Gear

The perennial debate among photographers about the significance of gear in their craft often overlooks a crucial aspect: the creative vision and technique of the person behind the camera. This discussion is particularly relevant as photography technology continues to evolve and grow, offering tools that range from high-end professional equipment to more accessible consumer-grade cameras.

It is one of a photographer's worst nightmares: traveling around in a different country carrying thousands of dollars' worth of camera gear, only to see it disappear before your very eyes. Manny Ortiz was traveling through Italy when, unfortunately, he was robbed of some very expensive gear. Check out his story here.

Do you remember the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM that was released in 2015? It was a one-of-a-kind lens and a large and heavy one. Canon released an RF version, and it is not only smaller and lighter, it offers an even wider field of view. This is the review of that lens; the RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM.

The Yongnuo 35mm f/2Z DF DSM, just like the company's well-known speedlights, is quite affordable, making it an intriguing option for a large range of users. 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.

The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new camera technologies emerging and pushing out old ones seemingly daily. For photographers, especially those with a penchant for vintage gear, exploring cameras that blend classic design with modern functionality can be a fascinating journey. This exploration lands on a unique camera from 2001 in this fun video.

After years of not owning a camera bag, I now have the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. I used it for traveling because of its security; unusually, I was transporting a lot of expensive gear. Here's what I concluded about it.

Selecting the right camera can be a daunting task for photographers, especially when working within a specific budget. This helpful video addresses this challenge for Fujifilm users, providing valuable insights into the best camera choices across various price points.

The ever-increasing megapixel count in digital cameras is a trend that continues to shape the landscape of photography. While higher megapixels offer the potential for greater detail and flexibility in post-processing, they also introduce new challenges and considerations for photographers.

Back in 2017, I received the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 for review. My experiences with this mirrorless MFT camera were positive. Now, six years later, Panasonic sent me the second version: the Lumix DC-G9 II. I used it under extreme weather conditions at the Opal Coast in France.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is here, and it has brought along some impressive updates and new features. How good is the flagship, the S24 Ultra? This excellent video review takes a look.

The 35mm lens is a staple in many photographers' kits, offering a versatile focal length ideal for a range of shooting scenarios. Its popularity stems from its ability to capture scenes with a natural perspective, making it essential for street, portrait, and everyday photography. This helpful video overview takes a deep look at the best options out there.

The complexity and abundance of features in modern cameras can be overwhelming, often detracting from the essence of capturing great images. This insightful video tackles the issue and the way these cameras influence our work.

At $249, the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro offers users a glimpse into a hidden world without a significant hit to their bank accounts. 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.

There are parameters within which a camera is supposed to work, and one extreme I had not tried with mine was the severe cold. So, I headed to Northern Finland, where I would experience temperatures I had never felt before. Here is what happened to my camera.

Understanding the nuances of C-stands is crucial for photographers seeking to work in a studio. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to ensure a safer, more efficient workflow.

There's nothing worse for a photographer than having their gear stolen. The question is, what can you do if you find your precious items being resold on eBay?

Mathieu Stern is one of the most well-known explorers of vintage and strange lenses, and his experiments yield some of the neatest images and devices out there.

OM Digital Solutions has announced an upgrade to their popular OM-1. The Mark II version has the same sensor and processor, but the development has concentrated on a much larger memory and buffer, improved dials, and a range of new features that will appeal especially to wildlife and landscape photographers.

While vintage camera styles evoke a sense of nostalgia, serious photographers demand more than just good looks in their equipment. It's essential that high-quality cameras also excel in functionality, adaptability, and cutting-edge features. This question is pertinent when considering the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera. Does its performance live up to its classic design? This detailed video review takes a look at what you can expect from the camera.

Landscape photography, with its sprawling vistas and majestic scenery, often captivates us with its beauty and challenge. However, delving into this genre requires careful consideration of the equipment you bring along. In this article, let’s explore the essential gear for landscape photography, emphasizing the principle that less is more. Contrary to the notion that a vast array of equipment is necessary for capturing stunning landscapes, we'll discuss how a minimalist approach can lead to more focused and rewarding experiences in the field. Let's look at the essentials.

Nikon is broadening their range of mirrorless lenses, moving beyond the standard varieties and venturing into more purpose-specific, professional-grade lenses. A prime example of this expansion is the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. Notably portable and competitively priced, this lens is worth a close look. This great video review does just that, showing the performance and image quality you can expect from the lens in use.

The truth is that tripods are always tedious to bring around when traveling, but for a lot of us, it is an absolute necessity. This new tripod from SmallRig offers a feature that goes beyond what the form factor shows.

Supertelephoto lenses offer immense utility, yet often come with a high price tag. For those ready to compromise on having a very wide maximum aperture, Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens presents much of that versatility but at a more accessible cost. This helpful video review explores the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Shooting in raw with your smartphone is a simple tweak that can significantly enhance your smartphone photography. We're diving into how this feature can improve the quality of your pictures, offering more detail and better color accuracy. It's a practical look at how this tech can upgrade your everyday shots.

Yongnuo was once known for making extremely affordable speedlights, and while they still do that, they have also moved into making lenses in recent years. One such example is the YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO for Fujifilm X Series cameras, which offers very impressive performance at a reasonable price, making it a great option for portrait and wedding photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the lens in practice.

The motorized cart wheel manufacturer has refreshed their line-up, making for a smarter offering.

While there has been a trend toward more portable laptops in recent years, some people still prefer as much horsepower and screen space as they can have on the go. For those users, the ASUS 18" Republic of Gamers Strix SCAR laptop offers a gigantic screen in tandem with some mightily impressive specs. This great video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it.

