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.

How Good Is the Affordable Canon EOS R10 Mirrorless Camera?

The Canon EOS R10 mirrorless camera offers an affordable entry point into the RF mount system, making it a nice first camera or backup body. If you are interested in how the EOS R10 might fit into your workflow, check out this great video review that takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Is the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 Another Winner for the Fuji X Mount?

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens for Fujifilm was first released in 2022 and added to their growing line of X Mount prime lenses, which also includes the 16mm and 30mm. This trio of contemporary lenses is designed to be compact while delivering high-quality results at an affordable price.

A Review of the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens

The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens promises to be one of the most versatile lenses you can own, covering a huge focal length range and making it an appealing option for sports, bird, and wildlife photographers. With such an extreme focal length range, you might wonder if it can keep up with the performance and image quality demands of professional photographers.

I Built a Digital Technical Camera, and Yes, It's Slightly Ridiculous

I'm not one to obsess over gear; I've never suffered from GAS. Frankly, the seemingly endless discussions around cameras, lenses, and various bits of kit that just keep multiplying year after year, couldn't interest me less. And now that I've said that, I'm going to write about gear.  

The Unlikely Portrait Hero: We Review the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 Lens

The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens is a thoughtfully designed super wide-angle lens for Fujifilm X-Mount cameras. Featuring a physical aperture ring, compact design, and solid construction, it is an excellent option for Fujifilm users. In this article and the accompanying video, I will share my experience using the 13mm primarily as a portrait lens.

 

The Best Thin and Light Laptops for 2023

Many creatives are on the go quite a lot, and as such, they want to be able to work whenever and wherever they are with enough power to tackle heavy photo and video tasks but not a lot of bulk. If you are looking for such a laptop, check out this great video comparison that will show you three of the best options in 2023.  

We Review the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens

I got an opportunity to use the brand-new Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom lens. This expensive and large zoom lens with a large aperture is even more amazing than I initially expected. In this article, I share my experience and thoughts on this lens from real-world use. 

This Hollywood Blockbuster Was Filmed on a Sony FX3

When you think of Hollywood blockbusters, they're typically shot on Arris or other extremely high-end rigs. Well, this latest film to be garnering quite the audience wasn't filmed on anything of the sort and it still looks incredible. 

We Review the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera

I’ve gotten the great pleasure of getting to spend the last two weeks with Nikon’s brand new, Z8 mirrorless camera. Here are a few reasons why this might be the camera for you. 

Is This the Best Affordable Full Frame Camera?

At $1,499, the Canon EOS R8 is not the cheapest full frame camera available, but it is certain on the more affordable side of things and offers a lot of features that make it a worthwhile upgrade. Is it the best affordable full frame camera on the market at the moment? This great video review takes a look.  

Is the Fujifilm GFX 100S Too Much for Weddings? 

I’ll admit I was seduced by digital medium format, with its ridiculous resolution and that “medium format look.” It has been two years of full-time use. Do I still think it was worth it? Better yet, should you drop $10K+ for a medium format digital camera kit? 

Canon Is Planning Another Innovative Device

In the last few years, Canon has released some rather innovative lenses that push the boundaries of optical design and allow photographer capabilities not previously possible. It seems that philosophy is not just being applied to lenses, however, as another clever device is likely on the way in the coming months.  

A Look at the New X-S20 Mirrorless Camera and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens

The Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera and XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR lens are here, and they bring with them the promise of great performance and excellent image quality. How do they hold up in practice? This excellent video takes a first look at what you can expect from both.  

We Go Hands on With the New Leica Q3

Leica has just released their long-awaited update to the fan-favorite Q line-up called the Leica Q3. I’ve been using it for a couple of hours each day for the past three days. So, how does it feel to shoot with it, and should you want one?  Many of the good features of its predecessor have stayed, while some of the features have been considerably improved in the new Leica Q3.

Still a Brilliant Choice Seven Years Later: Fujifilm X-Pro2 Re-Review

Loved by many when it came out and adored by a solid user base today, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 was truly a hit camera made so well that it still has not truly been replaced even by the newer X-Pro3. And thanks to its age it is finally attainable even for the ones not willing to spend a ton on a quality camera. 

Pro Results With a Low Budget: Gear Beginners Should Buy Today

Being a photographer can be a very expensive endeavor. Seeing pros on the internet have the latest and greatest gear in large quantities makes you wonder if this is what you need to be one of them. The truth is, no. Here is our list of basic gear that you need to start a business. 

Who Is the Canon PowerShot V10 For, Anyway?

Back in the mid-2000s, The Flip Video camera was all the rage, a vertically held, brick of a camera that was purpose-built for easy video in an age where video wasn't easy. With the Canon PowerShot V10, the company seems to want to channel some of that magic, but I have to ask: Why? 

Leica Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 Versus Sigma 50mm f/2

The 50mm is a staple prime and lives in many photographers' camera bags, but the question is whether there is a vast difference in quality between them. In this video, a Leica and a Sigma are compared to gauge the differences. 

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Shooting With Filters in Landscape Photography

Filters are some of the most transformational tools when it comes to creating possibilities in landscape photography. Aside from the intended exposure effects, there are some things you might need to learn about using them that will help you achieve better-quality images.

Why One Photographer Prefers Smaller Cameras

In recent years, we have seen budget full frame cameras become more affordable while medium format prices have become competitive with upper-level full frame options. At the same time, APS-C cameras have continued to grow in capabilities and performance, and micro four thirds is enjoying a resurgence.

