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10 Dirt-Cheap Photography Accessories You'll Want to Buy Immediately

You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy gear to dramatically improve your photography game. These ten essential accessories cost less than your monthly coffee budget but will leave you wondering why you waited until now to purchase them.

Nikon Z8 Long-Term Test: The Good, Bad, and Surprising Results

The Nikon Z8 represents a significant step forward for photographers who demand professional performance without compromise. After 10 months of real-world testing, this photographer's honest assessment reveals surprising insights about this full frame powerhouse.

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Soft Light
Critique the Community

Soft Light

Submit Your Best "Soft Light" Images!

Today is a new month which means Fstoppers has a new Critique the Community contest! For the month of August, we want to see your best images featuring soft lighting. Anyone can enter up to 3 images with details below!

Submission Deadline:
August 30th 2025 - 11:45pm
Before You Shoot: 5 Steps That Will Make Your Creative Photos Stronger

Many photographers know the frustration of walking away from a shoot where everything looked right—but something still felt off. The lighting was clean, the model nailed every pose, the gear performed flawlessly—and yet, the images don’t land the way they should. Here's why.

Hasselblad 907X Review: Heritage Design Meets Modern Sensor Technology

Medium format cameras have always occupied a unique space in the imaging world, offering unparalleled image quality at a premium price point. The Hasselblad 907X and CFV 100C represents a fascinating blend of heritage design and cutting-edge technology that challenges how you think about camera ergonomics.

This 44 MP Camera Delivers Things Sony and Canon Can't

The Lumix S1R II challenges every assumption about what makes a camera great for photography versus video. While Panasonic has built its reputation on video-centric mirrorless cameras, this 44.3-megapixel powerhouse might just be the best photo camera you can buy right now.

This $239 Wide Angle Lens Might Be the Best APS-C Value Yet

The new Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 lens promises to deliver wide angle photography at an incredibly accessible price point of just $239. For anyone shooting with APS-C cameras, this could represent exactly the kind of affordable glass that opens up creative possibilities without breaking the bank.

From Kodachrome to the Atomic Bomb: The Strange, Dark, and Untold History of Film

As a film manufacturer, Kodak’s role in America’s development of the atom bomb might seem unlikely. But this new book tells the story of how film manufacturers on both sides in WWII became integral to their nation’s war efforts, ushering in the age of nuclear weapons and the Cold War that followed.

10 Premium Medium Format Film Cameras Worth Buying in 2025

These 10 exceptional medium format cameras represent the absolute pinnacle of analog photography technology, where legendary manufacturers pushed engineering boundaries to create tools worthy of the world's most demanding photographers. From the whisper-quiet precision of legendary rangefinders to the modular perfection of Swedish engineering icons, these cameras deliver image quality and shooting experiences that justify their premium pricing through decades of proven professional performance.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (July 2025): Alex Brighilă

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2025, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

The Ultimate Travel Zoom Lens That Actually Delivers Sharp Images

The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary lens promises to replace multiple lenses in your camera bag with a single ultra-versatile zoom. When you can capture everything from wide landscapes at 24mm equivalent to distant wildlife at 450mm equivalent, the question becomes whether image quality holds up across such an extreme range.

Sony RX1R III: The Most Controversial Camera of 2025

Sony's RX1R III has sparked intense debate in the photography community, with its $5,100 price tag making even Leica Q cameras seem reasonable by comparison. You're looking at a camera that challenges every assumption about value, practicality, and what you actually need in a compact full frame body.

Introducing DJI’s First 360-Degree Camera: Osmo 360, With a Video Capable of up to 8K 50 fps

The leader of the drone market has spoken. Answering the gap in the market, DJI officially steps into the 360-degree camera arena with the Osmo 360—a bold move, and perhaps an overdue one, considering the brand’s legacy in imaging innovation. This isn’t just another consumer-grade spherical camera. It’s DJI’s statement piece, a professional imaging tool armed with 1-inch 360° imaging and the first 360° camera with native 8K 50fps video capabilities.

Is the Fuji GFX100 Worth It for Commercial Photography?

The Fuji GFX100 sits in an interesting position for commercial photographers, offering medium format image quality at a fraction of the cost of high-end alternatives. At around $3,000 secondhand, it promises 16-bit color depth and 100 megapixels in a package that could transform your commercial work.

