For my photo tour in Iceland, I wanted to go lightweight. I had my eye on the new Think Tank FocusPoint 30L because it just looks great. Amazingly, my gear did fit in this compact photo backpack, and I took it with me to Iceland. Let me tell you about my experiences.
Are you a smartphone photographer or videographer? Then the Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder and smartphone filters might be a nice addition, giving you some extra creative options. I received a set from Haida to try out. Curious? Read about my findings in this review.
For macro photography, it can sometimes be useful to have additional light. Many types of lamps are available, some small, others large. SmallRig now offers the new SmallRig RM 03 Macro Photography LED lights. These small lights provide a lot of flexibility, as becomes clear in this review.
Are you looking for a good and affordable tripod? Then the Sirui L-324F might be something for you. I received this tripod together with the Sirui KS-G3 geared tripod head to use for a course on tripods. I took the opportunity to test it extensively. You can read more about this tripod in this review.
The Platypod is a handy tool for your camera when a tripod is not allowed or not possible. It comes in two sizes and offers many possibilities. I received both versions for an extensive review. How does the Platypod perform, and how usable is it in practice?
At the end of 2024, SmallRig, in collaboration with YouTuber Potato Jet, released a unique hydraulic video tripod. This tripod now has a successor, the Second Edition. You can read more about this tripod in this review.
Are you looking for a full frame mirrorless camera that’s relatively affordable? Then check out the Nikon Z5 II. This entry-level model is more than just a basic camera and offers semi-professional features within reach.
Canon has released a vlog camera based on the popular Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera. This APS-C camera is aimed at content creators and has an attractive set of video features without making it too complicated. Canon Netherlands provided the Canon EOS R50 V for a review.
Canon has released a set of lenses that carry the abbreviation VCM, short for Voice Coil Motor, a fast and silent autofocus system. The first three primes of this series are the RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM, the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, and the RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM. Let’s have a look.
After four years, Canon released the EOS R5 Mark II. The second iteration of the successful EOS R5 has received many upgrades. Is it enough for existing EOS R5 owners to make the jump to this newer model? Being such a photographer, I had a look.
Most modern lenses provide astounding image quality. The image is sharp from corner to corner, and any chromatic aberration is kept to a minimum. Flares are suppressed by smartly designed coatings. But you probably don’t need such high-quality lenses for your photography.
I’ve been practicing intentional camera movement occasionally for some years now. This technique, better known by its abbreviation, ICM, involves deliberately moving the camera during exposure. It turns out to be much more difficult than regular photography. You have to take movement into the equation.
Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.
The Orton effect brings a dreamy appearance to an image. This effect, named after photographer Michael Orton, is nearly always added in post-processing. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to add this effect in-camera? This can be accomplished with a double exposure.
Modern cameras have an interval option built in. Set an interval time and wait until you have enough footage for a timelapse video. However, with the right equipment, it is possible to take it to the next level. I reviewed the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, which might be the right tool for the job.
If you’re into landscape photography, shooting with a purpose can help you capture special photos. Why not set such a purpose for 2025? I suggest capturing twelve different natural phenomena. Of course, you can make a list of your own as well.
When shooting portraits on location, you are dependent on the ambient light—unless you bring your own lights. I decided to use flash to overpower the ambient light. This approach allowed for more variation during this portrait session. Let me explain how.
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.
Focusing in landscape photography is often trickier than you might think. As with many things, there are more ways than one to achieve the desired result. The best way is also determined by personal preferences. This guide will help you make the best choice.
Photography is not just a method to document the world around us—it is also a means of expressing creativity. Achieving this creative expression, however, can be more challenging than expected. Perhaps the use of vintage lenses can stimulate the creativity of the photographer.
One of the most difficult things to accomplish is achieving a great composition. There are many rules and guidelines—enough to make your head spin. Perhaps there’s a better way to create an attractive composition, and that’s by ignoring the rules at first and concentrating on what you want to show.
I see a growing number of new lenses hitting the market that rely on lens correction. These lenses have some benefits, but are lens manufacturers taking shortcuts with these lens designs? Will we be seeing more and more lenses with this reliance on lens correction in the near future?
With the introduction of iPhone 15 and USB-C connectivity, it’s now possible to record video footage directly onto an external SSD. To support this, DigiEra introduced a compact, lightweight SSD that is MagSafe compatible. DigiEra provided me with a black 1TB version for review.
On August 20, 2024, Amaran released a brand-new app for wireless light control on mobile devices and desktops. It offers an interface for controlling an ecosystem of multiple lights at once and promises simpler, more intuitive, yet powerful control of lights that support wireless connections.
It’s one of the more popular vintage lenses: the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8. It’s famous for its soap bubble bokeh. You either love the effect, or you hate it. I decided to buy one and used it on a Canon EOS R5. I want to tell you about my findings.
The use of chip-on-board (COB) LEDs has made it possible to produce small but strong light sources. Almost every light company offers one or more such lights. SmallRig has the RC 60B COB LED video light. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry with you. I took a closer look at this light.
There is a new filter system on the market, made by Haida. This is the Greystone filter system, which consists of a UV filter, CPL filter, and a set of neutral density filters. I have used these filters for a while to see how they perform.
After more than six years, Sony has released a new version of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM. The lens is improved in every aspect and promises to deliver outstanding quality and results. I have been using this lens for weeks prior to its official announcement, resulting in this review.
Laowa has made some amazing lenses, ranging from ultra-wide angle to macro lenses. These are all manual focus without any way of communication with the camera. The 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D has changed that, being the first Laowa autofocus lens. It’s also the first 10mm lens with an f/2.8 aperture.
There is a lot of power required for video recordings, often more than a normal camera battery can deliver for an extended period of time. An external battery can be the answer to that problem. I have reviewed the excellent SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount battery.
Haida introduced two brand-new UV filters: the Bluestone UV filter and the Premium Brass UV filter. These filters boast high light transmission, a multi-layered coating, and substantial protection thanks to the shock-proof Schott B270 glass. I was asked to review both filters.
There are many ways to make a photo appealing. Light, composition, and depth of field are the obvious ones. Post-processing is also part of this procedure, regardless of whether it's done in-camera or on a computer. Don’t forget cropping, which is an important part of the process.
The use of AI offers the ability to create almost lifelike images. This has nothing to do with photography. However, AI can also be used for removing unwanted parts of a photo. Is this feature making us lazy, taking less care while photographing? After all, we can easily fix it in post.
Once, photographers converted their precious raw files into DNG files, which promised to be future-proof. There might be another reason: there is a DNG file format with lossy compression. Could this be future-proof and save disk space at the same time?
There are two lenses by Sony that are both interesting and curious. The FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G and FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G are small, lightweight f/2.8 lenses with a limited zoom range. How do these lenses perform, and are they worth buying? Let’s find out.
