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.

Review of the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

If you're looking for a long telephoto lens for the mirrorless R system, Canon has some great options available. The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is the most recent one, and I predict it will become a very popular lens. And it's with good reason. 

Focal Lengths and Their Impact on Your Portraits

Choosing the right focal length for portraits is more than a technical decision; it's a creative choice that significantly impacts the aesthetic and emotional tone of an image.

A Review of the New and Impressive Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

Sigma continues to impress, and the new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens is no stranger to that trend, offering a ton of reach for users like sports and wildlife photographers. This fantastic video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. 

First Look at The Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens

Sony just announced the new 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, and I’ve been able to use it for a few weeks now. Does this unique focal range deserve a space in your camera bag? 

Fujifilm Instax SQ40 Versus Instax SQ6: Which Should You Buy?

Fujifilm Instax cameras are the most popular instant cameras, offering a range of sizes from mini to wide, providing plenty of options. My favorite format is the Instax square film, and with the release of the new Instax SQ40, we conducted a comparison against the SQ6 to determine the best square format instant camera. 

The Ultimate Budget Full-Frame Camera of 2024

Whenever someone asks me what camera they should buy, I am shown a ton of triple-digit-D versions. Unfortunately, entry-level cameras are nowhere near as good as full-frame equivalents. Full frame doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s a cheap full frame camera you can buy in 2024. 

A Review of the New Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens

The new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G offers users useful focal lengths in a compact package. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

A Review of the New Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

Sigma's new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens promises users a ton of reach suitable for genres like sports, wildlife, and more, making it an intriguing option for many users. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

Apple Vision Pro for Photographers: How Useful?

The Apple Vision Pro is all over the news lately. It's an expensive $3,500 wear-on-your-head device that offers augmented reality, virtual reality, and what Apple calls "Spatial Computing." (That's just the base price. Adding memory and prescription lenses adds to your ticket.) 

A Review of the New Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens

Venus Optics, well known for producing some of the most unique and innovative lenses out there, recently announced the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus lens, offering an extremely wide focal length in tandem with a wide aperture and autofocus, making it desirable for many different users.

Don't Buy the Hype: The Dome Attachment Mystery Solved!

There is a war going on in the lighting community: To dome or not to dome? Does the recessed front make a difference? Are the flat-front lights not usable anymore? Well, having had the privilege of owning a number of lighting variants, I did rigorous testing to settle the debate once and for all. 

A Review of the New Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens

The new Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens offers users extreme reach with the promise of exceptional results. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

A Review of the New Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art continues the company's tradition of offering top-level optics at competitive prices. What can you expect from this unique new lens? This excellent video review takes a look.  

Why Is This Newly Released Zoom With a Gargantuan Reach Causing a Stir?

Sometimes I am sent lenses to test, and I can’t wait to send them back. Others stay attached to my camera for as long as possible before they are returned. What I chose to do with this 150-600mm lens took me by utter surprise, and there is good reason why it is making a mark. 

The Lens

Will We See Another Major Canon Camera This Year?

Most gear enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, and while those will certainly be some of the most important cameras to come along in a while, Canon might have another crucial camera waiting in the wings.  

The Creative Power of Constraint

Exploring familiar territories with a fresh perspective can often feel like a daunting challenge for photographers. Yet, it's this very pursuit of novelty within the well-trodden that can breathe new life into one's work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and observation. 

The Premium Compact King Is Back! Fujifilm X100VI Preview

The successor to the worldwide popular, and rightfully so, Fujifilm X100V has finally been revealed! The new X100VI brings forth some very welcome features while staying true to what made the X100 lineup great. We’ve used it for a while and loved it! How was it? What’s new? What stayed the same? Is it worth upgrading? Will you even be able to get one? 

How to Record Better Audio: We Review the Saramonic MV7000

Times when the main creative outlet for photographers was taking and editing photos are long gone. For many, recording videos plays an equally important role now. But, the creation of videos is not only about the visuals. Audio is equally important. And for it, you need a good microphone, like the Saramonic MV7000.

 

Easy Tips to Keep Your Camera Gear Clean

I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my gear. Anyone who has bought any of my used gear has usually told me it looks like new, save for maybe by the tripod mount, which I usually attach a plate to while I'm camped out by lighthouses. 

Understanding the Impact of New Photography Gear

Exploring the nuanced feelings of acquiring a new camera, especially after years of loyalty to a previous model, reveals a complex mix of expectations for photographers. The anticipation of significant improvements in quality and functionality often clashes with the reality of marginal gains, leading to a reflective consideration of what truly enhances one's craft. 

