Fstoppers Gear Reviews
A Tripod Terribly Misjudged by Many: A Technical Review of the Peak Design Travel Tripod
This tripod was so different from all others in the market when it was released four years ago. Now that it’s obvious that many other brands have copied its unique form factor one way or another, it definitely deserves a closer look.
Luminar Neo Adds Generative Expand to Its Trio of New AI Tools
Skylum has completed its trilogy of new Generative AI tools with the addition of Generative Expand. The company has already released GenErase and GenSwap.
Why Calibrating Your Screens is Important: We Review the Datacolor X2 Ultra
Do you calibrate your screen? If you don’t then there are good reasons why you should. If it’s something you decide to do, then Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra may be the perfect solution.
We Review the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X Mount
Sigma continues to grow their line of small, fast, budget-friendly lenses for APS-C cameras. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN lens is their latest offering, and it does indeed have a lot to offer photographers looking for an excellent and fast wide angle zoom that won't break the budget.
Absolutely Fantastic! We Review the Exascend Essential CFexpress Type A Card
Just before I travelled to the Isle of Mull, Scotland for a week, Exascend offered me the opportunity to review their CFexpress Type A card, and I was very excited to give this a shot! Having only ever used SD cards before on my Sony cameras, would I notice a difference?
A Convenient Wireless Portable Light Source: SmallRig RC60B LED Light and VB99 Mini V-Mount Battery Review
When it comes to artificial lighting, small and portable lights can be as valuable as having larger and more powerful light sources. With an option that requires no cables and can be used virtually anywhere, this light from SmallRig definitely has a lot to offer.
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Review: My New Favorite Lens
I heard about the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony cameras almost two years ago, but never took the time to test the lens myself. Now that it's out for Nikon as well, I finally got a copy. After two weeks of shooting both stills and video with this lens, I regret how long I've taken to test it, because I believe It's my favorite lens of all time.
Cold Weather Gear You Might Forget About
Speaking for wildlife and landscape photographers, we all seem to be interested in the fast glass (especially if it's longer than 600mm or wider than 24mm), better battery life, more frames per second, higher resolution, and a weather-sealed robust body that can take a licking. But, when the weather turns cold, there's something we can't shoot without: gloves.
Not Just Another Kit Lens: We Review the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens
When it comes to versatility and performance, the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens is an excellent choice. Available as part of a kit or sold individually, this lens performs exceedingly well. Although there are other lenses with a similar focal range for the X-mount system, and great ones at that, this lens should not be dismissed as merely a kit lens, as it produces some great results.
We Review Amazon’s Cheapest Super-Zoom Lens: JINTU 420-800mm f/8.3-16
Most superzoom lenses ranging up to 800mm will cost you the close to the cost of a new car, but this definitely isn’t that. This is the Jintu 420-800mm f/8.3-16mm superzoom lens.
Unleashing Exquisite Detail and Vibrant Color: We Review the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 for Fuji X Mount
Sigma is constantly increasing their range of contemporary lenses for various mounts. The quality of these lenses is constant in terms of build and sharpness, and with each new lens, we already know that the high quality we expect is there.
We Review the Godox SL60D II: The First Really Good Budget Video Light?
If you’ve followed my work for any time now, you might be familiar with my obsession with lighting. Lights are perhaps some of my favorite things to review. This time around, I decided to give budget lights a try, more notably Godox. It shocked me, somewhat. Read on to find out why.
Perfect Power Solution for Photographers on the Road
A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Bluetti AC60 compact power station. This device was already great on its own. But, I had a critique about its capacity of only 403Wh. Today, I show how to extend the AC60 to become the perfect power solution for the road and the office.
Profoto Desktop App Review: Controlling $100,000 Lights from Your Laptop: An Old Classic Reviewed
Connectivity is something that can't be overlooked in professional photography. A lot of the work that photographers do relies on one form or another of connectivity, whether it's capturing an image tethered or controlling a 6-light setup from your remote. Now there is a better way to control your lights: the Profoto Desktop App.
Still a Great Option for Many: Fujifilm X-T4 Re-Review
Yet another re-review of a discontinued but still very valid camera. The Fujifilm X-T4 slightly moved away from what made Fujifilm unique, but not in a bad way. It pushed the series into new areas and appealed to the dual creator quite confidently. Is it still worth getting today?
