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 Perfect Trio of Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography?

What is the perfect trio of lenses for landscape photographers? This holy trinity of lenses is broken down into three main categories: a wide angle, a standard zoom, and a telephoto zoom lens. I’ve finally settled on what I think this trio is for Nikon landscape photographers. 

A Review of the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens offers photographers a very versatile focal length range for a wide range of uses, making it an appealing option for many creatives. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the lens is usage. 

We Review the Genaray Portabright COB LED

It seems more and more, competitors are showing up in the COB LED lighting world, and this is no exception. This is the Genaray Portabright, and here's what it’s like to shoot with and ultimately who it could be for. 

The Gear You Must Have for Low-Light Photography

Photographing in low light is one of the most challenging tasks you can encounter. This is a scenario where your setup truly matters. Not only should you know what to do with your camera, but also keep in mind which camera to bring for low-light photography. In this article, I will go over the essential gear for such work. 

Camera Body

This is How Sigma Makes The World's Smallest Full Frame Camera

The Sigma fp and fp L cameras, recognized as the world's smallest and lightest full frame interchangeable lens cameras, are products of Sigma's meticulous design and manufacturing process. A recent video reveals the detailed behind-the-scenes of how Sigma designs, machines, and assembles these cameras. 

Two Years With the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

While the more specialized models generally get more attention, the Sony a7 line has long been the bread and butter camera of choice for many creatives who need a solid balance of photo and video features at a price that won't break the bank. How has the a7 IV held up over time?

Setting Up Your Camera Menu for the First Time

Using a new camera for the first time is exciting. Before you take your first photo, it's wise to get most of the basic menu settings correct. After that, your quest for perfect customization can begin. The steps I describe in this article can help in this process. 

A Review of the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens

At just 5.9 oz (167 g), the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is an extremely portable lens, making it an intriguing choice for people like landscape and travel photographers who want a versatile set of focal lengths without a lot of bulk. 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.  

Which Camera Brand Produces Your Favorite Colors?

Color science is a subtle thing that nonetheless generates a lot of passionate debate among photographers. Can you really tell the difference, though? Which brand do you prefer? This fantastic video takes a look at four popular brands to help you pick. 

Beyond Manual Mode: Why You Should Try Other Camera Modes

The misconception that professional photography necessitates always shooting in manual mode is a common hurdle for beginners. This video addresses this myth, explaining why mastering other camera modes is equally important for photographers at any skill level and why those other modes are actually the better choice much of the time.

Photography's Busy 2023

The year 2023 has been pivotal for the world of photography, marked by significant technological advancements and shifting trends. This year was only about new camera and lens releases, but also about the broader implications developments had on the art and practice of photography. 

Canon Turns Its Attention to More Affordable Full Frame Lenses

Canon has released a huge range of impressive and expensive lenses, but not every creative can afford or wants such lenses. That's why it's great news to see the company exploring more affordable full frame lenses, as detailed in some new designs.  

2024: The Year of the Lens Revolution

The photography landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the field of lens technology. As we approach 2024, two key trends have become increasingly evident: the emergence of revolutionary lens designs and the rise of high-quality, affordable lenses.

Can Micro Four Thirds Handle the Needs of a Landscape Photographer?

For landscape photographers, the choice of camera is one that can have a significant impact on their workflow and the images they can create. The recent surge in the popularity of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems, once thought to be too small a sensor for the genre, now presents an intriguing option for landscape photography enthusiasts. 

The Best Apple Laptops for Demanding Video Editing

Choosing the right Apple laptop for 4K video editing can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available. If you are wondering which model is right for your needs and budget, check out this helpful video guide that will show you three different options.  

Random People Guess iPhone 15 Pro or $5,000 Camera Using Large Prints

Every year, I compare the newest iPhone to my daily professional camera and always receive feedback that after compression and scaling, you lose too much detail to be able to tell the difference. So, this year, I've taken the next step by having the images professionally printed on metal and asking random strangers if they can guess which photo was taken with a phone.  

What Was The Best Camera of 2023?

The last few years have seen remarkably fast progress in camera technology, and 2023 was no different. What was your favorite camera of the year?  

Canon, Nikon, and Sony Users, Please Stop Buying the OM System EE-1 Dot Sight. We Review.

Much to the dismay of OM System camera owners, other camera brand users have been buying up all the OM System EE-1 Dot sights and the stocks have disappeared. Don’t tell anyone, but they are available again for now. Canon, Nikon, and Sony readers, please ignore this article about how useful they are. 

Why Do We Need the Dot Sight EE-1

Why One Photographer Loves the Leica M11

The decision to upgrade camera gear, especially within high-end brands like Leica, is significant. The shift from the Leica M10 to the M11, for instance, represents not just a financial investment but also a commitment to a specific photographic approach and style. Here's why one photographer thought the upgrade was worth it.  

Is This Lens the Sleeper Hit of 2023?

Viltrox has rapidly established itself as a reputable creator of lenses, combining commendable performance with affordability. At a mere $158, their AF 20mm f/2.8 continues this pattern of providing quality at a cost that undercuts many competitors.

Why One Photographer Prefers Micro Four Thirds

Understanding why a photographer remains loyal to a particular system, like the Micro Four Thirds, can offer valuable insights into the nuances of photographic equipment, and in an age dominated by APS-C, full frame, and even medium format, the perspective of a micro four thirds user can be particularly good to hear.  

