Drones are a real estate game-changer. There is no better way to get stunning footage of properties. Showing potential buyers the size of an estate, home, and area of land from a bird’s eye perspective isn’t just attractive, it is also effective. Beyond just giving an accurate and interesting perspective, the drone’s smooth movement gives the viewer a thematic sense of grandiosity, wonder, and a sense that the property and/or home you are trying to sell or buy is bigger and better.

Not many camera makers can claim to have passed their 100th birthday, but Nikon did just that in 2017. The brand, standing beside Canon, is virtually synonymous with photography and makes market-leading models in every class of camera in use today, from point & shoot cameras to DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex) and mirrorless models. In fact, Nikon went in the span of just a few years from being a straggler in the mirrorless category to offering some of the best models you can buy.

Every brand has its fans, and there are people who enjoy debating the finer points of Nikon vs. Canon. That’s fine, and both companies deserve kudos. But Nikon remains laser-focused on creating outstanding cameras, unlike Canon, which has a diverse portfolio of office products in addition to cameras. Whether you’re a casual photographer looking for a fun point and shoot camera (which might lead you to the Nikon Coolpix A1000), a beginner looking for a simple DSLR, a serious enthusiast wanting to get creative, or someone who needs a full-frame DSLR for professional work (ahem, the Nikon D780), the depth and breadth of Nikon’s best cameras are here in this list.

Read on to see which of these 11 Nikons is best for you, and also check out the buyer’s guide at the end of the article.

To be completely fair, you don’t need a DSLR. To some degree, a camera is a camera is a camera, and you can take great photos with any camera: a point and shoot, mirrorless, DSLR, or yes, even a smartphone. But a DSLR is the best choice for most people. Unlike a smartphone and point & shoot, it lets you change lenses to suit the needs of the picture you are trying to take. And while mirrorless cameras are, like DSLRs, also interchangeable lens cameras, DSLRs have a few advantages, at least for now. DSLRs offer you a true optical viewfinder and a much longer battery life. DSLRs also have a bigger selection of lenses. Building a collection of lenses for a mirrorless camera can get expensive feel limiting.

I’ve rounded up 9 of the very best digital SLRs for sale today. These cameras are at the intersection of good prices, features, and ease of use. Any of these models will serve you well. And if you want to dig deeper into how to smartly buy the right DSLR, scroll to the end of the article for some buying advice that you can apply regardless of what camera you’re interested in.

Point & shoot cameras fill an important niche. Smartphone cameras are awesome mainly because of their ubiquity, and SLRs and mirrorless cameras are the choice of pros and serious enthusiasts. But most of us fall somewhere in between — we want great photos but don’t want to carry a bulky backpack and need to study the manual to get great photos. That’s why this list exists — I’ve rounded up the 11 top point and shoot cameras here so you can make a smart choice to take better photos without needing a sherpa or a degree in photography. There are models ranging from sub-$100 casual shooter models to beefy “superzooms” which can cost you over $1,000. There’s something here for everyone, whether you want to casually take photos and share them on Facebook or edit them in a photo editor on a supercharged laptop.

Don’t know your way around a camera but want to learn? Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, where I’ve got some advice for you as you shop for a new camera. What do you need to know about point & shoot cameras, and what makes one better than another for your needs? I’ve got the scoop. In the meantime, here are the best choices for a point & shoot camera today.

The 8K video cameras on this list cover choices from mid-range film options to affordable professional alternatives and hybrids suitable for more general use. Because 8K consumer products are still pretty niche, there are also some mobile phones, and even a drone to give you plenty of options.

Here are the six best 8K video cameras available in 2021.

That’s a really important consideration. You’ll generally want to find a bag that you can rearrange to accommodate not just the gear you have today, but also whatever upgrades you make next year. Don’t forget pockets and cubbies for spare batteries, memory cards and other items. And do you carry a tripod? There should be a mounting point for one of those, and perhaps even a rain cover to keep everything dry in a storm. And when everything is loaded up, it should still wear comfortably on your back.

You can find some very inexpensive backpacks, but beware — they might lack support, padding, and protection for your camera, or are torture to wear on your back for more than short stints. Here are a collection of truly superb camera backpacks that you won’t regret taking on the hiking trail.

There’s some truth to that, but in all fairness, it’s a lot easier to take great photos — and learn the ABCs of photography — with the right hardware. You can only get so far with a smartphone’s camera app or a point & shoot camera, so when we talk about choosing the best starter camera for beginners, we’re talking about an interchangeable lens camera — either a digital SLR (DSLR) or mirrorless camera.

See Also: 8K Video Cameras

Whether you choose a DSLR or a mirrorless camera is largely a matter of personal; taste and preference. Both are solid choices, though the future clearly belongs to mirrorless, and it’s entirely possible that DSLRs will be as obsolete as old-fashioned film cameras in another 20 years. Mirrorless cameras already have most of the advantages of DSLRs, but are lighter and more compact. Both kinds of cameras let you saw lenses from wide-angle to normal to macro to telephoto depending on your needs and give you automatic, programmed exposure and full manual control.

Ready to jump into the world of photography with a camera that offers almost unlimited creative control and expandability, yet can also help you learn and grow? I’ve rounded up a comprehensive collection of the best start cameras to help you begin your hobby — or career — in photography. There’s something here for you no matter what your skill and interest.

Staying in touch with the rest of the world is important. Getting the right tech to help keep you in the loop makes all the difference. Stay in touch with colleagues, family, and friends with one of these video conferencing cameras for your home and/or office. These cameras make a great gift for people of all ages for both birthdays and holidays, for both home and office.

There are many reasons why a person would need a body camera. Whether it is for work, or for personal reasons, buying a body camera shouldn’t be a headache. There are a lot of options out there and a lot of research that goes into picking the right body camera for your needs. If you are in the market for a new body camera then the buyer’s guide we put together will make quick work of your shopping and make purchasing super easy.

With TikTok and Youtube becoming more and more popular streaming videos is a great way to get your content out there. Most cameras and phones have insufficient lighting so adding a ring light is a great move. These are the best ring lights for photography, TikTok, Twitch streams, youtube, and videos you can buy to increase your likes, subscribers, and followers.

They make great lenses at great prices that work for most people. Not everyone is cool rolling up in a Camry, but if you are, then Sigma likely offers a lens that will suit your needs. From affordable telephoto lenses, exotic fisheye lenses, to unique primes, Sigma has a piece of hardware to fit almost any occasion and need. The prices range, but they’re always cheaper than any comparable Canon alternative and most users can attest to the Sigma version offering considerably more bang for one’s buck.

Here are the 11 best Sigma lenses for Canon:

No one can deny that 4K just plain looks better. Fortunately, many affordable devices now shoot 4K, and one can capture great quality footage at a low price. Here we have included a variety of cameras: compact mirrorless, camcorder, and action camera. No matter your choice, each of these cameras offers advantages and disadvantages, but be sure to note our editor’s choice, a camcorder which offers the most overall value for shooting video in 4K.

Here are the 10 best cheap 4K cameras.

Too many people who want to take better pictures make the mistake of focusing on the camera. What about what’s in front of the camera?

No matter what camera you have, if your subject isn’t well-lit, your images simply won’t be good. Also, cameras are expensive, especially ones that have significantly better image quality. For portraits, the difference between a $2,898 A7RII (Amazon) and a $499 Canon SL1 (Amazon) is noticeable, but the difference between those cameras with good lighting is much less, and for many users, it just won’t matter. In other words, if you light well, you can take extremely high quality images with even affordable or beginner DSLRs. In fact, if the lighting is right, one can even take great quality portraits with cell phones. It’s all about the light.

With that in mind, the easiest way to go from good to great quality is to invest in a high-quality light kit. These light kits have different features and advantages, but one thing they all have in common is their ability to improve photographs dramatically. For some, a robust lighting kit can make a huge difference in complex lighting situations with many elements, or for photographers with demanding expectations such as wanting to do less adjustment in post. For others, like vloggers and those with more simple demands, one or two lights, placed well, can make all of the difference. Also, some of these kits include backdrops. It all depends on your needs– but one thing you can be sure of, you can never have too much light.

Here are the top 10 best lighting kits for 2019:

Jean-Luc Godard famously said, “When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it.” The Aborigines believe that photographing someone can steal their soul. No doubt, portraits are among photography’s most powerful pictures. Fortunately, one doesn’t have to break the bank for a high-quality lens that allows them to blow out their background and bring their subjects features, expression, and personality to life in a still image.

