Fstoppers Gear Reviews
How Many Ways Can You Use a Smartwatch for Photography?
Are you a fan of gadgets? When it comes to photography, there are plenty of fabulous extras that we can use to improve what we do, but how about a smartwatch? I experimented with the Kumi GW5 Pro to see how useful it would be.
The Most Fun I’ve Had With A Film Camera in a Long Time
Retro never really goes out of fashion, and this 110 LOMOMATIC camera took me back to the early 1970s when my eldest sister ran around with her 110 camera. I found myself laughing out loud as I shot with careless abandon.
We Review the Pergear 260 GB CFExpress Type A Card
In the past few months, I have been converted to a CFExpress Type A user following some great experiences with the Exascend CFExpress cards, and this week I wanted to try out another affordable card from Pergear to see how it compares. Join me in this article as I put this card to the test.
Luminar Now Available for iPad and Apple Vision Pro
It's nice to see Skylum offer the powerful Luminar tools for iOS and a version that runs natively on Apple's new Vision Pro headset.
Profoto B1X Review: Time To Say Goodbye in 2024?
Often regarded as the best lighting company in the world, Profoto offers a few battery-powered lights. The pinnacle of such lighting is the Profoto B1X. In 2024, however, does it hold up against the competition, and are there better alternatives?
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4: This Budget Lens Packs a Punch Even In 2024!
This is not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor does it have some crazy autofocus performance. Yet, this is my new absolute favorite lens. Read on to find out why the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 is a fantastic choice even in 2024.
BenQ ScreenBar Halo: The Best Upgrade You Can Make Under $180
I didn't think it would be as useful as it ended up being. And I was quite wrong about how much I would use it. Turns out, I use it all the time, and it's one of the best things you can get for your desktop setup. In this article, we will review the BenQ ScreenBar Halo.
Review of the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
If you're looking for a long telephoto lens for the mirrorless R system, Canon has some great options available. The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is the most recent one, and I predict it will become a very popular lens. And it's with good reason.
Decent but Flawed: We Review The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X
The zoom telephoto lens pool for Fujifilm X mount is growing larger each year, and that can only be a good thing. Fujifilm already offers multiple great candidates. Tamron and Sigma are also getting involved as they too want a piece of the pie. Do they stack up? The Tamron 150-500mm certainly does, but how about the Sigma? Let’s have a look!
First Look at The Sony 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens
Sony just announced the new 24-50mm f/2.8 G lens, and I’ve been able to use it for a few weeks now. Does this unique focal range deserve a space in your camera bag?
Why Is This Newly Released Zoom With a Gargantuan Reach Causing a Stir?
Sometimes I am sent lenses to test, and I can’t wait to send them back. Others stay attached to my camera for as long as possible before they are returned. What I chose to do with this 150-600mm lens took me by utter surprise, and there is good reason why it is making a mark.
The Premium Compact King Is Back! Fujifilm X100VI Preview
The successor to the worldwide popular, and rightfully so, Fujifilm X100V has finally been revealed! The new X100VI brings forth some very welcome features while staying true to what made the X100 lineup great. We’ve used it for a while and loved it! How was it? What’s new? What stayed the same? Is it worth upgrading? Will you even be able to get one?
How to Record Better Audio: We Review the Saramonic MV7000
Times when the main creative outlet for photographers was taking and editing photos are long gone. For many, recording videos plays an equally important role now. But, the creation of videos is not only about the visuals. Audio is equally important. And for it, you need a good microphone, like the Saramonic MV7000.
Hands On With The Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera 6K
Today, I get a chance to play with the new Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera 6K.
All the Ports and More: We Review the Ugreen Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt Docking Station
What can docking stations do, and how could they affect your editing workflow? Think of this as an all-in-one, or at least a 13-in-1 solution, to make your work more efficient and expand the capabilities of your editing computer.
Streamlining Photographer Creativity With Fundy Designer 11
We Review the Compact Sony a7C II and a7C R Mirrorless Cameras
Most people are familiar with the Sony a7-series cameras. These mirrorless cameras have matured over the last decade and enjoy a wide fan base. However, they have also grown significantly in size. If you prefer a smaller form factor, perhaps it's time to consider the Sony a7C II and a7CR.
Photographing a Real Wedding on the Sony a9 III
Primarily designed for sports photography, could the Sony a9 III be the perfect camera for weddings?
We Review the Fotopro X-Go Max E 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Travel tripods are not just for travel photography. They pack lighter and more compact so that traveling with them can be less of a hassle, but just like any tripod, they can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios. This one from Fotopro is an option for shoots with higher demand.