10 Amazing Medium Format Cameras That Won't Break the Bank in 2025

Medium format photography offers image quality that makes even the best full frame cameras look ordinary, and 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to dive into this magnificent world without emptying your savings account. Whether you're seeking the dreamy bokeh of 6x7 negatives or the tack-sharp detail that only larger film frames can deliver, these ten exceptional cameras prove that professional-quality medium format film photography remains accessible to dedicated enthusiasts willing to embrace the analog experience.

Using AI Without Losing Your Soul

A few weeks ago, I was walking through Whole Foods when I saw a piece of broccoli that, oddly enough, reminded me of a Joshua Tree. Seriously. That random grocery store moment ended up sparking an entire photo shoot on the spot, and, more importantly, a deeper reflection on how I can use tools like AI in my photography without letting them take over.

Adobe Announces Improved Remove Tool

There is an ever-increasing number of features added to our cameras, designed to simplify tasks such as focusing and determining the correct exposure. I love the process of taking pictures, and this move toward a reliance on automation is of little interest to me. However, I am far more skilled at taking photos than editing them, so I welcome Adobe’s determination to simplify tasks like removing objects, adjusting color, or smoothing skin.

10 Incredible 35mm Film Cameras Worth Buying in 2025

Film photography is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance, and choosing the right 35mm camera can make your analog journey all the more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned photographer returning to your roots or a digital native ready to embrace the magic of film, these 10 exceptional cameras represent the perfect blend of reliability, features, and value for modern shooters.

Affordable Wildlife Photography Gear That Delivers

Wildlife photography doesn't have to drain your bank account, but choosing the right gear matters if you want professional-quality images without massive expenses. You probably want great shots without spending thousands on top-tier lenses and cameras, and luckily, solid options are out there.

Compact Power: Samyang's New 85mm Lens Reviewed

Samyang has just released their compact AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE lens, and even though Sony users already have plenty of 85mm options, this one could actually matter. Instead of chasing the absolute sharpest glass, Samyang has built something different: a genuinely compact, lightweight lens with strong optical performance at a budget-friendly price.

10 Camera Lenses So Ridiculously Extreme They Shouldn't Exist

When most photographers talk about extreme lenses, they're thinking about a fast 85mm f/1.4 or maybe an extra-wide 11mm rectilinear lens. But there's a whole other universe of optical madness where lenses weigh hundreds of pounds, cost more than houses, and push the boundaries of physics so hard they make normal photography look quaint.

A $269 Tripod That Can Do This?

Tripods get super expensive very quickly, and if you are a full-time pro, you will most definitely be familiar with the price tags. If video is something you are trying out, or just doing for fun, you may also need a tripod—a tripod that is lightweight and has enough features.

5 Lightroom Secrets You Should Know

Lightroom Classic hides powerful features in plain sight that can dramatically speed up your editing workflow. Even experienced users regularly miss these tools, leading to slower editing sessions and frustrating workarounds that could be avoided entirely.

Antigravity Launches New 360 Drone Brand for Aerial Storytelling

Antigravity, a new drone brand incubated by Insta360 in collaboration with third-party partners, officially launched today. The company aims to redefine aerial exploration and storytelling by introducing drones that offer immersive 360-degree video capture, combined with user-friendly controls.

This Budget-Friendly Zoom Is Surprisingly Capable

If you're working with Sony or Nikon cameras and need a lightweight wide angle zoom that won’t kill your budget, the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 might catch your attention. The focal range, combined with its fast aperture and compact form factor, makes it an appealing option, especially if you’re balancing stills and video work.

People Don’t Understand Photography Anymore: Here’s How To Solve That

When I was young and took my first driving lesson, the instructor explained to me what was happening with the gearbox and engine when I changed gear, and how what I did controlled the vehicle’s speed. I learned in a manual (stick shift) car. We all did back then in the UK.