Depending on your needs and uses, one can spend from just over a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars on a portrait lens. Fortunately, achieving very high quality is available even in the most affordable lenses. While it’s true that you do get what you pay for, there are diminishing returns as one spends more and more money. Be sure to check out the “Editor’s Choice” on our list, where this writer believes that price and value converge perfectly. That said, there are no bad choices on this list. Each and every lens is highly capable and far above the capabilities of any kit lens for taking beautiful portraits. If you are new to photography, it is recommended you start out on the affordable side; perhaps you’ll want a more versatile lens in the future, rather than the (mostly) prime lenses on this list.

One thing to notice: for some of the lenses, at the end of the specs, you’ll notice a DXOMark Overall Benchmark score. DXOMark is a popular and valuable “objective” source for measuring lenses on these qualities: Sharpness, transmission, distortion, vignetting, and aberration. While DXOMark uses consistent testing, in the end, these are just numbers. We include this figure for thoroughness, but the best judge of a lens’ quality is by using your eyes and checking out image samples. Beauty, style, and character can’t be reduced to numbers. It’s all about what you like.

One other final consideration: with all of the lenses on this list, their focal length is described on a full frame camera (which Nikon has deemed “FX”). If you have a “DX” Nikon with a smaller sensor size, the lenses will have an effectively higher focal length. For instance, on the first lens on our list, it’s a 35mm lens intended for DX cameras; thus it is must like a 50mm lens on a full frame camera. Beyond the focal length, however, other attributes of lenses stay the same such as color, contrast, and sharpness.

With all of that in mind, here’s the top 10 best portrait lenses for Nikon cameras from lowest to highest price.

Canon’s L series lenses are considered to be among the best available lenses. In fact, the lens quality is so prized, it’s not uncommon to adapt them to use on other cameras such as Sony. Lenses offer users one of the most immediately noticeable ways to up their footage quality.

L Series lenses are demarcated by a red ring around their focusing ring. They’re made to resist weather, dust, and water, making them compatible with outdoor photography. They feature super optics and high-quality glass elements that minimize distortion, aberration, and other negative optical characteristics. L series lenses are a great choice for photographers and also an ideal choice for videographers using their Canon cameras to shoot footage.

Discover the best Canon L lens for you in this shopping guide, featuring 15 our favorites, listed from lowest to highest price:

1. Canon EF 17-40mm f4

Canon

It may be the cheapest L series lens on the market, but for range, practicality, and optics, it lives up to the name. Boasting poppin’ colors with great contrast, superb build quality, and a decent speed of f4, what’s not to love? Well, the worst that can be said about this lens is that it doesn’t have image stabilization. Still at a max focal length of 40mm, this isn’t the biggest deal. Needless to say, it may struggle in low light. Beyond this, however, the lens has a short minimum focusing distance of .9 feet, meaning macro shots are within the realm of possibility. It’s not the l series lens to beat, but it is the bargain of the bunch.

Price: $749 (6 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Canon EF 17-40mm f4 here.

Flickr via CC

Pros:

• Close focusing distance of .9 feet
• Great for nature, wedding, and landscape photography
• Colors pop with great contrast
• Tack sharp
• Praised as solid and dependable

Cons:

• No image stabilization
• One use found quality poor when lens was wide open
• One user found 28-135mm much to be of comparable quality

Find more Canon EF 17-40mm f4 information and reviews here.

2. Canon EF 100mm f2.8L

Canon

It may be a prime, one-trick pony, but for stunning macro and portrait shots, this 100mm f2.8L is undeniably glorious and for some, the best Canon L lens money can buy. It’s relatively lightweight compared to other zoom lenses, has fantastic color and contrast, and is praised for its clean sharpness. There are a few minor downsides including wonky focusing to infinite and a bit of a one-noted look. Still, if it fits your needs and style, this lens is a great and reasonably affordable addition to a stable of lenses.

Price: $799 (11 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L here.

Amazon

Pros:

• Praised as superb macro and portrait lens
• Amazing sharpness when used at macro
• Lightweight compared to similar lenses
• Fantastic color and contrast
• No image stabilization

Cons:

• Some users had issues focus at infinity
• Large weight
• One user found focal length and features limiting
• One user had issue with jumpy autofocus
• Some users preferred longer lens for top of the line macro

Find more Canon EF 100mm f2.8L information and reviews here.

3. Canon EF 135mm f2L

Canon

This lens is similar to the above one except it adds a little bit of reach and about half a stop more of light capturing ability. With this lens, one gives up image stabilization, but the trade-off is that f2 has a dreamy look, arguably making it even better for portraits and similar photography. Obviously, it has an edge in low light as well. The bokeh is lovely and as with most L-series lenses, it is weather sealed. Overall, the main reason to get this lens over the one above is if you need better portraits than macro.

Price: $999

Buy the Canon EF 135mm f2L here.

Amazon

Pros:

• Great for macro shots and portraits
• Superb sharpness and color
• Bokeh is outstanding
• High quality weather-sealed

Cons:

• Prime lens
• No image stabilization
• One user found images to be insufficiently sharp

Find more Canon EF 135mm f2L information and reviews here.

4. 24-105mm f4 IS (Zoom)

(Canon)

This lens has exactly one shortcoming: f4.0 is a bit on the slow side. Beyond this very minor issue, this lens is among the best possible values for any within the L series. It boasts a great range, meaning one can get close to the action or at an acceptable wide angle. It’s decently sharp. Images and videos look great. This is a particularly common lens for video shooters as its fixed aperture makes zoom shots easy to execute (and keep your lighting consistent). While it’s not the creme de la creme for stills shooters, it’s a very versatile and practical lens that can get the job done for anyone.

Price: $1099

Buy the 24-105mm f4 lens here

Pros:

• Flexible zoom range
• Crisp optics and solid image stabilization (three stops)
• Quick and silent autofocus with Ultrasonic motor
• Moisture and dust-resistant, includes one year warranty

Cons:

• Full stop slower than f2.8; f4 isn’t that fast
• Somewhat heavy at 1.5 lbs

Find more 24-105mm f4 lens information and reviews here.

5. Canon EF 400mm f5.6L

Canon

This is a lens one rarely hears about, but for a certain kind of user, it’s a great deal. At f5.6, it’s pretty slow, but beyond this limitation, some find owning a prime sniper rifle to be quite convenient. There’s no zooming back and forth; what you see is what you get. It’s build like a tank with fast autofocus and outstanding sharpness. Plus, at $1179, it’s the big white lens for the many. Sure, some will need the flexibility of a zoom range, but if you need to get close and tight in the daytime, this is the lens to beat. It’s not for everyone, but for those who can accept its limitations (and even embrace them), it can be a real bargain.

Price: $1179 (6 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Canon EF 400mm f5.6L here.

Canon

Pros:

• Praised as perfect wildlife lens
• Excellent sharpness
• Some users praise the lack of a range, makes shooting simpler
• Built like a tank
• Sharper than 100-400mm
• 2.8lbs is relatively light for lens of this caliber

Cons:

• On the slow side, ideal for daylight shooting
• A few users had issues with focusing

Find more Canon EF 400mm f5.6L information and reviews here.

6. Canon 8–15mm f4L EF (Fisheye to Wide Angle)

(Canon)

For those looking to take very wide angle and fisheye style stills, the Canon 8-15mm f4L offers unprecedented value. Boasting great sharpness and an acceptable speed. While fisheye lenses are available at much cheaper prices (check out our best fish eye lenses), the Canon version will make that key difference between looking like a GoPro and looking like an image was shot by a professional camera. Optical quality is especially pronounced on fisheye lenses since they are so distorted. For those who need to take landscape and real estate photos, where maximizing a sense of space is key, there is none better than this for the purposes.

Price: $1249

Buy the Canon 8–15mm f4L EF here.

One can see how this lens beautifully widens environments. (flickr via CC)

Pros:

• Beautiful, optically pristine pictures and video
• Autofocus is quick and effective, even in low light
• Sealed for weather-resistance
• High quality zoom and focus rings to make easy adjustments
• Produces both circular and diagonal style fisheye images

Cons:

• Weight is heavier than some competitors
• Lens cover can be finnicky, does not always snap into place
• Despite amazing optics, there is still some chromatic abberation such as between background and subject lighting

Find more Canon 8–15mm f4L EF information and reviews here.

7. 50mm f1.2 (Prime)

(Canon)

This is the mother of all prime lenses. At f1.2, it doesn’t get much faster. Wide open, this lens takes pure, dreamy cinematic stills with extremely shallow depth of field. At f2.8, it’s as sharp as they come. While it is limited (given that it doesn’t zoom), the 50mm f1.2 is every potrait photographers dream, and a force to be reckoned with for any cinematographer. On a camera like a GH4 or GH5 with a small sensor, the extremely shallow depth of field effect will be less pronounced, but the ability to capture a massive amount of light remains. It’s not for everyone, but for those whose needs this lens suits, it’s absolutely excellent.

