Recent Gear Articles

The Great Debate: Why Gear Doesn't Make You a Better Photographer

In the modern world of photography, it's easy to be lured into the belief that owning the latest and most expensive gear will automatically elevate your skills as a photographer. However, the truth is far from this misconception. While high-quality equipment can undoubtedly enhance certain aspects of your photography, it is essential to understand that gear alone does not make you a better photographer. In this article, let's delve into the reasons why true photographic prowess lies in the photographer's skill, creativity, and vision rather than the equipment they possess.

The Great Debate: Why Gear Does Make You a Better Photographer

In the world of photography, the debate over whether gear truly impacts the quality of a photographer's work has been going for years. Some argue that it is the photographer's skill and vision that matter most, while others firmly believe that having the right gear can significantly elevate one's abilities. This article aims to shed light on the argument that gear does make you a better photographer, by exploring how advanced equipment empowers photographers, enhances creative possibilities, and enables the pursuit of excellence.

How to Avoid Dust Spots in Your Images

Landscape photography offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking scenes and create stunning images. However, one common issue that can plague your landscape photographs is the presence of dust spots. These pesky little specks can appear on your images and distract the viewer's attention from the beauty of the scene. In this article, we will explore several effective techniques to help you avoid dust spots in your landscape images and maintain the integrity of your photographs.

Sirui Saturn 35mm: Anamorphic Lens on a Budget

Anamorphic lenses are becoming more attainable and that's exciting for many of us film nerds who have yearned for one for some time. In this video, Todd Dominey takes one of these new budget anamorphic lenses and puts it through its paces.
A Review of the New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

With an array of flagship features and a gigantic folding display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks like the sort of powerhouse phone that creatives who want to do serious work on the go crave. With an improved hinge, brighter display, and faster processor, should you place your preorder? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect.

The Pillar of Stability: The Importance of Choosing the Right Tripod for Photography

In the world of photography, capturing the perfect shot often requires meticulous attention to detail. From adjusting camera settings to framing the subject just right, photographers invest significant effort in creating stunning visuals. However, amidst all the technicalities, there is one often overlooked but indispensable tool that can make or break the outcome of a photograph: the tripod.

Your Guide to All of Canon's APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Canon has filled out their APS-C mirrorless line quite nicely with an array of models that offer everything from highly affordable options to professional-level models capable of tackling just about anything you can throw at them. So, which model is right for your budget and needs? This helpful video gives an overview of every option to help you choose.

Our Long-Term Review of the Shimoda Action X50 Backpack

After thorough consideration, I made the decision to purchase the Shimoda Action X50 backpack a few years ago as my primary backpack for photography travels. Now, after several years of use, I want to reflect on its performance. Is it worth the investment? Let's find out.

We Review the New Sony a6700 Mirrorless APS-C Camera

After four years, Sony finally released this new APS-C camera. This is the a6700 with a completely new design. It features the new A.I. engine for identifying and tracking subjects. Unfortunately, Sony forgot to make a few other improvements.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Lens

Superzoom lenses offer the ultimate level of convenience, replacing several other lenses and allowing a photographer to travel lighter and work faster. For Nikon mirrorless shooters, there is the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from the lens in real-world use.

Hack a GoPro Into a Multi-Lens Camera

If your dream camera doesn't exist, it might be time to craft one yourself. Here's how to hack a GoPro into a multi-use camera.

Here Comes Another Extreme Canon Lens

Canon has taken advantage of the additional capabilities offered by the RF mirrorless mount, creating a variety of highly capable lenses that push the boundaries of lens design. It looks like they have no intentions of slowing down, with yet another high-level professional lens likely on the way soon.

Spherical Versus Anamorphic Lenses: Which Is Better?

