Recent Gear Articles

The Lasting Legacy of a Classic, Magic Prime Lens

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens, introduced in 2012, has established itself as a classic in the realm of photography. Despite the advent of newer lenses with advanced features, this lens continues to captivate me with its unique character, exceptional image quality, and timeless design. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Fujifilm shooters who value artistic expression over technical perfection, myself included.

The Biggest Mistake Photographers Make When Choosing Gear

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible.

Five Essential Gear Upgrades for Portrait Photography

When it comes to improving your portrait photography, having the right tools can make all the difference. The right gear can elevate the quality of your images, improve your workflow, and help you experiment with techniques that refine your craft and creativity.

A Green Modular Outdoor Backpack: We Review the Lowepro Photosport X 45L

To make a great camera bag for photographers on outdoor adventures, this solution from Lowepro is not entirely a camera bag but a hiking backpack with seamless compatibility with modular camera inserts. This new sub-variant of the Lowepro Photosport backpacks is clearly for serious adventurers.

How Reflectors Can Instantly Improve Your Portraits

Improving your portraits doesn’t always mean investing in expensive gear. Sometimes, a simple tool like a reflector can make a world of difference. Reflectors are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to use.

Film Photography and the Power of Personal History

Old cameras hold more than just film; they carry stories, memories, and connections. This video uses one such camera to explore not only the results of shooting film after decades but also a deeply personal journey. It reminds you how photography, whether old or new, has the power to connect us to the past in unexpected ways.

TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 Lens Review: A $125 Prime Worth Considering

Wide angle prime lenses are favorites for their versatility, whether for street photography, environmental portraits, or everyday snapshots. The TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 lens offers a budget-friendly entry into this category, raising questions about how it holds up in terms of build quality, autofocus, and image performance.

Why the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Could Be Your New Favorite Lens

Having a versatile lens that adapts to multiple shooting scenarios can make your work simpler and more enjoyable. Whether you're capturing street scenes, portraits, or lifestyle shots, a lens that balances functionality with image quality is invaluable.

Sigma’s New RF-Mount Lenses: An In-Depth Look at the 30mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lenses

Sigma has continued to enhance its reputation for crafting high-quality, affordable optics, and its new RF-mount lenses—the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary—are no exception. Designed with APS-C sensors in mind, these lenses aim to provide a balance of portability, performance, and cost-efficiency, making them highly appealing to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here’s a closer look at what makes these lenses stand out, their practical performance, and their specific pros and cons.

Do Better Cameras Make Better Photographs?

There’s a lot of debate about whether high-end gear leads to better photographs. While modern cameras offer convenience and reliability, it’s worth questioning if they actually improve your artistic output or just make the process easier.

Soft, Warm, and Cinematic: Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold Diffusion Filter Review

Why would you need one? I wondered that a year ago, and now I’m obsessed with mist/diffusion filters. It happened when I started taking filmmaking seriously. I use very sharp modern lenses for my filming and photography and wasn’t happy with the crisp, sterile results I was getting. I wanted a more natural, organic feel. I’ve tested many kinds of mist/diffusion filters, and now I’ve finally found one I really love.

Canon Announces RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens for Versatile Content Creation

Canon has introduced the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, a compact and versatile wide angle zoom lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. This lens caters to both professional and hobbyist creators, combining sharp optics, fast autofocus, and advanced stabilization systems to deliver exceptional performance in photo and video applications.

Six Items I Take On Every Corporate Headshot Shoot (Other Than My Camera!)

It’s easy to feel nervous about the logistics of a corporate team shoot—what will the space be like? How do you light each person consistently? The reality is that the lighting in an office can be harsh and unflattering—overhead strip lighting is no one’s friend! And space can be really tight. So, I always bring some extra lighting in case we can’t use window light and some compact equipment. Versatile and portable kit is handy here, so I leave my large lights at home and pack light.

Review of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for Timelapse Photography

Modern cameras have an interval option built in. Set an interval time and wait until you have enough footage for a timelapse video. However, with the right equipment, it is possible to take it to the next level. I reviewed the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, which might be the right tool for the job.

What Beginner Photographers Actually Need in Their Gear Bag

Starting in photography can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with endless gear options. It’s easy to feel like you need the best of everything to take great photos, but that’s not true. The key is to focus on the essentials that will support your growth while skipping unnecessary expenses.

Panasonic Announces Four New 4K 60p 10-Bit Professional Camcorders

Panasonic has unveiled four new 4K professional camcorders designed for high-quality video production, broadcasting, and live streaming The AG-CX20, HC-X2100, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 models combine 4K 60p 10-bit recording with advanced features in a compact and lightweight design, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from solo filmmakers to professional production teams

We Review the Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E

Zhiyun has a wide range of gimbals to choose from, and the new offering is the Cinepeer Crane 4E. In this article, I put the gimbal through its paces and give my opinion as a first-time user.

Face Tracking Comes in New iSteady M7 Gimbal

The dream of having a gimbal that can auto-track your subject while leaving you free to focus on your own movement is finally a reality! I tested the new iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal by Hohem, and it's pretty remarkable. If this is the future of gimbals, we are in for a treat!

Leica Launches the New 24 MP SL3-S

Since the debut of its SL-System in 2015, Leica Camera AG has continually pushed the boundaries of professional innovation and has again done so with the new addition to the Leica SL range, the new 24 MP SL3-S. Designed for professionals who demand both precision and creativity, the SL3-S combines Leica’s cutting-edge technology with their signature craftsmanship.

The Biggest Problem With Global Shutter

No camera is perfect, but for me, the Sony a9 III is pretty close. Unfortunately, there is one problem that's holding this camera back.

Should You Upgrade to RF Lenses? A Practical Guide

Choosing between Canon’s EF and RF lenses can be confusing, especially if you’re transitioning to a mirrorless system. If you’re already using EF lenses with an adapter, you might wonder if upgrading to RF lenses is worth it.