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.

Mastering Perspective and Focus: A Deep Dive into Tilt-Shift Lenses

Tilt-shift lenses offer unique capabilities, transforming images with unparalleled control over focus and composition. This is particularly vital for photographers who demand precision in architectural and landscape photography, where maintaining straight lines and selective focus is key. They're also fantastic creative tools.

Choosing Between the Nikon Z9 and Z8 for Wildlife Photography

Choosing the right camera is crucial to capturing those once-in-a-lifetime shots in wildlife photography. For Nikon shooters, the Z8 and Z9 are excellent options, albeit with some notable differences. This helpful video review takes a look at both to help you choose the right one for your work.  

A Review of the Astounding Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR Lens

Typically, medium format lenses have smaller aperture sizes compared to full frame lenses, making it uncommon to find one with an aperture wider than f/2. However, the Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR stands out in this regard, as explored in this detailed video review.

A Review of the Impressive Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Lens

The Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens brings a remarkable combination of a wide range of focal lengths and large maximum apertures at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. This makes it a compelling choice for photographers specializing in weddings, events, sports, and portraits. But how does it hold up in real-world use?

A Look at Three Generations of Canon Nifty Fifty Lenses

The 50mm f/1.8 lens, often dubbed the "nifty fifty," is a cornerstone in a photographer's growth, celebrated for its versatility and natural field of view. Its popularity stems from its ability to closely mimic the human eye's perspective, its wide aperture, and its affordable price. This fun video takes a look at three generations of Canon's nifty fifty lenses. 

The Best Card I Have Ever Used! My Review of the Exascend 1 TB CFExpress Type A Card

Just over two months ago, I traveled to the Isle of Mull in Scotland to review Exascend's 360 GB CFExpress Type A card, which I absolutely adored. I have now been sent the 1TB version of the card, which offers even more in performance, so last week I took a trip to a local hide to photograph Kingfishers. Let's see how I got on. 

The Real Reason Gear Matters

Photographic equipment, often perceived as the key to getting better shots, serves a more nuanced role in the creative process. Understanding this relationship between gear and creativity is not only essential for new photographers looking to evolve but also for those questioning the impact of their equipment on their work.

Why Canon Users Should Own an EF-EOS R Lens Adapter

The transition from DSLR to mirrorless cameras was a significant shift in the photography world. For many photographers, particularly those heavily invested in DSLR lenses, the transition raised concerns about compatibility and the potential need for expensive new gear.

A Detailed Review of the Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a9 III, boasting the world's first full frame global shutter sensor, is a groundbreaking advancement in photography, offering the unprecedented ability to capture 120 raw 24-megapixel full frame photos per second. This feature alone sets a new standard for photographers specializing in fast-paced fields like sports and wildlife, where missing a moment is not an option. 

A Review of the Impressively Affordable TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8

At just $149, the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility at an extremely affordable price, making it an intriguing option for a lot of users. 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.  

Two Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Camera in 2024

I have set a number of goals for 2024, and one of those goals is to upgrade my camera. It won’t be a mirrorless camera, but it will be a better camera. During the decision-making process, I sat down and wanted to figure out what the right reasons are to upgrade in 2024. 

Astrophotography on a Budget: Exploring the Skies Under $500

Astrophotography is a fascinating niche within photography that combines technical skill with an appreciation for the cosmos. It requires specialized equipment to capture distant celestial objects like star clusters and nebulae, making the choice of gear crucial for enthusiasts and professionals alike, and that choice can often be expensive.

Do You Need to Prioritize Learning Manual Mode on Your Camera?

In the world of photography, a common belief persists that mastering manual mode is paramount for capturing great photos. This topic holds significant importance for photographers starting their learning journey, as it guides their development. This insightful video examines the topic and offers some important advice.  

DJI Announces the Mic 2 With a Range of New Features

DJI has launched the DJI Mic 2, a state-of-the-art audio recording device designed to elevate the audio experience for content creators, standing out with its advanced features and user-friendly design. 

Key Features of DJI Mic 2

A Year With the Panasonic S5 II and S5 IIX

Panasonic has released some mightily impressive cameras in the last few years, and the S5 II and S5 IIX offers photographers and filmmakers alike a nice array of capabilities suitable for many applications. This excellent video review takes a look at the cameras and how they have held up after a year of usage.  

Hands On: Insta360’s Ace Pro

Insta360 has gone traditional. The Ace Pro is a feature-packed action camera that doesn’t rock the boat. 

With a new sensor and removable battery, the Ace Pro is surely set to become Insta360’s flagship vlogging and lifestyle camera. The action camera market has some fierce competition, though, and it needs to stand apart from the rest.

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX100 II Mirrorless Medium Format Camera

Fujifilm's newest addition to their esteemed medium format mirrorless camera lineup, the GFX100 II, elevates the GF series by integrating a host of new features and enhancements. Despite these advancements, it retains a notably competitive price, making it an appealing option for users contemplating an upgrade from full-frame to medium format. But how does it fare in real-world usage?

