Photography Gear

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way. 

Just starting your photography or filmmaking journey and unsure how to spend your limited funds on limitless gear options? Today, I’ll offer eight simple steps to hopefully help you get the best bang for your buck. 

This week, I was doing my usual renewal on my gear insurance policy, and I, once again, had a familiar refrain: Sweet Mary, I’ve spent a small fortune on gear.

I’ve always been curious about what the "Q" in the Leica Q stands for. After some use, I’ve come to a conclusion: it stands for "Questionable." 

When done well, A LONG EXPOSURE transforms ordinary scenes into something surreal. Smooth water, softened clouds, and simplified compositions give images a fine art feel. But dialing in the right exposure, balancing filters, and choosing the right settings require patience and experimentation. 

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, Sony is set to play a major role in capturing the spectacle with an extensive array of cameras and technology. 

As an official technology partner of the NFL, Sony will have over 240 cameras in and around the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, ensuring that fans worldwide get an unparalleled viewing experience.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens, introduced in 2012, has established itself as a classic in the realm of photography. Despite the advent of newer lenses with advanced features, this lens continues to captivate me with its unique character, exceptional image quality, and timeless design.

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible. 

When it comes to improving your portrait photography, having the right tools can make all the difference. The right gear can elevate the quality of your images, improve your workflow, and help you experiment with techniques that refine your craft and creativity. 

To make a great camera bag for photographers on outdoor adventures, this solution from Lowepro is not entirely a camera bag but a hiking backpack with seamless compatibility with modular camera inserts. This new sub-variant of the Lowepro Photosport backpacks is clearly for serious adventurers. 

Improving your portraits doesn’t always mean investing in expensive gear. Sometimes, a simple tool like a reflector can make a world of difference. Reflectors are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to use. 

Wide angle lenses used to be necessarily bigger and more expensive in the past. Yet, this affordable and compact option from Viltrox just makes sense. 

Old cameras hold more than just film; they carry stories, memories, and connections. This video uses one such camera to explore not only the results of shooting film after decades but also a deeply personal journey. It reminds you how photography, whether old or new, has the power to connect us to the past in unexpected ways. 

Wide angle prime lenses are favorites for their versatility, whether for street photography, environmental portraits, or everyday snapshots. The TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 lens offers a budget-friendly entry into this category, raising questions about how it holds up in terms of build quality, autofocus, and image performance. 

Having a versatile lens that adapts to multiple shooting scenarios can make your work simpler and more enjoyable. Whether you're capturing street scenes, portraits, or lifestyle shots, a lens that balances functionality with image quality is invaluable. 

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS lens stands out due to its apodization (APD) element, which creates exceptionally smooth bokeh. Here's how it performs in practice.  

Sigma has continued to enhance its reputation for crafting high-quality, affordable optics, and its new RF-mount lenses—the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary—are no exception.

Today, I’d like to take you along on a little thought experiment. If I were to get into a magical de-aging machine and be placed in a position to restart my career all over again in 2025, which camera might I choose to take me into battle? 

Ultra-wide zoom lenses are a staple for capturing expansive landscapes, tight interiors, and immersive vlogging footage. Canon’s RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM offers an affordable, lightweight, and versatile option for creators who want high performance without breaking the bank. 

There’s a lot of debate about whether high-end gear leads to better photographs. While modern cameras offer convenience and reliability, it’s worth questioning if they actually improve your artistic output or just make the process easier. 

Why would you need one? I wondered that a year ago, and now I’m obsessed with mist/diffusion filters. It happened when I started taking filmmaking seriously. I use very sharp modern lenses for my filming and photography and wasn’t happy with the crisp, sterile results I was getting. I wanted a more natural, organic feel.

Canon has introduced the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, a compact and versatile wide angle zoom lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. This lens caters to both professional and hobbyist creators, combining sharp optics, fast autofocus, and advanced stabilization systems to deliver exceptional performance in photo and video applications.  

It’s easy to feel nervous about the logistics of a corporate team shoot—what will the space be like? How do you light each person consistently? The reality is that the lighting in an office can be harsh and unflattering—overhead strip lighting is no one’s friend! And space can be really tight. So, I always bring some extra lighting in case we can’t use window light and some compact equipment.

Modern cameras have an interval option built in. Set an interval time and wait until you have enough footage for a timelapse video. However, with the right equipment, it is possible to take it to the next level. I reviewed the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, which might be the right tool for the job. 

Starting in photography can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with endless gear options. It’s easy to feel like you need the best of everything to take great photos, but that’s not true. The key is to focus on the essentials that will support your growth while skipping unnecessary expenses. 

About four months ago, I downgraded my phone. I went from what would be considered a more photography-oriented phone, the iPhone 14 Pro, to the less photo-feature-rich iPhone 13 Mini. I don’t miss the photography pieces of the phone at all, and I’ll bet you won’t either. 

