Throughout my pursuit in the photography journey for more than a decade, my focus has always been on the hunt for the most suitable full frame camera to use for work and personal use. Regardless of the brand, the “perfect” camera has to at least fulfill these three criteria: wide range of lens adaptability and availability, high megapixel count, and within my acceptable budget.
Perhaps no lens is ubiquitous than the 24-70mm f/2.8, which is the workhorse of choice for countless photographers and filmmakers due to how adept it is at handle a huge range of genres and applications. That being said, it is far from the only such choice. One intriguing choice is that 24-105mm f/4, and this great video discusses why you might want to consider one for your work.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens has been turning heads for offering some of the most impressive results from a portrait lens in quite a few years, making it worth a look from portrait and wedding photographers. How good are the results? This fantastic video review takes a look at the sort of performance you can expect from it in practice.
Finding affordable, high-quality lenses can be a challenge. Thankfully, companies like Viltrox are stepping up to offer compelling options. One such option is the Viltrox AF 40mm f/2.5 Z lens for the Nikon Z mount, a prime lens that boasts impressive features at a remarkably low price point.
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.
The 23mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens is the latest offering in Sigma’s lineup of fast, compact, prime lenses for Fujifilm X Mount cameras. With a 35mm equivalent focal length, the 23mm is sure to be popular for street photography, portraits, landscapes, and more.
Today Sony has announced three new products: The Sony a7CII, the 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, and last but not least, the Sony a7cR. And unfortunately, I have not been able to use the first two products I mentioned, but, I have been able to use the A7cR quite a bit. In total, I’ve taken about 10,000 images with it so far. So let's talk about it.
Lightroom is an indispensable tool for photographers of all skill levels, offering a comprehensive suite of features to enhance and manage your images. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, optimizing your workflow and understanding the nuances of the software can significantly elevate your editing process.
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 Fujifilm X100 series has been a cornerstone for photographers who want a compact solution without compromising on image quality. The introduction of its latest model, the X100VI, marks a significant development, incorporating a high-resolution sensor and built-in stabilization, promising enhanced capabilities in a familiar, vintage package.
I get a lot of commentary on using expensive photo equipment, most notably lighting. Fair enough, a $400 softbox is not for everyone, and most people find it ridiculous to use a modifier this expensive. However, there are good reasons to use such tools. Here is why.
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?
The Sigma fp and fp L cameras, recognized as the world's smallest and lightest full frame interchangeable lens cameras, are products of Sigma's meticulous design and manufacturing process. A recent video reveals the detailed behind-the-scenes of how Sigma designs, machines, and assembles these cameras.
Creating an effective staging plan for property photography involves careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on highlighting the property's best features. Here's a comprehensive staging plan that I use that includes the use of props and emphasizes cleanliness.
As photographers, we often grapple with the question of whether to pursue our craft alone or in the company of others. Both approaches offer unique benefits and challenges, and the ideal balance varies depending on individual preferences and creative goals. While collaboration can provide valuable support and inspiration, solitude can offer a space for quiet reflection, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
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.
With the latest Capture One, you get an incredible level of control over your images. I’ve already been a fan of the layers and masks in Capture One for a while, but with the new update, the software can create those for you. This, and so much more, is why you should try out the new Capture One.
A drone is a remarkable piece of equipment, enabling you to capture film and photographs from perspectives that were once believed impossible. Using a drone for photography differs significantly from filming with a drone. Let’s share some ideas.
Self-publishing a photo book can be a daunting endeavor. In this video from The Photographic Eye, hear from photographers who have self-published with minimal upfront costs and even turned a profit.
Canon has been infamously restrictive over the RF mount, disallowing most third-party lenses, which is what makes the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical a rare find. And that isn't even considering its useful focal length and extremely wide aperture. What sort of performance and image quality can you expect from this unique lens? This excellent video review takes a look.
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.
400mm f/2.8 lenses are often the tool of choice for sports and wildlife photographers, but with prices easily stretching north of $10,000, they are anything but cheap. So, if the quality and performance of older versions is suitable, it is well worth saving your cash. This fantastic video takes a look at the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR and Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses to help you decide if you need to splash out for the newest version.
