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Alex Cooke
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Articles written by Alex Cooke

A Close Look at the Stunning Fujifilm Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 Lens

Using medium format cameras for wildlife and bird photography might seem unconventional, but the Fujifilm Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens changes the game. This long telephoto lens offers excellent image quality, strong stabilization, and a surprisingly lightweight build—all while retaining the detail and resolution that make medium format so appealing.

Why 'The Terminator' Still Feels Like It’s From the Future

"The Terminator" stands as a masterpiece of science fiction and action, not because of its visual effects or star power, but because it has stayed relevant for decades. It doesn’t feel like a relic from the past. It’s a film that can still grip you, make you think, and leave you wondering about the future. This timelessness is rare in cinema, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding how to blend action, narrative, and emotion seamlessly.

How to Use Two Lights for Outdoor Portraits

Lighting can make or break a portrait. Knowing when and how to use a two-light setup can elevate your work and help you control tricky lighting situations.

Finding Beauty in the Details: Exploring Intimate Landscapes

Intimate landscape photography captures the subtle, often overlooked details in nature. This approach offers a new way to explore and appreciate the beauty of small-scale compositions. By isolating textures, colors, and patterns, it enables you to find compelling visuals even in familiar or seemingly unremarkable locations.

Is the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 the Best Compact APS-C Lens?

Choosing a lightweight lens often means trading off build quality and image quality for portability. But for those who need something compact and capable, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 XF offers a lot.

The 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: An Extremely Affordable Lens With Trade-offs

The 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a budget-friendly option that aims to provide macro enthusiasts with impressive close-up shots. This lens, unlike some of its predecessors, offers a full frame image circle, making it more versatile for those who want to experiment with extreme magnification. While the low price and features are tempting, the lens has some significant shortcomings you’ll want to consider.

Creating Powerful Portraits with Simple Lighting Techniques

Light is more than just a way to illuminate your subject—it’s the key to creating mood and emotion in an image. With a blank wall and a single subject, the right use of lighting can turn an ordinary scene into something that tells a story.

The Frustrations and Triumphs of a Photography Trip

Capturing the perfect moment often means waiting in less-than-ideal conditions and hoping for the light to turn. That’s exactly what happened during this trip to Yosemite National Park. In search of moody, winter-like weather, it became a waiting game against sunny skies and limited time.

Streamline Lightroom Classic With These Quick Folder and Collection Tips

Lightroom Classic can get cluttered quickly if you’re managing a large catalog of folders and collections. Finding the ones you access frequently can become frustrating, especially if your organization style is all over the place. There are a few quick tricks you can use to make your go-to folders and collections stand out, saving you time and hassle.

Compact Telephoto on a Budget: Testing the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex Lens

Finding a compact telephoto lens that offers good reach without adding too much bulk to your kit can be challenging. Enter the TTArtisan 250mm f/5.6 Reflex, a mirror lens designed to provide a long focal length in a small, lightweight package. While mirror lenses don’t have the best reputation for image quality and usability, this one stands out as a modern take on a classic design that attempts to overcome some of those limitations.

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.: A High-Quality Lens with Some Drawbacks

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH lens has been highly anticipated by users who want quality optics without the bulk of larger telephoto options. For sports and wildlife shooting, it’s essential to have a lens that not only delivers sharp images but also handles well during fast-paced action. But does this lens really meet those needs?

Sony vs. Nikon: Which 85mm Lens is Best for Portraits?

The Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II and Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S are two of the most impressive lenses out there. Whether you’re chasing the perfect bokeh or prioritizing weight and size, it's hard to go wrong.

Is the 7artisans 85mm f/1.8 AF a Good Budget Portrait Lens for Nikon Users?

A quality 85mm lens with a fast aperture is a go-to option for portrait work, offering a balance of image quality and background separation. But getting those features with autofocus at a budget-friendly price is rare. The 7artisans Photoelectric 85mm f/1.8 AF aims to do just that, delivering solid performance at just $299.

Rollei 35AF: A Compact Film Camera With Retro Charm

If you want a compact film camera that mixes classic style with modern convenience, the Rollei 35AF could be the perfect fit. As a modern take on the original Rollei 35, it retains the compact size and design while introducing autofocus, making it more practical for everyday use. This remastered version captures the spirit of the original while adding a few contemporary touches to enhance usability.

Why the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Is Worth the Investment

Finding the right lens for sports or wildlife photography often comes down to speed, clarity, and performance in tough conditions. With a fast f/2.8 aperture, the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS offers all of these qualities in a surprisingly compact package. This lens brings high-end performance in a lightweight body, making it an enticing choice if you need long-range reach without the bulk.

A Review of the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, lightweight lens designed for Fujifilm users looking to keep their gear portable without sacrificing versatility. While Fujifilm’s own lenses are known for their excellent build quality and performance, they tend to be heavy, making them less suitable for travel. That’s where the Sigma 18-50mm comes in. But how does it actually perform in real-world use?

Which Nikon 50mm Lens Is Right for You?

The right lens can change the way your images look and feel. This comparison between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 S and the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S breaks down what makes each option stand out for your shooting style.

Why Shooting With a 24mm Lens Is so Challenging

Experimenting with different focal lengths can take your work in unexpected directions. If you’re used to a 35mm lens, switching to a wider angle might feel like a dramatic shift, but that’s where the creativity happens.

Improve Your Landscape Shots by Blocking the Sun With This Simple Trick

When shooting in harsh lighting conditions, it’s common to encounter issues like lens flares or blown-out highlights. This is particularly relevant if you're trying to capture outdoor scenes with direct sunlight in your frame. In such situations, managing the light effectively can make a huge difference in the quality of your final image.