Panasonic has unveiled four new 4K professional camcorders designed for high-quality video production, broadcasting, and live streaming The AG-CX20, HC-X2100, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 models combine 4K 60p 10-bit recording with advanced features in a compact and lightweight design, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from solo filmmakers to professional production teams 

While most camera bag manufacturers are focused on making the ideal carrying solutions for travelers, this transforming camera backpack from Manfrotto seems to have the working professionals in mind. 

Zhiyun has a wide range of gimbals to choose from, and the new offering is the Cinepeer Crane 4E. In this article, I put the gimbal through its paces and give my opinion as a first-time user. 

Investing in a high-end macro lens may not make sense if you only occasionally use it. Enter the Pergear 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro lens, which offers 2X magnification, full frame coverage, and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $260. But does this lens deliver the performance you need? 

The dream of having a gimbal that can auto-track your subject while leaving you free to focus on your own movement is finally a reality! I tested the new iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal by Hohem, and it's pretty remarkable. If this is the future of gimbals, we are in for a treat! 

Tilt-shift lenses are specialized tools for photography and even video, and you can imagine the functionality expanding further when it is also a macro lens. But what exactly can you do with such a lens that literally bends for you? 

Since the debut of its SL-System in 2015, Leica Camera AG has continually pushed the boundaries of professional innovation and has again done so with the new addition to the Leica SL range, the new 24 MP SL3-S. Designed for professionals who demand both precision and creativity, the SL3-S combines Leica’s cutting-edge technology with their signature craftsmanship. 

No camera is perfect, but for me, the Sony a9 III is pretty close. Unfortunately, there is one problem that's holding this camera back. 

Choosing between Canon’s EF and RF lenses can be confusing, especially if you’re transitioning to a mirrorless system. If you’re already using EF lenses with an adapter, you might wonder if upgrading to RF lenses is worth it.  

Landscape photographers put their gear through some very challenging environments, from rain to snow to freezing cold temperatures and more. Unique landscape conditions tend to happen in inclement weather, making challenging weather the time to be out. But just how tough is your camera? 

Superzoom lenses promise versatility and convenience. But is one lens enough to handle everything? The trade-offs between flexibility and image quality make this an interesting question, especially when you’re not shooting in professional environments. 

As you might be familiar with Insta360’s Flow Pro, the first smartphone gimbal that features Apple DockKit, they have now released a brand-new model, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which features a sleek design and even more advanced features.

The focus often stays on cameras, lenses, and gear directly tied to capturing images. But there are plenty of non-photography essentials that can make your work smoother and more efficient. These tools might not be designed with photography in mind, but they can become indispensable in your kit. 

Westcott has unveiled the FJ800 and FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobes, marking the latest additions to its FJ Wireless Flash System. These strobes are designed to provide professional photographers with advanced features for improved speed, flexibility, and precision in lighting setups.  

With its high-end build quality and impressive specs, the Leica Q3 43 promises a premium experience. But does it live up to the price tag? 

Neewer’s Q200 Outdoor Studio Flash is small enough to slip in my coat pocket, yet more powerful than my Speedlight. With its array of special features, it’s exactly what I have been looking for. 

Medium format lenses promise unparalleled image quality, but they also come with a steep price tag. The Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR, priced at $1,700, sits on the more affordable end of this spectrum. It offers a versatile wide angle focal length and a relatively lightweight design, but does it live up to expectations? 

Wildlife photography often demands a significant investment in gear, especially when choosing between two of the most versatile telephoto lenses: the 400mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Each has its strengths, but finding the right fit depends on your shooting style, subjects, and typical distances. 

There are so many times I've asked myself: If I were starting fresh, would I end up within the same system of gear that I'm using now? When I started photography, Sony wasn't even a player in the DSLR game, and so inertia has invariably led me to (mostly) Canon and Nikon over the years. But today's new photographers are spoiled for choice. Which way to go? 

Wedding photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear. The key is knowing what’s essential to deliver great results while staying focused on capturing the day. Simplifying your kit can help you stay present, especially if you’re just starting out. 

Whether you are new to photography, an experienced pro, or somewhere in between, we start configuring our cameras a certain way and then stop once we think we have it perfected. This can cause a photographer to miss some very helpful settings that can make them more efficient in the field. 

This camera backpack from Nomatic has been talked about by many photographers for its unique aesthetic. But is there more to this camera bag than that? 

In our never-ending search for the perfect camera, we often bandy around a common term to describe the ultimate in performance: flagship. But what really is a “flagship” camera? 

Lenses in the affordable range often make compromises, but the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II aims to strike a balance between price and performance. With a focal length equivalent to about 50mm on full frame, it offers a versatile standard view suitable for various shooting styles.