Gear Reviews

Travel tripods have been following a certain newer form factor in the past couple of years, but Manfrotto’s BeFree tripods are sticking to their staple design. Let’s see what’s new about these tripods. 

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens is the brand’s new flagship standard zoom, offering a versatile focal range and bright aperture. If you need a workhorse lens for everything from landscapes to portraits, this could be worth a look.  

When it comes to photography trips, I always make sure my dedicated camera bag is packed with everything I need to capture my next shot. My gear is safely stored, ready for quick action when the location and conditions allow. But something that often gets overlooked is the extra equipment—clothing, accessories, and other essentials for the journey. 

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 XF lens is one of the most compact autofocus lenses you can get. It weighs next to nothing and turns your camera into something truly pocketable. But is it worth the $99 price tag? There are some trade-offs to consider, and some of them may be deal-breakers depending on how you shoot. 

With film prices ever increasing, budget-conscious photographers are always on the hunt for the best results at the lowest price. Of the cheapest mainstream offerings, which one delivers the best performance? 

Not all standard zoom lenses are created equal, even when they cover similar focal ranges. Fuji has refreshed its lineup with two new lenses, while Sigma’s popular budget-friendly option remains in the mix. Whether you need the best sharpness, the fastest autofocus, or the most compact option, here's a good guide to what's best for your needs. 

Choosing the right telephoto zoom lens can be a challenge, especially when balancing price, performance, and usability. If you're considering a Canon lens in the 100-500mm range, you have multiple options, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. Knowing which one best suits your needs is crucial. 

Canon has released many legendary lenses over the years, but some models remain obscure. One of the rarest is the EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5 L, an autofocus L-series lens from 1988. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s so rare that even finding information on it can be difficult, but that makes testing one all the more interesting. 

Size, weight, and cost can make finding the right super-telephoto lens a challenge. A lens that balances reach, image quality, and portability is rare, but this one might be just right. 

Fujifilm’s XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens updates one of the most popular zoom lenses in the X-mount lineup. With its versatile focal range, constant f/2.8 aperture, and improved design, it’s built for those who need flexibility without sacrificing image quality. The big question: is it worth upgrading if you already own the original? 

Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens is an intriguing option for anyone invested in the RF system, especially those who shoot both photos and video. It brings some unique features, a high-quality build, and Canon’s latest autofocus technology. But with a price tag of $1,500, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. 

Photographers are increasingly concerned about AI's impact on their art. While huge arguments rage on about AI and copyright theft, artists are adopting two new tools that prevent their work from being scraped. It’s time photographers started employing them, too. 

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a budget-friendly telephoto prime that competes with much more expensive options from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s part of Viltrox’s LAB series, which aims to push optical performance to new heights without costing a ton.  

A camera’s real value isn’t just in specs—it’s in how it fits your work. High-resolution sensors, dynamic range, and autofocus systems matter, but usability, workflow, and price matter just as much. The best camera for you isn’t always the latest model; it’s the one that balances performance and practicality. 

OM System just announced their new camera and a raft of new lens versions. The new camera is an exciting addition to their stable and will be aimed at a completely different type of photographer. Street and urban wildlife photographers and photographic artists, check out the OM-3. 

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations. 

Early adopters of the Fujifilm GFX system, many of whom migrated from Canon and Nikon, have long awaited a native tilt-shift solution to meet their professional needs.  

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it. 

Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.

There are some things we photographers don’t realize we need until we own one. Although a field monitor is essential equipment for a serious videographer, it can be a boon for photographers too. Here’s what I discovered when I put the Neewer F700 7” monitor through its paces. 

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way. 

I’ve always been curious about what the "Q" in the Leica Q stands for. After some use, I’ve come to a conclusion: it stands for "Questionable." 

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.

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. 

Wide angle lenses used to be necessarily bigger and more expensive in the past. Yet, this affordable and compact option from Viltrox just makes sense. 

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. 

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. 

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS lens stands out due to its apodization (APD) element, which creates exceptionally smooth bokeh. Here's how it performs in practice.  

Ultra-wide zoom lenses are a staple for capturing expansive landscapes, tight interiors, and immersive vlogging footage. Canon’s RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM offers an affordable, lightweight, and versatile option for creators who want high performance without breaking the bank. 

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.

Well, here's something I did not expect in a mobile photo editing app, but it's a nice surprise. Skylum, which also makes the popular Luminar Neo editor, has added full raw support, an editing history feature, seamless iCloud synchronization, and an improved user interface to its iOS app that runs on iPhones and the Apple iPad. 

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. 

While most camera bag manufacturers are focused on making the ideal carrying solutions for travelers, this transforming camera backpack from Manfrotto seems to have the working professionals in mind. 

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. 

Investing in a high-end macro lens may not make sense if you only occasionally use it. Enter the Pergear 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro lens, which offers 2X magnification, full frame coverage, and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $260. But does this lens deliver the performance you need? 

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! 

Tilt-shift lenses are specialized tools for photography and even video, and you can imagine the functionality expanding further when it is also a macro lens. But what exactly can you do with such a lens that literally bends for you? 

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 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? 

Neewer’s Q200 Outdoor Studio Flash is small enough to slip in my coat pocket, yet more powerful than my Speedlight. With its array of special features, it’s exactly what I have been looking for. 

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? 

There is a short list of books that distinguish themselves from the mainstream of photographic discourse, and even fewer for which a good case could be made that they are required reading for anybody serious about photography. This new book about the art of photography scores on both counts. 

This camera backpack from Nomatic has been talked about by many photographers for its unique aesthetic. But is there more to this camera bag than that? 

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.  

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. 

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.  

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. 

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?  

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?