Gear Confessions: 7 Photographers Share Their Best and Worst Purchases

Have you ever bought a piece of gear that promised to revolutionize your work or be the exact tool you needed just to find that it was a total dud? We all have those pieces sitting at the bottom of our gear closet that irk us every time they come in view. Alternately, we also all have pieces that have become our indispensable go-to’s that we can’t image shooting without.

A Review of the Impressive Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Lens

In recent years, Viltrox has earned considerable acclaim for producing high-quality lenses that are more affordable than similar options on the market. A notable example is the PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens. Offering a 40mm equivalent focal length and an impressively wide aperture, this lens has become a compelling choice for a diverse range of creative professionals and uses.

There Will Likely Be a Canon EOS R3 Mark II

The Canon EOS R3 was an impressive camera and represented a new camera line for the company, as Canon was abundantly clear that the R3 was not a replacement for a flagship EOS R1. As such, many people wondered if the EOS R3 would be a one-and-done camera meant as a stop-gap until the arrival of the EOS R1 or if Canon would release a second-generation model.

We Review The Canon Speedlite EL-1: Flash for Demanding Photography

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is a high-performance, professional-grade, weather-resistant flash, designed to meet the demands of the most demanding photographers. It features a powerful guide number of 60m (197 ft) at ISO 100, an insanely fast recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds, and up to 335 full-power flashes on a single charge.

An Important Reminder for Every Photographer

The debate over whether expensive gear is essential for high-quality photography is ongoing in the photography community. A professional photographer's experiment with Sony's cheapest interchangeable lens camera for a week of professional work offers insightful perspectives on this topic and serves as a great reminder that you don't always need the latest and greatest. 

The First 10 Things You Should Do When You Get a New Camera

Receiving a new camera during the holidays is a thrilling experience for any photography enthusiast. To ensure you make the most out of your new gadget, here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide of every important action you should take after you unbox that shiny new gadget. 

How Good Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the respected Galaxy series and expands it with a nice range of new features and improvements, including a 200-megapiexel wide angle camera. With that impressive spec sheet, what kind of performance and image quality can you expect in usage? This excellent video review takes a look.  

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

Supertelephoto lenses are tremendously useful, but they can also be quite expensive. If you are willing to sacrifice having a super-wide maximum aperture, Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens offers a lot of the flexibility of a supertelephoto lens without the stratospheric price.

How Good Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens?

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S pairs nicely with the Z 9 mirrorless camera to provide sports and wildlife photographers a heck of a combo for capturing fast action in just about any environment. Nonetheless, 400mm f/2.8 lenses are some of the most superlative options out there. So, can Nikon's attempt keep up with other manufacturers?

Here Are the Less Talked About Features of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

It seems like the whole world (or at least the photographic world) is buzzing about the new Osmo Pocket 3 from drone maker DJI. It's a portable, full featured kit for video makers, YouTube creatives, and even regular consumers who want to easily capture high quality 4K video with a gimbal mounted camera. 

Canon's High-End 35mm Lens Is Finally on the Way

Canon has produced a nice stable of impressively capable lenses for their RF mirrorless mount cameras, but one option that creatives have been patiently waiting for is a high-end 35mm prime. It seems the way is almost over.  

More Revolutionary Canon Lens Designs Emerge

Canon's RF lenses have seen some remarkable designs, including never-before-seen options. And it seems they are keeping the pedal to the floor, with a remarkable new design. 

Fujifilm X100V Versus Fujifilm X-T5 With 23mm f/2 Lens

Fujifilm was the focus of our recent video where we compared two of its camera models: the Fujifilm X100V and the X-T5, equipped with the 23mm f/2.0 lens. This comparison isn't just about the cameras themselves, but rather a deeper look and comparison between the lenses. 

iPhone 15 Pro Wins Best Camera Award 2023

Camera phones are now being taken more seriously than ever before. The improvements in technology have made it so that the results you can produce with a smartphone, in many cases, can rival those of "proper" cameras. And this year, one major award has been given to Apple for its latest flagship phone. 

Kandao Launches a New Prosumer 8K 360 Camera, the Qoocam 3 Ultra

Kandao made quite a splash with the QooCam 3 earlier this year, undercutting its nearest competition by quite a few dollars to make a very good case on value versus performance. Kandao just announced that camera's bigger brother, the QooCam 3 Ultra, and it looks to take the same formula and amp it up. 

The Camera That Follows Me Everywhere

Early on as photographers, advice you often receive is to take your camera everywhere. I did this as a beginner and have advised others to do the same. That said, this camera is one I carry for a different reason, and here’s why. 

Make Your Ricoh GR III More Versatile With a NiSi Master Filter Kit

If you’re looking to add some versatility to your compact Ricoh GR III set up, a NiSi filter system is a fantastic choice. In this article, I’ll tell you about the Ricoh GR III Master Kit and why you might want to carry this super-lightweight bit of kit in your bag.  

A Camera You Can't Buy Today: Fujifilm X100V

We've written about it numerous times, including my recent review called "The Unattainable." And even though the rumors of its successor are spreading rapidly, the Fujifilm X100V is still on many photographers' wish lists. Yet, the availability leaves many who do not want to buy aggressively priced used units just wishing for it, with low chances of getting one anytime soon. 

Composition Tips When Using a 24-70mm Zoom Lens

The 24-70mm lens is highly coveted by photographers from all backgrounds due to the array of possibilities with this wide to mid range zoom. Photographer Julia Trotti shares key composition tips to help get the most out of the range of this zoom lens. 

The Nikon Zf: Merging Retro Charm With Modern Features

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. This great video takes a look at five reasons one photographer loves the camera.