Recent Gear Articles

Which of These Is the Perfect Camera Backpack?

Photography is not all just bodies and lenses. There's lots of other equipment that goes into creating the perfect setup. One of the most vital is your camera backpack, so if you want to find the perfect one for your needs, take a look here.

How To Set up a Complete Video-friendly Studio Setup for Under $3,000

So many YouTubers are able to project an air of authority with some amazing A-roll setups. While it may seem like you need a dedicated studio space to do so, that's not always the case, as this video shows you how to get a professional look on a budget.

A Year With the Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera

Few cameras have been more hotly anticipated in the last decade than the Sony a7 IV, particularly after the a7 III became one of the most popular cameras in several years for its impressive combination of versatility, quality, and affordability. So, how has the a7 IV held up in the long run? This excellent video review discusses one photographer's experience after a year of using it.

A Review of the New Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The Sigma Art Series has earned a reputation for impressively sharp lenses that offer loads of image quality at prices that often significantly undercut those of equivalent first-party options. One such lens in the lineup is the 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, and this excellent video review takes a look at it and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

What Is the Appeal of the Leica M11?

Probably no camera brand is more polarizing than Leica, with some photographers being incredibly loyal to the brand and others seeing their cameras as overpriced niche products. So, what is it about their cameras that keep photographers coming back to them over and over? This interesting video takes a look at the Leica M11 and discusses why it is such an alluring camera.

Is This the Weirdest Lens You’ve Ever Seen?

One of the most important traits of being a successful photographer is creating a style that is unique and original. There are many ways to do this, and one of them is to use unconventional equipment. This lens may be one of the weirdest you'll ever see.

What Canon's Bad Move Taught Me

I'm not a fan of Canon's recent decision to ban some third-party manufacturers from selling RF mount lenses. It's a smart short-term financial decision, but the long run is a different story.

More Interesting Canon Lenses Emerge

Canon's RF lens lineup has been filling up rapidly with both standard choices and more extreme designs, but there are still some notable absences, particularly in the supertelephoto range. That will surely change eventually, and it seems we're on the way to that, as multiple patents have emerged with some innovative and versatile designs.

A Portable and Effective Minimalist Flash Kit

Learning how to work with artificial light will make you a far more versatile photographer and enable creative opportunities that simply would not be possible otherwise. However, there are a couple of ways to approach building a lighting kit, and if you plan to be on the go quite a bit, you should carefully consider the size, weight, and power requirements of your equipment. This excellent video tutorial will show you a portable, versatile, and effective minimalist flash setup.

A Review of the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G Lens

50mm lenses are some of the most popular and versatile options out there, able to tackle a wide range of scenarios with ease. They are available at prices ranging from below $100 to well over $2,000. At $598, the Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G sits in the middle of all that. So, does it offer premium image quality and performance for that mid-range price? This excellent video review takes a look at the 50mm f/2.5 to answer that question.

A Review of the Versatile Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

With the release of cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10, Canon has shown they are interested in developing APS-C mirrorless cameras alongside their full frame mirrorless line. In tandem with that, we have seen the introduction of RF-S lenses specifically designed for the APS-C format. This excellent video review takes a look at one such lens, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Here's Why You Should Never Use the LCD Screen to Compose Headshots and Portraits

Using the LCD screen to compose images has become very common in the age of mirrorless cameras. Holding the camera away from your face is convenient when photographing a subject from difficult to reach angles. In some ways, I consider this an excellent advantage that mirrorless cameras have over DSLRs, but in my latest video, I give three reasons why I never use the LCD screen to compose headshots and portraits.

A Beginner's Guide to Camera Settings

No matter what you shoot, perhaps nothing is more important than mastering the three fundamental camera settings: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. If you are new to photography and looking to learn the fundamentals, check out this awesome video tutorial that will show you everything you need to know about using the three exposure parameters to create technically correct images and to begin to explore your creative voice with a camera.