The OM-1 Mark II: More Camera Than First Meets the Eye
The OM-1 Mark II has certainly caused a stir. Here’s a deep dive into what this camera is all about and why it’s another winner and a bigger upgrade than you might first think.
The Neewer MS150B: An Adventure Into Lighting That You May Want to Take
I had the opportunity to test some permanent LED lights. Designed primarily for video, I thought I would also try them out for photography as I am soon setting up a home studio, so I ran them through a series of tests to see how they fared.
Another Tripod That Will Shake Up the Competition Hits the Market
I recently reviewed the Neewer Litetrip LT35 tripod. It was one of two that were sent to me to try. The second was the TP62. Also a carbon fiber travel tripod, this one was quite dissimilar from the first, offering a very distinct experience.
Will Neewer's Travel Tripods Put the Cat Among the Pigeons? I Think So.
If you had asked me a few years ago what I thought of Neewer gear, my reply would not have been positive. However, recently I have been testing their newest releases, and I am impressed with what I found. Here’s what I discovered about their travel tripods.
Review of the Incredible Canon RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM
Do you remember the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM that was released in 2015? It was a one-of-a-kind lens and a large and heavy one. Canon released an RF version, and it is not only smaller and lighter, it offers an even wider field of view. This is the review of that lens; the RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM.
How Secure Are the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L and Camera Cubes?
After years of not owning a camera bag, I now have the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. I used it for traveling because of its security; unusually, I was transporting a lot of expensive gear. Here's what I concluded about it.
Long Exposures on an iPhone: No Tripod Needed
We Review the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II Mirrorless Camera
Back in 2017, I received the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 for review. My experiences with this mirrorless MFT camera were positive. Now, six years later, Panasonic sent me the second version: the Lumix DC-G9 II. I used it under extreme weather conditions at the Opal Coast in France.
A Travel Tripod With a Unique Twist: We Review the SmallRig AP-100 FreeRover Tripod
The truth is that tripods are always tedious to bring around when traveling, but for a lot of us, it is an absolute necessity. This new tripod from SmallRig offers a feature that goes beyond what the form factor shows.
The Best Beginner Flash Photography Kit In 2024
With so many different products on the market, it's easy to get lost in trying to pick the perfect one for you. So many brands, so many modifiers, and so much to learn. What if there was an almost perfect kit for beginners? Well, this might just be it.
We Review the GFX100 II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera: Fuji’s Marvel
With the amount of technological advancements that we’ve come to expect, or in some cases demand, from camera manufacturers, where can they go without simply making a camera that does everything for you? All manufacturers, of any worth, are continually enhancing the features of their cameras. Fujifilm is one of these manufacturers, with one of the highest pixel count APS-C sensors, and their range of affordable medium format cameras puts pressure on other manufacturers to keep up in some aspects
Is This the Worst Camera Ever Made? Fstoppers Reviews the Kenko Tokina DSC Toy Camera Pieni II
If you follow my TikTok or my YouTube shorts, you’ll know I have a thing for toy cameras. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few cool and quirky film cameras that I love to shoot with. When I saw earlier this year that Kenko had released a tiny toy digital camera, I had to try it. Before using it, I wondered if it could create unique images. After seeing the results, I'm left wondering: is this the worst camera ever made?
Review: The Luxli Fiddle Pocket RGBAW LED: A Boon to Night Photography
Yet Another Good 35mm Equivalent: We Review the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Fujifilm X Mount
Some say it’s the best focal length. I certainly believe so. And while the options for an equivalent 35mm lens for Fujifilm cameras have been scarce, there are good ones out there. Does this one fit well? Does it stand out? Is it better than some Fujifilm offerings? I’d say it’s worth trying.
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro a Good Camera in 2024? — Fstoppers Review
As an avid advocate for iPhone photography, I have written a ton of articles on the matter. However, I never reviewed the actual device I am using for my photos. Having had it for a year, it's time to give the iPhone 14 Pro a long-term review, as well as answer the question of upgrading to the 15 Pro.
The Best Card I Have Ever Used! My Review of the Exascend 1 TB CFExpress Type A Card
Just over two months ago, I traveled to the Isle of Mull in Scotland to review Exascend's 360 GB CFExpress Type A card, which I absolutely adored. I have now been sent the 1TB version of the card, which offers even more in performance, so last week I took a trip to a local hide to photograph Kingfishers. Let's see how I got on.