Price: $1299

Buy the 50mm f1.2 Prime here.

(Flickr via CC)

Pros:

• Unreal quality for portrait photography
• f1.2 means lens is excellent for low light photography
• Using lens on small sensor camera (like GH5) will give one great low light flexibility and not-too-shallow depth of field
• Fully open on a full frame camera, this lens is described as “dreamy”
• Tack sharp at f2.8
• For portraits and cinematography with a prime lens, it’s about as good as it gets

Cons:

• It’s 10 times the price of a nifty fifty, but it’s not 10 times the quality
• Lack of zooming means it’s a one shot wonder

8. Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 (Also Available at f4)

Canon

This lens is great for fast and wide shots. Boasting great optics and a solidly quick aperture of f2.8, it’s great for landscapes, real estate, and similarly wide photography. Users love the sharpness and accurate autofocus. It has all the trappings of other L-series lenses, but there are a few weaknesses. At this focal length, some users find it a bit on the soft side. The corners aren’t great. There is some vignetting when wide open on full frame. None of these are dealbreakers, but they do emphasize the particular oddities of this lens. For a certain kind of user, this lens is great, but it is for someone who is adding to a kit or who only needs wide shots that emphasize expansiveness not clarity.

If you don’t need the sharpness and/or faster speed, you can cut some of the price of this lens off with an f4.0 IS lens that’s otherwise very similar. Check it out for only $999.

Price: $1299 (19 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 here.

Canon

Pros:

• USM motor for quiet accurate auto-focus
• Sharp, minimal lack of sharpness at the corners
• Versatile, fast lens
• Excellent quality wide open
• Fast at f2.8

Cons:

• 82mm filters – can be pricey
• Not quite enough reach to walk-around lens
• Some vignetting all the way open on full frame

Find more Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 information and reviews here.

9. Canon EF 24mm f1.4L II

Canon

For those who need decent width, but still want solid depth of field and low light ability, the 24mm offers a great value. Boasting a short minimum focusing distance (.8 feet), and a lightning quick aperture, it’s great for capturing wide shots in all situation. No image stabilization and no range mean it’s particularly well-suited for a certain kind of need, but unlike the lens above, this thing is tack sharp. Vignetting here on a full frame is undesirable for some, though some users find the look stylish.

Price: $1549

Buy the Canon EF 24mm f1.4L here.

Canon

Pros:

• Minimum focus distance .8 feet
• Slight vignetting, some users love the look, however
• Great for landscape and real estate shooting
• Excellent low-light lens

Cons:

• Prime lens, no reach
• No image stabilization
• So wide, can’t see full field-of-view thourhg viewfinder

Find more Canon EF 24mm f1.4L information and reviews here.

10. 24-70mm f2.8L IS II (Zoom)

(Canon)

While it may not have the immense zoom capability of the 70-200mm, the 24-70mm f2.8 offers users a great wide to medium lens with excellent sharpness and great speed.This lens is praised because the quality of the shots is extremely high and yet it is still formidably versatile. 24mm is wide angle and 70 is reasonably telephoto. Thus, this lens is described by some as the “if one was stuck on an island with one lens” kind of glass.

Price: $1699 (11 percent off MSRP)

Buy the 24-70mm f2.8 IS II here.

(Flickr via CC)

• If you had to pick just one lens this would be the one; versatile and excellent. It can do almost everything really well
• Fantastic image quality
• Fast autofocus
• Users love its color quality, corner sharpness, and fast focus

Cons:

• Very heavy
• A few find 70mm frustratingly medium distance

Find more 24-70mm f2.8 IS II information and reviews here.

11. Canon 24mm f3.5L Tilt Shift

Flickr

Of all the lenses on this list, this may be the that stands out the most. It’s hard to use, slow, and there’s vignetting. So why would anyone spend almost $2,000 on it? Because when used correctly, it takes images like no other. Not only can one rely on the tilt-shift effects, many users attest to the unique color, contrast, and optics of this lens. It is not forgiving nor approachable, but for those willing to learn, there’s just something special about the images it captures. This is partly because of the circular aperture, which does strange things to the highlights. It’s not for everyone and it’s especially not for the faint of heart, but for those looking to take pictures that are like no other, this is the way to go.

Price: $1899

Buy the Canon 24mm f3.5L Tilt Shift here.

Canon

Pros:

• Circular aperture for blurred, interesting highlights
• One of a kind look
• Best on tripod
• Great sharpness, color reproduction and depth of field effects

Cons:

• Gimmick, one trick pony
• Tough to use, steep learning curve
• Major vignetting at some angles

Find more Canon 24mm f3.5L Tilt Shift information and reviews here.

Read More From Heavy

Top 10 Best Photography Reflectors

12. Canon EF 85mm f1.2L

Canon

While the 50mm f1.2 is considered the gold standard with some versatility, the 85mm is considered the best portrait lens out there. For portrait photogs, it’s probably the best Canon L lens period. With lightning fast autofocus, speed, and stunning bokeh, it’s unbeatable. Sure at 85mm, it’s a bit dialed in, but the optics don’t lie: it takes unreal pictures. Much like other lenses this fast, this one can be a bit of an adjustment with some learning curve. For users willing to learn its traits, however, the 85mm f1.2 is probably the best portrait lens money can buy.

Price: $1899

Buy the Canon EF 85mm f1.2L here.

Canon

Pros:

• Quiet accurate autofocus motor
• Relatively close focusing distance of 3.2 feet
• One user said this lens is comparable ot four and five thousand dollar Zeiss and Canon cinema lenses
• Praised as great for video and stills
• Ideal for portraits
• When autofocus fails (all the way open), manual focusing is smooth and relatively easy

Cons:

• One user had an issue with the lens hood quality
• Slow autofocus
• Learning curve for using lens effectively

Find more Canon EF 85mm f1.2L information and reviews here.

13. 70-200mm f2.8 IS II (Zoom)

(Canon)

This Canon lens boasts a 77mm filter sizer, inner focusing system, with ultrasonic motor and boasts beautiful clean optics, with a fast aperture to boot. Users say its much sharper than its predecessor and the image quality speaks for itself: clarity and sharpness here is beyond pro. For the medium telephoto range, this lens is the one to beat. Two minor downsides are its high price and heavy weight, but these are small costs to pay for images that look like as good as these.

Another option is to step down to the old model of the 70-200mm f4. It’s not quite as sharp, but it offers much of the same value at a fraction of the price, only $599 (See 70-200mm f4 on Amazon). A third option is the newer 70-200mm f4 IS, which has image stabilization and a new build, at $1,099 (see 70-200mm f4 IS on Amazon).

Price: $1899 (10 percent off MSRP)

Buy the 70-200mm f2.8 IS II here.

(Flickr via CC)

Pros:

• Top of the line image quality
• Image stabilization makes taking pictures at low shutter speeds more feasible
• f2.8 means this lens can be an asset in lower light situations
• Multiple stabilization modes means flexibility in getting the shot with four stops of stabilization total
• Motor is almost silent
• Focus distance selector can come in handy

Cons:

• Lens is on the heavy side at 2.9lbs
• Pricey and may be overkill for all but professionals

Find more 70-200mm f2.8 IS II information and reviews here.

14. Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II

Canon

If the 400m f5.6 piqued your interest, but the notion of shooting only at 400mm was your qualm, this may be the zoom lens that works for you. Boasting outstanding optics and upgraded focusing and zoom rings, it’s everything the picture doctor ordered. Naturally, it’s water and dust resistant with amazing durability and that classic L series zoom lens look. While it has a variable aperture, shooting f4 at 100mm is still pretty nice. It also boasts a decent minimum focusing distance of just three feet, so it’s not hard to use as a macro lens. While it’s not for everyone, if you need serious reach, this is the creme de la creme that also lets you back off to 100mm.

Price: $2049 (7 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II here.

Canon

Pros:

• New air sphere coating reduces flaring and ghosting
• Allows for zoom torque adjustment
• Highly resistant to dust and water, amazing durability
• Minimum focusing distance of three feet
• 4 stops of image stabilization via IS ii
• Great for carrying around

Cons:

• Heavy (but not as heavy as 70-200mm
• A small percentage of users complained about power usage
• Best performance in bright light

Find more Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS II information and reviews here.