The Secret Way I Save Money When Buying Gear

Buying equipment is as exciting as ever, if you ask me. While my tastes are probably slightly different than yours, in the sense that I buy '90s flash gear and DSLRs, I have been doing this for around five years and have come up with a few tips on how to save money when buying gear.  

A Review of the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop

The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop offers a lot of power, screen real estate, and flexibility in a portable package, making it an attractive option for creatives on the go. This great video review takes a look at the laptop and the sort of performance you can expect from it in use.  

Can Canon and Sony Both Be Number One in Mirrorless?

If you happened to see the recent press release and subsequent articles, you may be under the impression that Canon has become the number one brand of mirrorless cameras. And this data is probably correct. But after their release, Sony was asked about it and decided to share their end of the same data, which also says they are number one in mirrorless. So what's the deal? 

News About Canon's Most Important Cameras Emerges

The 1 Series and 5 Series are Canon's most important professional bodies, representing their flagship and workhorse cameras, respectively. As such, many users are eagerly awaiting more information on the upcoming EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras, and we now know a bit more.  

A Review of the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR Lens

For Fujifilm medium format users, the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR lens offers a wide angle of view suitable for genres like landscape and architectural photography. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

Choosing the Right Lens: A Beginner's Guide to Zoom and Primes Lenses

The choice between zoom and prime lenses is a fundamental consideration for photographers, affecting everything from image quality to shooting style. Understanding their differences is key to selecting the right lens for your photography needs, whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or fast-paced events. This helpful video will show you what you need to know. 

We Review the Compact Sony a7C II and a7C R Mirrorless Cameras

Most people are familiar with the Sony a7-series cameras. These mirrorless cameras have matured over the last decade and enjoy a wide fan base. However, they have also grown significantly in size. If you prefer a smaller form factor, perhaps it's time to consider the Sony a7C II and a7CR. 

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens has captured attention with its radical design and potential for exceptional image quality and stunning bokeh. But does it live up to these expectations, especially with so much stiff competition out there?

This $35 Wannabe Fujifilm Camera Is Something Else

Discovering a $35 knockoff of the Fujifilm X100V that claims to shoot 48-megapixel images and 4K video seems like a dream come true for budget-conscious photographers. However, as the saying goes: you get what you pay for.  

A Review of the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens

The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens offers micro four thirds users a ton of reach, making it suitable for a range of applications like sports and wildlife photography. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Are We About to See This Insane Cameraphone?

A relatively new player in the smartphone arena may be setting the stage for a groundbreaking reveal, a device that promises to redefine expectations with its monumental battery capacity. This forthcoming model, dubbed the P28K promises mind-blowing battery life. 

We Review the Fotopro X-Go Max E 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Travel tripods are not just for travel photography. They pack lighter and more compact so that traveling with them can be less of a hassle, but just like any tripod, they can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios. This one from Fotopro is an option for shoots with higher demand. 

A Review of the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO Lens

One of the original budget brands of the digital era, Yongnuo has long been known for creating very affordable speedlights. In more recent tears, the company has branched out into manufacturing lenses, such as the new YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO for Fujifilm X Series cameras.

Where Are We in the Camera Wars?

The evolution of camera technology has reached a remarkable juncture where the once fierce competition among manufacturers seems to have plateaued to a degree, at least with regards to headline specs, making it an intriguing period for photography enthusiasts.

A Hidden Gem: The Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

Viltrox has swiftly transitioned from an under-the-radar brand to a well-regarded lens maker, celebrated for its budget-friendly yet impressive performing lenses. The AF 20mm f/2.8, priced under $200, continues this trend. The question is, does it live up to the high expectations set by contemporary lenses?

The Financial and Artistic Advantages of Adapting Vintage Lenses

Adapting vintage lenses for use on modern mirrorless cameras offers an innovative way to explore different gear without breaking the bank. This technique not only promises a budget-friendly alternative to buying new lenses but also delivers unique image qualities that can significantly elevate the creative aspect of photography, making it a valuable avenue to consider. 

What Camera Gear to Pack When You Visit The Polar Regions

It's a trip of a lifetime, after all. You'll to want to make sure you have the right gear with you when the bears start sparring or the leopard seals give chase to an unsuspecting penguin chick out for its first swim.