A Waterproof Film Camera Experience

The Canon Shot WP-1, a waterproof film camera from 1994, stands as an intriguing option for photographers who cherish the tactile and nostalgic qualities of film photography. Its waterproof nature and aesthetic appeal make it a unique choice for specific photography projects or conditions. This fun video takes a look at the camera and what you can do with it.  

The Importance of Choosing the Right Equipment

Photography, as an art form, is not just about capturing moments but also about continually learning and improving one's craft. This concept is vividly illustrated in this video featuring an experienced and insightful photographer discussing how their choices influenced a shoot.  

Rediscovering My Grandfather’s Camera

Recently, as I've begun exploring the realm of film photography, my dad pulled out his father's old camera and passed it down to me. I never knew my grandfather, so this feels like a moment to connect where I was never able to. 

Who Makes the Best Smartphone Camera?

The smartphone camera market is a fiercely competitive arena, where manufacturers constantly vie to produce the best camera. This fantastic video takes a look at some of the best to help you choose the right option for you.  

Why I (Up)Downgraded My Camera Setup For 2024

I don’t usually like change. This is because I am disinterested in learning new tech every year, but also because I prioritize using the tools I already know how to use. After all, if it works fine, why change it? Well, for 2024, I am changing things up a little bit. Here is what’s staying and what’s changing. 

The Camera Accessory That Saved My Workflow? Peak Design Tech Pouch Review

If you're like me, you have a whole bunch of small photography bits—cables, connectors, SD cards, batteries, and more—in your camera bag. If you were to use a different bag, you'd have to take all of them out and transfer them over. That's how I lived for the first couple of years of my career, and it was awful. 

How Good Is the Sensor in the Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera?

The Sony a9 III and its global sensor have created a metric ton of buzz, but the possible limitations in dynamic range and ISO performance have some thinking twice before placing their order. This helpful video takes a look at the sensor and the sort of performance you can expect from it.  

This Might Be My New Favorite Light Modifier

As photographers, we often go through many modifiers to find the right one, and this may just be my new go-to. With its low cost, portable form factor, and ease of setup, the Aputure Lantern could be right for you too. 

Choosing the Right Lens for Street Photography: A Guide

Street photography is a beloved but challenging genre for many photographers. Selecting the right lens is crucial, as it can significantly impact the style and quality of the images captured as well as how you go about taking them. 

More News About the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Cameras Emerges

There's interesting news about Canon's upcoming camera releases for 2024, particularly for those interested in what will be the company's two most important cameras in years, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II. According to their latest report, Canon is set to prioritize the launch of the Canon EOS R1, positioning it ahead of the EOS R5 Mark II in their release schedule. 

A Review of the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

The latest Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens offers an extensive range ideal for photographers specializing in wildlife, bird, and sports photography, combined with an impressively compact design that is a significant advantage over traditional, bulky supertelephoto prime lenses. But what about its real-world capabilities?

The Hohem Mic-01 Challenging the Big Names in Audio Recording

Some fabulous new tech on the market that is making our lives as photographers and videographers evermore easy. The Hohem MIC-01 Wireless Lavalier Microphone is released today. I found it a great addition to my arsenal of tools that exceeded my expectations. 

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens

At under $300, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility in a portable and very affordable package. What kind of performance and image quality can you expect from it in usage? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in usage.  

The Advantages of Using Auto ISO on Your Camera

Understanding and utilizing camera settings to their fullest potential is crucial to ensuring you get the shots you want. Among these, auto ISO plays a pivotal role, especially in challenging and quickly changing lighting conditions. This helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know. 

A Review of the Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera for Wedding Photography

The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera is one of the latest to hop on the retro train, blending modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. Its features and design resonate with photographers who prefer the tactile experience of older cameras over using digital menus. This great video review takes a look at how that functional design holds up for demanding wedding work.  

A Review of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Sony has introduced the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, featuring a host of upgrades and fresh features that are likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers and videographers. What's its real-world performance like? This detailed video review explores the performance and image quality that one can anticipate from the lens in usage. 

What's Better, a Modified Camera or Dedicated Astrophotography Camera?

Astrophotography is a fascinating and challenging field for photographers. Choosing the right camera is crucial for capturing the beauty of deep-sky objects. This decision, often debated among astrophotography enthusiasts, hinges on the choice between a modified DSLR or mirrorless camera and a dedicated astronomy camera. 

A Review of the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 Digital Camera

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 digital camera offers users the ability to shoot in just about any environment — even underwater — making it a fantastic option for anyone who routinely finds themselves in extreme environments and wants a camera that can keep up with them.

More News About Canon's Most Important Cameras Emerges

The EOS 1 and EOS 5 series cameras are arguably the most important in Canon's entire lineup, representing their flagship and full frame do-it-all options for a huge number of professionals. With countless users awaiting the announcement of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, news about their imminent announcements has emerged.