Fstoppers Gear Reviews

In depth expert reviews and comparisons of the latest cameras, lenses, software, and other technology we as creative professionals rely on.
Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: A Review of the LumeCube XL COB LED Light

The LumeCube XL 60 W RGB Mini COB LED Light has hit the market, promising professional-quality lighting in a very compact design. With features aimed at both content creators and professional photographers and videographers, I put this "Pocket-Sized Powerhouse" through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. This article discusses my experience with it.
TTArtisan's 27mm f/2.8 Punches Well Above Its Weight Class for APS-C Shooters

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 lens has garnered attention among photographers seeking an affordable, compact prime lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Available for Fujifilm X, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts, this lens offers a 40.5mm full frame equivalent focal length, making it versatile for various photography genres, including street, travel, and everyday shooting.

Our Field Review of the KEKS Rapid Winder

Whenever I’m considering a new product, I always ask myself whether it will make me a better photographer. Will this item help me produce better images? Will it speed up my workflow? Can it help me do something I can’t do right now? And, because I’m a working photojournalist who lives only slightly above the poverty line, if the answer is “no,” I tend to avoid picking up said item.

Comfort Meets Functionality: Are Adidas Photochromatic Sunglasses for Photographers?

As photographers, the importance of reliable eyewear goes beyond simple aesthetics or sun protection. Spending countless hours in varied lighting conditions—from the harsh midday sun to the subdued glow of dawn or dusk—requires sunglasses that offer both comfort and performance. Adidas sunglasses provide a mix of practical features and thoughtful design, making them a useful tool for us photographers who depend on clear vision and reliable gear.

Explore Creativity in Triplicate, A Lens for Every Vision

Are you looking for a lens that’s as fun and versatile as your imagination? Meet the Lensbaby Trio 28—a creative powerhouse that lets you explore the world in triplicate. Three lenses, endless possibilities, and all the inspiration you need in one compact package!

The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Review: Over 2 kWh of Power in the Field

For content creators working in the field (or even just on location, yet away from an outlet), a power station can be an invaluable accessory. In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the Bluetti Elite 200 V2, a battery pack with over 2,000 Wh of capacity, and showing just how useful it can be to power all the camera, video, and computer gear you might want.

Big Aperture, Big Value With the Viltrox 135mm f/1.8

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a standout addition to the full frame mirrorless ecosystem, designed for photographers seeking exceptional optical performance combined with professional features. While it shines as a portrait lens, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to event photography. With a bright f/1.8 aperture and fast autofocus, this lens delivers breathtaking clarity and dreamy bokeh that simply elevates every shot.

Review of the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex Video Tripod

SmallRig has joined forces with YouTuber Gene ‘Potato Jet’ Nagata, resulting in the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex video tripod. This hydraulic tripod can be set up in just a few seconds, making it perfect for situations where speed is of the essence. This is my honest review of this unique tripod.

Standing Out In The Crowd: ColorCase's Pelican Cases

I see it all the time. There are places in the world where photographers flock. This usually results in about a dozen black hard cases spinning their way around the luggage carousel. This gives every photographer in the arrivals lounge a chance to pick up every case and inspect it. Telling one Pelican from another is a fool's game. Even my stickers don't always help, as everyone else puts stickers on their cases as well. Solution: ColorCase.
Is the Huion Kamvas Pro 27 the Ultimate Tool for Digital Artists?

As creatives, we rely on our tools not just to keep up with our ideas but to enhance and streamline the creative process. The Huion Kamvas Pro 27 aims to be that kind of tool—a professional pen display that blends cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design catering to professionals across various disciplines. Whether you’re an illustrator sketching intricate designs, a photographer editing your images, or an artist bringing your creations to life, the Kamvas Pro 27 promises to deliver.

Radiant Photo 2 Review for Landscape Photographers

I covered the announcement of the latest release of Radiant Photo last month. It looked promising, but reviewers didn't have it in hand to take a deep dive into the software. Now I've had it for a few days and want to share my thoughts and experiences.

Why I Needed to Pimp My Gear Cart: LaVa Cart Moti Review

Being mostly a studio photographer, I work as much with my camera as I do with the camera trolley. I have an excellent camera, but my trolley was always lacking a bunch of pro features. While investing in a new cart was never an option, upgrading my current one seemed like the way forward. I looked into the LaVa cart system to see if it was able to pimp my cart.

Leica M11-D: A Love Letter to Analog

Photography has always been about capturing moments, but with the Leica M11-D, it’s also about rediscovering the art of simplicity. Leica’s M-series cameras are widely known for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, and the M11-D takes this philosophy a step further.

