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 Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master: A Lightweight Powerhouse

The Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master lens is one of the best in the company's lineup. The standout feature is its remarkably light weight. However, there's a lot more to the lens than that, and this great video review takes a look at what you can expect. 

Resurrecting My Abandoned Ricoh GR in Year 2024, Is It Worth My Effort?

Camera gear talk is probably something that we as photographers cannot resist often when we are discussing photography. Some cameras hold a special place in our hearts not just for their technical prowess but for the memories they carry. One such camera for me is the Ricoh GR. 

Sigma Shakes Up the Full Frame Game With Revolutionary 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art Lens

Sigma is known for making high-quality lenses, and they’ve just added another world’s first to their lineup: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens. This new full frame lens not only delivers a constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, but it also delivers incredible sharpness and clarity throughout, similar to a high-quality prime lens.

Mastering Headshot Photography With the Canon EOS R5 and RF 100mm Lens

Want to get great commercial, headshot photos using the Canon R5 and the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens? The following advice will help you produce the best professional headshots and show you how to interact with your clients for stunning, natural results. 

Are These Memory Cards Really Worth It? We Review the OWC’s Atlas Memory Card Line

OWC’s Atlas line of memory products, which includes SDXC, CFexpress Type A and B models, and high-performance readers, isn’t cheap. However, they promise leading performance and integration with their Innergize card management system. But can users really make use of all that performance? In this review, I’ll take a look at the ecosystem and test out all the features. 

We Review the Godox Lux Elf: A Great Value Flash for Beginners

If you’re thinking of buying your first flash, the Godox Lux Elf might just be the perfect choice. This new flash is easy to use and priced competitively. It’s compatible with a wide range of cameras, including Fujifilm, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, and even film cameras. 

Is a Medium Format Camera Right for You?

Medium format cameras offer unique advantages, but are they worth the investment? The photographer took the Fujifilm GFX 100 II to Iceland to see how it performs in real-world conditions.  

Is the Leica SL3 Worth the Investment? A Comprehensive Review

When it comes to high-end cameras, the Leica SL3 stands out due to its cutting-edge features and impressive build quality. This new flagship model from Leica aims to cater to professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of advanced technology and the classic Leica feel.  

How to Shoot While Tethered to Your iPhone or iPad

Shooting tethered can be useful for so many things, from having a better screen to view an image on, to being able to record what your camera sees for real behind-the-scenes footage. In this video, Jiggie Alejandrino shows you how he does it and how valuable it can be. 

Don’t Use a Variable Neutral Density Filter for Photography

If long exposures are preferred, there are limits to how far you can go unless you wait for darkness. The best alternative is a neutral density filter, which allows the desired long exposure at any time of day. Whatever you do, don’t use a variable neutral density filter for photography. 

The 13-Inch iPad Pro: A Viable Laptop Alternative?

The new 13-inch iPad Pro M4, paired with the Apple Magic Keyboard and the new Pencil Pro, offers a compelling package for users considering it as their primary computer. Priced at nearly $2,500, it prompts the question: Can the iPad Pro finally replace a traditional computer in 2024? 

Should You Buy Cheap Camera Gear?

Choosing the right gear can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available at varying price points. It's essential to consider whether to invest in expensive, well-known brands or to opt for more affordable alternatives.  

This Might Be the Best Lens That $80 Can Get You

You don’t really expect so much out of ridiculously cheap lenses. However, every once in a while, a budget lens comes along that may surprise you. This might be one of those lenses. 

Is the Panasonic S9 the Full Frame GM1 We Always Wanted?

I have spent much (digital) ink on how great a camera the Panasonic GM1 is, even in 2024. Someone at Panasonic must think so too, because the new S9 looks like it’s channeling big GM1 energy, and that’s an awesome thing. 

How the Sony RX100 Changed Compact Cameras

Compact cameras have been fighting for relevance in a market dominated by smartphones. One camera that made a significant impact is the Sony RX100. Why did it leave such a mark on the industry?  

Do This for Every Lens You Buy

Imagine heading to a photo shoot and noticing afterward that most images you took are partially out of focus. You are sure you set the focus right, and the depth of field in the photos is also sufficient. The problem might be a decentered lens.