15. Canon EF 14mm f2.8L USM

Canon

For the wide-angle shooter who wants the best of the best, the 14mm f2.8L is fast, wide, and doesn’t really look like anything else. While it’s not quite as eye-poppingly odd as the tilt shift lens, it doesn’t quite look like anything else. On a full frame lens, 14mm is right on the edge of fish eye and at this speed and sharpness, one rarely sees images this wide that look this good. For real estate photographers, landscape photographers, and others who need to stress expansiveness with the utmost in sharpness and optical quality, nothing beats it. On a smaller sensor lens, 14mm becomes 22mm which isn’t quite as wide, but will still do for most purposes. The advantages of this lens, however are best seen on a full frame sensor.

Price: $2099

Buy the Canon EF 14mm f2.8L USM here.

Flickr

Pros:

• Built-in lens hood
• Fast rear focusing system
• Dust and moisture proof
• Close focusing distance of 7.9 inches
• Unreal sharpness and quality
• Praised as must for landscape photography

Cons:

• Prime lens
• Not good for portraiture
• Lens cap a must- can’t cover lens with filter due to curve

Find more Canon EF 14mm f2.8L USM information and reviews here.

Didn’t find the L series lens you were looking for? Browse more top-rated L series lenses on Amazon. Another great option for spending less and getting more is using a Sigma lens instead; here’s our picks for the best Sigma lenses for Canon DSLRs.

Want to take your footage to the next level without breaking the bank? We strongly recommend lighting kits and stabilizers as the most effective way to take beautiful footage and pictures.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Some factors to consider when purchasing a PC for video editing are what kind of footage you’re editing, how often, and whether or not you need a very powerful graphics card. For instance, if most of the time you are editing 1080P footage, it will be fine to go with a PC lower on our list. However, if you’d like to future-proof your PC for 4K footage, or you often edit this kind of footage, it will be best to opt with a model in the middle or bottom of the list. Also, if you often use applications like Adobe After Effects or other graphically intensive software, you may want to opt for something with a more powerful graphics card to ensure a smooth and fast experience.

All that out of the way, here are the best computers for video editing.

Camera straps are not the most flashy thing when it comes to upgrading your photography and videography gear. Yet, having an attractive or highly functional camera strap can transform your light-capturing device from drab into a fashion statement, and it can make your creative life much easier. Some of these straps are ideal for D-SLRS, others will work great on small or big cameras.

There are a few kinds of straps. The most simple and common is the neck strap. Some neck straps are long enough to sling over your shoulder, meaning they double as shoulder straps. Dedicated shoulder straps, however, have significant padding designed to rest on one’s shoulder exclusively. There are also harnesses and wrist straps. Finding the right strap is about balancing flexibility, ease-of-access, and knowing what works for you.

Overall, buying a strap may not be the most exciting purchase at first glance, but it can quickly turn out to be a lot of fun and functionality.

Here are the 9 best camera straps in order of price from highest to lowest.

An attractive camera strap can transform your camera from a neutral-looking electronic into an eye-popping fashion accessory. Needless to say, leather is a great way to do that. Leather provides a timeless look and it’s known for its durability, strength, and classy (yet rustic) look. If you’re drawn toward this appearance, a leather strap is a great way to look stylish while lugging your camera around. That said, it’s definitely not the most comfortable nor the most price efficient way to do so. If you’re not sure about leather, check out our more general list, The Top 10 Best Camera Straps.

That said, for those willing to bear some initial discomfort and the higher cost, leather camera straps are definitely unique, expressive and practical.

There are the top 9 best leather camera straps in order from highest to lowest price.

Trail cameras are seriously cool and impressive pieces of technology. To have eyes in the woods at all times truly gives you a massive advantage as a hunter. By setting up an organized array of cameras or even just one or two along a promising looking deer run you can begin to learn the movements of the game within your hunting grounds. It’s an affordable and highly effective way to better learn your woods and gain a valuable edge hunting.

On the other end of trail camera applications — they take incredible motion-triggered photos for the wildlife enthusiast who loves to photograph nature. It’s fascinating and exciting to catch a glimpse of what’s lurking around in your local wilderness, and with a nice quality trail camera, it’s easy!

The photo quality of many available camera models has become stunning — I have personally framed several of my wildlife photos captured on my trail camera because of their high resolution and awesome clarity. Shutter speeds have become so quick you can even capture clear, still images of songbirds in flight! If nature photography is a hobby of yours, then you’ll be blown away by how cool using a trail camera can be. It’s essentially the only affordable and effective way to take close up photos of animals behaving naturally in the wild.

As a wildlife scientist, I have taken part in several studies having to do with animal surveys through camera trapping.

Add to your hunting equipment and/or your photography gear with a trail camera from our top five list. You won’t be disappointed by the hunting insights you derive from your well thought out camera traps or by the impressive quality of the wildlife photographs you capture.

Shoulder rigs are one of the most practical and affordable ways to drastically increase the quality of one’s footage. They offer footage comparable to that of a gimbal stabilizer (see the best gimbals here), but at significantly cheaper prices and with less technical issues like battery life and finicky, complex motor systems.

In this list, there are several kinds of shoulder rigs: one-armed, two-armed, and shoulder rig kits. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but in general, most people will find the most (and easiest) success with a two-armed rig. Still, there are plenty of use cases where a one-armed rig can be great, especially if you’re more patient about learning the process. No matter what you choose, a shoulder rig is a great way to help take your films to new heights. They add stabilization and a professional sheen, even for an inexperienced user.

Here are the 10 best shoulder rigs from lowest to highest price.

Picking the right gear for using photography backgrounds and backdrops is as simple as knowing what your goals are and what you need. In this list, we cover four types of gear: backdrops (with no stand), stand kits, stand kits with backdrops, and stand kits with backdrops and lighting kits. All of these will help one use backdrops effectively, but you may or may not need the most robust kits. For instance, if you have a flash unit or are shooting for an au naturale look, you may not need a lighting kit. One can also use a backdrop outside, without a stand, if you have the right setup for its (perhaps a wall or tree to hang it on).

In the end, the easiest to use kits are the ones that come fully ready to go, but one can also buy each of these elements piecemeal to satisfying results. If this interests you, you can pick out some items on this list, then supplement them with one of the best lighting kits.

All that out of the way, here’s the best photography backdrops from lowest to highest price.

1. MoHoo Cherry Blossoms (Stand not included)

MoHoo

For those who already own a stand and a lighting kit, this is just a simple yet effective backdrop for taking lively and attractive photos. Users love it for its durable, easy-to-wash texture, and it’s a decent size (35 square feet). It’s a great image for users taking romantic, childlike, and Spring-oriented photos.

Price: $20.26

Buy the MoHoo Cherry Blossoms here.

Pros:

• Praised as great background
• Lightweight and durable
• 7 x 5 foot background
• High-quality construction
• On plastic, durable material

Cons:

• Just an image on a background (backdrop only)
• One user found the image quality poor

Find more MoHoo Cherry Blossoms information and reviews here.

2. MoHoo Blue Wood (Stand not included)

MoHoo

This is another popular background that users enjoy. It’s a great print for photographs with a rustic yet joyful feel. Users love it for its solid construction and easy-to-clean surface. It’s fade-resistant and guaranteed to last.

Price: $20.65 (41 percent off MSRP)

Buy the MoHoo Blue Wood here.

Pros:

• Fade-resistant, easy-to-wash material
• Colors praised as vibrant
• Great for amateur studios
• Pictures look professional and background looks real

Cons:

• Solely a backdrop; user must have stand separately
• One user said that ironing was required to get it straightened out

Find more MoHoo Blue Wood information and reviews here.

3. MoHoo Colorful Brick Wall (Stand not included)

MoHoo

The final MoHoo backdrop on our list might be the most interesting. This colorful brick wall exudes a retro vibe or perhaps LGBTQ. Really, it’s just a plain fun background that is bound to make any subject pop. Blurred out it looks great (for those shooting with a low f-stop). Sharp, it’s interesting yet not too eye-catching. All MoHoo backgrounds are praised as high quality, easy-to-wash and being durable.

Price: $21.36

Buy the MoHoo Colorful Brick Wall here.

Pros:

• Waterproof, durable and wrinkle-free
• Colors are praised as unbelievably bright
• Vinyl-ish texture, can be hand-washed
• 7 x 5 feet is big enough for most portraits

Cons:

• Simple background; no included lights or stands
• One user wanted background to be bigger

Find more MoHoo Colorful Brick Wall information and reviews here.

4. Neewer 5x7ft Background (Stand not included)

Neewer

This is the final standalone background on our list: a Neewer White Wall. It boasts a rustic, yet classy vibe that evokes a serene yet happy and bright feeling. Or perhaps not. It’s a fairly neutral background that will respond well to objects as well as subjects in a variety of moods and tones. This is the perfect background who want something with a bit more texture than all white, but don’t want to make anything too complicated. It’s simple and elegant. The backdrop quality is excellent and users love it for its natural look, wrinkle-free appearance, and that it is easy to wash.

