Latest Gear Reviews

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

A Fabulous New Camera Enters the Arena: Welcome the New OM-3

OM System just announced their new camera and a raft of new lens versions. The new camera is an exciting addition to their stable and will be aimed at a completely different type of photographer. Street and urban wildlife photographers and photographic artists, check out the OM-3.

Discover the Cosmos: We Review the Incredibly Fun Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope

When Dwarflab announced the development of the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, I could not contain my excitement. I thoroughly enjoy astrophotography. For me, that has been limited to subjects like the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis. Deep Space photography and solar imagery have always been a dream of mine, but the learning curve and costs can be extraordinary.

In-Depth Review of Haida NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 Filter

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 Lasting Legacy of a Classic, Magic Prime Lens

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens, introduced in 2012, has established itself as a classic in the realm of photography. Despite the advent of newer lenses with advanced features, this lens continues to captivate me with its unique character, exceptional image quality, and timeless design. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Fujifilm shooters who value artistic expression over technical perfection, myself included.

A Green Modular Outdoor Backpack: We Review the Lowepro Photosport X 45L

To make a great camera bag for photographers on outdoor adventures, this solution from Lowepro is not entirely a camera bag but a hiking backpack with seamless compatibility with modular camera inserts. This new sub-variant of the Lowepro Photosport backpacks is clearly for serious adventurers.

Sigma’s New RF-Mount Lenses: An In-Depth Look at the 30mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lenses

Sigma has continued to enhance its reputation for crafting high-quality, affordable optics, and its new RF-mount lenses—the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary—are no exception. Designed with APS-C sensors in mind, these lenses aim to provide a balance of portability, performance, and cost-efficiency, making them highly appealing to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here’s a closer look at what makes these lenses stand out, their practical performance, and their specific pros and cons.

Soft, Warm, and Cinematic: Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold Diffusion Filter Review

Why would you need one? I wondered that a year ago, and now I’m obsessed with mist/diffusion filters. It happened when I started taking filmmaking seriously. I use very sharp modern lenses for my filming and photography and wasn’t happy with the crisp, sterile results I was getting. I wanted a more natural, organic feel. I’ve tested many kinds of mist/diffusion filters, and now I’ve finally found one I really love.

Luminar Mobile Update Adds Raw Support and More to Version 2.2

Well, here's something I did not expect in a mobile photo editing app, but it's a nice surprise. Skylum, which also makes the popular Luminar Neo editor, has added full raw support, an editing history feature, seamless iCloud synchronization, and an improved user interface to its iOS app that runs on iPhones and the Apple iPad.

Review of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for Timelapse Photography

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.

We Review the Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E

Zhiyun has a wide range of gimbals to choose from, and the new offering is the Cinepeer Crane 4E. In this article, I put the gimbal through its paces and give my opinion as a first-time user.

Face Tracking Comes in New iSteady M7 Gimbal

The dream of having a gimbal that can auto-track your subject while leaving you free to focus on your own movement is finally a reality! I tested the new iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal by Hohem, and it's pretty remarkable. If this is the future of gimbals, we are in for a treat!

DJI Flip Drone Review, Shockingly Good, Surprisingly Cheap

A few days ago, DJI sent me their soon-to-be-released DJI Flip Drone. Although they probably explained everything about it in the emails they sent, I’ll admit—I didn’t read a word. Instead, I ripped open the box, grabbed the drone, and decided to figure it out on my own.

We Review the Latest Pro Smartphone Stabilizer: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro

As you might be familiar with Insta360’s Flow Pro, the first smartphone gimbal that features Apple DockKit, they have now released a brand-new model, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which features a sleek design and even more advanced features. With the rapid growth of AI integration technology, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro has taken the leap to become the next-gen AI-powered smartphone stabilizer, featuring the all-new Deep Track 4.0 that offers advanced tracking capability.

The New Book That Every Photographer Should Have On Their Shelf

There is a short list of books that distinguish themselves from the mainstream of photographic discourse, and even fewer for which a good case could be made that they are required reading for anybody serious about photography. This new book about the art of photography scores on both counts.