Recent Gear Articles

How Tough Is Your Camera?

Landscape photographers put their gear through some very challenging environments, from rain to snow to freezing cold temperatures and more. Unique landscape conditions tend to happen in inclement weather, making challenging weather the time to be out. But just how tough is your camera?

Is a Superzoom Lens Enough for All Your Photography Needs?

Superzoom lenses promise versatility and convenience. But is one lens enough to handle everything? The trade-offs between flexibility and image quality make this an interesting question, especially when you’re not shooting in professional environments.

We Review the Latest Pro Smartphone Stabilizer: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro

As you might be familiar with Insta360’s Flow Pro, the first smartphone gimbal that features Apple DockKit, they have now released a brand-new model, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which features a sleek design and even more advanced features. With the rapid growth of AI integration technology, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro has taken the leap to become the next-gen AI-powered smartphone stabilizer, featuring the all-new Deep Track 4.0 that offers advanced tracking capability.

Non-Photography Gear That Every Shooter Needs

The focus often stays on cameras, lenses, and gear directly tied to capturing images. But there are plenty of non-photography essentials that can make your work smoother and more efficient. These tools might not be designed with photography in mind, but they can become indispensable in your kit.

Westcott Announces FJ800 and FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobes

Westcott has unveiled the FJ800 and FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobes, marking the latest additions to its FJ Wireless Flash System. These strobes are designed to provide professional photographers with advanced features for improved speed, flexibility, and precision in lighting setups.

Is the Leica Q3 43 Worth the Hype?

With its high-end build quality and impressive specs, the Leica Q3 43 promises a premium experience. But does it live up to the price tag?

We Review the Insane Viltrox EPIC 75mm T2.0 1.33x Anamorphic Lens

The Viltrox EPIC 75mm T2.0 1.33x Anamorphic Lens is part of a trio of Viltrox Cine lenses that includes a 35mm and 50mm. In terms of build quality, image quality, and performance, does this lens live up to its "Epic" name? Let's find out.
A Look at Fujifilm’s Versatile GF 45mm Lens

Medium format lenses promise unparalleled image quality, but they also come with a steep price tag. The Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR, priced at $1,700, sits on the more affordable end of this spectrum. It offers a versatile wide angle focal length and a relatively lightweight design, but does it live up to expectations?

400mm vs. 600mm: Which Telephoto Lens Should You Choose?

Wildlife photography often demands a significant investment in gear, especially when choosing between two of the most versatile telephoto lenses: the 400mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Each has its strengths, but finding the right fit depends on your shooting style, subjects, and typical distances.

Here’s What to Buy if You’re Just Starting Out as a Photographer in 2025

There are so many times I've asked myself: If I were starting fresh, would I end up within the same system of gear that I'm using now? When I started photography, Sony wasn't even a player in the DSLR game, and so inertia has invariably led me to (mostly) Canon and Nikon over the years. But today's new photographers are spoiled for choice. Which way to go?

The Minimal Gear You Need to Photograph a Wedding

Wedding photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear. The key is knowing what’s essential to deliver great results while staying focused on capturing the day. Simplifying your kit can help you stay present, especially if you’re just starting out.

Don’t Forget These Helpful Camera Settings

Whether you are new to photography, an experienced pro, or somewhere in between, we start configuring our cameras a certain way and then stop once we think we have it perfected. This can cause a photographer to miss some very helpful settings that can make them more efficient in the field.

How Do You Define a Flagship Camera?

In our never-ending search for the perfect camera, we often bandy around a common term to describe the ultimate in performance: flagship. But what really is a “flagship” camera?

TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II: Compact, Affordable, and Improved

Lenses in the affordable range often make compromises, but the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 II aims to strike a balance between price and performance. With a focal length equivalent to about 50mm on full frame, it offers a versatile standard view suitable for various shooting styles.

A Budget-Friendly 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Full Frame Cameras

Portrait lenses come in all price ranges, but finding the right mix of quality and affordability can be tricky. The Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 offers an appealing middle ground, delivering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.

Leofoto’s MT-04 Mini Tripod: The Best of the Tabletop Tripods?

When even a compact tripod is too large, photographers don’t have many options for supporting their gear outside of tabletop tripods. In that narrow market, the offerings can feel gimmicky or cheap. In contrast, Leofoto’s MT-04 brings their CNC-machined aluminum build quality and feature-rich ball head to the smallest total tripod package I’ve tried.

Unlocking Creativity With Shutter Speed

Shutter speed plays a huge role in how your images turn out, but it’s easy to fall into default habits like 1/125 of a second. Moving beyond those defaults opens up creative possibilities, whether you’re capturing motion blur or freezing fast action.

Comparing Sony’s 28-70mm f/2 GM and Tamron’s 28-75mm f/2.8 Lenses

Choosing the right lens often comes down to balancing performance, features, and cost. If you’ve ever wondered whether investing in a premium lens makes a difference, this comparison between Sony’s 28-70mm f/2 GM and Tamron’s 28-75mm f/2.8 could offer some clarity.

5 Cameras You Wish You Got for Christmas

For the past few months, you have been dropping subtle hints to your family about the camera you would love to own, and you have also been dreaming about your first shoots with your much-desired new camera. Christmas morning arrives, and the excitement of opening that box under the tree is palpable. It finally arrives in your hands; you tear open the wrapping paper and open the box, only to discover some socks and a knitted sweater inside. All is not lost...

Canon EOS R1 vs. Sony a1 II: The Ultimate Autofocus Battle

When it comes to autofocus, today’s flagship cameras are pushing the boundaries of technology. The Canon EOS R1 and Sony a1 II represent the cutting edge of what’s possible, offering advanced tracking systems powered by AI processors. But how do these systems hold up in real-world scenarios?

Is the WANDRD PRVKE Worth It? A Deep Dive Into Its Design and Usability

There are plenty of camera bag options on the market today. Brands have introduced several styles and options in endless colors and features for every type of photographer. WANDRD is no different, but it offers some unique styles compared to its competitors. The PRVKE 31L is one of those bags. But how does it compare to other bags on the market?

Playing It Safe Will Ruin Your Creative Career

Are you holding back in your creative career out of fear of failure? Take an unfiltered look at the importance of taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing uncertainty as a pathway to growth.

Lessons from a Year of Camera Gear Testing

Choosing the right camera for your work can be challenging, especially with so many options promising to revolutionize your photography. Testing different systems can provide valuable insights, but it can also lead to wasted time and money.