanted to shoot with a medium format camera, but you can't justify the cost? Well, you're not alone. The question is, what would the cheapest medium format on eBay be like?

A Review of the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera takes the already highly respected X-T series and brings to it a wide array of impressive features and new capabilities, perhaps most notable being the highest resolution sensor ever seen in an X Series camera, making it quite an intriguing option for many creatives. This excellent video review takes a look at the new camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

How Do Sigma's and Sony's New Premium 50mm Lenses Compare?

50mm lenses with wide maximum apertures are some of the most popular out there, offering a versatile focal length useful for everything from portraits to events, in tandem with excellent low-light and narrow depth of field capabilities. Both Sigma and Sony recently released new premium 50mm f/1.4 options, and this great video comparison takes a look at both to help you decide which is right for your needs and budget.

Sigma Is Done Developing Micro Four Thirds Lenses

While micro four thirds is still seeing development from a few companies, one manufacturer is throwing in the towel. In a recent interview, Sigma's CEO indicated that due to a decrease in demand for micro four thirds lenses, the company will no longer be developing new options for the format, though they will maintain their current lenses.

Will We See a Full Frame Foveon Sensor From Sigma Soon?

Sigma's Foveon sensors have long had a small but loyal following who love their sharp images and vibrant, accurate colors. Since the advent of the L mount alliance, there has long been the hope that the Foveon sensor might find its way into a full frame camera. Sigma's CEO recently confirmed that those hopes might soon come true.

Wishlist: Canon’s Next Cinema Camera

Canon’s cinema line of cameras ushered forward the post-DSLR years for video users, and now, they could be set to do the same with mirrorless designs.

An In-depth Review of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are the workhorses of choice for a huge range of photographers, as their versatile focal length range and relatively wide maximum aperture make them suitable for many different genres and shooting scenarios. For Sony shooters looking for the best the company can offer, there is the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, and this excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Should You Buy a Fujifilm Camera in 2023?

Fujifilm cameras have been popular for decades, but in the past few years, they have released bodies that are fully in vogue and thus difficult to find. Are they worth the hype? Should you buy a Fujifilm camera in 2023?

When Should You Not Upgrade Your Camera Gear?

Modern camera gear evolves at a breakneck pace, and as such, it can be tempting to watch the news of the latest and greatest cameras and lenses and pull out your credit card. When should you actually drop the money to upgrade your gear, and when should you turn your attention elsewhere? This helpful video essay discusses the topic and might just help you save a lot of money and improve your images at the same time.

A Look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

Nikon's impressive new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is here, and along with it comes some of the best image quality and optical performance ever seen from Nikon, at least on paper. How does it perform in the real world, though? This great video takes a look at the lens and how it balances and feels on some of Nikon's most popular mirrorless cameras.

The Hype and Hate Around the Leica Q2

Some brands attract vitriol to a degree that is hard to fathom. Typically, they are expensive brands that many photographers do not believe can justify their price. At the top of that pile is Leica, and yet, the brand has die-hard followers and disciples.

A Review of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens

A 35mm lens with a wide maximum aperture is one of the most useful options in many photographers' bags, and that makes Sony's FE 35mm f/1.8 an intriguing option for a lot of users. Is it right for you? This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the New Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens

The new Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens is here, and it brings with it some of the company's most advanced features and capabilities along with the promise of top-level performance and image quality, all at a surprisingly good price. Can it provide all that in practice? This fantastic video review takes a look at everything you can expect.

We Review the New Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens

The 50mm f/1.4 lens is arguably one of the most popular lenses of all time. And Sony just released its second offering for their full frame mirrorless lineup.

10 Reasons to Consider the Sony ZV-E10 in 2023

There are so many cameras out there these days, it can be difficult to see the wood from the trees. As a result, some excellent cameras can be overlooked and this offering from Sony is one of them.

A Voigtländer Lens Is Coming for Canon Mirrorless Cameras

Cosina, more commonly known for manufacturing Voigtländer lenses, is teasing the launch of four new lenses, including two Fujifilm X mount options, a Canon RF mount mirrorless lens, and even a DSLR optic. The RF mount option will even include electric contacts, while one of the X mount lenses will be "super-fast."

Will We See the Canon EOS R5 Mark II This Year?

Few cameras in recent years have caused as much of a stir as the EOS R5, which brought features like a high-megapixel sensor and 8K raw video, instantly showing the world that Canon was extremely serious about the mirrorless realm. The EOS R5 has been a highly popular camera, but now that it has been 2.5 years since its release, it is about time to start thinking about the second version of the camera, which we may see before the EOS R1.

Will We See the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera Soon?

It has been about 1.5 years since the Nikon Z9 was announced, and the company is about due for another big camera announcement. It looks like that might be happening soon, with activity ramping up behind the scenes.

I Like C-stands and I Cannot Lie

I had planned to write a love letter to C-stands, but then I remembered this video that caught my attention a year ago. Trigger warning; this video is not that new, but C-stands aren’t either, and they happen to be one of the most valuable pieces of kit I have ever laid my hands on. The video goes through the many, many ways in which to make use of them, and, I must say, in a very entertaining way.

Steampunk Meets Retro With the Fuji X-T5

With Fujifilm's latest release of the X-T5, I knew it wouldn't be long before brackets and mounting rigs would begin appearing online. For my own cameras, it's always been Smallrig brackets due to the build quality and considered design. So, after purchasing the X-T5, I went directly to their site to see if any were available and promptly purchased one, but that's not all they had available.

A Look at the 'Texas Leica'

Medium format film has seen a real resurgence in recent years, and with the right camera, you can create negatives that are far bigger than even the most expensive digital cameras. This neat video takes a look at one such camera, the Fuji GW690 II, affectionately known as the "Texas Leica," and the impressive images you can create with it.

