Latest Gear Reviews

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

Is This $30 Camera Sling From Amazon Actually Worth It?

Does the biggest brand name always make the best camera bag? Not necessarily. I was recently gifted the BAGSMART Canvas Crossbody Camera Bag — a vintage-style canvas sling bag that isn't a household name but has racked up a significant following on Amazon. At $29.99, if it holds up, it could be a genuinely worthwhile option for photographers who want something functional, compact, and stylish without breaking the bank.

Hohem iSteady MT3 and MT3 Pro Review: One Gimbal to Rule Them All?

Hohem, a global leader in intelligent imaging and stabilization technology, has long focused on empowering creators through precision engineering and smart design. They are also among the first to pioneer AI tracking in gimbal technology. The latest Hohem iSteady MT3 and MT3 Pro represent the brand's vision of an all-rounder, multipurpose gimbal designed for professionals who need flexibility across different shooting scenarios.

Pushing Personal Boundaries With the Viltrox Vintage Z2 TTL On-Camera Flash

For as far as I can recall, I have always been somewhat skeptical about using flashes for my personal work, specifically the casual, street-documentary style shooting that I tend to do whenever I simply feel like bringing a camera out. Ironically, when it comes to my commercial work, where everything is more controlled with purpose, I am not shy about using flashes to shape the lighting of the final image. 

A Photographer’s First Experience Using a NAS

For years, my photo archive has lived across several external drives. At the beginning, that approach seemed perfectly fine. Each drive was labeled by trip or location, and it was easy enough to remember where things were. But as the archive grew, so did the confusion. I needed a solution.

We Review the TerraMaster F2-425 Plus: An Affordable Flagship Hybrid NAS for Photographers

In recent years, NAS devices have quietly regained relevance, particularly among photographers and small creative teams. This resurgence is driven not only by concerns over cloud storage costs and data ownership but also by improved affordability and the accessibility of modern NAS technology. The TerraMaster F2-425 Plus enters this space as an affordable flagship hybrid NAS, combining high-speed networking, NVMe expansion, and a more approachable setup experience—features that were once reserved for far more expensive systems.

Behind the Scenes With the New Laowa 15-35mm Periscope Probe Lens

Laowa's new probe zoom lenses are finally here, and they might be some of the strangest lenses ever made. For the last two months, I've been shooting with the most unusual of the bunch—the 15-35mm T12 Periscope Lens—and the shots it produces are unlike anything I've ever captured before. Let's dive in and see what makes this lens so unique.

Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z: A Studio Portrait Powerhouse

The 85mm focal length has long been considered the gold standard for portrait photography, and after spending time shooting with the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 Pro Z in the studio, it’s easy to understand why this tradition continues, especially when a third-party lens delivers results that genuinely rival native glass.

Field Testing the 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II

I've been struggling with how to describe my experience with the newly released 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II lens. Really, I've had two different experiences, both wildly in friction with one another. 

Wacom MovinkPad 11: Is the Best Pen in the Business Enough?

The Wacom MovinkPad 11 represents an interesting pivot for a company known primarily for professional-grade tethered displays. By moving into the standalone Android space, Wacom is targeting the "on-the-go" artist who wants the legendary Wacom pen feel without being chained to a desk. However, after spending time with the device, it becomes clear that while it excels in certain professional niches, it faces stiff competition from more versatile hardware.