Options Are Always Good: We Review the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X
Fujifilm users have had their options rather limited when it came to wide angle fast-aperture zooms. Well, the only option has been the fan-favorite but bulky XF 8-16mm f2/.8 R LM WR, but now, there’s a new kid on the block. How does it compete? Is it worth considering?
Is This the Answer to All Your Color Issues? We Review Datacolor’s Spyder Checkr Photo
Color. Vivid green forests, melty brown chocolate, voluptuous red lips: color is the reason that compels so many of us to reach for our cameras. When I was approached about reviewing Datacolor's Spyder Checkr Photo, I was skeptical. Color is one of the most-often stated reasons clients approach me. Was this little device just another gimmick marketed to chroma junkies, or was it a tool that would fine tune my color-centric work? I gave it a try, and I’m here to share my findings with my fellow artists who love color as much as I do.
We Review The Profoto B2 AirTTL: The Best Flash Under $1,000 in 2024
Profoto for under $1,000? Sure, it sounds too good and perhaps the result of one too many drinks. But I assure you, it's true. If you're looking to set up your off-camera flash game, this is the unit for you. Here are my thoughts.
A Monitor Thoughtfully Designed for Photographers: We Review the BenQ SW272Q Monitor
It’s no question that the technology available for creatives nowadays offer solutions for any kind of workflow challenges. However, it's even more remarkable when you see that a particular tool was tailored specifically for the kind of usage that you require.
Is This The Ultimate Tethering Setup? Fstoppers Reviews
I am a big advocate for tethering. It helps me do a lot of things, from teamwork to backups and more. I’ve always tethered. However, when going on location, this can become a challenge. What do you take, and what do you leave out? Well, here is my on-location tethering setup for 2024.
The Camera Accessory That Saved My Workflow? Peak Design Tech Pouch Review
If you're like me, you have a whole bunch of small photography bits—cables, connectors, SD cards, batteries, and more—in your camera bag. If you were to use a different bag, you'd have to take all of them out and transfer them over. That's how I lived for the first couple of years of my career, and it was awful.
This Might Be My New Favorite Light Modifier
As photographers, we often go through many modifiers to find the right one, and this may just be my new go-to. With its low cost, portable form factor, and ease of setup, the Aputure Lantern could be right for you too.
Why Is ON1 Photo Raw 2024 and ON1 Photo RAW MAX a Fabulous Replacement for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop?
Towards the end of last year, ON1 released the latest version of its software. Its newest advancements are likely to attract even more people to it from Adobe’s Photography Plan for some very good reasons.
The Hohem Mic-01 Challenging the Big Names in Audio Recording
Some fabulous new tech on the market that is making our lives as photographers and videographers evermore easy. The Hohem MIC-01 Wireless Lavalier Microphone is released today. I found it a great addition to my arsenal of tools that exceeded my expectations.
The Perfect Focal Range for Documentary Work? We Review the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Fujifilm X Mount
The discussion of what kind of glass is better for documentary photography has been around since the beginning of the genre itself over a century ago. Some swear by using primes only, while many prefer the versatility of a zoom. What are the benefits? What are the downsides? Let’s look at both!
We Review the Genaray Portabright COB LED
It seems more and more, competitors are showing up in the COB LED lighting world, and this is no exception. This is the Genaray Portabright, and here's what it’s like to shoot with and ultimately who it could be for.
Am I Switching From Profoto? An Honest Review of the System
Having been a Profoto user for most of my career, I have experienced pretty much everything they have to offer. I have bought a substantial amount of Profoto equipment myself and use it as my daily driver. Being a huge investment, I wondered if it was worth it. Well, here are my results.
Canon, Nikon, and Sony Users, Please Stop Buying the OM System EE-1 Dot Sight. We Review.
Much to the dismay of OM System camera owners, other camera brand users have been buying up all the OM System EE-1 Dot sights and the stocks have disappeared. Don’t tell anyone, but they are available again for now. Canon, Nikon, and Sony readers, please ignore this article about how useful they are.
We Review The Canon Speedlite EL-1: Flash for Demanding Photography
The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is a high-performance, professional-grade, weather-resistant flash, designed to meet the demands of the most demanding photographers. It features a powerful guide number of 60m (197 ft) at ISO 100, an insanely fast recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds, and up to 335 full-power flashes on a single charge. It also has a built-in LED modeling light for precise lighting control and a heavy-duty construction that will withstand the rigors of professional everyday use.