Essential Canon Lenses for Astrophotography

Astrophotography presents unique challenges and opportunities, making the choice of lens critical. This helpful video will show you some of the best options for Canon users. 

The Lenovo Legion 7i Laptop: A Deep Dive Into Its Design and Capabilities

The Lenovo Legion 7i, touted as Lenovo's best-looking laptop, has garnered attention for its sleek design and performance capabilities. This model stands out with its white color and brushed aluminum edges, offering a premium feel that sets it apart from its predecessors in tandem with the power creatives demand. 

The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8: A Hidden Gem of a Lens

Wide angle prime lenses are a must-have for many photographers, offering a useful perspective for landscape, architectural, and even portrait photography. Finding a lens that delivers both quality and value can be challenging, but this lens seems to check all the right boxes. 

Exploring the Insane Fujica G690BL Camera

The Fujica G690BL, also known as the "Texas Leica," is a unique camera that has long intrigued many enthusiasts due to its blend of medium format quality and rangefinder ease of use.

Microsoft’s Qualcomm-Powered Laptops: A New Era for Windows Devices

Microsoft's recent refresh of its Surface line marks a significant shift in the laptop market with the introduction of new models powered by Qualcomm chips. These ARM-based processors promise efficiency and improved battery life, addressing a long-standing issue for Windows laptops. 

The Pergear 60mm Macro Reviewed: Is 2x Magnification for $200 Legit?

Truly affordable macro lenses, especially for hobbyists who are just starting out, are tough to find. The Pergear 60mm Macro lens promises magnification beyond the standard 1x reproduction ratio, but at just $200, can it really deliver usable results? In this hands-on review, I’ll test out this lens and take a detailed look at its performance. 

An In-Depth Review of Top Standard Zoom Lenses for Sony Cameras

Sony’s decision to open their full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras to third-party lens manufacturers has led to a thriving market with a variety of options. Among these, three standard zoom lenses stand out: the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art II, and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2.

A Review of the New Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II

A fast standard zoom lens can be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in a photographer's kit. Covering a popular zoom range and offering a wide maximum aperture, lenses like the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II are ideal for a variety of photographic applications.  

Rumored Specs About the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Emerge

It's going to be an exciting year for Canon fans, with the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 expected to be fully announced. And to hold you over until the EOS R5 Mark II is announced, here are some rumored specifications. 

The specs and features, reported by Canon Rumors, include:

If You Shoot Sony, You've Got To Try This Lens

Sigma has built a solid reputation for its commitment to innovation and excellence in its ever-increasing range of photography lenses. The Contemporary series offers a very high-quality glass and price-friendly option for all photographers.  

Budget Camera Shootout: Canon vs. Fuji for Portraits

Quite possibly the most basic gear you can get for shooting nice portraits is a 50mm lens on a crop body camera. This combination of fast prime and smaller sensor creates almost the ideal conditions for this type of photography. So, how do some of the options in the field stack up? 

Expanding Dynamic Range With Auto Exposure Bracketing

Expanding your camera’s dynamic range with Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) can drastically improve image quality. Human eyes can see a wider dynamic range than cameras, so we need to use techniques like AEB to capture more detail in high-contrast scenes. 

Sigma's Flagship Just Got Better With the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II

Sigma’s flagship lens is evolving with the new 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art for L-Mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless systems. Fully redesigned to take advantage of the latest technologies and improve image quality throughout the entire zoom range, the lens is lighter and smaller than its previous incarnation and boasts some serious features. 

Fujifilm Has Just Announced The GFX 100S II and We've Used It for a Week!

Fujifilm has just announced its sixth medium format mirrorless camera. The 102-megapixel GFX 100S II is a successor to the wildly popular, compact GFX 100S. Along with the body, Fujifilm has released the GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR, an incredibly long medium format telephoto perfect for wildlife! 

Our First Look at the New Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless APS-C Camera

Fujifilm has announced a couple of new products, one of which is the Fujifilm X-T50 mirrorless APS-C camera. It features the same 40-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor as the popular X100VI. The X-T50 is promised to be a game-changer for the professional and serious amateur photographer.