Fstoppers Gear Reviews
Capture One 23 Review: It’s Time to Switch for Good
Having used Capture One for a while now, I came to understand that I never gave the software a proper review. Not an article that talks about tips, or one that only talks about the positive, but a proper in-depth review. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Well, here is my review of the latest version of Capture One.
Peakto for Mac Adds Incredibly Powerful Conversational Search to its Photo Cataloger
There are plenty of photo cataloging programs out there. Lightroom and Bridge from Adobe are the key products in the category, but there are many other entrants, including Skylum with its Luminar Neo, On1, and Apple Photos on the Mac side. There are even more for Windows users.
Small, Mighty, and Safe: We Review the Synology 1 TB BeeDrive
Backup and storage solutions are 10 a penny these days, and with so much choice, knowing which ones to choose becomes increasingly more difficult. Each of these solutions has its own advantages and disadvantages. Whether that's cost, security, compatibility, or capacity, these solutions can range in price from free to hundreds of dollars per year.
We Review the Pentax K3 III Monochrome DSLR
When I was sent a Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome for review, I must admit that I didn’t know what to expect. Releasing an APS-C DLSR in 2023 – one that only captures monochrome images – is quite a bold move, and the K3 Mark III Monochrome is in fact the only camera in existence that can claim these unique specifications. After using the camera for a few weeks, however, I have found a lot to love about the K3 III Monochrome, and it doesn’t begin or end with the monochrome sensor.
The Ultimate Portable Power Solution: We Review the FJ Dynamics 2000W Portable Power Station With Solar
This portable power station can power almost any device you have and it can recharge itself on location.
We Review ON1 Photo Raw 2023.5: A Complete Workflow With Outstanding Results
ON1 Photo Raw keeps leaping forward in its functionality. It seems that Lightroom is forever playing catchup with the program's innovative features. The new facilities in the latest release make ON Photo Raw even more attractive.
The Best Photographer Work Station? We Review the FlexiSpot Standing Desk
Standing desks have become somewhat ubiquitous over the last few years and hold a number of benefits for photographers and content creators. Having used them in the past with mixed results, I was pleasantly surprised by the standing desk from FlexiSpot in terms of quality, form, and function.
We Got Our Hands on the Just-Announced DJI Air 3
The gimbal and drone giant DJI has just announced their next-generation mid-level drone set to replace the Air 2. The new DJI Air 3 brings many new and interesting features, and we managed to play with one for a few days before the announcement. So, what does it bring? Is it any good?
When the Going Gets Tough. We Review the Exascend Explorer Portable Solid State Drive
The brand name Exascend is synonymous with high-quality products. So, will their award-winning Explorer SSD, designed for challenging environments, live up to its name? When the going gets tough, will the tough get going?
We Review the Genaray Bright Beast LED Panel
LED light panels, once used predominantly by videographers, have now become an indispensable tool for photographers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, finding the perfect lighting setup can make all the difference in capturing high-quality images.
Ten Months and Thousands of Images Later: We Review the Fujifilm X-T5
The Fujifilm X-T5 has been out for some time. It was announced back in November 2022, but I’ve been using it since a few weeks before that so you could say I’ve had the camera for a long enough time to be able to tell you my opinion on it. Is it the right camera for you? What are its pros and cons?
Hands on With LomoChrome 92 Film
Lomography recently announced the release of a new film, LomoChrome 92, a 400 ISO C-41 process color negative stock. The film is touted as a throwback to older stocks, with vibrant colors and a more noticeable grain structure.
We Review the Laowa 28mm f/1.2 Lens
Laowa has been producing lenses since 2013 and now has a vast collection, from cine lenses to landscape, to specialist lenses, and everything in between. These lenses are sharp and solid and cater to the ever-growing needs of photographers.
Raising the Bar on Pen Displays: We Review the Xencelabs Pen Display 24
A large screen with a precise pen, 4K resolution, and color accuracy? What more could you want on your dream editing setup?
Coming: Luminar Neo Adds a Panorama Extension With a Twist
It's been a while since Skylum has added any extensions to Luminar Neo, its sophisticated image editor. Now, however, there's an important feature coming.
A Versatile Camera Strap for Mirrorless Cameras: We Review the Peak Design Leash
Camera straps are an often-overlooked accessory for photographers. If it’s something you’ve not considered before, then it’s worth looking at the adaptable Peak Design Leash.
