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.

Why Telephoto Lenses Can Improve Your Landscape Photography

Wide angle lenses dominate landscape photography, but they aren’t the only option. Telephoto lenses offer a different perspective, bringing compression, depth, and new composition possibilities. They let you isolate details, enhance layers, and create a more immersive feel in vast environments. 

The Best Standard Zoom Lens for Fuji X Mount

Not all standard zoom lenses are created equal, even when they cover similar focal ranges. Fuji has refreshed its lineup with two new lenses, while Sigma’s popular budget-friendly option remains in the mix. Whether you need the best sharpness, the fastest autofocus, or the most compact option, here's a good guide to what's best for your needs. 

Tamron Patent Points to Exciting New Lens

Tamron may be eyeing an ambitious new lens: a 200–800mm ultra-telephoto zoom for mirrorless cameras. A recently published patent in Japan reveals optical designs for a Tamron 200-800mm f/6.7 lens, as well as a companion 200-600mm f/5.6 design​.  

This Budget Camera Is So Bad, It’s Almost Impressive

The Andoer 18-megapixel digital camera is one of the cheapest cameras you can buy on Amazon, but is it even worth the 23 bucks? If you've ever wondered just how bad a budget camera can get—or if there’s any way to make it work—you’re in for a ride. 

Canon Just Came Up With a Weird Idea for Lighter Lenses

Canon is looking into resin (plastic) lens elements as a way to make professional camera lenses lighter, according to a newly uncovered patent. The patent outlines designs for zoom lenses that use plastic optical elements to cut down on weight, potentially revolutionizing the build of heavy telephoto lenses.  

Shifting From Photographer To Videographer: Where Do You Start?

You’ve been a photographer for many years, and you’re curious about making videos. After all, your camera likely has some amazing video capabilities. But moving to video is daunting; there’s so much more involved than still photography. Here are a few thoughts to help you get started. 

Is Micro Four Thirds Still Worth It in 2025?

Some cameras are built for power, others for portability. Micro Four Thirds cameras aim to balance both, offering a lightweight system without sacrificing performance. But with full frame cameras becoming more affordable and APS-C sensors improving, is Micro Four Thirds still worth it? 

Which Canon Supertelephoto Zoom Lens Is Right for You?

Choosing the right telephoto zoom lens can be a challenge, especially when balancing price, performance, and usability. If you're considering a Canon lens in the 100-500mm range, you have multiple options, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. Knowing which one best suits your needs is crucial. 

10 Controversial Camera Brand Opinions (And Why I'm Right)

These opinions might ruffle feathers, but they're rooted in years of shooting, testing, and loving cameras of all shapes and sizes. From color science to craftsmanship, lens lore to mirrorless revolutions – nothing is off-limits. Disagree? Good. Fight me. 

The Rare Canon Lens You’ve Never Heard Of

Canon has released many legendary lenses over the years, but some models remain obscure. One of the rarest is the EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5 L, an autofocus L-series lens from 1988. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s so rare that even finding information on it can be difficult, but that makes testing one all the more interesting. 

Why Won’t Sony, Nikon or Canon Make This Camera?

Given that finding a Fuji X100VI is ultra rare and the Leica Q3 is reserved only for those with very deep pockets, surely there’s a gap in the market. None of the big three manufacturers seems interested, but why not? 

Fujifilm’s New 16-55mm Lens: Lighter, Faster, Better?

Fujifilm’s XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens updates one of the most popular zoom lenses in the X-mount lineup. With its versatile focal range, constant f/2.8 aperture, and improved design, it’s built for those who need flexibility without sacrificing image quality. The big question: is it worth upgrading if you already own the original? 

Turning a Kid’s Camera Into a Unique Shooting Experience

A tiny digital camera made for kids has unexpectedly become a hit with adults who want a simple, screen-free shooting experience. But what if it could be more than just a toy? One creator decided to take this little camera and push it to its limits, transforming it into something completely different—and way more fun. 

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM: Worth the Price?

Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens is an intriguing option for anyone invested in the RF system, especially those who shoot both photos and video. It brings some unique features, a high-quality build, and Canon’s latest autofocus technology. But with a price tag of $1,500, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. 

My First Experience Using Hasselblad (X2D Review)

I've never had the highest opinion of Hasselblad. 10-15 years ago I saw two of them completely fail on set. I saw them struggle with autofocus even in a bright environment. I've seen my cheap DSLR take better-looking images in low light.   When Hasselblad reached out and offered to send me the X2D 100C for review, I was skeptical.

How This Budget 135mm Lens Stacks Up Against the Big Brands

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a budget-friendly telephoto prime that competes with much more expensive options from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s part of Viltrox’s LAB series, which aims to push optical performance to new heights without costing a ton.  

Is the Fuji GFX 100S the Best Medium Format Camera for the Price?

A camera’s real value isn’t just in specs—it’s in how it fits your work. High-resolution sensors, dynamic range, and autofocus systems matter, but usability, workflow, and price matter just as much. The best camera for you isn’t always the latest model; it’s the one that balances performance and practicality. 

Polarpro’s New Products To Help You Get To Grips With Your Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 Series

If you own a Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 series camera, you’ll fit into one of two camps: those who love the simple, old-school design of the cameras and are happy to use them as is, or those who don’t like the lack of grip. Up until now, there have been very few options to help those wanting a more comfortable solution when holding their little retro-styled cameras.

A Fabulous New Camera Enters the Arena: Welcome the New OM-3

OM System just announced their new camera and a raft of new lens versions. The new camera is an exciting addition to their stable and will be aimed at a completely different type of photographer. Street and urban wildlife photographers and photographic artists, check out the OM-3. 

Sony Expands Creators’ Cloud With Direct Uploads to Google Drive and Adobe Lightroom

Sony has announced an update to its Creators’ Cloud platform, bringing new features to its Creators’ App. The latest version, 2.6.0, allows users to automatically transfer images and videos directly from select Sony cameras to Google Drive or Adobe Lightroom, simplifying cloud-based workflows for photographers and videographers. 

Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Review: The Best Kit Lens Ever?

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations. 

Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad: Which One Is Best?

There aren’t many photographers who own all three cameras, so this isn’t a side-by-side comparison you’ll see too often. Forget the megapixels for a moment and find out which of these three heavyweight cameras gives the most pleasing results. 

There Are Two Big Problems With the Leica M11

For many photographers, owning a Leica is a dream, and perhaps the most desired model right now is the M11. However, this camera comes with some notable issues, as this video finds out. 

Canon’s 100-300mm f/2.8: Is This Zoom a Prime Killer?

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it. 

Why Camera Snobs Hate Smartphones (and Why They’re Wrong)

Smartphones have come a long way as imaging tools, yet some still argue they aren’t “real” cameras. Traditionalists insist that only dedicated cameras count. But the reality is, smartphones are fully capable imaging devices, and dismissing them is more about personal bias than technical limitations. 

The Real Reason News and Sports Use These Special Cameras

Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections. 

Discover the Cosmos: We Review the Incredibly Fun Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope

When Dwarflab announced the development of the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, I could not contain my excitement. I thoroughly enjoy astrophotography. For me, that has been limited to subjects like the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis. Deep Space photography and solar imagery have always been a dream of mine, but the learning curve and costs can be extraordinary.

Maximize the Sharpness of Your Lenses

Sharpness and image quality are always top of mind for photographers. How do we get the best quality image from the lenses we purchase? Whether the lens is a budget lens or a premium lens, there are always ways we can work to the lens's strengths. Learn how to maximize the capability of your lenses. 

In-Depth Review of Haida NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 Filter

Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.