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.

Is It Time for Funtography? Re-Imagining Nintendo’s First Camera Effort

When I was growing up, Nintendo's Game Boy was all the rage. I never did quite understand the appeal then of its Game Boy Camera accessory, a camera that plugged into the cartridge slot to make .014-megapixel black and white images, but the accessory itself has become somewhat of a cult hit. 

Sigma’s New 300-600mm Lens Could Replace Your Prime

Sigma recently released the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens, and it has quickly gained attention for good reason. Professional sports and wildlife photography often demands top-tier lenses, usually prime optics around 600mm, but these come with steep price tags.

Essential and Rather Unique Filters: The 135 Series From PolarPro

A circular polarizer (CP) and a mist filter are two filters that, in my opinion, everyone should own. And PolarPro makes some lovely CP and mist filters. I’ve been using their CP for the past couple of years. From travel photography to tabletop food photography in the studio, it’s a great filter.

Ocean Photographer on a Budget? Get the Joby Sea Pal

As a travel photographer who has spent years chasing waves across the globe, finding the right water housing has always been a challenge. I’ve lugged around massive setups like AquaTech’s housings, which offer great protection but take up a ridiculous amount of space and weight in my bag.

Compact and Capable: A Review of the Canon EOS R50 V

Canon's EOS R50 V mirrorless camera targets video creators who prioritize compact designs with interchangeable lenses. For anyone looking to enhance video quality and flexibility, this camera offers features designed specifically to address common challenges faced when filming. 

A Look at the New Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens

Canon's latest addition to its lens lineup, the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM lens, is designed specifically with both video and photo creators in mind. With a notably wide focal length and impressive low-light capabilities, it's worth a look. 

Canon Announces Videocentric PowerShot V1

Canon has unveiled a new ultraportable camera in its lineup: the PowerShot V1. 

I remember when I was just starting out, I used to carry my camera everywhere. Like, everywhere. To the park, to the ballgame, to the afterparty… on a date. Again, I apologize for that, Jessica.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Just Got a Lot Better

Insta360 has introduced a new set of accessories designed to enhance the Ace Pro 2. If you already own this 8K AI-powered action camera, the Xplorer Bundle offers an upgraded shooting experience. Featuring a dark gray Xplorer Grip Kit, co-developed with Tilta, this bundle is optimized for street photography, travel, and urban exploration.

Auto ISO: How Much Control Are You Giving Up?

Auto ISO is often misunderstood—especially when photographers claim they're shooting in manual while still using auto ISO. Understanding this difference affects the level of control you have over your images and the creative choices you're making behind the camera. 

Canon vs. Sony: Which Has the Better Stabilization?

Camera stabilization directly affects the quality of handheld video footage and images, especially when using telephoto lenses. For videographers and photographers who rely heavily on shooting without a tripod, the effectiveness of built-in camera stabilization is essential. 

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4: Powerful Wide Angle Performance

Canon has released their new RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM lens, a wide angle prime lens designed specifically for the mirrorless EOS R system. For photographers who appreciate dramatic, wide perspectives and low-light shooting capabilities, this is an exciting lens worth your attention. 

How to Use a Variable ND Filter for Photography

VND filters don’t work the same way as typical ND filters, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used for photography and long exposure. Let’s take a deep dive into how they work and how you can use them. 

The Godox V100 Flash: Upgraded Features Worth Your Attention

The Godox V100 is here, and it's making waves with a noticeable leap in build quality and usability. For anyone regularly relying on flash photography, finding the right gear that balances power, consistency, and reliability is crucial, and the V100 could be just what you need. 

The Creative Benefits of Shooting With a Single Lens

Using a single prime lens challenges your usual shooting habits and pushes your creativity in unexpected directions. By stripping away excess gear, you're forced into thinking differently about composition and approach, making this minimalist method uniquely valuable. 

The Misguided Quest for Perfect Camera Settings

Camera settings and lighting adjustments dominate many photography conversations, but obsessing over these details might actually limit your growth as a photographer. Fixating on exact camera or lighting settings from someone else's work won't replicate their results and can distract you from developing your own instincts and creative style. 

Shutter Priority Mode Explained Clearly

Shutter priority mode helps you capture sharp, clear images instead of blurry ones by letting you prioritize shutter speed over other settings. 

Is This the Camera of the Future?

I’ve long complained about the usability and connectivity of cameras, and while the big manufacturers seem happy to keep punishing us with shoddy interfaces and annoying memory cards, an upstart has shown us a vision of the future. 

We Got Our Hands on the Beautiful New Fujifilm GFX100RF and Loved It!