The GR Is Not the Only One: Fujifilm X70 Re-Review
Many photographers know the famous Ricoh GR lineup. Unsurprisingly, it is a widely loved and appreciated series of APS-C fixed-lens compact cameras. But it is not alone in this space. Many Fujifilm users know the X70 well, but is it still a good choice today, nearly seven years after its release?
My First Look at The New Sony 70-200 f/4
This is the first 70-200 f/4 lens Sony has released in nine years. Is the product worth the wait?
Can You Get Good Photos With a Budget Vintage Lens? We Review the Soligor 300mm 1:5.5
Recently, I bought a Soligor 300mm 1:5.5. It’s over half a century old, built in 1971 by Tokina. I picked it up for a song and decided to put it through its paces.
Our First Look at The Sony a6700
It’s been a while since Sony released a new crop sensor camera designed for serious photographers and videographers. But that day is finally here with the launch of the new Sony a6700.
The Sony 70-200mm f/4 G II Takes a Huge Leap in Evolution: We Review
In a time when older cameras and lenses are getting new updated versions left and right, one of the best things to see is when the piece of gear gets an entirely new purpose. This is definitely something that no one expected from the new Sony f/4 telephoto lens.
Does the New Peak Design Micro Clutch Live Up to Expectations? We Review
Peak Design has a great reputation for well-made equipment. So, I was eager to try out their new Micro Clutch, as it met a need I had. Would it be as good as it promised?
An Odd Release in 2023: We Review the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Don’t get me wrong, Pentax has made some incredible cameras in the past, many of which are still brilliant to this day. One of my favorite SLRs to this day is the KM released in 1975. But technology is advancing, and this “new” camera feels a little out of place, even though it produces great files.
The Unattainable: We Review the Fujifilm X100V
The X100V has been on the wishlist of many. So many in fact, the waiting period to even get their hands on one can exceed six months. But why? What is the hype all about? What makes the camera so unique? Is it truly as good as everyone says? Is it worth the wait?
The Perfect Canvas: We Review the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K
Designed for professional artists, graphic designers, and digital creators, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K is a digital drawing pen display with some impressive features, and exceptional performance and all at a very affordable price. Whether you are one of the aforementioned or simply trying to streamline and find a pen display that has a whole host of features to suit your budget, this might just be the one for you.
We Review a Computer Built for Photography and Videography
I finally upgraded my computer, and what a difference it has made to my photography workflow. Here’s how I worked out what to buy.
Excellent and Affordable Video Editing Software: We Review ACDSee’s LUXEA Pro Video Editor 7
Does this affordable video editing software live up to expectations? Definitely. If you want a powerful but easy-to-use app, then look no further.
We Review Profoto Clic 2.7' Softbox – Not for Everyone
Reviewing good light modifiers is one of my favorite types of reviews to write. As I highly value light, I aim to cover light-shaping tools more than anything else. When this softbox was released, my thoughts were split in half. On one hand, I see how it is useful, but on the other, it is simply not for the majority. Read on to find out why.
We Review the Profoto Clic Magnum: A Must-Have Modifier
Something that was always missing from the Profoto Clic lineup was hard reflectors. Being very low-powered while also aimed to be used outside, the A series was a bit of a mystery to me. After all, can you really work in harsh sun with a light that can't do anything about it? Well, now you can. Your 100-watt light becomes 1.7 stops more powerful, making it suitable for more location work.
We Review The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a super telephoto lens available for Fujifilm and Sony APS-C cameras, and it has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. In this review, I detail my experience using this lens for sports and nature photography using Fujifilm cameras.
A First Look at the Pixel Fold, Google's First Foldable Smartphone
The Pixel Fold is the first foldable phone engineered by Google. I had a chance to preview this feature-packed productivity tool that is actually both a phone, and a tablet in one. In this review, I will discuss the Pixel Fold from a photographer’s perspective, its myriad of camera features, and its use as a productivity tool for creative professionals.
A Portable Powerhouse: We Review the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Power Station
As a photographer, how many times have you wished you had a portable power source in remote locations? Whether for outdoor lighting or simply to power some tools, this 1,200 W power station might just be what you were wishing for.
All for Making a Smooth Turn: We Review the Nisi Wizard Camera Positioning Bracket
In a recently emerging search for the perfect vertical shooting tool, many brands have offered tools for better efficiency and stability. Nisi’s take on the rotating camera bracket might have some unique features to offer.