Price: $28.99

Buy the Neewer 5x7ft Background here.

Neewer

Pros:

• Lightweight backdrop easy to hang up
• Small size, but should work for most portraits
• Easy to wash; just use warm water and dish sponge
• Said to look natural
• Doesn’t wrinkle easily

Cons:

• Just a background
• Can be damaged easily, if stepped on for instance

Find more Neewer 5x7ft Background information and reviews here.

5. LimoStudio Backdrop Support System

LimoStudio

If you like above backdrops but need a stand to hang the backgrounds on, this is about the most affordable way to do so. This LimoStudio stand allows one to hang a backdrop from 8.5″ high. The width is adjustable between five and ten feet. It’s a great starter kit and works well indoors. It can be used outdoors, but the construction isn’t amazingly well-geared for this. That said, with some sandbags and tape, it should be more than fine. For those looking to get started using backdrops in their photography, this is a great starting point.

Price: $35.89

Buy the LimoStudio Backdrop Support System here.

LimoStudio

Pros:

• Described as a great value
• Lightweight
• Can be used outdoors with sandbags or another weight
• Great for muslin and other non-heavy backgrounds
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Backdrop sags slightly in the morning
• One user found it to be a bit flimsy

Find more LimoStudio Backdrop Support System information and reviews here.

6. LimoStudio White Chromakey Backdrop

LimoStudio

For those looking for a stand with a simple white backdrop included, this white chromakey (like a green screen but for different colors) backdrop is great. Users love it for its simple setup, great value, and huge coverage of 10′ x 12′. This is a great beginner kit if you’re taking elegant, fancy portraits. White is also a common background color for product shots.

Price: $46.99

Buy the LimoStudio White Chromakey Backdrop here.

LimoStudio

Pros:

• 10ft x 12ft for full coverage
• Praised as great value for the price
• Simple and easy to set-up
• Backdrops are thick and reflect light well

Cons:

• One user had an issue with wrinking
• On the fragile side

Find more LimoStudio White Chromakey Backdrop information and reviews here.

7. Fovitec StudioPro

Fovitec

If you’re looking for a portable backdrop solution, this collapsible Fovitec StudioPro offers an attractive background straight out of a K-Mart school picture in a form factor that makes it portable and easy to use. It’s clearly intended for portraits and users rave about its use for corporate headshots and similarly staid applications.

Price: $54.95 (24 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Fovitec StudioPro here.

Fovitec

Pros:

• Muslin backdrop that’s portable and collapsible
• Great for corporate headshots
• Two sides each with its own appearance
• Sturdy with great quality

Cons:

• A small percentage of users had issues with wrinkling
• One user said the material was too reflective
• Can be hard to collapse for short people

Find more Fovitec StudioPro information and reviews here.

8. Neewer Max Height Backdrop Support System

Neewer

At 11.5′ wide and 10.6′ tall, this Neewer Backdrop Support System is great for users who need a lot of vertical headroom. It’s sturdy, well-built and made out of high quality aluminum. Users love it for its light weight and flexibility in arranging a backdrop creatively.

Price: $104.99

Buy the Neewer Max Height Backdrop Support System here.

Neewer

Pros:

• 11.5 feet wide, 10.6 feet tall
• Made out of high-quality aluminum
• Sturdy and well-built
• Lightweight
• Flexible; can be used for creatively arranging backdrop

Cons:

• No instructions
• Crossbar can be a bit saggy

Find more Neewer Max Height Backdrop Support System information and reviews here.

9. Excelvan Photography Lighting Kit

Excelvan

This is the first full kit on our list and it offers a ton of value. Boasting three backdrops (white, black, and green) and two softbox lights, this is a kit that will leave you completely prepared for backdrop photography. The only reason to upgrade to the kit below would be if you want more robust lighting or need larger dimensions than 5.9′ x 9.18′.

Price: $119.99

Buy the Excelvan Photography Lighting Kit here.

Excelvan

Pros:

• One year warranty from manufacturer
• Includes two soft box lights
• Three backgrounds for a solid variety of looks
• Praised as high quality, affordable lighting kit

Cons:

• One user had an issue with the backdrops
• For photography, backgrounds may be a bit boring or require extra work in post to change out (such as with green screen or chroma key)

Find more Excelvan Photography Lighting Kit information and reviews here.

10. Neewer 10ft Background Support System

Neewer

For those looking for the best possible kit with all of the features one could possibly ask for, this Neewer kit includes a background support system, four bright bulbs, and two different types of light: softbox and umbrella. Users agree that it’s a great starter lighting kit and as above, it has a white, green, and black backdrop. Not only that, this kit offers an edge from the above it by being a full 10′ tall, meaning it should be able to accommodate any and all users. It’s a great way to get started using backdrops and backgrounds at a very reasonable price.

Price: $149.99

Buy the Neewer 10ft Background Support System here.

Neewer

Pros:

• Four bulbs for plenty of brightness and versatility
• Two different types of lights: softbox and umbrella
• Great as a starter lighter kit
• Good variety of backdrops; can accept other backdrops for more variety

Cons:

• One user said they wouldn’t work on a windy day
• Some found lights to be not bright enough (800 ISO to shoot at 1/100)

Find more Neewer 10ft Background Support System information and reviews here.

Still looking for the right photography backdrop? Browse more top-rated backdrops on Amazon.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Camera bags can be great for portability, but sometimes, life demands something stronger. These camera cases (with a few exceptions) have rigid exteriors, cushy interiors, and will keep your gear safe in a variety of conditions, even extreme ones. Many of the cases on this list are Pelican cases, known for their outstanding build quality, durability, water-resistance, and high-quality wheels. The other cases offer affordability, lighter weight, and while they’re not as strong, one might not need the rigidity and outstanding protection of a Pelican. Check out these cases and our favorite camera bags to get a full idea of how you can transport and protect your camera gear.

Here are the top 10 best camera cases from highest to lowest price.

1. Pelican 1660

(Pelican)

Boasting internal dimensions of 28.20 inches x 19.66 inches x 17.63 inches, this Pelican case is enormous. This comes with good and bad. It would be unlikely to overfill this case, but for many users, it will be vastly overkill. This isn’t for anyone but users with multiple cameras, huge professional cameras, or moving something much larger like an editing computer. That said, if any of these things suit your purposes, this case will more than deliver. It boasts high-quality wheels, a wildly customizable interior, rigid plastic, and a pressurized interior that will keep one’s gear safe in a variety of situations.

Price: $299.95

Buy the Pelican 1660 here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

• Watertight using polymer o-ring includes a pressure valve
• Soft foam interior to protect gear
• Legendary brand
• Stainless steel reinforced padlock reinforcement
• Foam can be shaped to hold a wide variety of gear

Cons:

• Overkill in size and protection for some
• Heavy

Find more Pelican 1660 information and reviews here.

2. Pelican 1610

(Pelican)

Boasting internal dimensions of 21.78 x 16.69 x 10.62, this Pelican case is slightly smaller than the above, namely, it’s not nearly as deep. Still, for many, this case will be vastly overkill and suffers from some of the same pitfalls as the above case: being heavy and overkill for many users. On the plus side, however, this case will protect one’s gear as well as the above, just not as much of it. Pelican cases are built to last, with extremely tough external rigid plastic, and soft customizable interiors. They are the industry standard for a reason.

Price: $199.95

Buy the Pelican 1610 here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

• Pelican “Pick n’ Pluck” foam makes customization easy
• Double throw latches
• Rolling, steel ball-bearing wheels
• Watertight case, easy to open
• Very tough and durable

Cons:

• One user was missing some foam
• On the heavy side

Find more Pelican 1610 information and reviews here.

3. HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case

(HPRC)

With exterior dimensions of 10 x 14 x 22 inches, this HPRC case is praised as a great, lighter alternative to the Pelican 1510. It offers ample protection at a lower weight than most Pelican cases. That said, note that those are EXTERNAL dimensions; this case isn’t as big as some expected. It is the right size to be used as a carry-on on an airplane, however, so it is ideal for users who need to transport their goods in the air. It’s manufactured in Europe so the quality is great. It’s not quite as rigid or protective as a Pelican, but it makes up for this by being lighter and still offering a huge amount of bang per one’s buck.

Price: $164.30

Buy the HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case here.