The 400mm focal length is highly favored among wildlife and sports photographers, with prices ranging from below $1,000 to well above $10,000, depending on the lens' image quality and the photographer's requirements. Nestled within this price spectrum is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S. This informative video review explores the lens, offering insights into its real-world performance and the kind of image quality it delivers.

Photography is an ever-evolving field, constantly influenced by technological advancements. One such innovation, the Light L16 camera, promised to redefine photography but ultimately failed to deliver. This interesting video takes a look at the device and where things went wrong.

Viltrox has recently gained recognition for its production of budget-friendly, high-quality lenses. Their PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens is a standout, offering a 40mm equivalent focal length and a wide maximum aperture for APS-C users, making it a versatile option for a wide range of needs and applications. This detailed video review explores the lens's performance and image quality in a variety of situations.

The new Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens is remarkably small and portable for what it offers, making it an intriguing option for macro and portrait work alike. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance image quality you can expect from it in usage.

With the amount of technological advancements that we’ve come to expect, or in some cases demand, from camera manufacturers, where can they go without simply making a camera that does everything for you? All manufacturers, of any worth, are continually enhancing the features of their cameras. Fujifilm is one of these manufacturers, with one of the highest pixel count APS-C sensors, and their range of affordable medium format cameras puts pressure on other manufacturers to keep up in some aspects

Deciding on the right camera to purchase can be an overwhelming task for many photographers, both amateur and professional. This video addresses this common dilemma, offering invaluable insights that go beyond the usual gear-focused discussions, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to make an informed camera purchase.

If you follow my TikTok or my YouTube shorts, you’ll know I have a thing for toy cameras. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few cool and quirky film cameras that I love to shoot with. When I saw earlier this year that Kenko had released a tiny toy digital camera, I had to try it. Before using it, I wondered if it could create unique images. After seeing the results, I'm left wondering: is this the worst camera ever made?

Hasselblad has introduced the 907X and CFV 100C. This innovative system is anchored by the CFV 100C digital back, a 100 MP marvel that transforms three distinct camera platforms, including the 907X, V System, and technical cameras, into high-resolution powerhouses.

Tilt-shift lenses offer unique capabilities, transforming images with unparalleled control over focus and composition. This is particularly vital for photographers who demand precision in architectural and landscape photography, where maintaining straight lines and selective focus is key. They're also fantastic creative tools. This helpful video will show you everything you need to get started with them.

Choosing the right camera is crucial to capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots in wildlife photography. For Nikon shooters, the Z8 and Z9 are excellent options, albeit with some notable differences. This helpful video review takes a look at both to help you choose the right one for your work.

Typically, medium format lenses have smaller aperture sizes compared to full frame lenses, making it uncommon to find one with an aperture wider than f/2. However, the Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR stands out in this regard, as explored in this detailed video review. The review takes a deep look at the lens' capabilities, highlighting its image quality and performance in real-world scenarios.

Some say it’s the best focal length. I certainly believe so. And while the options for an equivalent 35mm lens for Fujifilm cameras have been scarce, there are good ones out there. Does this one fit well? Does it stand out? Is it better than some Fujifilm offerings? I’d say it’s worth trying.

The Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens brings a remarkable combination of a wide range of focal lengths and large maximum apertures at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. This makes it a compelling choice for photographers specializing in weddings, events, sports, and portraits. But how does it hold up in real-world use? This detailed video review delves into the lens's performance and the quality of images it produces.

The 50mm f/1.8 lens, often dubbed the "nifty fifty," is a cornerstone in a photographer's growth, celebrated for its versatility and natural field of view. Its popularity stems from its ability to closely mimic the human eye's perspective, its wide aperture, and its affordable price. This fun video takes a look at three generations of Canon's nifty fifty lenses.

Just over two months ago, I traveled to the Isle of Mull in Scotland to review Exascend's 360 GB CFExpress Type A card, which I absolutely adored. I have now been sent the 1TB version of the card, which offers even more in performance, so last week I took a trip to a local hide to photograph Kingfishers. Let's see how I got on.

Photographic equipment, often perceived as the key to getting better shots, serves a more nuanced role in the creative process. Understanding this relationship between gear and creativity is not only essential for new photographers looking to evolve but also for those questioning the impact of their equipment on their work. This insightful video addresses the dilemma faced by many photographers: balancing the allure of new technology with the essence of creativity.

The transition from DSLR to mirrorless cameras was a significant shift in the photography world. For many photographers, particularly those heavily invested in DSLR lenses, the transition raised concerns about compatibility and the potential need for expensive new gear. Canon users need not worry, though, as there is a useful and affordable accessory that will make your life much easier.

Fujifilm users have had their options rather limited when it came to wide angle fast-aperture zooms. Well, the only option has been the fan-favorite but bulky XF 8-16mm f2/.8 R LM WR, but now, there’s a new kid on the block. How does it compete? Is it worth considering?

The Sony a9 III, boasting the world's first full frame global shutter sensor, is a groundbreaking advancement in photography, offering the unprecedented ability to capture 120 raw 24-megapixel full frame photos per second. This feature alone sets a new standard for photographers specializing in fast-paced fields like sports and wildlife, where missing a moment is not an option.

At just $149, the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility at an extremely affordable price, making it an intriguing option for a lot of users. 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.

Canon's flagship camera, the EOS R1, is assuredly coming this year, but little news has been seen about the camera. A recent specs leak makes it look like the camera is meant to blow Sony and Nikon out of the water.