Canon Announces the Highly Affordable EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera and RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Today, Canon has announced a highly affordable mirrorless camera and lens, the EOS R100 and the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM. 

Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera

At $479, the EOS R100 is a highly affordable entry point into the Canon mirrorless ecosystem, with the company positioning it as a direct replacement for EOS Rebel and EOS M cameras. Its features include:

5 of the Best 20mm Lenses You Can Buy

When you get into wide and ultra-wide angle lenses, two of the most common focal lengths are 16mm and 24mm. There is a significant difference between those focal lengths, though, and something in between can be just the ticket, which is where the 20mm focal length comes in. With many options, you might wonder which is right for you.

A Beginner's Guide to ISO

Along with shutter speed and aperture, ISO is one of the three fundamental exposure parameters, and as such, mastering it is crucial to taking full control of your images. If you are new to photography, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you the ins and outs of how ISO works and how to use it. 

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR Lens

50mm lenses with wide apertures are some of the most useful and versatile options a photographer can own, suitable for a wide range of genres and applications, including portraits, low-light events, and much more.

This Viltrox 75mm Anamorphic Lens Looks Incredible

Anamorphic lenses were once rare and extremely expensive, but they have become more common and slightly more affordable. This latest offering from Viltrox is still reasonably expensive, but it's certainly capable of creating some amazing visuals. 

A Review of the Google Pixel 7A Smartphone for Photography

The Google Pixel 7A smartphone offers a lot of features and capabilities at a reasonable price, making it a nice choice for a wide range of users. This great video review takes a look at the phone's photo and video capabilities and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Using a Prime Lens for Landscape Photography

The standard lens of choice landscape photography is an ultrawide zoom, something like a 16-35mm f/4. When working in a genre in which you have no control over the placement of elements in the scene and there is often significant physical effort to get to a location, a zoom can be a major convenience. Nevertheless, a prime lens still has its place.

Save $1,700 on a Top-level MacBook Pro Today Only

The MacBook Pro is the most popular laptop of choice for creatives, able to tackle just about any task you can throw at it with ease, while also offering a beautiful display and all-day battery life. Today only, you can get the top-level model of the 16-inch MacBook Pro for $1,700 off. 

A Review of the Portable Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens

Sigma's Contemporary line of lenses offers a nice balance of portability, affordability, and image quality, with one of the most intriguing options being the 50mm f/2 DG DN, which offers a popular focal length in tandem with a fairly wide maximum aperture. Can it back that up with good performance and image quality?

A Review of the Impressive Acer Swift X 14 Laptop

The Acer Swift X 14 Laptop offers a wide range of modern features, but perhaps the most exciting is its OLED screen, which promises stunning contrast and vibrant colors, making it an intriguing option for many creatives. Is it the right option for you? This excellent video review takes a look at the laptop and the sort of performance and experience you can expect from it.   

How Good Is the New Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera?

Panasonic makes some of the best hybrid cameras out there, and their latest, the Lumix S5 IIX, brings with it some of the company latest and greatest features. This excellent video review takes a look at the new camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR offers photographers a longer telephoto focal length in tandem with a wide aperture, making it an intriguing option for portrait and wedding photographers among others. 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.  

Best Cameras for Beginners: iPhone 14 Pro and More

When starting out in photography, you are immediately blasted with dozens of potential cameras you can buy. Picking the right one can be one difficult task. When buying a camera, you are not only investing in a device, but rather in a system of lenses, accessories, and much more. This is why picking the first camera is often a very important choice.

Another Ridiculous Canon Lens Is on the Way

Canon has produced some incredible lenses in the last few years, with options like the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM and the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM pushing the boundaries of lens design and offering photographers some tremendously exciting optics. It looks like they have no intention of slowing down, with yet another major release coming fairly soon. 

The Best FPV Drones for Beginners Who Want Cinematic Footage

Drones have revolutionized photography and videography at a consumer and commercial level and there are many options for many different purposes. However, if you want to walk the line between ludicrous fun and incredible imagery, perhaps you want to look at FPV drones. 

How Good Is This Unique Camera?

35mm and medium format photography, though different, generally require the same fundamental techniques, knowledge, and approach, save for a few somewhat minor differences.

The Best Landscape Camera Ever Made

Bold claims for a title indeed, but as photographers, we've all had the opportunity to try different brands to see which one best meets our individual needs. So, when it comes to forking out your hard-earned cash for something like this, you want to be sure you are making the right decision.

A Review of the New Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic has been quietly releasing some mightily powerful cameras in the last few years, and their latest, the Lumix S5 IIX, shows they have little intention of slowing down anytime soon. This great video review takes a look at the impressively well-balanced camera and the sort of performance and quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Must-Try Lenses for Beginner Photographers

When starting out in photography, you might want to purchase as much gear as possible. However, professional photographers who have been doing this for decades seem to have every lens in the world.

Xencelabs Pen Tablets: The Ultimate Tool for Photographers?

If you're considering replacing your pen tablet with another leading brand or are new to the benefits of using this type of peripheral instead of a mouse, I recently got to test the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle SE in Nebula, White and the results were astounding.  

A Review of the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 Lens for Fujifilm X Series Cameras

Samyang has long been known for manufacturing impressively sharp and low-cost manual focus lenses, but in recent years, the company has started adding autofocus options to their lineup as well. And even though those options now bring autofocus, they have remained competitively priced. One of the most impressive recent options is the AF 75mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X Series mirrorless cameras.