(HPRC)

Pros:

• Watertight
• Custom cubed foam interior
• Superb build quality
• High quality European manufacturing
• Lighter than Pelican of similar size
• Biggest case you can take as carry-on

Cons:

• One user found case to be smaller than expected
• Heavy
• Not as good as Pelican quality

Find more HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case information and reviews here.

4. Condition 1 Protective Case

(Condition 1)

These huge case has external dimensions of 13.72 x 19.58 x 24.58 inches and offers a solid alternative to the Pelican dynasty. It’s praised for its comfortable molded handles, excellent value, peel and pluck foam, and lighter weight. One user found it an ideal size to carry the Yuneec Typhoon (a large drone). For the price, this case offers a lot of protection and solidity, but no wheels (unlike Pelican’s offering). For those looking to store a lot of goods or who don’t need great portability, this case offers a solid budget alternative to the above.

Price: $141.07

Buy the Condition 1 Protective Case here.

(Condition 1)

Pros:

• Praised as great fit for Yuneec Typhoon
• Comfortable molded handles
• Airtight and watertight (to 3 feet)
• Spring-loaded latches
• Peel and pluck foam makes customization easy
• Praised as having an affordable price and great features

Cons:

• One user found the quality of the foam to be poor
• No wheels

Find more Condition 1 Protective Case information and reviews here.

5. Pelican 1490 Laptop Case

(Pelican)

With internal dimensions of 17.75 x 11.37 x 4.12, this Pelican laptop case offers one the ability to carry slim camera gear along with a small laptop in a tight-fitting, safe package. It can be brought as overhead baggage, so it’s the perfect case for taking one’s gear about the country. Praised as a great way to move a laptop, and many found the added protection to be a great stress reliever.

Price: $118.95 (14 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Pelican 1490 Laptop Case here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

• Classic Pelican quality
• Include pressure equalization, watertight, and double locking latches
• Fits 15.7-inch laptop
• Great for air travel, praised as “worth every penny”

Cons:

• Some users had to buy an insert to fit their laptop (16.5″ by 11.3″)
• One user had an issue with the locks

Find more Pelican 1490 Laptop Case information and reviews here.

6. Pelican 1400 Case

(Pelican)

With interior Dimensions of 11.81 x 8.87 x 5.18, this case offers users with small or medium cameras and lenses to move their gear. USers love it for holding things like small shotgun mics, mirrorless and point n’ shoot cameras, and similar devices with a small profile. It’s great for transporting things safely and boasts all the same features of larger Pelican cases such as pressure equalization and stainless steel reinforced padlocks.

Price: $68.52 (43 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Pelican 1400 Case here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

• Outstanding quality
• Stainless steel reinforced padlocks
• Pick N’ Pluck foam for simple, easy customization of interior
• Includes automatic pressure equalization valve
• Single folding front handle with cushion grip
• Easy roller for durability and smooth rides

Cons:

• May be too small for some

Find more Pelican 1400 Case information and reviews here.

7. Tough XL Hard Case

(ToughXL)

Having a total usable interior space at 14.0″ x 11.0″ x 4.0″, this tough XL case offers users a very affordable, decent hard case solution. It’s great for decent sized Nikon and Canon cameras, but may be a bit too tight for larger, full-frame DSLRs. Users love its large size and superb value. That said, one user did find the case “flimsy.” Obviously, it’s not quite a Pelican. Still, it’s considerably lighter and for some, especially those with small cameras, this case offers the perfect balance of weight, protection, and price.

Price: $39.99

Buy the Tough XL Hard Case here.

(ToughXL)

Pros:

• Hard exterior protection
• Dense interior cushioning
• 4 padlock rings
• Praised as great value
• Lighter than other similar cases

Cons:

• One user found case flimsy

Find more Tough XL Hard Case information and reviews here.

8. AmazonBasics Small Camera Case

(AmazonBasics)

With a small interior measuring 10.9″ x 7.9″ x 4.7″ this AmazonBasics case offers users a dirt-cheap option for moving their gear. Amazon can hardly keep these on the shelves (the medium model is sold out). While for many this case offers superb protection, value, and cost-effectiveness, a few users point out that it’s better for storage, not protective use. It all depends on your needs; a case this cheap will not be comparable to a Pelican, but users love this case nonetheless. If your gear is small or doesn’t need the utmost in protection, it offers one heck of a bargain.

Price: $32.99

Buy the AmazonBasics Small Camera Case here.

(AmazonBasics)

Pros:

• Pre-cut foam squares for quick customization
• Includes 1 year AmazonBasics warranty
• Praised as cost-effective and durable
• Praised as good for small camera bodies, not full frame
• One user said this case is perfect for a firearm

Cons:

• One user said he wishes he had just bought a Pelican
• This plastic, non-rigid sides
• One user said this is only good enough for storage, not protective use

Find more AmazonBasics Small Camera Case information and reviews here.

9. MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel

(MegaGear)

For those with Canon Rebel cameras (t4i, t5i, t6, and similarly shaped models), this camera case provides an elegant, protective solution. It’s made of lightweight, high-quality leather and is smooth. The one thing is, the case does not include a strap, this will have to be purchased additionally. For those who have this model of camera and want it to have additional protection in a bag, this case offers a great looking solution.

Price: $32.39 (10 percent off MSRP)

Buy the MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel here.

(MegaGear)

Pros:

• High-quality leather
• Works with Rebel cameras (t4i, t5i, t6, and similarly-sized models)
• Compact and durable material
• Chic retro look

Cons:

• No shoulder strap included
• One user had an issue with the tripod shoe
• Camera can still collect dust
• One user had an issue with a lens larger than 50mm

Find more MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel information and reviews here.

10. AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case

(AmazonBasics)

With tight internal dimensions of 6.5″ x 5.9″ x 7.5″, this camera holster, like the one above, is great for protecting a camera within a larger bag. A few users found wielding this case around their necks to be a bit awkward, but the vast majority found it useful, affordable, and to be a great deal. It does help one’s camera be self-standing and offers a waterproof base. Its form factor should fit most DSLRs, but be sure your camera coheres with its internal dimensions before purchasing.

Price: $16.48 (17 percent off MSRP)

Buy the AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case here.

(AmazonBasics)

Pros:

• Works with most zoom lens attached up to 110mm
• Waterproof base protects the camera and lets it stand
• Fits most DSLR cameras
• Excellent value and well-built durability

Cons:

• One user found shape awkward and unfitting
• Some found the strap to hold case uncomfortably
• Some had issues with this not keeping camera sufficiently protected

Find more AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case information and reviews here.

Still looking for the right camera case? Browse more top-rated camera cases on Amazon.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Here are the top 10 best MFT lenses available in 2019:

Getting your own security camera can be a simple, cost-effective way to keep your home safe without paying expensive and recurring fees. Using push notifications and well-positioned cameras, one can monitor their own home with comparable effort and much more direct discretion. Keep everyone in your home completely safe with one of the best home security camera setups that are as easy to install as they are to use.

Night vision can be a valuable tool for a variety of uses. Night vision scopes for hunting offer the highest possible quality. Binoculars can also be useful for hunting and other tactical sports or operations. Monoculars likewise offer users the most affordable way to see in the dark, but also have utility. In this list, we have included everything from top of the line hunting scopes to a simple barebones (but useful) IR monocular, and many night vision binoculars in between. No matter your needs, there should be a night vision tool for you.

Here are the top 10 best night vision binoculars from highest to lowest price.

1. Armasight Vampire 3X Rifle Scope

(Armasight)

For those who need a top of the line scope, this Armasight boasts great telephoto range (105mm) and is praised as a killer product at ranges up to and above 100 yards. This is the top of the line infrared monocular. It has a well-lit reticule and mounts on a standard weaver rail. Users love it for its excellent build quality, water-resistance, and all around consistency. For those looking to hunt at night, this is a superb product.

Price: $795

Buy the Armasight Vampire 3X Rifle Scope here.

Pros:

• Detachable long-range rifle scope
• Water and fog-resistant
• Mounts to standard weaver rail
• Brightly illuminated reticule
• 108mm f1.5 scope
• Praised as a killer product for hunting at even 100+ yards

Cons:

• One user had an issue with the battery life
• One user found optical quality insufficient

Find more Armasight Vampire 3X Rifle Scope information and reviews here.

2. Bushnell Lynx Night Vision Binoculars

(Bushnell)

For those looking to see clearly with both eyes, these Bushnell night vision binoculars have excellent optics and great build quality. With a bright built-in IR system illuminating up to 90 yards, they let one cut through darkness. Binoculars are much more comfortable to use than scopes and monocular, and Bushnell products are known for their high-quality. Users praise these binoculars as lightweight, sturdy, and effective. That said, they are not ideal for daytime use. A small percentage of users had issues with focusing and quality while the sun was out.

