Hands-On Review: Benro Aero 7 Travel Video Tripod

Collapsible, portable and durable, this carbon-fiber tripod is ready to take on video projects—anywhere in the world

David Schloss

Video tripods have never been known to be particularly light or particularly portable due to their need to provide stability for heavy, delicate camera equipment. Big beefy legs, a large center column and a heavy video head are the hallmarks of most models. This poses a bit of a problem for the traveling videographer, the person who’s looking to take... Read more

We Got That Cooke Look

We shoot with the Cooke miniS4/i 32mm T2.8-22 on a Sony a7S II, and the results are amazing

DL Byron

Have you ever wondered what a one-off cinema lens from a legendary manufacturer looks like attached to a Sony a7S II? After visiting the Cooke Optics factory, we did, so we tried one out. The results were lovely and left us at times amazed by the dimensionality, smooth rendering and quality. A Cooke lens of this type, the miniS4/i 32mm T2.8-22, is normally... Read more

Hands-On Review: SKB Cases With Think Tank Photo Dividers

Rock-solid performance meets protection at an affordable price

David Schloss

The SKB Cases 31-2011-7DZ hard-shell case featuring Think Tank Photo dividers, part of the Flyer series, in use on a recent photo press event in Utah (also called the iSeries 2011-7 With Padded Divider at some retailers). The hard-shell case is the double-edged sword of the photographer’s arsenal—while it’s protective enough to take the abuse... Read more

MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L Hands-On Review

The outdoor enthusiast-friendly FirstLight is a perfect choice for the photographer on the go

David Schloss

MindShift Gear is a division of camera bag manufacturer Think Tank Photo that’s aimed at creating packs and gear with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. While most camera bags are intended for a working pro who’s transporting gear from location to location, the MindShift line is designed instead for the photographer engaging in activities and braving... Read more

iMac Pro, New iMacs And MacBook Pro Target Photo And Video Markets

Updates to the existing lineup and a preview of the iMac Pro renew Apple’s commitment to pros

David Schloss

The history of Apple is tied to that of the creative professional, after all, Apple is the company that ushered in the age of “desktop publishing” with the original Mac computers, and enabled digital photography and digital videography to blossom thanks to affordable, powerful high-end Macs. Apple’s history with professionals, though, has not... Read more

Hands-On Video Review: Manfrotto BeFree Live Tripod

A specialized version of the company’s BeFree tripod line, the BeFree Live includes a special dedicated video tripod head

David Schloss

The Manfrotto BeFree Live is a specialized version of the company’s BeFree tripod line, and it includes a special dedicated video tripod head. We like to take the BeFree Live with us on photo and video shoots because of the unique locking collar, which is only found on the BeFree Live model. With a simple twist of a dial, the head goes from completely... Read more

DIY High-Power Video Or Still Light For Under $200

We made our own 11,200 lumen LED lighting solution that’s lightweight and durable. Check out the how-to video.

David Schloss

We’re always looking for ways to save time and money in the studio, so we set out to see if we could create a low-budget but powerful lighting solution for photography and videography. After wandering the aisles of the local hardware store, we found materials that allowed us to create our very own studio lighting hack—an 11,200 lumen light that... Read more

Kensington Accessories Designed To Protect Ultrathin Devices

The new NanoSaver Keyed Laptop Lock and Nano Security Slot safeguard gear from theft

Staff

As our devices become thinner and more lightweight, the risk of theft increasingly rises. Kensington provides some peace of mind with the new NanoSaver Keyed Laptop Lock and Nano Security Slot, specifically designed for today’s ultrathin laptops, tablets and desktop peripherals. The company has been providing physical security for devices for 25 years. The... Read more

The Portable Studio

Instant feedback from your camera’s LCD and lighting gear that’s lighter and more powerful can turn challenging lighting situations into stunning photos on the road

Text & Photography By Tom Bol

Photographer Tom Bol travels most of the year on assignment and inevitably finds himself in challenging lighting situations. His portable studio kits help him conquer the conditions and return home with the shots he needs. Nikon D3, 14-24mm, shot at 1/250 at ƒ/14, Elinchrom Quadra with 39” Deep Octa Softbox I spend much of my year traveling the globe... Read more

Gear — Underwater

Gear recommendations for capturing dramatic underwater photos

Jason Bradley

Read our underwater photography how-to guide Mirrorless Mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days both above water and below, and they offer great performance in small packages. One option is the 42 MP Sony a7R II fitted with a Nauticam housing, and on the more affordable or entry-level side of the spectrum is the Olympus PEN series, with an acrylic... Read more

Hands-On Review: Apple MacBook Pro 2016

It’s faster and more powerful, but is the MacBook Pro a must-have computer?

Staff

When Apple released the portable powerhouse last year, we reviewed it in print and online. Now we’re taking you through the features of the MacBook Pro in our hands-on video review. With an almost desktop-level of power, the 15-inch MacBook Pro is lighter and faster than the previous iteration (as is the 13-inch version). Among the features we look... Read more

Gear — Urban Night Photography

Gear recommendations for capturing the essence of a city at night

Brian Matiash

Read our urban night photography how-to guide Camera If the sun is down, it’s more than likely that I’ll be using a Sony a7S II full-frame mirrorless camera. While the sensor measures in at 12 megapixels, the pixels are very large and can pull in a ton of light. Its high-speed ISO performance is virtually unparalleled, though the Nikon D5 and Canon... Read more

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