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 to Customize Your Sony Camera to Fit Your Work

Cameras are more complex and customizable than ever before, allowing users to tweak buttons and settings until everything is mapped to the photographer's personal workflow. In this video, watch how to change settings to how you work. 

A Review of the Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm's X-H2 mirrorless camera brought a high-resolution sensor to the beloved X Series for the first time, along with a wide range of other new features and upgrades, making it an intriguing camera for many users. This great video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

We Review the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Full Frame Camera

The new Canon EOS R8 mirrorless camera can be considered the replacement of the older EOS R and EOS RP cameras. It promises to be a great camera at a reasonable price point. Canon Netherlands sends me this camera for a review. Let's find out how it performs. 

A Review of the Affordable 7Artisans 15mm f/4 Lens

7Artisans has gained a reputation for making extremely affordable lenses, and while that sometimes means you may have to take a hit in image quality, the 15mm f/4 produces surprisingly good results without breaking that trend of low cost. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and if its results are right for your needs. 

DJI Announces the Triple-Camera Mavic 3 Pro Drone

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone is here, and it brings with some of the company's most impressive technology yet, including a new triple-camera system, long flight times, and Hasselblad optics. Here's what you can expect. 

Top Bokeh: A Review of the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR promises users some of the best and most extreme optical design and performance on the platform, including an especially wide aperture, pleasing bokeh, and sharp images. 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.  

What Would You Like to See From the Next Fujifilm X100 Series Camera?

Fujifilm's X100 series of cameras is now in its fifth generation, and it remains one of the most beloved cameras on the market, all but guaranteeing that we will see a sixth version at some point. What would photographers like to see in the next iteration? This interesting video features a photographer discussing his thoughts on the topic.  

Don't Overlook This Affordable Gem of a Lens

Canon has some incredible lenses in their lineup, but with all that performance and image quality often come eye-wateringly high price tags. And yet, they also a lens for APS-C cameras that costs only $149, and it far outperforms its very affordable price tag.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro Lens

Fujifilm's X-T5 mirrorless camera was a major step up for the X Series, and along with it came the XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro lens, which offers a normal focal length in tandem with the versatility of a true macro lens, all in a small, lightweight, and affordable package, making it a very interesting option for a wide range of applications.

Why One Photographer's Favorite Portrait Option Is the 35mm Lens

When it comes to portraiture, for the most part, 85mm is the traditional choice, with focal lengths around that number also seen as alternatives, such as 50mm, 100mm, and 135mm. 35mm is often used for portraiture, though it is rarely thought of as a primary option, being just a little wide for closer shots.

10 Helpful Tips for Buying a Camera

Buying a camera is one of the most exciting and important decisions a photographer can make, and as such, it deserves some careful thought. Before you pull out your credit card, check out this fantastic video tutorial that offers 10 bits of helpful advice to help ensure you pick the right camera for your needs, wants, and budget.  

The Digital Camera for Lovers of Film Photography

There is no lack of film photograpers, despite digital photography's dominance, though it is becoming increasingly more expensive to do. One film-centric photographer has become a disciple of a digital camera that does its best to straddle both worlds. 

Are the Latest Camera Technologies Bad for Photography?

There have been some magnificent improvements in the abilities of cameras over the last few years, not least in lenses and camera focusing systems. The technical advancements have almost taken camera skills out of our hands. But is this good or bad for photography? 

A First Look at the New Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens

Canon's latest lens, the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, is here, and it promises some of the most extreme design and optical performance ever seen, making it an especially intriguing option for a wide range of photographers, including sports and wildlife shooters. This excellent video takes a look at the new lens and what you might be able to expect from it.  

Can’t Get a Fujifilm X100V? Try This Instead

I've long been a fan of Fujifilm's X100 series of cameras, the "T" model being my gateway drug into the Fuji X system. Fuji's X100V, the latest and greatest in the lineup, launched in 2020, seems near impossible to find even in 2023. So, what's a photographer to do? Try this instead. 

Bluetti’s New Expandable Power Stations Help Photographers Go Anywhere

Photographers and videographers that are constantly on the move may require a reliable source of power to keep their equipment charged and ready to go. BLUETTI's new AC60 & B80 power stations provide a flexible and expandable solution for professionals shooting on location. 

A Budget Way to Have a 3-Camera Live Stream

Streaming has become a core part of our digital lives and serves so many purposes now. Having a 3-camera live stream has typically been highly expensive and difficult to setup. Well, if you're interested in that, this is far more achievable. 

Spring Clean Your Gear by Selling to MPB

Have you got equipment you don’t use? Do you need to upgrade your gear bag? There are surprising reasons why MPB is the answer to clearing your clutter, bringing in some welcome cash, and enhancing the tools of your visual storytelling craft.

 

Canon Continues to Wind Down the EF-M System

While the EOS R system and RF mount have proven quite successful, they actually were not the company's first foray into the mirrorless market. That honor belongs to the EOS M system, but it seems (unsurprisingly) that the company is continuing to wind down those cameras and lenses to focus on the RF mount. 

An Overview of the New DJI Inspire 3

DJI's Inspire series of drones has long provided users with some of the company's top capabilities and features for high-level filmmaking. The Inspire 3 is here, and it brings with it a huge variety of impressive upgrades. This great video overview discusses the new drone and what you can expect from it.  

Is This the Perfect Accessory for Your Fujifilm X100V?

If you’re looking to add a hint of cinematic flair to your Fujifilm X100V images, I have the perfect accessory for you.  

