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.

Canon Autofocus: Master Your Camera’s Advanced Features

Autofocus settings have become incredibly sophisticated on Canon's latest mirrorless cameras, like the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II. Knowing how to harness these powerful autofocus features can significantly improve your photography, especially when you're shooting fast-moving subjects like athletes. 

Is Sigma's 300-600mm f/4 Your Ideal Super-Telephoto Lens?

The Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens is filling a noticeable gap between typical telephoto zooms and ultra-expensive super telephoto primes. If you've been struggling to find a high-quality lens without reaching into the $10,000-plus range, Sigma's latest offering might be precisely what you're looking for. 

Meet the Roller Bag That Actually Delivers

Whether you're a travel or commercial photographer, getting your bag around the airport or to your next shoot can get annoying—if only there were a bag that made traveling a little easier. 

Understand Your Camera’s Metering Modes Easily

Understanding camera metering modes is essential if you want consistent results and greater creative control over your photography. Metering affects how your camera interprets lighting in a scene, influencing your exposure settings and the overall look of your photos. 

Why Aperture Priority Could Improve Your Photography

When you're out shooting, deciding between camera modes can shape your entire photographic experience. Many believe manual mode is the hallmark of a skilled photographer, but choosing differently can significantly improve your workflow and your results. 

Sony's Game-Changing 50-150mm f/2 GM Lens Reviewed

Sony's latest lens, the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, offers an intriguing combination of speed, flexibility, and high-end optical performance. With its unusual zoom range and bright maximum aperture, this lens could fill a significant gap in your kit, especially if you often shoot events or portraits. 

Canon’s RF 15-35mm vs RF 16-28mm STM: Worth the Big Price Difference?

If you're debating between Canon’s RF 15-35mm f/2.8L and the newer RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, understanding the actual performance differences can save you money and hassle. Lens choice isn't just about price—it's about matching your shooting needs to practical differences in performance and handling. 

Freewell Pro Reader: A Fast, Versatile Reader With Bonus Storage

Freewell aims to simplify the modern card storage conundrum with their Pro Reader, a device that promises not only high-speed reading of multiple formats but also integrated storage for cards when you're out in the field. I've been testing one out to see how it fits into a creator's workflow. 

Creative Ways to Use a 35mm Lens for Better Photos

Using the right focal length is essential, and the 35mm lens has always been especially popular for its balanced framing and natural look. Understanding how to effectively compose your shots with this lens can significantly improve your photos by capturing scenes authentically and creatively. 

Which Neewer Panel Light Would You Choose?

Neewer has released two new panel lights. Perfect for video and great for photography too, these powerful yet affordable arrays have slightly different functions and open up a host of creative possibilities. If you were seeking this kind of lighting, which would you choose? 

What Canon Might Bring Next: Real Conversations From the Source

Anthony Gugliotta had the opportunity to sit down with Canon's development team to suggest improvements and discuss the future of their cameras and lenses. These insights hint at possible upgrades and changes you might see soon in Canon’s equipment. 

How to Master Portraits Using Only Two Lenses

Your camera gear doesn't define how good you are at taking portraits, but the lenses you pick do matter—a lot. Choosing the right lenses affects your flexibility and helps shape your distinct style as a portrait photographer. 

Discover Why OM System Could Be Your Next Camera

Choosing the right camera system can significantly impact your photography experience and results. Understanding what different systems offer beyond the standard choices like Canon, Nikon, and Sony can help you find a setup tailored exactly to your needs. 

Is This the Best Budget 35mm Lens for Sony?

In this review, we’re diving into the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2, a lens that surprised me in the best ways. I’ve had this thing in my hands for more than a month and have used it on multiple sessions now, and—spoiler alert—this is one of the best and most affordable 35mm lenses for Sony. 

Insta360’s X5: An Incremental or Revolutionary Upgrade?

Another year, another Insta360 release. While that sounds like an anti-climactic statement about the new X5, it's not meant to be. While there may not be any headline-grabbing features like higher-resolution footage, there are a few improvements that make the camera just a bit more livable than the X4. 

The Sigma 300-600mm f/4: A Remarkable Lens

When Sigma announced the new 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens, it quickly caught attention due to its combination of extreme focal length and professional-grade optics. If you're serious about wildlife, sports, or nature photography, a lens like this can transform your approach. 

The Birth of the Digital Camera: From Film to Filmless Revolution

Photography has always been about capturing light to preserve moments. For over a century, that meant exposing a roll of film and then disappearing into a darkroom or waiting for a lab to develop the images. It’s easy to forget how different this process was before digital cameras came along. In the 1970s, the idea of instantly seeing a photo on a screen felt like science fiction.