Price: $419

Buy the Bushnell Lynx Binoculars here.

Pros:

• High-quality optics with stunning quality
• Weather-resistant
• Built-in IR illuminator up to 90 yards
• 2.5x magnification
• Praised as lightweight, easy to use

Cons:

• A few users found quality unacceptable
• One user had an issue with vision during the day, claiming image was blurry

Find more Bushnell Lynx Binoculars information and reviews here.

3. Bestguarder Night Vision Binocular

(Bestguarder)

For those who can settle for less optical quality than the Bushnell’s, but want to capture their night vision sights, these Bestguarder Binoculars offer excellent optics, great value, and acceptable range (1150 feet). Users found the battery life solid, and the build quality to be very decent. One user had an issue with the brightness of the IR light; this could give away one’s position in a hunting or tactical scenario. Otherwise, users love the images and footage these binoculars produce at a reasonable price. They record five megapixels photographs and 720p video.

Price: $399.99 (20 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Bestguarder Night Vision Binocular here.

Pros:

• Records 5-megapixel photos and 720P videos
• Weatherproof
• SD card record images and videos
• Long lasting li-ion battery power
• Praised as great value
• Range described as up to 1150 feet

Cons:

• On bright IR mode, one’s location would be revealed due to glow
• Not the best range

Find more Bestguarder Night Vision Binocular information and reviews here.

4. Firefield Night Vision Riflescope

(Firefield)

For those who don’t need a top of the scope, the Firefield Night Vision scope is a great value. It attaches to a standard weaver mount, has built-in infrared, and still has a very competitive range of 50 yards. Users love its reticule brightness adjustment and that it uses AA batteries, for quick and easy replacement. One con that may bother some: it is a bit on the heavy side. Otherwise, this is a great affordable scope option for those who need night vision hunting abilities.

Price: $289.79

Buy the Firefield Night Vision Riflescope here.

(Firefield)

Pros:

• High 3x magnification
• Ergonomic design with built-in IR
• Quick detach weaver mount
• Customizable and incremental reticle brightness adjustment
• Praised as a great alternative to more expensive scopes
• AA batteries easy to replace

Cons:

• 50-yard effective range
• One user had an issue with black dots
• Heavy

Find more Firefield Night Vision Riflescope information and reviews here.

5. Bestguarder Night Vision Monocular

(Bestguarder)

The monocular version of the Bestguarder Binoculars offers a much lower price with many of the same features. It might not be as easy to use as its dual-eyed big brother, but beyond this, it offers similar capturing capabilities of five-megapixel photos and 720p footage. Similarly, it’s powered by AA batteries and has a great build quality. The IR illuminator also has a solid range. The biggest problem with the binocular vs the monocular is that the monocular just isn’t as comfortable. Some users found the eyecup to be too rigid; a problem not seen on the binoculars.

Price: $259.99 (13 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Bestguarder Night Vision Monocular here.

Pros:

• Five-megapixel photo and 720p video recording built-in
• IR illuminator has range of 1150 feet
• Powered by four AA batteries
• Rugged, water-resistant housing
• Praised as decent value

Cons:

• Optical quality is poor, not comparable to real camera
• Some users had issues with quality control
• Field of view is very small
• Eye cup isn’t very comfortable

Find more Bestguarder Night Vision Monocular information and reviews here.

6. Bushnell Equinox Z Nightvision

(Bushnell)

For those who want a versatile pair of binoculars, the Bushnell Equinox Z’s have a slew of features. While they do burn batteries quick (requiring four AAs), one can use a mini-USB cable and a battery pack to keep them on all night long (Browse Amazon for top-rated battery packs).

Other features include day and nighttime use, the ability to be mounted on a pic rail or tripod. Users had some minor gripes, namely with the placement of the off/on switch and if one is farsighted, it will be difficult or impossible to sufficiently adjust the optics to allow for clear vision. Beyond this, however, users found these binoculars to be a great value.

Price: $222.33

Buy the Bushnell Equinox Z Nightvision here.

(Bushnell)

Pros:

• Tripod mounted
• Operates on four AA batteries
• Day or nighttime use
• IR illuminates up to 500 feet
• Mounts onto pic rail
• Can be powered by mini-USB

Cons:

• One user had an issue with the placement of the on/off button
• Eyepiece not sufficiently adjustable for a few users such as those who are farsighted
• On a tripod, TV out is blocked
• IR glow is brighter than some users desired

Find more Bushnell Equinox Z Nightvision information and reviews here.

7. Firefield Nightfall 2 Monocular

(Firefield)

With great magnification, ergonomics, and a price that’s tough to beat, this is a great monocular for users looking to experiment with night vision. Users love its range and optical quality. It’s praised as an affordable price for a high quality, fun piece of gear. It uses two AA batteries and is a fun way to get started seeing in the night.

Price: $175 (42 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Firefield Nightfall 2 Monocular here.

Pros:

• High magnification
• Ergonomic design
• Praised as a great bargain
• Users pleased with range and optical quality
• Crisp picture
• Takes two double AA batteries

Cons:

• Very small percentage of users had issues with black spots
• One user had focus problems

Find more Firefield Nightfall 2 Monocular information and reviews here.

8. Solomark Night Vision Monocular

(Solomark)

For those who want to capture night footage at a low price, the Solomark Monocular offers great value. It allows one to take pictures and video. Most users say the quality is only acceptable, but it can be cool to save your visions of the night nonetheless. For those on a budget, it offers solid illumination (up to 100 meters), and is a great way to get started using and recording with night vision.

Price: $132.99

Buy the Solomark Night Vision Monocular here.

(Solomark)

Pros:

• Two year limited warranty
• Requires 4 AA batteries
• Illuminates up to 100 meters
• Praised as great affordable, entry-level night vision

Cons:

• Included MicroSD card is terrible
• One user had an issue with the sensor cap
• Photo mode is very poor quality, video mode only delivers acceptable results

Find more Solomark Night Vision Monocular information and reviews here.

9. Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision

(Xgen)

Boasting better quality than the above, this Xgen monocular is great for trying night vision at a low price, but it lacks any recording ability. It’s a no-frills monocular that the vast majority of users found reliable and fun to use. A few users had issues with the lens cap, but this is easily remedied using a soft piece of cloth or similar covering. This monocular won’t blow anyone’s mind with optical quality, but if you are looking for a small gift or to test the waters, it can be a neat toy.

Price: $105.98 (29 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision here.

Pros:

• Praised as great value
• 20mm lens
• Uses three AA batteries
• Decent scope at a decent price

Cons:

• A small percentage of users had durability issues
• Some say the lens cap doesn’t fit

Find more Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision information and reviews here.

10. Carson MiniAura Digital NightVision

(Carson)

For those who need absolutely no frills, including the classic green look of normal night vision, this Carson camera offers solid optics but everything is in black and white (no green here). While it’s by no means a professional tool, users say it’s perfect as a fun gift for kids and budding fans of tactics. It uses three AA batteries so keeping it charges is straightforward. It also allows for variable IR intensity, meaning one can have fun being stealthy if they so please.

Price: $88.42

Buy the Carson MiniAura Digital NightVision here.

Pros:

• Black and white, simple night vision
• One year limited warranty
• Includes carrying pouch and wrist strap
• Adjustable intensity of IR
• Uses three AA batteries
• Loved as a fun toy

Cons:

• Some users had issues with the focus
• One user bought it to aid in navigating because of “night blindness” and found it useless

Find more Carson MiniAura Digital NightVision information and reviews here.

Still looking for the right night vision scope, binocular or monocular? Browse more top-rated night vision tools on Amazon.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Getting the right accessory can make photography easy, fun, and more simple. These accessories include lighting, tripods, stabilizers, and straps. Each and every one will help make your shooting and capturing experience all the better. Be sure to make sure that each accessory is compatible with your particular Canon DSLR.

Here are the top 10 best Canon DSLR accessories available in 2018:

1. AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control

(AmazonBasics)

Activate one’s camera remotely and save yourself the issues caused by camera shake and vibration. This affordable remote lets one get the pictures they need at an affordable price. For $8.49, it’s a no-frills device that works with most Canon cameras. While a few users had minor issues. By far and in large, this is an excellent product to take long exposure shots, or anything else that will benefit from not having someone touch or move a camera.

Price: $8.49

Buy the AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control here.

Pros:

• Activates shutter remotely works with large variety of cameras
• Compatible with: T5i, T4i, T3i, T2i, T1i, XT, XTi, XSi, 5D Mark II, III, 100D, 6D, 60D, 7D, 70D, 300D, 350D,400D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D, 700D
• Range of 10 feet

Cons:

• Short battery life
• One user had an issue with remote being stuck in two second delay mode

Find more AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control information and reviews here.