Astro Panel X Pro's Latest Version Should Please Astro and Landscape Photographers
I've taken a look at some earlier iterations of Astro Panel over the years, a plug-in designed for automating and enhancing both astrophotography and landscape photos. I found it a powerful addition to my editing arsenal, and it was easy to use but could do some very sophisticated editing. This new version from photographer Angelo Perrone adds more than 80 new astrophotography and landscape functions, as well as some features to support portrait editing.
An Affordable Geared Head Option: We Review the Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Tripod Head
Geared tripod heads offer precision and efficiency for various kinds of photography workflows. However, they often come with bigger price tags. Let’s see if this fairly affordable one from Benro is worth a look.
Fstoppers Reviews the CRM Platform Bloom IO
If you've been running your photography business for any amount of time, you have quickly discovered that being successful requires you to spend an inordinate amount of time doing things that have nothing to do with a camera. Things you probably loathe. Suddenly, you find yourself needing to acquire skills in accounting, web development, project management, copywriting, contract writing, and countless other fields. A newcomer has entered the CRM space: Bloom IO, and they are on a mission to alleviate many of these burdens, allowing you to focus on what you truly enjoy.
We Review the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens
The Tamron 11-20mm lens features a super-fast constant aperture of f/2.8 in an extremely compact and light package. With a 16.5mm to 30mm full frame equivalent focal length, it is ideal for travel, landscapes, real estate, vlogging, and more. Designed specifically for Fujifilm and Sony APS-C cameras, the 11-20mm is sure to become a popular choice for compact mirrorless shooters.
The Four Outstanding OM System f/4 PRO Zoom Lenses: We Review the Range
In photography, faster lenses are better, aren’t they? Many struggle to see the benefits of having a range of f/4 lenses. But, if you start using them, you’ll realize there are good reasons for challenging that assumption.
Compact and Always by Your Side: We Review the Leica Q3
Many have waited for it patiently, and even more can only dream of affording it, but there is one thing you simply cannot deny: the Leica Q3 is a damn good camera. Is it worth the price? To many Leica lovers, undoubtedly. To you? Well, let’s see what it offers first.
We Review the Tiny Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera
Canon Netherlands sent me a white Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera, together with the standard RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens. The assignment was clear, make an honest review of this tiny camera. You can read the result of this review in this article.
Level Up Your Video Creativity With This New Website
Video is now king, and all us still photographers better get on board if we hope to survive. That's what I've been told, anyway. Making the leap into video can be daunting, though, and so, a new website hopes to make that process just a little easier.
It's Worth Upgrading! We Review the Exascend Catalyst 128 GB UHS-II SDXC Card
Never having used the Exascend brand before, when given the opportunity to review them, I leaped at the chance. Would they match the high standards I hoped for?
Testing Luminar Neo Extensions
I wanted to share with you my experience exploring the new extensions available in Luminar Neo, photography software that many of you may already be familiar with. These add-ons offer specific functionalities to enhance your photographs and are each sold separately.
One Year Later With The Sony a7 IV
One year ago, I finally received my Sony a7 IV after a long wait from my local camera store. In this article, I explain what I like about the camera and where I think it could improve.
Tiny But Mighty: We Review the Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera
The Fujifilm X-S20 is here, and it truly feels like a complete package for enthusiasts, hobbyists, vloggers, content creators, and a combination of all of the above. It's a small camera body packed with many professional features. So what’s the catch? Is there one?
We Review the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 Lens: Wide, Sharp, and Beautiful
Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 lens along with two other lenses and a GFX 100S, and I have to admit it has left a lasting impression on me. As landscape photographers, we value wide angle lenses for capturing wider vistas with stunning detail, and this lens didn't disappoint.
Is a Magnetic Camera Strap a Good Idea?
Magnets have long been used for their quick and sometimes strong holds. But is a magnetic camera strap a good idea?
Reasons to Jump to Micro Four Thirds: We Review the System and the OM-1
The tired arguments against the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) standard are obsolete and rarely voiced now. Furthermore, the release of the OM-1 a year ago has seen a massive migration to the system, and for good reason. Many consider giving their creativity a boost by swapping to an MFT camera.
Is the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 Another Winner for the Fuji X Mount?
The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens for Fujifilm was first released in 2022 and added to their growing line of X Mount prime lenses, which also includes the 16mm and 30mm. This trio of contemporary lenses is designed to be compact while delivering high-quality results at an affordable price. While these lenses offer slightly less features than the Art series of lenses, making them more affordable to a wider audience, the image quality is not compromised in any way, and these relatively inexpensive prime lenses make them a compelling option to explore.