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.

The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload. 

How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.  

Preserving Your Memories: Epson FF-680W Photo Scanner Review

Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.  

Neewer PS099E: The Possibly Perfect Power Supply

As power bank batteries become ever more important for photographers, V-mount versions are essential for those shooting video. Among their arsenal of accessories, Neewer has one that hits the mark: the PS099E. 

Do You Really Need Expensive f/2.8 Lenses Anymore?

Professional lenses with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 lenses, have been a staple in photography for years. But with the advancements in software today, some might wonder: are these high-priced lenses still worth it, or can you rely on software to get the same results with cheaper gear?

Blackmagic Design Announces URSA Cine 17K 65 Large Format Digital Film Camera Pricing

At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, Blackmagic Design announced the pricing and availability of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, a new large format digital film camera. With a 65mm RGBW sensor and the ability to capture footage in resolutions up to 17K, the camera is aimed at high-end productions, promising exceptional image quality and workflow integration. 

Leica Introduces M11-D: A Blend of Analog Experience with Digital Precision

Leica has announced the release of the M11-D, a digital camera designed to offer an analog-like experience while incorporating modern digital technology. With its minimalist approach, the M11-D eliminates distractions like the rear display and Leica’s signature red logo, focusing on the pure essence of photography.

Sharp Yet Soft: Ricoh GRIIIX HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) Review

Since its initial release in 2019, the GRIIIx has been a popular addition to Ricoh's revered GR series. Sporting a fixed lens with an equivalent focal length of 40mm, it’s the ideal companion for photographers keen to get a little closer to the action than the GRIII’s 28mm lens. 

A Review of the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD Lens

The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD is designed to be your go-to lens for almost any situation. For those looking for a single lens to cover a wide variety of shooting scenarios, it promises a lot of flexibility. 

Real-World Portraits With the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens

The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens is an intriguing option for anyone considering adding a fast prime to their gear collection. It offers a mix of familiar features with some quirks that make it unique, all at a very reasonable price.  

How to Use Centralized Composition for Stronger Photos

Centralized composition might be an older technique, but it still offers one of the most powerful ways to create immediate impact in your images. If you’ve struggled with feeling like your subject gets lost in the frame or your composition seems unbalanced, this approach could be what you’re missing.  

Hasselblad Announces the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E Lens

Hasselblad has introduced its first ultra-wide angle zoom lens for the XCD series, the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E. This new lens expands the XCD system, offering photographers the flexibility to capture a variety of subjects, including landscapes, cityscapes, and architecture, with a broad field of view.

Tamron 28-300mm Review: Is This the Ultimate Travel Lens?

When looking for an all-in-one zoom lens, you want something versatile yet compact, capable of handling everything from wide angle shots to impressive telephoto captures. Lenses like the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD are designed for exactly that, offering flexibility without the need to constantly switch gear.

Unboxing a 43-Pound Mystery Box of Vintage Lenses

Imagine getting 43 pounds of vintage lenses shipped all the way from Japan—without knowing exactly what’s inside. It’s a bit like treasure hunting, except this time the treasure comes wrapped in bubble wrap and mystery.  

Aputure Launches STORM 1200x: A New Standard in Film Lighting

Aputure has introduced the STORM 1200x, a high-output, versatile point-source light designed for film and photography professionals. The STORM 1200x is the first product in Aputure's new STORM family, featuring a groundbreaking BLAIR light engine that significantly enhances white light quality across a wide color temperature range.

Canon Unveils the EOS C80: A 6K Full Frame Cinema Camera for Filmmakers

Canon has announced the new EOS C80, a 6K full frame cinema camera designed for filmmakers who need advanced features in a compact package. This new camera offers impressive capabilities including a back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, triple-base ISO, and advanced autofocus technology, making it a powerful option for both professional and enthusiast videographers. 

Sigma vs. Tamron vs. Canon: Which Zoom Lens Wins?

High-end zoom lenses can make a real difference in the quality of your images. If you’re considering lenses with both versatility and speed, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, and Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 are all worth looking at.  

Is the Tamron 50-400mm the Ultimate All-in-One Zoom?

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is an intriguing lens, especially if you want a versatile zoom that doesn’t break the bank. For portrait sessions, landscapes, and a bit of everything in between, it’s worth a look.  

