Gear Reviews

As a photographer, you're always looking for ways to expand your creative toolbox and capture unique images. One way to achieve this is by using lenses with special characteristics, like the Lomography Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Mark II. This lens offers a distinct aesthetic, taking inspiration from 19th-century optical designs to produce images with swirly bokeh and a vintage feel. 

Finding the right laptop can be a challenge, especially with the constant influx of new models and fluctuating prices. While the general advice for 2024 has been to stick with slightly older models for cost savings, the Asus Vivobook S 14 presents a compelling case for considering a 2024 release.  

Hollyland’s latest wireless transmitter, the Pyro H, is now available. In this review, I go hands-on with this impressively-specced transmitter and see if it can fulfill everything that Hollyland promises. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W3hbLmuZL4

There is a unique series of lenses for the X-Mount. They do not offer the brightest apertures, nor do they use linear motors, but what they lack in features, they make up in beautiful vintage-looking, slanted, weather-resistant, and compact build. Some call them Fujicrons and the 35mm started it all. 

Canon makes some wildly good and wildly expensive lenses, including the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, which offers amazing results but also costs north of $2,000. Do you really need to spend that much? This useful video will help you decide.  

The 35mm focal length is a staple for many photographers, offering a versatile perspective suitable for various scenarios, from landscapes to portraits. This great video review takes a look at one of the best options out there.  

While professional-grade lenses offer exceptional performance, they often come with a hefty price tag. For those seeking a more affordable option without compromising too much on quality, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a compelling choice. 

Unlike Canon, Nikon understands the importance of a third-party lens manufacturer for a healthy ecosystem and a stronger incentive for any potential buyer. And thanks to that, we get more and more interesting lenses for their mirrorless Z mount, like this proven budget-friendly option. 

The Sony a7 IV, despite being released in 2021, continues to be a relevant and powerful tool for photographers in 2024.  

Even a lot of the people who purchased the new Leica Q3 might not be aware of a feature this camera has that can greatly expand your creative possibilities for using flash. Within the Q3’s beautiful magnesium alloy body lies a secret hidden in plain sight. 

Right now, it seems like nobody has the new Fujifilm X100VI for sale unless you’re willing to pay a hefty premium over the retail price. But are you really ready to pull the trigger on one, or still on the fence about it? Never fear—help is at hand. 

The title of this article makes it seem like I'm heaping some sort of superlative description upon what is, more or less, a typical Zink-based printer that doesn't require ink or cartridges. And when it comes to this, the $129 HP Sprocket 3x4 Instant Photo Printer, I am. Well, more or less. 

The new DJI Mini 4K offers a very affordable and portable entry into the world of drone photography and filmmaking. Can it match your needs? This excellent video takes a look at what to expect.  

Choosing the right camera forwork on the go can be a daunting task, as you need a versatile tool that balances image quality, portability, and performance. The Sony a7C II is a strong contender, offering a compelling blend of features that cater to photographers on the move.  

For photographers seeking a compact and lightweight camera system, the Canon EOS R50 offers an affordable and portable entry into the company's mirrorless system. 

For those seeking a blend of portability, performance, and a unique shooting experience, the Fuji X100 series has long been a popular choice. With the release of the X100VI, Fuji has taken this beloved camera to new heights, offering significant improvements while retaining the charm that has charmed photographers for years. 

The Sony a7R V sits in an elite class of cameras, offering some of the best image quality available today. Is it right for you? This great video review takes a look. 

It's amazing how far camera technology has come in a short time. The Sony Cyber-shot R1, one of the top cameras in its day back in 2005, is a great example of that.  

Finding affordable, high-quality lenses can be a challenge. Thankfully, companies like Viltrox are stepping up to offer compelling options. One such option is the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z lens for the Nikon Z mount, a prime lens that boasts impressive features at a remarkably low price point. 

The jump from 26 to 40 megapixels in the Fujifilm X100VI sparked debate about whether the lens could keep up. This video tackles that question head-on, comparing the X100V and X100VI lenses to see how well they resolve detail and handle the demands of a high-resolution sensor. 

Sony released a rather odd lens a few days ago. The FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G is neither a replacement for the GMaster nor the cheaper f/4. It is its own odd thing. What is its purpose? Where does it fit in the lineup? Does purchasing it make sense? For some, it most definitely might. Not for all, though. 

Choosing a new camera can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and the wide range of options available. For photographers who prioritize image quality and advanced features, the Sony a7R V has remained a popular choice since its release. But is it still worth considering in 2024, with newer models on the horizon? 

Early digital cameras, despite their limitations, were a marvel of their time, offering a glimpse into the future of image capture and paving the way for the advanced technology we enjoy today. This fun video takes a look back at one such camera.  

A 300mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 is a wonderful lens. But it’s often large and heavy, or so it used to be. Although the diameter of the lens is unchanged, Sony managed to keep the weight within acceptable limits. It makes the FE 300mm GM OSS a great tool to work with.

The allure of a new camera often lies in its technical specifications and the promise of enhanced capabilities. However, the true measure of a camera's value rests in its ability to seamlessly integrate into a photographer's individual approach and empower their creative vision.

Full frame cameras offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but their lenses can often be bulky and expensive. For photographers seeking a compact and affordable zoom lens option, the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM provides a compelling solution. This lens is particularly well-suited for travel, street photography, and everyday shooting scenarios. 