Earlier this year, I tested out the NiSi Black Mist 1/4 Filter for Fujifilm X100 Series. The filter is designed specifically for the X100 series, from the original X100 right up to the current X100V model.  

A Review of the Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens

At over $15,000, the Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S sits at the very top of the lens mountain in terms of price, but does it also bring performance and image quality to match? This great video review takes an in-depth look at the lens and if it can justify that massive price tag.  

Here Is Why I Will Always Use Canon as a Pro

The brand of your camera is perhaps more important than you initially think. Unless you are Jared Polin, you are unlikely to change whole camera systems because one brand does something better than the other. This is why there are camps associated with camera brands. In this article, I will discuss the simple reason I use Canon. 

What Makes a Good Camera?

Photographers have more choice than ever when it comes to cameras, and there is an option for just about every budget and set of needs. So, what is a good camera? How do you make the right choice for you? This great video features an experienced photographer discussing the issue, mistakes he has made over the years, and how to find what is right for you.  

How Good Is the Affordable Canon EOS R8 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera?

The Canon EOS R8 is a relatively affordable entry point into Canon's full frame mirrorless system, making it an intriguing option for a wide variety of users, whether as a main or backup body. This great video review takes a look at the camera and the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

A Review of the New Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Camera

Black and white cameras are a bit of a rarity, but they have been steadily present for years, and many photography purists swear by them both for the experience and the quality of images they provide. And so, as both a black and white camera and a DSLR, the new Pentax K-3 Mark III is an especially interesting camera. How does it perform in practice?

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

Samyang, well known for many years for creating fantastically sharp and affordable manual focus lenses, has moved into creating autofocus options as well in recent years. Despite the addition of autofocus, their lenses remain competitively priced, which is what makes the AF 75mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm X Series mirrorless cameras so intriguing.

Portable Studio Light: We Review the Colbor CL60R

I have a very small office space, which I use for work and filming tutorials. For the filming part, I was looking for a compact lighting solution. Typical studio lights are often quite large and wouldn't have provided the versatility I needed. That's why I'm glad I got introduced to the Colbor CL60R, which I review in this article. 

Grow Your Prime Lens Collection the Right Way (Portrait and Wedding Photographers)

Katelyn James talks about why you need prime lenses in your kit bag and what is an essential purchase, based on her experience as a Canon wedding photographer. She shows you where to spend your hard-earned money and where to save. 

Katelyn talks about the lenses she's purchased and where she uses them during a typical wedding day. Lenses covered include:

Is This the Best Black and White Camera Out There?

Black and white cameras are a bit of a rarity, but those who use them generally swear by the way they render images. The new Leica M11 Monochrom rangefinder offers an impressive range of features paired with a top-of-the-line sensor, and it may just be the best black and white option yet.  

A Spectacular Canon Lens Is on the Way

While Canon has always made some of the world's most impressive lenses, they really kicked it into another gear when the RF mount came along. It seems they have no intention of stopping, with another impressive lens on the way soon.  

A Look at One of the Strangest Lenses Out There

The AstrHori 85mm f/2.8 Macro & Tilt lens is definitely one of the strangest lenses to come along in a while, and yet, behind that weird design is a highly affordable option that promises to tackle the responsibilities of three or four separate lenses. Can it perform all those functions suitably and offer the performance and image quality professionals demand?

A Beginner's Guide to Prime Versus Zoom Lenses

The most fundamental distinguishing factor of lenses is whether they are primes or zooms. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and as a beginner, it is crucial to learn the differences so you can make the right choice for your needs and budget. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know about the two types of lenses.  

Sony FX3 Gets Major Version 3.00 Firmware Update

Sony's latest firmware update for the FX3 has some major improvements for shooters making the body truly one of the most desirable video-centric cameras on the market. Here is a breakdown of what has been added and how to get your hands on it. 

The Usability of the Canon EOS R5’s IBIS High Resolution Option

The firmware update version 1.8.1 offered Canon EOS R5 users the ability to capture a stunning 400-megapixel image. You may ask yourself if this has any real benefit over the standard 45-megapixel resolution, but it’s nice to have. How useful is the option in real life? Let’s find out.

 

A Review of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

Canon's EOS R5 mirrorless camera showed the industry that the company was deadly serious about the professional mirrorless market, but alongside it came the EOS R6, which was arguably a more pragmatic option, offering most of the EOS R5's features and capabilities at a much more affordable price.

A Review of the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS R8 offers an affordable route into the company's full frame mirrorless lineup, making it an appealing choice for a wide array of amateurs and professionals alike. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

Sony FX-3 Firmware Update Adds Cinema-Line and Popular Alpha Features

By popular demand, Sony has just released a new firmware update for the FX-3. This update adds Cinema line features from the FX-9/FX-6 and a few of the popular Alpha features that the community has been asking for.  What's New From the Cinema Line?

This firmware update for the FX-3 cascades down additional Sony Cinema line features from the FX-9 and FX-6, including the following:

A Review of the Leica M11 Rangefinder Camera

Leica's M11 rangefinder represents a notable step forward for the iconic M series, bringing with it a wide range of new features and improvements that are sure to capture the attention of many photographers. How does it hold up in practice, particularly against the reputation of its predecessors?

Who Makes the Best Telephoto Lens for Sony Cameras?

One of the best parts of the Sony system is the vast library of different lenses available, making it easy to find an option that fits both your budget and your needs. In particular, there are many options for supertelephoto zooms, with Sony, Tamron, and Sigma each offering multiple choices.