Recent Gear Articles

Turning a Kid’s Camera Into a Unique Shooting Experience

A tiny digital camera made for kids has unexpectedly become a hit with adults who want a simple, screen-free shooting experience. But what if it could be more than just a toy? One creator decided to take this little camera and push it to its limits, transforming it into something completely different—and way more fun.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM: Worth the Price?

Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens is an intriguing option for anyone invested in the RF system, especially those who shoot both photos and video. It brings some unique features, a high-quality build, and Canon’s latest autofocus technology. But with a price tag of $1,500, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.

My First Experience Using Hasselblad (X2D Review)

I've never had the highest opinion of Hasselblad. 10-15 years ago I saw two of them completely fail on set. I saw them struggle with autofocus even in a bright environment. I've seen my cheap DSLR take better-looking images in low light.

How This Budget 135mm Lens Stacks Up Against the Big Brands

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a budget-friendly telephoto prime that competes with much more expensive options from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s part of Viltrox’s LAB series, which aims to push optical performance to new heights without costing a ton.

Is the Fuji GFX 100S the Best Medium Format Camera for the Price?

A camera’s real value isn’t just in specs—it’s in how it fits your work. High-resolution sensors, dynamic range, and autofocus systems matter, but usability, workflow, and price matter just as much. The best camera for you isn’t always the latest model; it’s the one that balances performance and practicality.

Polarpro’s New Products To Help You Get To Grips With Your Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 Series

If you own a Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 series camera, you’ll fit into one of two camps: those who love the simple, old-school design of the cameras and are happy to use them as is, or those who don’t like the lack of grip. Up until now, there have been very few options to help those wanting a more comfortable solution when holding their little retro-styled cameras. But fear not, PolarPro has just launched a few products to solve this issue. And one of those options is rather sexy too!

A Fabulous New Camera Enters the Arena: Welcome the New OM-3

OM System just announced their new camera and a raft of new lens versions. The new camera is an exciting addition to their stable and will be aimed at a completely different type of photographer. Street and urban wildlife photographers and photographic artists, check out the OM-3.

Sony Expands Creators’ Cloud With Direct Uploads to Google Drive and Adobe Lightroom

Sony has announced an update to its Creators’ Cloud platform, bringing new features to its Creators’ App. The latest version, 2.6.0, allows users to automatically transfer images and videos directly from select Sony cameras to Google Drive or Adobe Lightroom, simplifying cloud-based workflows for photographers and videographers.

Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Review: The Best Kit Lens Ever?

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations.

Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad: Which One Is Best?

There aren’t many photographers who own all three cameras, so this isn’t a side-by-side comparison you’ll see too often. Forget the megapixels for a moment and find out which of these three heavyweight cameras gives the most pleasing results.

There Are Two Big Problems With the Leica M11

For many photographers, owning a Leica is a dream, and perhaps the most desired model right now is the M11. However, this camera comes with some notable issues, as this video finds out.

Canon’s 100-300mm f/2.8: Is This Zoom a Prime Killer?

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it.

Why Camera Snobs Hate Smartphones (and Why They’re Wrong)

Smartphones have come a long way as imaging tools, yet some still argue they aren’t “real” cameras. Traditionalists insist that only dedicated cameras count. But the reality is, smartphones are fully capable imaging devices, and dismissing them is more about personal bias than technical limitations.

The Real Reason News and Sports Use These Special Cameras

Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections.

Discover the Cosmos: We Review the Incredibly Fun Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope

When Dwarflab announced the development of the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, I could not contain my excitement. I thoroughly enjoy astrophotography. For me, that has been limited to subjects like the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis. Deep Space photography and solar imagery have always been a dream of mine, but the learning curve and costs can be extraordinary. The Dwarf 3’s promises are big, but does it deliver? In this article, I put this smart telescope to the test.

I love space! Seriously! Whenever we have clear skies, I really appreciate spending my time looking up at the...

Maximize the Sharpness of Your Lenses

Sharpness and image quality are always top of mind for photographers. How do we get the best quality image from the lenses we purchase? Whether the lens is a budget lens or a premium lens, there are always ways we can work to the lens's strengths. Learn how to maximize the capability of your lenses.

In-Depth Review of Haida NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 Filter

Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.

Big Views, Small Package: Why the Laowa 15mm f/5 Shines

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way.

Long Exposure Photography With Minimal Gear

When done well, A LONG EXPOSURE transforms ordinary scenes into something surreal. Smooth water, softened clouds, and simplified compositions give images a fine art feel. But dialing in the right exposure, balancing filters, and choosing the right settings require patience and experimentation.