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR offers just about all the focal lengths a person could want in one package, making it an intriguing option for a wide range of users, particularly landscape and travel photographers. Can it deliver good results, though?

As much as we love to talk about composition, lighting, and color, it's important to address the fundamental aspects of keeping your photography setup efficient and protected. No matter what you do, we all need one thing: reliable power. Power outages, voltage spikes, power surges, and other electrical disturbances can result in data loss or even worse, hardware damage.

Portrait lenses are often quite expensive, with some easily running north of $2,000. That's why, at $168, the TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 is an intriguing option for Nikon Z, Sony E, and Fujifilm X APS-C users. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

Sony is going all in on their new line of compact gear with this amazing and affordable compact zoom. 

Similar to the recent Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, this new Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G lens is aimed at the photographer who wants a small and compact setup. Coming in at 409 grams and just 3.6 inches tall, this lens is even smaller and lighter than its zooming counterpart. 

A few months back, I switched systems, mainly due to work-related requirements moving forward. The system I switched to was Sony, namely the a7R IV, so I needed a versatile lens to start with to allow me time to save for another lens after clearing out my bank account.  

The ability to utilize a wide range of lenses is crucial for achieving creative vision and capturing diverse subjects. Lens choice impacts everything from focal length and depth of field to image stabilization and low-light performance.  However, investing in a comprehensive lens collection, especially across different camera systems, can be a significant financial undertaking. 

If you’re all about capturing those sweeping landscapes or immersive cityscapes, the Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 lens might just be your new best friend. Available in both E and Z mounts, this surprisingly inexpensive lens quietly snuck under the radar for a lot of people last year. Perhaps because of the price point at only $158, many didn’t consider it, thinking low price, low quality. 

I’m new to the 360 camera space, but after just a week or two with the new Insta360 X4, I can't see myself using my GoPro again. Ever.  

Selecting the ideal lens for wildlife photography can significantly impact your results, influencing image quality, reach, and overall shooting experience. Long zoom lenses, offering versatile focal lengths, have become increasingly popular among wildlife photographers due to their adaptability in capturing diverse subjects and scenarios. 

The pursuit of unique and captivating bokeh often leads enthusiasts down a path of expensive and specialized lenses. However, TTArtisan offers a refreshing alternative with their 100mm f/2.8 "Bubble Bokeh" lens, providing photographers with an affordable tool to explore creative expression through distinctive bokeh effects. 

On1 Photo Raw is a comprehensive image processing tool designed for photographers. It includes asset management, image development, and editing, plus a host of AI-driven tools, including noise reduction and deblurring. The latest update improves the performance of these tools. 

The Canon EOS R8 full frame mirrorless camera is on the cheap side of such cameras, and yet, it offers a nice feature set sure to please professionals and advanced hobbyists alike. Does it offer the right combination of cost and performance for you? This excellent video review will help you decide. 

Portrait photography is a popular genre, but high-quality lenses can be expensive. However, the new Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 lens offers an affordable option for photographers looking to capture stunning portraits without breaking the bank. 

Selecting the ideal laptop for photography isn't just about choosing a portable computer; it's about finding a versatile tool that enhances your artistic and processing capabilities without becoming a financial burden. This excellent video review takes a look at the MacBook Air M3 for photographers.  

DJI, maker of the world's best consumer and professional camera drones, recently announced the brand new Avata 2 FPV drone. They were able to send me one to test out, and in this video, I ask the question: "is the Avada 2 worth upgrading from the original Avata drone?" 

When the Sony a9 Mark III is mentioned, it is all about the global shutter. While there is a benefit from this kind of sensor readout, the camera is much more than that. Although the global sensor needs to be mentioned, I want to look beyond that one single thing everyone seems to be obsessed about.

For both artistic and commercial work, a mid-range zoom is virtually an essential piece of kit. Sony’s 20-70mm f/4 puts a new spin on the traditional mid-range formula, but is it really that good? In this review, I look back on the last year of using this lens and consider whether it truly has a place in the E-mount ecosystem. 

Skylum is continuing to add more AI-based features to its popular editing tool, Luminar Neo. The new version will be out on April 25, but I was able to get an advance look at it. 

Here's what's coming:

I’ve been seeing Prism Lens FX filters everywhere and have been curious about what they're actually like to shoot with. There are so many interesting filters available that it’s hard to know which ones are worth the investment. So, here’s a comparison of the Lucid Dream FX Filter and the Moody FX Filter. 

The TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25 is an extreme lens in both design and price, offering medium format users super-narrow depth of field at a rock-bottom price compared to other GFX and X mount lenses. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

The Leica SL3 offers some of the company's most impressive design and features. This thorough examination highlights the significance of this camera for anyone keen on capturing images with remarkable precision and detail. 

Recently, Godox launched the V1Pro, an upgrade to the popular V1 flash. But with the V1 already at the top of the pack, was there much to improve? In this review, I’ll be comparing the Godox V1 and V1Pro to determine which you should consider adding to your flash photography kit. 

The zoom range of 24-105mm is perhaps one of the most versatile options available. Typically, lenses within this range maintain a constant f/4 aperture throughout. While this is adequate, having an aperture one stop larger would be ideal. Now we have the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM. 

The X100 series from Fujifilm has long been featured some of the most popular cameras in the industry, known for their quirky but capable design and features and unique user experience. The X100VI is here, and it brings with it a huge range of improvements and new features.