You may be familiar with the term anamorphic lens, but what is the difference between them and spherical lenses? Which is better for videography? Here is a comprehensive comparison of a wide array of both!
Canon Patents More Interesting Lenses

Canon has produced some incredible RF mount lenses thus far, and they have shown they have no plans of slowing down. A new set of patents have emerged, and they show quite a versatile lens in the works.

Viltrox Does It Again on the Z Mount: We Review the 75mm f/1.2 Lens

Viltrox has gained a reputation for creating high-quality prime lenses for different lens mounts. Allowing for accessibility to everyone due to a very affordable price bracket, these lenses are sharp, robust, and fast and Viltrox is very rapidly establishing itself as a top contender in the 3rd party lens market.

A Review of the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens

The Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is an absolutely tiny lens, making it an intriguing option for anyone who wants a nice walkaround setup that will not break their back or bank account. How does it hold up in practice? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from it in use.

Natural Light Boudoir Photographer Tries Artificial Lights

Michael Sasser is a well-known boudoir photographer on YouTube and loves to shoot in natural light conditions only, but in this video, he is opting to use the Zhiyun MOLUS G200 lights. Join Michael in this video to see how he gets on and what amazing images he can create.

My Favorite Flash System is On Sale

It's not often that my favorite flash system goes on sale, so when it does it's pretty big news. Now until August 31st, Profoto is offering up to $600 off their B10x and B10x Plus flash heads. If you looking to add to your kit or are wanting to switch over to a powerful and portable flash system that uses Profoto's light modifiers, this is a great deal to check out.

A Review of the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 Lens

Third-party manufacturers have put a lot of pressure on first-party companies in the last few years by continually offering both innovative and unusual lenses and more standard options that perform just as well as more expensive glass at far more affordable prices. One such company doing that is Viltrox, with the AF 75mm f/1.2 for Sony APS-C E mount cameras being the latest example. This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from this lens.

The Best Lens Kit for Landscape Photography

The 16-35mm lens is the standard workhorse of landscape photography, but it is far from the only lens you can use for the genre, and, in fact, you are probably doing yourself a disservice if you rely exclusively on those focal lengths. If you are new to the genre and wondering what makes for a good lens kit, check out this helpful video tutorial sure to put you on the right path.

A Fujifilm User's First Thoughts on Leica

Perhaps no camera brand is more polarizing than Leica, with many photographers absolutely swearing by both the experience and the image rendering and quality, while others claim they are nothing more than overpriced status symbols. If you have been wondering what the experience is like but are not ready to spend thousands of dollars to find out, check out this interesting video that features a Fujifilm X100V user discussing his thoughts on the Leica Q2.

Which of These 50mm Lenses Is Better?

Sigma long ago established themselves as one of the premier manufacturers of lenses that offer top-level image quality that professional photographers demand at prices that often significantly undercut those of first-party manufacturers. Two of their options, the 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary, often similar capabilities but with different experiences and at different prices. Which is right for you? This insightful video comparison will help you pick.

What Camera Gear Do You Regret Buying?

There is a ton of gear on the camera market, a lot of which promises to give you an easy shortcut to better images, and while some of it can legitimately make your life easier, a lot of it is simply a waste of money that you will regret spending down the road. This great video featured an experienced photographer discussing some of the gear he most regrets buying and why.

Is the Nikon Z7 II or Z8 the Right Camera for You?

Both the Nikon Z7 II and Z8 have earned reputations as highly capable cameras capable of producing excellent images in a variety of conditions. With a thousand dollars of difference between the two, you might wonder if you need the more expensive Z8 or if the Z7 II will cover all your needs. This in-depth video comparison takes a close look at both cameras to help you pick the right option.

5 of the Best Lenses on Fixed Lens Cameras

While interchangeable lens cameras rule the professional world, fixed lens cameras have always been an alternative option for anyone who does not want the hassle or expense of carrying around a bag of several lenses. With a long history of such cameras, there have been some remarkable options along the way. This interesting video takes a look at five of the best lenses ever made for fixed lens cameras.