Did You Know That You’re Already a Sony Shooter?

According to Taylor Jackson, we're all Sony shooters, whether we like it or not. With the majority of today's cameras carrying Sony's imaging sensors, are we all becoming Sony shooters without even knowing it?

A Review of the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens

135mm lenses have long been popular as alternatives to the standard 85mm focal length when it comes to portrait photography, and Canon's EF 135mm f/2L was respected as one of the company's best lenses, offering excellent image quality, including deep contrast and colors and supplemented by reliable and quick autofocus. Now, its successor, the RF f/1.8 L IS USM, is here, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Which of These Affordable but Premium 50mm Lenses Is Best?

If there is one truth in the photography industry, it is that there is no shortage of 50mm lenses for Sony E mount users. While 50mm options run the full gamut from under $100 to north of $2,000, two lenses, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE II, sit in the middle of the pack in terms of price but near the top in terms of image quality and performance. Which is right for you? This excellent video review compares both to help you decide.

A Look at the Affordable and Impressive M2 Mac mini

The Mac mini has long been the desktop of choice for many users, offering the Mac experience at a significantly lower price than the Mac Studio or Mac Pro line. In fact, the base configuration of the new M2 model can be had for just $599, and it can handle a wider range of needs than you might imagine. This excellent video review takes a look at the new model and what you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens

400mm is one of the most useful lenses for genres such as sports and wildlife photography, and the options run the gamut from relatively affordable at under $1,000 to quite a way past $10,000, all with different specifications, capabilities, performance, and image quality. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S sits in the middle of the road, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

We Review the Benro Rhino 24C Carbon Fiber Tripod

If you would put your trust on just one tripod for all the shooting requirements that you commonly face, what features are non-negotiable for you? Let’s see if this carbon fiber tripod from Benro would fit that description.

Is This the Best Travel Tripod in 2023?

A good travel tripod can be one of the most important pieces of kit you own, particularly if you're often on the move. Is this little tripod the new king of the difficult subset of tripods?

Lightweight and Sharp: We Review the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens

In my quest to find the best combination of lenses for my photography, I have been trying out various brands and focal lengths to see what would work for me and deliver the image quality I was after. One thing was missing, however, and that was a good, lightweight, affordable telephoto lens for the longer hikes. Enter the Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR.

Nikon Patents Some Extreme Lens Designs

When Nikon moved into the realm of full frame mirrorless cameras, they generally went for pragmatic lens designs meant to tackle the majority of situations photographers would encounter. However, a variety of interesting lens design patents recently emerged, and they show the company is now thinking about some more extreme options as well.

Turning the Lumix S5 II Into the Ultimate Cinema Camera

The Lumix S5 II is the first full-frame mirrorless camera from Panasonic to offer hybrid phase detect autofocus and a plethora of other cinematic video options. With all of the new improvements on the S5 II, could it be an ideal choice as a full-fledged cinema camera?

How Does the New Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Compare to the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM?

The new 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is awfully impressive, offering loads of impressive image quality at an equally impressive price. Nonetheless, as part of the G Master series, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM brings with it some of the company's most advanced optical design. So, how do the two compare? This excellent video review takes a look at both.

A Review of the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera

Fuifilm's X-T5 mirrorless camera brings with it some of the company's most impressive features and capabilities, most notable being the highest resolution ever seen in an X Series camera. With all those advanced features inside the well-loved X-T style, it looks like quite the promising camera. This great video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

The 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is the go-to optic of choice in the bags of many photographers and filmmakers, able to tackle a wide range of genres and shooting scenarios. For Sony users, the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II offers some of the company's best features and design. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Assume your Camera Setting Are Wrong, Even if They’re Correct

Nothing is more frustrating than having the wrong camera settings, especially during decisive moments. These images are probably beyond recovery. That’s why you have to check the camera setting every single time you go out. Just assume the settings are wrong. Always.

We Review the Elinchrom FIVE Monolight

Elinchrom has long been known for their amazing lights and modifiers. But does their newest release, the Elinchrom FIVE, live up to the hype?

How Does the Nikon Z9 Compare to the Sony a1 for Wildlife Photography?

The Nikon Z9 and Sony a1 are two of the most advanced mirrorless cameras on the market right, capable of capturing high-resolution images at blazing burst rates, all backed up by some of the most sophisticated autofocus systems out there. And so, how do they perform against each other in one of the most challenging genres for a camera, wildlife photography? This excellent comparison takes a look.

How Good Is the New Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Cameraphone?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes a well-established platform and formula and builds upon it with a number of improvements and new features, one of the most notable being its 200-megapixel wide angle camera. This excellent video review takes a look at the new phone and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens

Do you have $20,000 burning a hole in your pocket? If you have ever wondered what you can accomplish with a lens that costs the price of a car, check out this excellent video review that takes a look at what is arguably the most extreme lens on the market right now, the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM.

Sigma Versus Canon Macro Shoot-off: Can You Tell the Difference?

Once upon a time, Sigma was a brand thought of by many as the compromise lens if you couldn't afford the household names. Times have changed, though, and Sigma has gone beyond offering competitive lenses to making remarkable lenses and even some notable industry firsts. Being a photographer who works heavily in product work, I decided to put the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art lens in a shoot-off against the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, and the results were... well, read on and find out for yourself!

Canon Continues to Explore f/4 Zoom Lens Designs

With the advent of the RF mount, Canon entered a new realm of lens design, with some of the most extreme designs ever seen for full frame cameras. Nonetheless, it seems the company is also exploring more measured and pragmatic designs as well, with some very interesting f/4 zoom lens designs emerging in a recent trio of patents.