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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

A Review of the New Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens

Tamron has gained popularity among photographers for their practical and budget-friendly lenses, as well as their innovative designs. The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is a prime example, being a staple, yet cost-effective option. Can it compete in a marketplace crowded with extremely capable 70-200mm f/2.8 options? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

A Review of This Rare Third-Party Canon Lens

Canon has been infamously restrictive over the RF mount, disallowing most third-party lenses, which is what makes the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical a rare find. And that isn't even considering its useful focal length and extremely wide aperture. What sort of performance and image quality can you expect from this unique lens? This excellent video review takes a look.

Why Artistry Is Harder Than Technique

In this important and insightful video, a professional photographer tackles the complex balance between the technical and artistic aspects of photography. He contends that while the mechanics of operating a camera can be readily taught, cultivating an artistic eye is far more nebulous. As a consequence, many amateur photographers overly fixate on technical perfection in critiquing photos, rather than considering the photographer’s intent, and it's to their detriment.

Just How Good Is the New Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera?

The Sony a9 III is undoubtedly one of the most important cameras to come along in quite some time, offering the world's first consumer full frame global shutter in tandem with plenty of other remarkable features. How does it hold up in practice? This in-depth video review takes a look.

How to Fix Dark Circles Under Eyes in Photoshop

Under-eye bags are some of the most common things clients will want you to retouch, and as such, it is important to know how to take care of them efficiently and convincingly. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to do exactly this.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (November 2023): Kareem Quow

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2023, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

A Review of the Super-Affordable Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 XF Lens

Few manufacturers can compete with Viltrox when it comes to price, but of course, cheap does not mean much if you can't back it up with performance and image quality that can satisfy the needs of discerning users. The AF 75mm f/1.2 XF is a great example of one such lens, and yet, it offers impressively competitive results, even against much more expensive options. Is it the lens for you? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.

What's Your Favorite Lens?

A rich and engaging discussion about favorite lenses unfolds in this video, blending technical insights with personal experiences. Touching on a huge range of lenses from the most pragmatic tools for the job to some of the most extreme designs available today, there is something for everyone.

The Photographer's Comprehensive Safety Guide to Navigating Deals, Discounts, and Used Offerings This Season

The frenetic final months of the year tempt photographers with screaming deals on cameras, lenses, software, supports, accessories, and more. However, the most tempting bargains also invite increased perils around online fraud, box damage, counterfeit risks, and problematic used gear. As eager shoppers hungry for savings paired with prudent consumers, here is how to diligently navigate both established retailers along with secondary marketplaces to avoid financial headaches and make well-informed purchases.

What Was the Best Lens of 2023?

2023 has been one of wildest and most exciting years in recent memory when it comes to lenses. If you missed out on some of it, check out this awesome video that discusses the best releases of the year.

Selfie-Related Deaths Are Now a 'Public Health Problem'

A sobering new global report sheds light on the rising death toll of people pursuing risky selfies in popular outdoor destinations across continents. Over 300 casualties occurred in barely a decade - cementing the practice as a legitimate public safety crisis requiring urgent solutions.

How Good Is the Affordable Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Lens?

Viltrox has quickly grown from a relatively unknown company to a highly respected manufacturer known for creating some of the most affordable lenses out there — lenses that still offer very good performance a lot of the time. At less than $200, the AF 20mm f/2.8 continues that tradition. But can it deliver the results expected of a modern lens? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Terry Richardson Named in Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit

As New York's landmark Adult Survivors Act nears expiration, former model and actress Caron Bernstein has stepped forward to accuse celebrity photographer Terry Richardson of sexual assault. Filed before the Thanksgiving deadline, Bernstein's lawsuit alleges Richardson exploited a 2003 photo shoot proposal to coerce her into unwanted oral sex acts.

A Look at the Remarkable New Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a9 III is arguably the most important camera release of the last several years, and on paper, it looks incredibly capable. How does it hold up in practice, though? This excellent video takes a look at what you can expect.

Unlock Your Unique Creative Voice: Pro Photographer Shares Path to Becoming Recognizable

What transforms an average photographer into one able to land high-paying campaigns? Surprisingly, it has little to do with fancy gear or technical skills. In this great video essay, an experienced pro photographer and educator argues that developing a distinct creative voice and specialty is the key ingredient propelling artistic greats to the top tiers of success.

Important Things to Do When You Purchase a Camera

Getting a new camera can be an exciting experience. With so many buttons and menu options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed trying to set everything up perfectly right out of the box. In this helpful video, an experienced photographer provides her top five tips for getting started with a new camera.

This Is One of the Most Legendary Lenses Ever Made

The Canon EF 200mm f/1.8L USM is an extraordinary telephoto lens from decades past that remains a modern classic. Despite its 35-year-old optical formula, its spectacular performance on high-resolution sensors, rich history, and mythical reputation in the Canon ecosystem still make it relevant for knowledgeable enthusiasts today. Check out what it can do.

The Joy of Vintage Lenses

In the relentless pursuit of pixel-peeping perfection, it's easy for photographers to get caught up chasing the latest ultra-sharp lenses engineered to neutral precision. While these impressive modern optics have their place, an increasing number of photographers are finding magic in the flaws and imperfections of vintage glass.

This Ultra-Cheap f/0.95 Lens Is a Surprise Dream

Wide-aperture 50mm lenses are some of the most popular out there, with their versatility making them at home in a huge range of genres and applications. For APS-C shooters, the Brightin Star 35mm f/0.95 offers that classic combination at an extremely affordable price, and it surprises with some impressive results. This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.