Why the 85mm Lens is More Versatile Than You Think

You might have heard 85mm labeled as a “portrait lens” and dismissed it as too specialized or difficult to use. But if you’re willing to invest some time in it, the 85mm lens offers more versatility than it gets credit for. It’s not as flexible as wider lenses, but the results it delivers, especially with portraits, are distinctive. 

Wide and Bright: Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 Review for Canon APS-C

The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a wide angle zoom lens designed for APS-C cameras, and it’s now available for Canon RF mounts. This lens offers a bright maximum aperture and caters to those needing an ultra-wide field of view without sacrificing low-light capabilities. Here's what you can expect from it.  

Is the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 the Best All-in-One Lens for the Price?

If you need a lens that can cover a lot of ground without switching gear, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art might be what you’re looking for. With a constant f/2.8 aperture and a flexible focal range, it aims to be a one-lens solution for many types of shooting environments. 

Canon RF 50mm Showdown: Premium vs. Budget

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L lens is a powerhouse, offering exceptional image quality and features at a hefty price of around $2,000. On the other hand, the RF 50mm f/1.8, affectionately known as the "nifty fifty," costs just $200. With such a huge price difference, you might wonder: how much better is the premium lens compared to the budget-friendly option? 

Is the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD the Lens for You?

The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 offers an impressive zoom range, making it a solid option if you’re looking for a single lens that can cover a lot of ground. Its compact and lightweight design makes it an easy choice for everyday use. But like any all-in-one lens, it comes with trade-offs that are important to understand before making a decision. 

The EMEET SmartCam S800, Better Than Your Average Streaming Webcam

Since the pandemic, I have had an ever-growing demand for online courses and workshops via various streaming services such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Although I can use my relatively small mirrorless cameras for streaming, they are still too big to mount on my screens. So, a good-quality streaming webcam is the answer. 

My Review of the New Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

After more than six years, Sony has released a new version of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM. The lens is improved in every aspect and promises to deliver outstanding quality and results. I have been using this lens for weeks prior to its official announcement, resulting in this review. 

Shooting With the Hasselblad X2D: Is It Worth the Price?

Medium format photography is often out of reach for many, but the Hasselblad X2D is a tempting option for those ready to make the leap. Its sleek design and advanced features bring a new level of performance to high-end photography setups. 

Sigma Announces 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount

Sigma has announced the pricing and availability of the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens for the Canon RF Mount system. Originally launched in October 2023 for L mount, Sony E mount, and Fujifilm X Mount, the lens will now be available for Canon RF Mount users in late September 2024. 

What’s Your 'Everyday Carry' Camera?

As a photographer, it's very easy to get mired in G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) until suddenly, you're taking a full frame camera and a full complement of f/2.8 lenses out on even the simplest of day trips. It's probably time to start thinking about purchasing an "everyday carry." 

This YouTube Video Was Filmed on 35mm Film

A recent YouTube video was filmed entirely on 35mm film. Currently, this might be the only YouTube video that has ever been shot predominantly on film, and the look it produces is definitely interesting.

A YouTube channel called Stand-up Maths recently uploaded a video that was shot on 35mm film. The video itself goes into great detail explaining the different film formats.

Why Briese Neos Is a Game-Changer for Studio Photographers

Sometimes, there are images you want to create without knowing how you can create them. The imagination runs wild, while the technical abilities tell you no. One such image was created at Briese Studios with the new Briese Neos, a product of no limits and wild imagination. 

Why You Should Treat Your Zoom Lens Like a Prime

Using a zoom lens might seem straightforward, but there are a few strategies that can significantly improve your experience. This video covers essential tips that will help you get the most out of your zoom lens, turning it from a simple tool into a versatile extension of your creative vision. 

Five Fantastic Cameras for Both Stills and Video

To be fair, it is very hard not to find a camera that is great at both stills and video nowadays. But there are some that just excel one way or another. Let’s have a look at five different cameras, each from a different brand, to keep it nicely balanced. 

The Best Battery Powered Strobe You Can Buy

If you're in the market for a new, battery-powered strobe/flash, you've come to the right place. In this video/post we will compare the top 8 battery-powered monolights currently on the market.  

The Contenders 1. Neewer Q4 $379

2. Westcott FJ400 $599

3. Godox AD400 Pro $650

4. Godox AD600 Pro $799

5. Godox AD600 Pro II $899