Another New Canon Mirrorless Camera Emerges

2022 has been a busy year for Canon, with multiple cameras and lenses released, but it is not over yet. It appears Canon has one more camera in store before the end of the year.

Are Olympus Zuiko the GOAT Vintage Lenses?

Olympus has been assigning the Zuiko name to its range of high-quality lenses since 1936. Zuiko-branded lenses were made for SLR, rangefinder, and automatic point-and-shoot cameras in medium format, 35mm, and even half-frame formats. Assessing the best of anything in photography leads to vivid debate and lots of room for subjectivity. Here are my 5 reasons why I believe Olympus knocked it out of the park with their Zuiko range, and when you look at all factors are the best film lenses ever made. Be sure to leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

When You Love Prime Lenses, but Choose Zooms

Zoom lenses have come a long way in the last decade, but primes still hold the advantage in maximum aperture, portability, and often, image quality. All this is why a lot of photographers steadfastly stick with bags of prime lenses instead of just a zoom or two. So, why would a prime enthusiast use zoom lenses? This great video essay features an experienced photographer discussing the issue.

Is This the Ultimate Landscape Lens?

There are a lot of ways to approach landscape photography, but when you are thinking about what gear to take, it is worth considering the fact that you will often have to hike several miles with a bag of cameras and lenses on your back. So, should you reconsider what is in your bag? This excellent video essay discusses why a more unusual lens choice might be the best for your landscape photography.

Just How Good Is the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera?

The Canon 7D line of APS-C DSLRs were quite popular during their era, as they offered professional features seen in much more expensive lines like the flagship 1D series at a much more affordable price. In the mirrorless era, the EOS R7 has taken over that role, and it brings with it an impressive range of new features and upgrades that make it an intriguing option for a wide range of options. This excellent video review takes an in-depth look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

7 Camera Settings Professional Landscape Photographers Turn Off

Every genre has different optimal gear setups, which is why it is important to sit down with your camera and take the time to adjust its settings to fit your subject matter and workflow. This helpful video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer discussing seven camera settings you should turn off to make your workflow more efficient and to improve that quality of your images.

A Review of the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera

Canon's 7D line of advanced APS-C DSLRs were some of the most popular cameras of their time, offering professional-level features in a much more affordable body, making them attractive to a wide range of photographers. The EOS R7 is the mirrorless successor to the 7D line, and it inherits that heritage and modernizes it with some impressive new features and upgraded capabilities. This great video review takes a look at the camera and if its performance and image quality can compete in a crowded mirrorless marketplace.

Everything You Need to Know About Rolling Shutter

Now that we are firmly in the age of mirrorless cameras, many photographers have discovered the silent magic of the electronic shutter, but that is not without its drawbacks. Filmmakers have known about the dangers of rolling shutter for years, and it is now something photographers need to be aware of as well. This excellent video tutorial will explain what rolling shutter is, why it happens, and how to avoid it.

Traveling With the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

24-70mm f/2.8 lenses and some of the most versatile and popular choices out there, as they can tackle a huge range of needs and scenarios with easy. For Sony shooters looking for top quality out of such an option, there is the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A First Look at the Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-H2 is the company's latest entry in its highly popular X Series line of mirrorless cameras, and it brings with it some impressive new features, the most notable being its new 40-megapixel sensor, the highest ever in an APS-C camera. This excellent video review takes a look at the new camera, how it compares to the X-H2S, and the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of the New Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens

Tamron is one of the most exciting companies in the photography world right now, putting pressure on other manufacturers by releasing lenses that offer a ton of performance for their respective prices and that often push the envelope of design. One of the most exciting lenses in their current lineup is the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, and this excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Is the Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera the New Camera to Beat?

The Fujifilm X-H2 mirrorless camera is the company's newest option in the X Series line, and it is a major step forward, being the first to offer a high-resolution sensor — the highest ever in an APS-C camera, in fact. There is more than just that sensor to be excited about, though. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera from a photography perspective and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.