Latest Gear Reviews

In depth expert reviews and comparisons of the latest cameras, lenses, software, and other technology we as creative professionals rely on.

I Tested Every Aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro

Since Apple's keynote I have made two videos about the iPhone 18 Pro's new variable aperture lens, and in both of them I made predictions about how it would actually perform. Both phones are now sitting on my desk. I shot the same scenes on the 17 Pro and the 18 Pro, indoors and outdoors, at every aperture the new lens offers, then pulled all of it into Lightroom and zoomed to 400 percent.

The Most Portable Darkroom I've Ever Used: REEL Paper 8 Field Test

Does the REEL Paper 8 from Vintage Visual really let you make prints up to 12x16 inches from virtually anywhere? I took this unassuming photographic tool into the heart of the Nantahala National Forest to find out.  

I suppose life is full of “what ifs” and “could’ve beens.” 

Reviewing The Peak Design Travel Tripod

Today, I wanted to take a break from discussing the cameras that capture our images and look at one of the tools used to make those images better. Let’s have a look at the Peak Design Travel Tripod. 

How the Leica M EV1 Strikes the Perfect Balance of Old and New

Leica is in a tricky position when it comes to creating a new M camera. The fanbase welcomes new models, but Leica knows that if they stray too far from the essence of the M, users may reject the new model. The M5, introduced in 1972, made dramatic changes from the design of the previous M4 model and met relatively weak demand.

BLUETTI Elite 400: Portable Power That Works for Demanding Location Photography

For photographers working on location, reliable power is no longer a luxury; it's an essential part of the process. Between strobe or LED lighting, tethered laptops, battery chargers, drones, mobile devices, and client comfort equipment, power requirements can quickly become substantial, especially during long days on location.

The AGO Film Processor Long-Term Review

It’s been over a year since we reviewed the AGO Film Processor from Vintage Visual. Is this mobile film processor still a good buy in 2026? I’ll show you the good, the bad, and even the ugly about the AGO. 

Sony Doesn't Make This Lens: Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8

This budget-friendly zoom lens is currently doing something that Sony didn't even do with its own version. I'm talking about the Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8. 

When Sony released its 24-50mm G lens, a lot of creators were excited about the compact size and versatile focal range. But it features an extending barrel when you zoom, and that became a point of complaint for me.

SmallRig EDC PRO: A Backpack and Kit Built for Creators on the Move

More and more shooters are moving toward lighter, more mobile setups rather than hauling heavy gear to every location. SmallRig have just released their new EDC PRO kit, designed around their Outra 25 camera backpack, I was curious to see whether a curated "everyday carry" system could cover the changing needs of digital creatives.

 

Giving Bigger Camera Energy: We Review the Insta360 X6

Many photographers have felt the need to produce content in order to become more visible online and, consequently, to more potential clients. If you haven’t tried using a 360 camera, it can be the easiest solution for capturing behind-the-scenes footage.

 

This Tiny 28mm Lens Turns Your Leica Into a Pocket Camera

Brightin Star launched a solid brass manual focus 28mm f/2.8 pancake lens last year, painted in gloss black lacquer. My first impression when I saw the publicity photos wasn’t its incredibly small size. It should have been, but I was distracted somewhat by that high-gloss black lacquer with gold and red engraving. It looked a little garish.

Review of the Haida NanoPro X in 1 Ultra-Low Reflection Magnetic Filter

For those who like long exposures, a variable ND filter is often not the best choice. If you're filming, the variable ND is a must-have. It allows full control of the exposure. Unless your camera has a built-in ND filter, the Haida X in 1 filter set can be a great choice. I took a closer look.

Audio For Any Occasion : We Review The New DJI Mic Mini 2S

After years of creating landscape photography videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content, I have learned one undeniable truth: reliable audio is just as important as the camera itself. In this review, I am putting both versions of the new DJI Mic Mini 2S through their paces to see how they perform in real-world outdoor conditions. 

We Dive Into the Anamorphic World With the DZOFilm Arcana Series Lenses

Traditionally, shooting with an anamorphic lens has always come with its set of hurdles. While having the cinematic squeeze is nice, battling with the size and weight can be rather unpleasant. Not to mention the need for diopters just to reach a decent close-focus distance.