Your Photography Portfolio Is Only as Strong as Your Weakest Photo

Every photographer has that sinking feeling when scrolling through their portfolio: knowing some photos are weaker than others, but keeping them anyway because they represent effort, memories, or technical challenges overcome. What most don't realize is that these "pretty good" images aren't just failing to help their careers—they're actively destroying their professional credibility and costing them clients who judge them by their weakest work.
Gura Gear's Kiboko City Sling 6L: The Perfect Photo/Video Daytripper?

A backpack or a duffel can be great for weekend trips, but sometimes they can be overkill for a day spent out and about shooting stills or video. When you want to travel light but also give your gear a safe, comfortable ride, this new sling bag from Gura Gear might be just what you’re looking for.

The Canon EOS 6D Was Peak DSLR

There's a lot to be said for the capabilities of mirrorless cameras today, with myriad autofocus options and other features at your fingertips. But there's also a lot to be said for simplicity, and it's in this regard that Canon's EOS 6D was the perfect expression of what a camera should be.

That may be a hot take, but I'm not alone in that thought. London-based portrait photographer Martin Castein feels very much the same way about his 6D.

As someone who worked at Canon during the 6D's heyday, like Castein points out, the specs on paper don't favor...

The Beginner Camera That Pros Still Love

Choosing your first camera isn’t easy, especially when you want something you won’t quickly outgrow. If you’re after a beginner-friendly option with serious long-term potential, this mirrorless camera might be just what you need.

Compact Powerhouse? Reviewing Sony’s 16mm f/1.8 G Lens

Wide angle lenses are popular because of their versatility, but the right one needs to strike a balance between portability, sharpness, and performance. The Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G promises just that, aiming to be the lens you take everywhere, from landscapes to city streets, even vlogging setups.

Are You a Photo Perfectionsist? Meet the DxO Suite

DxO Photo Raw has long been my go-to software for producing high-quality results. Whether you use it as a standalone or a plugin for other software, there’s no doubt that its suite of tools is a worthwhile investment for serious photographers who want the absolute best results.

Upgrade or Overkill: Choosing Between 85mm f/1.4 and f/1.8

Choosing between an 85mm f/1.4 and an 85mm f/1.8 lens can be tougher than it seems. Small differences in aperture may not seem like much on paper, but in practice, they can make a significant impact on your photography results.

Tamron’s New Ultra-Wide Zoom: Worth the Money?

Tamron just dropped their newest ultra-wide lens, the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2, and it could be the ultra-wide you've been waiting for. If you’re serious about landscapes, architecture, or astrophotography, you'll want to pay attention to this one.

How Far Have We Come With the Quality of Doorbell Cameras?

Doorbell cameras used to be equal amounts of hassle and help. Fast-forward to 2025, and the tech has transformed, offering clear footage, smart features, and reliable security. Looking for an alternative to the market leader’s pricey subscription, I went looking for better options. That’s when I found the Imou Doorbell 2S Kit, a battery-powered video doorbell that’s shown me just how far we’ve come.

A Very Useful LED Light in a Class of Its Own: Harlowe Iris 5 Spectra

As a photographer and videographer/filmmaker, having a small LED light or two in my bag is essential. I’ve accumulated 5 or 6 over the past few years, keen to try out different brands and styles of lights. Recently, I came across a relatively new brand called Harlowe. They just launched a pocket-sized light called the Iris 5 Spectra.

Pergear's New Master CFexpress 4.0 Type A Card: Affordable Speed?

Sony photographers and videographers have a choice when it comes to memory cards: stick with common and cheap SD cards or step up to the significantly faster, albeit pricier, CFexpress Type A format. Pergear has been making Type A more accessible for a little while now, and their latest Master CFexpress 4.0 Type A card aims to push performance boundaries further, at a great price. Does it deliver?

15 Essential Non-Camera Items Every Portrait Photographer Needs

When portrait photographers discuss their toolkit, conversations inevitably center on camera bodies, prime lenses, and lighting equipment. Yet the accessories that truly separate professional portrait sessions from amateur snapshots often have nothing to do with those things. Creating compelling portraits requires managing human subjects, environmental challenges, and countless variables that sophisticated camera technology cannot address.

This Budget 85mm Lens Delivers Surprising Results

The new Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE lens promises sharp portrait performance at a budget-friendly price point that could shake up your lens buying decisions. At just $449, this lightweight option targets photographers who want quality without breaking the bank.