Terramaster F8 Plus SSD NAS: The Future of Affordable Storage?

I’ve always been interested in setting up my very own NAS server. There are many uses and advantages of a dedicated NAS server as opposed to standalone hard drives. A NAS is not a cheap investment, but TerraMaster aims to change that with their new F8 Plus SSD NAS.

WANDRD's Bags and Accessories for Photographers and Travelers

If you're like me, you have a lot of camera bags: some you use all the time and some, well, let's just say they are collecting dust. As my needs evolve and I travel more, I want versatile bags that can adjust and keep up. I find myself reaching for my WANDRD camera bags. So, let's deep dive into some of their popular bags and accessories for photographers and travelers. You might just find your next go-to bag.

Is This the Most Comfortable Backpacking Camera Bag?

When it comes to camera bags for landscape photography, several vital components are needed to ensure they perform as expected. Will this Fernweh 50L bag from WANDRD tick all the necessary boxes? In this review, we will find out!

The AGO Film Processor Massive Review

Some of the world's greatest ideas arise not from attempting to reinvent the wheel but by finding an easier way to make it roll. The AGO Film Processor from Vintage Visual is one such story.
Released Today: Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpack

Ever growing and evolving, the Peak Design range has just had a new addition released today. The Outdoor Backpack may be the perfect bag to carry your gear into the great outdoors.

Choosing the Perfect Lens Filters Is Down to Urth

Most self-respecting landscape photographers will have dabbled in the delights of using filters on their lenses. I’ve tried multiple brands with differing results but have always been more pleased with the photos when using Urth filters than any others. This review will guide you through what different filters do and why I rate them so highly.

What Do You Get When Neurotic Gear Nerds and Outdoor Addicts Join Forces? The Innovative Peak Design Outdoor Line

Known as “radical gear for the detail-obsessed,” Peak Design has a reputation for having a specific purpose for every cinch, strap, pocket, loop, and cord. In this line, Peak Design’s outdoor hikers, climbers, and adventurers paired up with the most detail-oriented gear nerds to bring us their revolutionary "Outdoor Bags" line. I had the opportunity to give the gear a test run for about a month. From traveling with the backpacks on photo assignments to grabbing the slings on my way out the door in my city-slicker life, I’m here to report my feedback on Peak Design’s newest line.

Taking Entry Level to a Whole New Level: Sony ZV-E10 Mark II Review

A camera brand/system’s most affordable camera can often be underestimated, but it serves a bigger purpose to an entry-level user that can highly impact their growth in the craft. This second iteration of Sony’s ZV-E10 definitely brings more to the table than most realize.

Does the Tamron 50-400mm Deliver for Nikon Z Photographers?

Two years after its initial announcement for the Sony E-mount in September 2022, Tamron recently released the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for the Nikon Z mount. With a range from 50mm to 400mm, this is a substantial range for one lens. But can it hold up?

Team Group’s T-Create 256 GB UHS-II SDXC Card Tested

We know that the right memory card can make all the difference. Whether capturing fast-paced action or shooting in extreme conditions, having a reliable and high-performance card is essential. Enter the T-Create EXPERT UHS-II SDXC Card.

Hands On With the Peak Design X Carryology Collaboration

Peak Design, known for their straps, bags, and carry accessories, has partnered with Carryology, releasing special editions of their popular products. I was sent a few of these, so consider this a hands-on first look at them.

Color Theory Pro Will Help You Manage Color Like a Pro

Managing colors is one of the most important things photographers need to get right. It’s true for portrait, landscape, and wedding photographers—all of us. And there are a lot of approaches to getting the color right.

Lomo 92 Film Stock Review

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a truly embarrassing amount of film stock. I’ll freely admit that it’s a sickness. If I’m being honest with myself, it likely stems from a fear of missing out on something creative and new and a fear that one day it’s all going to be gone. One day, the last roll from the last batch of the last stock is going to come off the production line, and that’ll be that.

Simple Is Perfect: We Review the Neewer X17 II Teleprompter

Why would you need a teleprompter? Many people are considering them because they are working from home and want to give professional-looking presentations. Plus, many more people are doing YouTube videos. I decided to put the Neewer X17 II Teleprompter through its paces.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: A New Contender To The Action Cam Throne?

When it comes to action cameras, this time of year seems to be when all the main players release their latest and greatest iterations to the market, each promising to be better than before and better than the rest. Enter the ring, Insta360 and the Ace Pro 2, which promises to shake things up quite considerably.