Fujifilm has just announced its smallest and lightest medium format camera yet, the GFX100RF, in the heart of Prague, and we couldn’t miss it. What are our first impressions? Does it hold up to expectations? Or does it exceed them? In short, yes. But you’re not here for the short version, are you 

Just How Impractical Is Sigma’s Bizarre New Camera?

Sigma took the photo world by surprise a few weeks ago at the CP+ trade show in Japan by unveiling its latest creation: a minimalist camera that barely has any dials or buttons. Given the bold design, just how well does it cope with everyday use? 

500 Days With the Leica M11: Worth the Price?

The Leica M11 is an intriguing camera that's received a mix of admiration and critique, especially among those who appreciate the simplicity and manual control the brand is known for. Is it worth the premium price?  

Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8: Nikon's New Portrait Powerhouse

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB Z Lens aims to provide Nikon Z mount users with exceptional portrait capabilities, balancing sharpness and striking background separation, all at an incredibly low price. Here's a look at how it performs. 

How the Canon RF 16-28mm Compares to the 15-35mm

A compact, lightweight wide angle zoom can change the way you shoot landscapes, travel, and even video. The Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 offers a versatile range while keeping things small and manageable. But does it hold up against Canon’s more expensive L series options? 

I Sold My $4,000 Sony Camera for an a6700: Here’s Why

As a professional travel photographer, I’ve shot around the world with some of the best gear Sony has to offer, including the Sony a7R V and top-tier G Master lenses. But after years of carrying heavy full-frame setups and investing thousands into the latest gear, I made a decision that might seem crazy to some: I sold it all and switched to the Sony a6700, a crop-sensor camera. 

Liene PixCut S1 Review: A New Way To Print and Share Your Images?

If you’ve wanted a creative way to easily share snippets of your photography, you might’ve considered making or ordering stickers. Actually making custom stickers and labels requires juggling multiple machines—a more complex process compared to just printing photos at home.

Cameras You Didn't Choose and the Images You Missed

The cameras you choose—and those you decide to skip—shape the kind of photographer you become. Every camera you pick up nudges you in a certain direction, subtly guiding the images you create and the style you adopt. 

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 1000: An Expandable Power Station for On-Location Shoots

For content creators, working on location often comes with an unpredictable challenge: where to get power. Whether you’re in the middle of a remote landscape, shooting an all-day event, or simply trying to keep your gear running without hunting for a plug, a portable power station can be a game-changer.

The Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 Review: Compact Medium Format Performance

When you step up to medium format photography, lens choice quickly becomes a serious conversation about balancing performance, portability, and cost. The Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR attempts to strike that balance—offering a relatively compact form factor and promising image quality at a lower price point than other Fuji G-mount lenses. 

Why Putting Off Buying Your Camera Gear Might Be a Bad Idea

While trade tariffs may seem appealing to nationalists, in the long term, a trade war will damage the economies of all countries. Here are the main reasons photographers in America and around the world might not welcome them and why you might consider buying camera gear now.

 

Canon’s Sharpest 70-200mm Lens Yet

The new Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens is designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless EOS R cameras, promising improved optics and advanced video features. Here's a look at just how special it is. 

We Review the Slimmest Fujifilm Autofocus Lens: The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5

After making headlines for producing one of the slimmest full frame mirrorless autofocus lenses last year, Viltrox has made a bold move by making it available for the Fujifilm X-mount as well to fill a market gap. Introducing the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Fujifilm X-Mount, also known as a “chip” lens, resembling a potato chip—a reference to how thin the lens is.

Back Button Focus: Still Necessary or Outdated?

Back button focus was once the default choice for photographers shooting fast-moving subjects, but advanced subject detection technology has some questioning its relevance today. Is it still useful? 

Nikon’s New 35mm f/1.2: Worth the Price?

The right 35mm lens can elevate your photography by blending wide angle versatility with striking depth-of-field control. Here's a look at Nikon's best.  

Adidas SP0101: Solid Sunglasses for Active Photographers on the Go

As a professional photographer and newsprint journalist, I’m constantly searching for gear that enhances my work—and that includes more than just cameras and lenses. Sunglasses play a surprisingly important role in my day-to-day shooting, and I’ve found the Adidas SP0101 to be an excellent choice for active photographers.

Review of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

After four years, Canon released the EOS R5 Mark II. The second iteration of the successful EOS R5 has received many upgrades. Is it enough for existing EOS R5 owners to make the jump to this newer model? Being such a photographer, I had a look. 

The Sexy OM-3: So Much More Than a Body to Die For

I recently wrote a review of the new OM-3 camera and said I would write more about its technical aspects. Here is a deeper dive into what it can do because there is so much more to it than its sleek body.