Gear Reviews

If you carry your gear to photograph or film in a wide variety of locations, having a tripod that can adjust to your needs can make a lot of difference. This new tripod from iFootage offers combinations of features that fit just right for creators on the go. 

The 85mm f/1.4 lens is perhaps the most classic and highly sought-after model, offering an excellent portrait focal length in tandem with a wide maximum aperture for especially soft backgrounds. However, such lenses are often rather expensive, easily topping $2,000. So, at less than $500, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF is an especially intriguing option.

Switching to a new camera system is a pivotal moment for any photographer, marking a transition filled with excitement and uncertainty. But moving to a significantly smaller sensor size is particularly challenging. Can micro four thirds compete with full frame in a challenging environment? 

Many dream of having one, yet most can’t ever afford one. What makes the Hasselblad X2D 100C so special? Should you even think about getting one? Who is it for, anyway? There are quite a few questions I had when I was getting this camera, and in the few weeks of using it, I got some answers. 

100-400mm lenses are some of the most versatile out there, offering a ton of reach suitable for everything from birds to landscapes, making them desirable for many photographer's kits. Nonetheless, such lenses can be pricey, which is what makes the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary an intriguing option.

The new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art is here, and it promises extreme performance and remarkable image quality at all apertures, all for a very reasonable price. How does it perform in the real world? This excellent video review takes a look.  

The Godox X3 is a premium flash trigger, with a crystal clear OLED touchscreen and minimalist design. But does this trigger have the brains to match the beauty? In this review, I'll test the X3 versus Godox's previous flagship trigger and help you figure out which option is best for your flash kit. 

Supertelephoto lenses offer a ton of versatility, but you often have to pay top dollar for those capabilities. However, Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens bucks that trend by offering all the versatility in focal lengths for under $2,000. This helpful video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

Modern laptops reflect significant advancements in technology and design, catering to diverse user needs from hardcore gaming to seamless productivity. These innovations are crucial for photographers, videographers, and creative professionals who rely on powerful, versatile tools for their work. 

When the Tourbox Lite arrived for me to try, I wondered whether I would be impressed. After all, I already have a Tourbox Elite. But after using it for a week, I wondered whether it might suit me better. Two weeks in, here's what I concluded.

There are some very good reasons why photographers are switching over to Exascend. However, there was a problem that made me delay this article. Here's why.

In the past few years, we’ve seen the emergence of more convenient photography, video, and content creation tools that make it easier for creatives to wear more hats. This affordable but feature-packed option is a testament to that. 

There are 85mm lenses aplenty at just about every price point, and each comes with a different value-to-performance ratio, but this lens may offer one of the best ratios out there. This fantastic video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.  

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens brings some of the company's best design and features, promising high levels of performance and image quality at a competitive price. How does it hold up in practice? This fantastic video tutorial takes a look at what you can expect.  

I am becoming a fan of Neewer gear. Since they changed direction and started producing equipment for themselves, the designs have vastly improved, and the quality of the products has rocketed. Here are two new lights from their stable that are exceptionally good. Their competitors should look out. 

As a photographer who often camps or goes on adventure assignments, adding portable power stations to my kit has given me the ability to charge and work in even some of the most remote locations. While this kind of accessory is useful for any type of outdoor photography, it is also great for a studio where you don’t have an outlet or to have a strong power source in case of emergency.

The new Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens offers wildlife and sports photographers a nice balance of reach and price. This great video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

SmallRig's new version of the rotating camera mount has definitely addressed the issues we had with the first version. In addition to making it compatible with most, if not all, cameras, they went the extra mile that some might think is too far. 

Selecting the optimal lens for various scenarios can drastically influence the outcome of your shots, and when it comes to versatility, few options stand out like a 24-105mm f/4 lens. Its range and reliability make it an indispensable tool for photographers who require a single lens capable of capturing a broad spectrum of scenes, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. 

When it comes to equipment, I'm looking for ways to simplify. I try to find tools that make my life as a photographer and videographer easier. And with the Zhiyun Fiveray M20 and M20c lights, I can achieve that, as I show in this article. 

Understanding and controlling shutter speed is essential for capturing sharp, high-quality images. This concept becomes particularly vital when photographing in conditions that may introduce camera shake or when aiming to freeze or blur motion creatively, and this helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.  

The MacBook Pro is generally thought of as the workhorse for creatives, but the Air series should not be overlooked, and you might be surprised what you can accomplish with one. This great video review takes a look at the new M3 MacBook Air and how it performs for photography-related tasks.  

Peak Design is known for their functional designs of camera accessories that are coupled with sleek and modern aesthetics, and the Everyday Sling is no different. Available in three sizes: 3L, 6L, and 10L, the Everyday Sling has you covered whatever your shooting and wherever your travels take you. 

The Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens takes the place of a fantastic option from the old EF-S lineup, and it offers APS-C shooters an affordable and portable wide angle zoom lens that is perfert for a wide range of needs. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality one can expect from it in practice. 