Testing the Megadap ETZ 21 Pro Lens Adapter in the Field
I’ve used more than a few camera systems over my career. In the abstract, this can be a positive thing: diversity of equipment means you’ve got a lot of different ways to capture an image or tell a story, but more practically, this means I’ve got a lot of gear that doesn’t typically communicate well with each other. Sooner or later, I find preference in one system over the other, meaning a fair amount of kit ends up collecting dust.
We Review the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Canon sent me the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM for a review. To be honest, I didn’t expect much from this small pancake lens. However, it grew on me, and I enjoyed using it more than I would like to admit. It has only one downside, and that is its size.
Apple Magic Keyboard 2 Long-Term Review: Still My Favorite
As someone who spends more time typing than shooting pictures, I value the keyboard I use quite a lot. Having tried a number of keyboards over the years, I still stick with the Apple Magic Keyboard. Here is why.
Not Too Big, Not Too Small: We Review the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z
Nikon’s mirrorless lens lineup is slowly but surely growing, but a good lens selection can’t rely on only first-party offerings. Other manufacturers matter greatly. The new Tamron 150-500mm is a welcome addition to the Z mount, with its long telephoto range, decent aperture, and compact size.
Skylum Now Adds Even More AI to Luminar Neo
Just a few weeks ago, Skylum added GenErase to the Neo platform, a smart AI erase and fill feature. Now, they are adding the second part of their trilogy of AI tech: this one is GenSwap.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Camera Versus 40- and 50-Megapixel Mirrorless Cameras
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a ton of camera features, including a whopping 50-megapixel sensor that allows raw and manual shooting, but how does it compare to mirrorless cameras, including one with a 50-megapixel medium format sensor?
A One-of-a-Kind Microphone for Content Creators: The Saramonic BlinkMe B2
While so many brands are producing wireless microphones patterned after one specific brand, this different approach definitely stands out. Would you use a microphone with a customizable display?
Tourbox Elite: A Great Holiday Present or Something to Regift? We Review
The TourBox Elite is a popular device. It saves on switching between keyboard and mouse and scrolling through adjustment panels in software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. We discover whether it speeds up a photographer's workflow and is a worthwhile Christmas present.
We Go Hands on With The Sony a9 III: The Hype Is Real
I get it, on almost every camera launch, things get sensationalized and hyped more than they probably should. But in this case, the hype is real.
The New M3 MacBook Pro: One Photographer's View After 3 Days
The 2023 MacBook Pro is the latest evolution of Apple's iconic pro laptop lineup. The 2023 redesign brings some major changes, including the new M3 family of Apple silicon chips, a refined design now available in Space Black, and an upgraded display, camera, and connectivity. In this review, we take a deep dive into the latest model and its powerful features.
Great Camera Lens Filters for Landscape Photography
I've been using filters for my photography for more than ten years, and for the last five, I have used filters made by Kase. Just recently, I switched my filter system to what I think is the perfect filter kit for landscape and architecture photography. In this article, you'll find a detailed review of it.
We Review the Zhiyun Molus X100 COB Light
A while back, I found myself in need of continuous lighting for my video work. Initially, I chose for a budget-friendly LED panel. However, I was less than satisfied with the results, which led me to purchase the Zhiyun Molus X100 COB light. In this review, I'd like to share my experiences.
The Ultimate Aerial and Wildlife Lens? We Review the New Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
Canon has just announced their longest zoom lens for the RF mount, the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM ,and we’ve tried it in the real world. How was it? Pretty damn enjoyable! Is it worth considering? We certainly believe so! But there is a downside to it. Let’s have a proper look at the new telephoto.
We Review the Reflx Lab Light Meter
A long time ago, I picked up my first Leica, a beater of an M4 that had been collecting dust and mold at the bottom of an old leather camera bag in a retired photographer's closet. With it came a number of oddities: close-up adapters, table tripods, and the like. But perhaps most interestingly, it came with an old Leica MC light meter.
Ricoh GR III: the Perfect Compact Camera for Street and Travel Photography
Is the Ricoh GR III the perfect compact camera for street and travel photography? Based on my time with the camera this year, I’d say yes. Having made the switch from the Fujifilm X100V to the Ricoh GR III I took the camera on a 3 week trip to Japan. It quickly became my most used camera - shooting with it was an absolute joy.
More Than Just a Vlogging Tool: We Review the PGYTECH Mantispod Pro Tripod
Having a reliable portable tripod is always great for those just-in-case moments. With hundreds of options on the market, let’s take a look at why this particular tabletop tripod just might be one of the most convenient options around.