2. MagicFiber Cleaning Clothes (6 Pack)

(Canon)

Cleaning one’s camera is a key part of maintenance and making sure your gear continues to work well into the future. These MagicFiber cloths make this simple and easy as they are effective for cleaning all parts of a camera: lenses, body, and anything else that can be cleaned by small, soft clothes. They’re also great to have around to clean screens and other sensitive surfaces. They make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Price: $8.99 (31 percent off MSRP)

Buy the MagicFiber Cleaning Clothes (6 Pack) here.

Pros:

• 90 day warranty from DigitalGoja
• Easy way to clean all kinds of surfaces
• Includes gray cloth to calibrate exposure and color on camera
• Affordable, makes for a great gift

Cons:

• Some may find six cloths to be excessive

Find more MagicFiber Cleaning Clothes (6 Pack) information and reviews here.

3. Altura Photo Rubber Eyepiece

(Altura)

For those who struggle with using stock viewfinders and digital viewfinders, this Altura eyepiece alleviates several of the most salient problems including excess light and a lack of comfort. The eyepiece also rotates meaning one can use either eye to check out the action. It’s a great product for making using your camera more ergonomic and comfortable.

Price: $10.99

Buy the Altura Photo Rubber Eyepiece here.

Pros:

• Praised for ability to block lights
• Makes looking through one’s viewfinder comfortable and more clear by blocking extraneous light
• Ergonomic, rubber design
• 90-day DigitalGoja 100% guarantee

Cons:

• On cameras with large swivel LCDs, eyepiece can impair screen movement
• A few users found optics too poor to be useful

Find more Altura Photo Rubber Eyepiece information and reviews here.

4. Amazon Basics Lightweight Tripod

(Amazon)

A tripod makes everything easier. Time-lapses, precise shots, and portraits are all made a lot more simple by having an easily configurable device that lets you get the exact image you want. This is a simple tripod and it won’t do for panning in video, but for straightforward position of a camera, it’s great.

Price: $13.95

Buy the Amazon Basics LIghtweight Tripod here.

Pros:

• Release plate allows for quick
• 3-way head makes rotating, tilting, and panning simple
• Two bubble levels make finding the right spot easy
• Lightweight and somewhat compact

Cons:

• Blocks some camera’s articulating screens
• Center tube can be shaky
• Some found setup difficult
• Build quality is just OK

Find more Amazon Basics Lightweight Tripod information and reviews here.

5. Movo Rapid Action Strap

(Movo)

Take the weight off your shoulders and neck and give yourself convenient access to your DSLR. This rapid action strap lets one get the shots they need while distributing weight more evenly. It also has a particularly long strap meaning it should work even for the tallest users.

Price: $17.95 (18 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Movo Rapid Action Strap here.

Pros:

• Works with any camera that has a tripod mount
• Easily use camera by sliding
• 60″ means it should work on all but extremely tall users

Cons:

• Some users found setup difficult
• Carabiner could be better quality

Find more Movo Rapid Action Strap information and reviews here.

6. Neewer Timer Remote Control

(Neewer)

For those looking to trigger their camera from a distance or to take perfectly-timed timelapses, the Neewer Timer Remote Control offers a bevy of options with few limitations. A few minor gripes some have are the limit of 399 exposures and the lack of an on/off switch. Otherwise, for the price, this Neewer Timer Remote Control adds a ton of values and features at a very low price.

Price: $20.99

Buy the Neewer Timer Remote Control here.

Pros:

• Timelapse, delay, and remote control features
• Uses two triple AAA batteries for simple power
• Tons of options and easy to use

Cons:

• Build quality is middling
• A small minority of users had issues with durability
• Max number of exposures at 399
• No on/off button

Find more Neewer Timer Remote Control information and reviews here.

7. Chrome Macro Ring Light

(Chromo)

Nothing improves portraits like ring lights. This affordable option from Chromo will take your close-ups to the next level. With 48 LED lights and three operation modes (whole, left, and right), it will let you get the look you want at a great price. It takes double AA batteries and offers users a “secret weapon” to take beautiful pictures of people or close subjects.

Price: $29.99

Buy the Chrome Macro Ring Light here.

Pros:

• Powered by two AA batteries
• LED ringlight includes six different adapter rings for variety of camera sizes
• 3 operation modes for variety of looks: whole light, half right, half left
• Takes beautiful portraits

Cons:

• A few users had issues with unit upon reception but many praise ease of return
• One user found his camera didn’t fit, be sure to check compatibility

Find more Chrome Macro Ring Light information and reviews here.

8. Neewer Flash Speedlite

(Neewer)

Buying a flash unit is one of the easiest ways to take your photography to the next level. What’s most amazing about this unit is that it’s so affordable. For $31.99, one can get a versatile and high quality Speedlite unit. While it doesn’t match the quality of Canon’s official offerings ($200+), the value far exceeds it. For many, this Speedlite will more than deliver. For those who will find it limiting, it can still offer a great starter’s course to using external flash units. At this price, there is no singular way as affordable and effective for increasing the quality of one’s photos.

Price: $31.99

Buy the Neewer Flash Speedlite here.

Pros:

• Makes pictures look professional and well-lit
• Eight steps of flash control, meaning one can get as little or as much light as one needs
• Extremely affordable
• Rotates 270 degrees, tilts up and down 90 degrees

Cons:

• Build quality is what you’d expect for $30
• Some users had issues with certain double AA batteries not working

Find more Neewer Flash Speedlite information and reviews here.

9. Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod

(Joby)

For those who want to put their camera any which way, the GorillaPod is an insanely popular product known for adding ergonomics and flexibility to anyone’s photograph arsenal. While it’s not great for all situations, if you’re one looking for curious angles, or an easy way to use your DSLR as a selfie camera, the GorillaPod is a great choice.

Price: $49.99

Buy the Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod here.

Pros:

• Strong, long-lasted and flexible
• Can be put in trees, around poles, and in variety of interesting configuration
• Easily holds phones and small cameras, can be used with medium cameras with some effort
• Portable and small

Cons:

• Extremely short, must be attached to something for any height
• Some users had problems with the mount

Find more Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod information and reviews here.

10. Roxant Pro Handheld Stabilizer (Best value)

(Roxant)

For cameras up to 2.1lbs the Roxant Pro offers an affordable and effective stabilization solution. Some minor drawbacks include a learning curve and that ultimately, the user bares the full weight of their camera plus that of the stabilizer; IE it can be a bit hard on the arms. Still, for the price, the quality and value added by this stabilizer is excellent.

Check out more of the best camera stabilizers. There are other models that require no practice.

Price: $64.96

Buy the Roxant Pro Handheld Stabilizer here.

Pros:

• Works with GoPro, DSLR, mirrorless cameras, and point and shoot
• Lifetime support from manufacturer
• Users say balancing stabilizer is easy
• Users say it’s easy to use after initial setup, effective, and affordable

Cons:

• Some claimed that stock product requires enhancement and to be hacked
• One user was unable to use stabilizer effectively

Find more Roxant Pro Handheld Stabilizer information and reviews here.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.

Here are the top 10 best Canon lenses for beginners to pros.

Here are the best cheap Canon lenses available now.

Gimbal stabilizers allow users to take almost any camera and shoot beautiful, moving footage. For many years, gimbals were something only accessible to the budgets of Hollywood or at the very least, professional videographers or studios. The good news is that over time, prices have dropped significantly, allowing prosumers and even consumers to afford these useful tools.

This list covers the best of the best for DSLRs, smartphones, and larger cameras in a variety of price ranges. Whether your budget is $1,000 or $100, one can immensely improve the quality of their shots and footage using stabilizers.

If you’re looking for the best gimbal stabilizers for DSLRs, check out our dedicated list. For a more affordable stabilization option, check out the best shoulder rigs.

All that out of the way, here are the best 3-axis gimbal stabilizers available now.

Sony offers a full range of mirrorless models from cameras for beginner and intermediate photographers to pros who specialize in still imagery and video shooters as well. Sony’s new Alpha A1 has only recently appeared, and it is like a camera from another planet, able to capture 50-megapixel images at continuous shooting speeds of 30fps, shoot 8K video, and more — including autofocus with eye tracking for birds. That’s pretty impressive, and leads our list of the best Sony cameras. But it’s not right for everyone (and in fact is the right camera for a very small number of pros) so this list includes a handful of other amazing Sony mirrorless cameras as well. Whether you’re just starting out, looking for the right camera to step up to, or are a pro who needs the world’s best camera, there is something here for you.