50mm lenses featuring wide maximum apertures are typically some of the most popular options out there, offering a versatile and relatively neutral focal length in tandem with a lot of light-gathering and subject-isolating power. For Fujifilm shooters, there is the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Recently, a few photographers I know have been raving about Neewer’s gear. So, when given the opportunity to review their new Q4 Strobe Flash and its QPro wireless trigger, I jumped at the chance. Here’s why it far exceeded my expectations.
Color grading in photography is a crucial skill that transforms a good image into a keeper. It's especially important for photographers seeking to achieve a harmonious balance between different areas within their images, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and emotional impact.
When I started out in photography, I started learning on film. While it was very much in the digital era, I still shot film. The reason being it was what was available to me at the time, and buying film stock was not as expensive as it is now. Shooting on film has taught me a ton and has helped me be a better digital photographer. Here is why beginners should consider film photography as their first step in the journey.
Macro photography presents a unique challenge: finding compelling subjects in a world often overlooked. While dedicated macro photographers might cultivate specific environments for tiny creatures or invest in specialized equipment, the reality is that macro opportunities exist everywhere, from your backyard to local parks. The key lies in training your eye to see the miniature landscapes and intricate details that most people miss.
As photographers, we can learn from "Parasite" and its mind-blowing cinematography. I'm here to break down how composition, color, and lighting in this film's famous scenes make it such a standout.
It’s not that I hate Godox or that I am paid by a different lighting brand to hate Godox every month. It is simply that when it comes to producing professional work, their lights are just not fit for the job. Here is why I will not use Godox for professional work.
Photographing a seascape with crashing waves along the shore and the movement of the water can be a challenge for a landscape photographer. This video provides several tips on capturing dramatic images from the seashore with an ultrawide lens.
Here's something that should excite Adobe Lightroom users. It's a plug-in that will index your online or offline photo or video assets and bring them up in Lightroom instantly. It's a Mac app from CYME, the company that has a similar app called Peakto that's currently offered for Mac users. The difference is that Peakto searches those assets and they can be opened in any editor, including Lightroom, Capture One, DxO, Luminar, and others. Peakto Search is aimed at Lightroom users and appears as a menu bar item on your Mac.
Nikon has started making APS-C mirrorless cameras a few years back, and they are definitely worth considering. Their image quality is decent, the autofocus isn’t half bad, and they undoubtedly have their fans. But they lacked a decent selection of dedicated glass. That is finally changing.
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.
I’d like to show you a video. For different reasons than its title tells you to, though.
It used to be so simple. The camera shutter opened and closed again. The time in between was the exposure time. With digital cameras and mirrorless systems, things became a bit more complicated. Let’s have a look at the different types of camera shutters.
Fujifilm X Series cameras do have a reasonably usable selection of wide angle lenses available, but there is still a missing a piece. Tamron is here to fill that gap with its new 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD lens. Is it good enough? Is it worth considering instead of the Fujifilm originals?
All you need is a street! Here is a comprehensive guide to capturing stunning street portraits, emphasizing the accessibility of street photography.
Many camera bodies and lenses have come to the forefront since the Nikon D850 was first announced in 2017, but none pair together quite as well as the D850 and Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8E ED VR. Here is why they are still a perfect pairing.
Are you a photographer who prefers to shoot in the JPEG file format? In that case, you have to get everything right in the camera. Correcting a mistake afterward is limited. There are different in-camera tools available that allow you to get the best possible results.
While professional-grade lenses offer exceptional performance, they often come with a hefty price tag. For those seeking a more affordable option without compromising too much on quality, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a compelling choice.
Photographers are always looking for ways to improve their editing process. Often, a particular piece of advice is given to use a specific option in Lightroom to help nudge your photo in the right direction. This video talks about why you should never use that option.
The evolution of a photographer's skill set and perspective over time can drastically change the way they view their craft, especially in the realm of landscape photography. This video documents one such examination and some common mistakes that emerged.
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.
There are some very good reasons why photographers are switching over to Exascend. However, there was a problem that made me delay this article. Here's why.
On1 Photo Raw is a comprehensive image processing tool designed for photographers. It includes asset management, image development, and editing, plus a host of AI-driven tools, including noise reduction and deblurring. The latest update improves the performance of these tools.
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.