The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR gives users a nice long telephoto focal length in combination with a wide aperture, which makes it an appealing option for a range of users, particularly portrait and wedding photographers. This fantastic video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

Are you a fan of gadgets? When it comes to photography, there are plenty of fabulous extras that we can use to improve what we do, but how about a smartwatch? I experimented with the Kumi GW5 Pro to see how useful it would be. 

Retro never really goes out of fashion, and this 110 LOMOMATIC camera took me back to the early 1970s when my eldest sister ran around with her 110 camera. I found myself laughing out loud as I shot with careless abandon. 

The Fujifilm X100 series has been a cornerstone for photographers who want a compact solution without compromising on image quality. The introduction of its latest model, the X100VI, marks a significant development, incorporating a high-resolution sensor and built-in stabilization, promising enhanced capabilities in a familiar, vintage package. 

Navigating the elite tier of Sony's mirrorless lineup presents a challenging decision: choosing between the Sony a1 and the a9 III, each a masterpiece in its own right. This detailed video review meticulously unpacks the features and functionalities that set these cameras apart, guiding users toward the ideal pick for their arsenal. 

In the past few months, I have been converted to a CFExpress Type A user following some great experiences with the Exascend CFExpress cards, and this week I wanted to try out another affordable card from Pergear to see how it compares. Join me in this article as I put this card to the test. 

Supertelephoto lenses are some of the most versatile out there, offering lots of reach suitable for a wide variety of applications. Nonetheless, such lenses can often be rather expensive, which is what makes the Canon's RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM a nice option for users who want lots of capabilities at a more reasonable price.

It's nice to see Skylum offer the powerful Luminar tools for iOS and a version that runs natively on Apple's new Vision Pro headset. 

It comes as a small but welcome surprise for editors who live in the iOS world and want something more than the basic editing generally on offer.

The app has rather broad functionality including:

This is not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor does it have some crazy autofocus performance. Yet, this is my new absolute favorite lens. Read on to find out why the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 is a fantastic choice even in 2024. 

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a powerful laptop with features for gamers and creatives alike. Is it the right choice for you? This excellent video review takes a look.  

The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art offers users a unique optical instrument with the promise of top-level image quality. What kind of performance can you expect from the lens in real-world usage? This fantastic video review takes a look.  

Venus Optics is known for making some of the neatest lenses out there, and the new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus is no exception to that rule. With that wide focal length and wide aperture, it is quite a unique optical instrument. Can it provide the sort of performance and image quality pros need in practice, though?

I didn't think it would be as useful as it ended up being. And I was quite wrong about how much I would use it. Turns out, I use it all the time, and it's one of the best things you can get for your desktop setup. In this article, we will review the BenQ ScreenBar Halo. 

The Sony a1 and a9 III are two of the most impressive cameras ever made, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. This fantastic video dives deep into both to help you choose the right camera for your work. 

The new Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. lens offers users the promise of tremendous focal length range suitable for a huge range of applications, making it an appealing option for many users. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.  

Viltrox has quickly established a reputation for producing some of the most affordable but surprisingly competent lenses out there, and the AF 20mm f/2.8 is no stranger to that trend. At less than $200 and with a tiny footprint, it is a tempting option for many users.

400mm f/2.8 lenses are often the tool of choice for sports and wildlife photographers, but with prices easily stretching north of $10,000, they are anything but cheap. So, if the quality and performance of older versions is suitable, it is well worth saving your cash.

There has been constant talk about the new OM System OM-1 Mark II in Micro Four Thirds Facebook groups since it was first announced. So, is this new flagship camera worth the upgrade? 

There's one easy way to find out: watch this comprehensive in-depth review about the OM-1 Mark II brought to you by Thomas Eisl.

If you're looking for a long telephoto lens for the mirrorless R system, Canon has some great options available. The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is the most recent one, and I predict it will become a very popular lens. And it's with good reason. 

The zoom telephoto lens pool for Fujifilm X mount is growing larger each year, and that can only be a good thing. Fujifilm already offers multiple great candidates. Tamron and Sigma are also getting involved as they too want a piece of the pie. Do they stack up? The Tamron 150-500mm certainly does, but how about the Sigma? Let’s have a look! 

Sigma continues to impress, and the new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens is no stranger to that trend, offering a ton of reach for users like sports and wildlife photographers. This fantastic video review takes a deep look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. 

Sony just announced the new 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, and I’ve been able to use it for a few weeks now. Does this unique focal range deserve a space in your camera bag? 

Fujifilm Instax cameras are the most popular instant cameras, offering a range of sizes from mini to wide, providing plenty of options. My favorite format is the Instax square film, and with the release of the new Instax SQ40, we conducted a comparison against the SQ6 to determine the best square format instant camera. 

Venus Optics is respected for making some of the photography market's most interesting lenses, and the new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus continues that trend by offering and ultra-wide focal length in tandem with a wide aperture.

The new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G offers users useful focal lengths in a compact package. This great video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.