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.

Sony a1 II: A Sports and Video Powerhouse

Flagship cameras are all about pushing limits, and the Sony a1 II builds on its predecessor with subtle but impactful upgrades. From sports to wildlife to weddings, this full frame powerhouse is designed to handle nearly anything.  

Godox AD200Pro II Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Portable flash units that balance power with versatility are valuable tools for creative lighting setups. The Godox AD200Pro II TTL Pocket Flash builds on its predecessor’s success with thoughtful upgrades, including better cooling, enhanced modeling lights, and improved usability. 

Standing Out In The Crowd: ColorCase's Pelican Cases

I see it all the time. There are places in the world where photographers flock. This usually results in about a dozen black hard cases spinning their way around the luggage carousel. This gives every photographer in the arrivals lounge a chance to pick up every case and inspect it. Telling one Pelican from another is a fool's game.

Vivo X200 Series: Smaller Sensors, Bigger Performance

Vivo has launched its latest flagship smartphones, the X200 and X200 Pro, to the global market. The most notable change is that Vivo has used a smaller camera sensor this year compared to the X100 Pro models. 

Is the Huion Kamvas Pro 27 the Ultimate Tool for Digital Artists?

As creatives, we rely on our tools not just to keep up with our ideas but to enhance and streamline the creative process. The Huion Kamvas Pro 27 aims to be that kind of tool—a professional pen display that blends cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design catering to professionals across various disciplines.

48 Hours in Bali: A One-Lens Photography Challenge

Join photographer Laura BC as she embarks on a 48-hour photography challenge in Bali, testing the limits of her Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II lens. Known for her creative challenges, Laura takes this single-lens approach to showcase how limiting your gear can unlock new levels of creativity. 

Why I Needed to Pimp My Gear Cart: LaVa Cart Moti Review

Being mostly a studio photographer, I work as much with my camera as I do with the camera trolley. I have an excellent camera, but my trolley was always lacking a bunch of pro features. While investing in a new cart was never an option, upgrading my current one seemed like the way forward. I looked into the LaVa cart system to see if it was able to pimp my cart. 

Why I Still Prefer the Optical Viewfinder Over the Electronic Viewfinder

In an era where electronic viewfinders have dominated most mirrorless cameras, it may seem old-fashioned to still use a DSLR camera with an optical viewfinder. Yet, as someone who has spent more than a decade behind the lens, constantly switching between mirrorless and DSLR, I still find myself drawn to the simplicity and authenticity of the optical viewfinder.  

Why the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Is a Must-Have for Portraits

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is a highly anticipated update to one of Sony’s most respected portrait lenses. The latest version promises improvements in build, autofocus performance, and image quality, making it worth a closer look. 

An Affordable Alternative to Expensive 35mm Film Cameras

When it comes to budget-friendly 35mm film cameras, the Canon AE-1 and Pentax K1000 often top recommendations. However, these options can be surprisingly expensive, especially for beginners. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Praktica MTL5B is a compelling choice. 

Leica M11-D: A Love Letter to Analog

Photography has always been about capturing moments, but with the Leica M11-D, it’s also about rediscovering the art of simplicity. Leica’s M-series cameras are widely known for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, and the M11-D takes this philosophy a step further.  

Artra Lab NOCTY-NONIKKOR 50mm f/1.2: A Retro-Inspired Manual Lens for Bokeh Lovers

Manual focus lenses are seeing a resurgence, combining vintage aesthetics with modern optical designs. The Artra Lab NOCTY-NONIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 fits into this trend, delivering a fully manual experience while embracing the style and charm of classic lenses. With a fast f/1.2 aperture and all-metal build, it promises to appeal to those who value craftsmanship and creative control. 

The Hasselblad 907X: A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Performance

The Hasselblad 907X with its CFV II digital back combines retro aesthetics with cutting-edge features, making it a dream for many photography enthusiasts. With a modular design and a 100-megapixel medium format sensor, it offers a unique shooting experience that stands apart from most modern cameras.

Stop Avoiding High ISO and Start Using It to Your Advantage

You’ve probably heard the advice to always shoot at the lowest ISO possible. While this might seem like solid advice, sticking to it rigidly can be one of the biggest reasons your photos don’t turn out as expected.  

2024’s Top Laptops

With 2024 coming to a close, now is the perfect time to explore the best laptops of the year. Whether you’re looking for a reliable everyday machine or a powerhouse for creative work, the right choice depends on your needs and budget. 

Terramaster F8 Plus SSD NAS: The Future of Affordable Storage?

I’ve always been interested in setting up my very own NAS server. There are many uses and advantages of a dedicated NAS server as opposed to standalone hard drives. A NAS is not a cheap investment, but TerraMaster aims to change that with their new F8 Plus SSD NAS. 

Full Frame vs. Micro Four Thirds: A Practical Landscape Comparison

Choosing the right camera for landscape photography often comes down to balancing image quality, portability, and usability. Full frame and Micro Four Thirds systems both have their strengths, but how do they hold up in real-world shooting conditions? This comparison puts two Panasonic cameras—a 47-megapixel S1R and a 20-megapixel GX9—through their paces to see how they fare. 

Is the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 the Budget Portrait Lens You Need?

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 has been turning heads for being such an affordable full frame autofocus portrait lens. With a sub-$500 early bird price and an included filter set, it’s positioned as a budget-friendly option for those looking for versatility without breaking the bank. 

Packing Your Camera Bag: 8 Bits of Gear to Help Get Great Photos

Whenever I pack my camera bag at the last minute for a shoot, I inevitably forget something. Whether that's a specific lens or sometimes even batteries or a memory card, it's always best to prepare. This video from Canadian photographer Justin Laurens shows you how to do just that. 