Panasonic, Please Come Back! Lumix GX9 Re-Review
Compact, packs a punch, and relatively cheap. The GX9 is one of the many cameras recently discontinued by Panasonic which has undoubtedly found a well-deserved following. The manufacturer has been unfortunately turning away from smaller cameras, and that is a damn shame. The GX9 is a perfect proof.
The Sweet Spot of Comfortable Travel Gear: The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L and New Camera Cubes V2
The perfect travel camera bag does not exist. However, having modular options definitely brings us much closer as long as we make the right choices in planning how we carry our gear when we travel.
Picture Perfect: Float Frames Make Your Images the Center of Attention
The finish of a float frame cannot be compared to cheap frames and is considered an elevated product. If you print images for clients, you need these.
We Review the V Mount 95 Watt-Hours FJ Dynamics PowerSec 90 Power Supply
There are a lot of portable power supplies on the market, but this offers something different from others I have looked at recently. With 95 watt-hours and 10 amps, this V mount battery is going to have a broad appeal to more than its intended market.
Beautiful and Powerful: We Review the Nikon Z f
Many have been waiting for it ever since the release of the Z fc. Well, it is finally here and it is not just gorgeous, but surprisingly well-built using high-quality materials and impressive tech. The Nikon Z f is partially a Z6 II, a Z8, and a beautiful FM2 and yet it’s its own unique thing.
The Best Value for Money? Fujifilm X-T3 Re-Review
When it comes to used cameras there are many powerful contenders for the top spot in terms of the best bang for your buck. Well, almost no cameras have been losing value as fast as Fujifilm’s X-Ts with each new release. For a budgeting photographer, this can only mean you get the good stuff cheap.
We Review the Elinchrom THREE
Elinchrom has a pretty wide range of lights on offer, but their newest edition fills a gap in their lineup that users will be happy to see.
The Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite: Which Is Right for You? We Review Them Side by Side
Over the years, I have discovered that having the right equipment for the job is essential. This doesn’t just mean cameras and lenses, but also ancillary equipment like tripods and straps. I decided to give both Peak Design’s excellent Slide and the Slide Lite a try to see which would suit me best.
I Try the Peak Design v2 Camera Cubes Offering Clever and Customized Packing
he Camera Cubes from Peak Design have been quite popular with photographers, offering several options for travel with cameras, lenses, drones, and the varied accessories we are all weighed down with.
We Review the Updated Stella Pro Reflex S: Brighter and Faster Than Ever
The Stella Pro Refkex S is a hybrid light that can be both a powerful constant light as well as a strobe-style flash. And with this new update, the Reflex S just got better than ever.
My Favorite Headphones Ever: Bose QuietComfort (2023)
The all-new Bose QuietComfort Headphones really aren't that new at all. They are almost Identical to the QC35 headphones that came out in 2016. They are boring — perfectly boring — and that's why they are my favorite headphones ever.
Dust Anyone? We Review the Nitecore BB21
The cleaning of your equipment is an essential part of your photographic practice. Up until a month ago, I used my blower brush and cleaning pen for this. Now, however, these two items have not seen the light of day since I received my Nitecore BB21 blower. This small, versatile, and compact device has taken over the cleaning of my camera gear and a few other components as well.
Color Grading Using the Blend If Sliders in Photoshop
Prepare to learn new skills! Make the most of color grading using the Blend If sliders to take your color grading further.
A Massive Editing Workspace for the Meticulous Artist: We Review the Huion Kamvas Pro 24 4K
How immersed do you get in your editing and retouching workflow? Perhaps a large color-accurate screen with pen functions might interest you.
Power Station for Photographers: We Review the Bluetti AC60
I have been searching for a portable power station that can meet my energy needs on the go and power my home office during power outages for some time now. And with the Bluetti AC60, I found a compact solution.
Canvas Is Still King: Canvas Gallery Wrap Gives the Portrait Printing Classic a Modern Makeover
If you offer portrait services in any way, be it weddings or family portraits, you will have sold a fair few stretched canvases in your time. Other wall products have come and gone over the years, but in this article, we explore why canvas is still that go-to product for photographers to showcase their work to portrait clients and suggest an elevated version to help you stand out from the rest.
Canon Is Breaking Records Yet Again With the RF 10-20mm F/4 L IS STM And We've Tried It!
Flying High: We Review the Sigma 100-400 f/5-6.3 for Fuji X Mount
Over the years Sigma has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of high-quality lenses, known for their performance, quality, and affordability, and this new lens for the Fuji X-mount is no different. With this telephoto addition, the current Sigma lineup consists of 4 prime lenses, and a zoom, giving us 6 lenses in total with a rumored 7th in the very near future.