Zeiss vs. Viltrox: Is Premium Always Better?

When photographers debate lens quality, few brands stir up as much discussion as Zeiss. The Zeiss 55mm f/1.8, despite being over a decade old, still attracts plenty of attention—and debate. 

The Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Pro: Because Your Camera's Worth It

There are dozens of tripods on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. None are suitable for every circumstance. The new model from Falcam TreeRoot, the Quick Lock Pro R240T, has a very specific use, and I put it through its paces to find out whether I need one. 

Did Fujifilm Steal My Idea for Their New Camera?

Five years ago, I humorously "leaked": a rumor that Canon was about to release the RiP, a camera with a vertical sensor designed for Instagram influencers. Sadly, the RiP never came to market, but the concept may have inspired Fujifilm’s intriguing new camera. 

Transforming Mobile Shots With Leica's Lux Grip

The Leica LUX app brought some fresh tools to mobile photography, but handling your phone like a real camera? That’s where the LUX Grip steps in. This isn’t just a Bluetooth shutter button. It’s an ergonomic extension that is meant to give you a DSLR-style hold while unlocking full control over your iPhone’s native features and LUX app functionality. 

EVF Resolution and Refresh Rates: What You Need to Know

Electronic viewfinders have transformed how you interact with your camera. Beyond just framing shots, these tiny screens affect everything from how accurately you can judge focus to how connected you feel to your subject during fast-paced photography situations. 

Testing The World's Most Powerful Laptop, MSI Titan

Intel sent me their $6000 MSI Titan laptop with a Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and RTX 5090. This is the most powerful computer I've ever tested, but is it worth the size and outrageous fan noise?   First Impressions

This laptop is gigantic.

Zeiss Returns With the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4: Is it Worth the Premium?

Zeiss is back in action with their latest lens release, the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, designed specifically for full frame mirrorless cameras. For those considering a high-end lens, this release marks a significant shift from Zeiss’s older, larger Otus lenses. 

Maono Wave T5 Lavelier Mic: A Sound Investment

If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video or taken part in a Zoom meeting, you will know that sound quality is usually more important than any other factor. With this in mind, I put the new Maono Wave T5 wireless lavalier mics through their paces. 

DSLR Cameras Are Back—Here’s Why You Should Care

In 2025, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are regaining popularity despite nearly a decade in the shadow of mirrorless technology. For anyone serious about improving their photography skills, this comeback matters because working with a DSLR pushes you to master essential techniques rather than relying on technology alone—plus they're cheap!  

Essential Wedding Day Camera Settings

Getting your camera settings right can be the difference between capturing unforgettable moments or losing them entirely. Whether it’s the first kiss or the dance floor, wedding days offer little room for mistakes. 

A Sony User's Look at the Canon PowerShot V1

As a longtime Canon user, it was a somewhat painful switch to buy a Sony ZV-1 as my point-and-shoot camera. Not because the Sony ZV-1 was a bad camera, but more so because the way that brand's cameras work is so different from what I'm used to. So what's it like the other way around with the Canon PowerShot V10? 

Is This the Best New 35mm Lens?

Viltrox’s new AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE lens brings an extra-wide aperture to Sony full frame cameras, letting you blur backgrounds and shoot in dim venues without pushing ISO. That mix of speed and moderate width gives photographers room to frame environmental portraits while you keep distractions melting away behind your subject. 

Why Having a Faster Lens Isn’t Always Better

The recent launch of the Fujifilm GFX100RF has stirred quite a debate in the photography community. Many Fujifilm fans were frustrated by the decision to equip the camera with a fixed f/4 lens instead of a faster option like f/2.8 or even f/2. This backlash got me thinking: does a faster lens always make a camera better? And more importantly, does it help us produce a better image?

Is the Nikon Z5 II the Perfect Entry-Level Full Frame Camera?

Entry-level full frame cameras can be a fantastic purchase, allowing access to premium image quality without extreme costs. Nikon recently introduced the Z5 II, an update to their popular Z5, offering substantial improvements and features aimed at serious but budget-conscious users. 

Discovering New Perspectives With an Ultra-Wide Angle Lens

Choosing an ultra-wide lens can profoundly affect how you approach photography, forcing you to reconsider perspective and composition. Such lenses aren't for every situation, but when used correctly, they can offer dramatic, unique results. 

Hands On With the New Canon EOS R50V

Canon’s new EOS R50V has just hit the shelves, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early unit to put it through its paces.