Is This the Best Budget Portrait Lens?

Whether you’re looking for sharpness, smooth bokeh, or reliable autofocus, the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 competes well with much more expensive lenses. 

Prime vs. Zoom Lenses: How Much Does Image Quality Really Differ?

The debate between prime and zoom lenses is a common one. Prime lenses offer fixed focal lengths and are prized for sharpness and contrast, while zoom lenses provide versatility and convenience at the expense of some image quality. The real question is: how noticeable is the difference in real-world use? 

Compact, Versatile, and Sturdy: A Closer Look at K&F’s Mini Tripod

Macro and detail-focused photography often requires equipment that lets you get low to the ground while maintaining stability. The K&F Concept Mini Desktop Tripod aims to provide portability, flexibility, and durability for photographers seeking precise framing in challenging setups. 

Laowa Releases Macro Sword Full Frame Cine Series Lenses

Today, Laowa has introduced a new line of cinema lenses to the cinematography market. And these have a major perk: macro capabilities. 

Picking the perfect lens has always been the most important part of any film project. Are you picking for clarity or character? Are you going anamorphic or spherical? What is your subject, and what is the correct tool to capture the action?

Profoto Announces the Pro-B3: A Portable Powerhouse for On-Location Photography

Profoto has introduced the Pro-B3, a 750 Ws battery-powered flash aimed at professional photographers who often work in demanding outdoor environments. With rugged construction and high-performance features, the Pro-B3 is designed to meet the needs of action and extreme sports photographers seeking reliability and creative freedom. 

A Review of the Unique Leica Q3 43 Camera

The Leica Q3 43 stands out as a premium fixed-lens camera designed for enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize quality over versatility. With a 43mm f/2 lens and Leica’s impeccable craftsmanship, it offers an appealing combination of functionality and elegance. 

WANDRD's Bags and Accessories for Photographers and Travelers

If you're like me, you have a lot of camera bags: some you use all the time and some, well, let's just say they are collecting dust. As my needs evolve and I travel more, I want versatile bags that can adjust and keep up. I find myself reaching for my WANDRD camera bags. So, let's deep dive into some of their popular bags and accessories for photographers and travelers.

How Zoom Lenses Are Closing the Gap with Primes

The debate over prime and zoom lenses has been going on for years. For a long time, it was simple: prime lenses offered superior image quality, while zoom lenses provided versatility. But technology has changed, and the old rules no longer apply. If you’re choosing between these two types of lenses, there’s more to consider than the traditional trade-offs. 

The Use of Vintage Lenses Can Stimulate Creativity

Photography is not just a method to document the world around us—it is also a means of expressing creativity. Achieving this creative expression, however, can be more challenging than expected. Perhaps the use of vintage lenses can stimulate the creativity of the photographer. 

Stop Wasting Money on Landscape Photography: 2025 Gear Guide

What if I told you that all you really need to start—or even succeed—at landscape photography is incredibly little? It might be hard to believe, considering the most popular photography content is centered around cameras, lenses, and gear.

Be Efficient, Buy Used

We, as photographers, are very often gear geeks. There’s no shame in it. We drool over the latest and greatest the camera industry has to offer and dream of owning the ultimate gear setup that will, of course, undoubtedly help us ascend to new heights of photography. But we truly do not need to. 

Tips for Faster and More Accurate Manual Focusing

Using manual focus lenses can feel like a lost art in today’s autofocus-driven world, but they offer unique advantages and opportunities to improve your skills. Whether you're exploring vintage equipment or trying out modern manual options, understanding how to use these lenses effectively can open up creative possibilities. 

A Budget-Friendly Contender in the World of Portrait Primes

The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 lens brings an exciting option to the table for anyone interested in fast portrait primes. With its combination of premium features, robust build, and an approachable price tag, it challenges the dominance of established brands without breaking the bank.  

Affordable Macro Excellence: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Review

Macro photography opens up a world of detail, from intricate textures to tiny subjects that escape the naked eye. The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro aims to provide stunning image quality for those close-up shots while remaining affordable compared to other options on the market. 

Education, Software, and Gear at Big Discounts

Ready to turn your passion into profit? This Black Friday, take your photography to the next level with The Well-Rounded Photograper, our most comprehensive tutorial that features eight top instructors teaching eight genres, all for only $49. Plus, take a look at some other incredible deals happening between now and Cyber Monday. 

 

Why Every Photographer Should Own an Old DSLR

Old DSLRs might seem outdated, but they still have a lot to offer. If you’re just starting out or looking for a way to refresh your photography, picking up one of these affordable, chunky cameras can be a great decision. 

Is This the Most Comfortable Backpacking Camera Bag?

When it comes to camera bags for landscape photography, several vital components are needed to ensure they perform as expected. Will this Fernweh 50L bag from WANDRD tick all the necessary boxes? In this review, we will find out! 

Is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM the Ideal Mid-Range Zoom?

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens is a compact, versatile zoom lens designed for Canon's full frame mirrorless cameras. With a constant f/2.8 aperture, it provides better performance in low light, greater subject separation, and a more professional feel than Canon's basic kit lenses.

Portable Flash Diffusers: What Works and What Doesn’t

Creating flattering light with a portable flash can be tricky, especially when you’re on the move and don’t have room for bulky equipment. Whether you’re shooting at a wedding or just want a low-profile setup, finding the right diffuser to soften light without sacrificing portability is key.