Gitzo tripods need no introduction as a premium option, and the Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 (4 sections) being reviewed here is a travel tripod made for professional use thanks to its excellent build quality, tall height and light weight. This is one of those tripods that doesn’t look remarkable in any way, but as soon as you use it the smoothness of operation alongside the quality materials used identify it as a high-end travel tripod.
With this in mind and before we get into the specifics, the Traveler series 1 is expensive at $680 / £539 / AU$1,154.95. But this is a tripod that could easily last a lifetime thanks to the build quality and the availability of spare parts if something needs to be replaced. Spare part availability isn’t unusual in the tripod world, but when you’re paying this much money for a small tripod it’s reassuring to know that you can replace parts as and when required.
Despite the high price, this tripod doesn’t include a carry bag or case which some photographers may miss. It’s not a major downside because in reality, many photographers simply attach their tripods to a backpack while walking or carry them in their hand, and the Gitzo does include a well-made shoulder strap which is extremely useful.
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Gitzo tripods and heads have some, well, utilitarian naming conventions and the official name of the Gitzo tripod kit Traveler, series 1, 4 sections is the GK1545T-82TQD which is a Traveler tripod/head kit that includes the GT1545T Tripod and the GH1382TQD Center Ball Head. I’ve only outlined these names to make it easier to find the kit we’re looking at here because retailers title the kit differently based on their own naming styles.
The Gitzo Traveler Kit is incredibly well made and oozes quality alongside providing stable support up to 64.4in / 163.5cm with the center column extended. This provides a maximum working height comparable to some full-size tripods, which is impressive for a travel tripod that’s just 16.7in / 42.5cm long when folded with a weight of 3.19lbs / 1.45kg.
The minimum height is 12.8in / 32.4cm, although you can get lower with the short plastic center column that’s included with the legs splayed out flat, or by inserting the standard center column into the legs upside down.
Going with four section rigid carbon fiber legs rather than five sections improves overall stability. This, of course, results in a slightly longer folded length, but the positive trade-off here is the additional stability fewer leg sections naturally provide because this means that the sections have a larger diameter.
The maximum payload is 22lbs / 10kg, so the tripod can support a wide range of camera and lens combinations although Gitzo does recommend that 200mm is the maximum focal length that should be used with the tripod and head.
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You could undoubtedly go beyond this given the maximum payload, but travel tripod heads are typically smaller than those designed for full-size tripods. So, even when they can accommodate longer focal length lenses, it’s often not going to provide the most reliable shooting experience.
The head itself, like the legs, is exceptionally well made. There’s no friction control for the ball mechanism, but the main locking control provides this depending on how loose it is and a pan lock controls the stiff yet smooth panning movement.
It's a simple ball head, but it does everything you need and does it smoothly. The plate used is also Arca Swiss compatible so you can use plates from other tripod heads and L brackets. The head can also be tilted over 90 degrees for portrait format shooting with one notch that allows this. This is ultimately a head where the adage ‘less is more’ is at play, but it does what it does well and can’t be faulted for this.
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Twist locks for the legs and control knobs on the ball head and the centre column feature a rubberized grip that is comfortable to use, effective and doesn’t require too much twisting to lock and unlock. This doesn’t sound like much, but when you’re adjusting a tripod, speed and comfort can make a huge difference over a long day of shooting.
It feels almost strange to enjoy using a tripod – camera supports are hardly glamorous, they simply need to hold a camera securely. However, the level of quality and the smooth and positive level of operation afforded by the Gitzo make it a premium option worth considering if your budget stretches that far.
It may be is expensive, but it’s far from being one of the most expensive options available. Believe it or not, there are tripods available that cost upwards of $1000 / £1000 so in this context, the Gitzo is arguably well-priced.
Should I buy the Gitzo tripod kit Traveler series 1?
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Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Gitzo tripod kit Traveler series 1
The Gitzo tripod Traveler series 1 was tested over a period of time using several different camera and lens combinations to test how the tripod stood up to standard use in travel-oriented scenarios. Cameras used included a premium compact, an APS-C mirrorless camera and a full-frame mirrorless camera. The tripod was also carried around with other photographic kit in my f-stop backpack to evaluate performance over longer shoots such as landscapes.
With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 15 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve been covering photographic accessories such as tripods for many years. As a professional photographer, I frequently use a range of accessories to enhance my photography and bring my working experience of using these to reviews where I can consider how effective photographic accessories are from both a professional and an enthusiast point of view.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 is a stylish and highly versatile travel tripod with more tricks up its sleeve than a room full of magicians – and one of the most impressive features is the competitive price it comes in at considering what it has to offer.
The Punks Brian 2.0 costs $300 / £250 / AU$633. It's part of 3 Legged Thing’s colorful punks range, and to that end it's available with orange, blue or black accents on the tripod head and the twist lock on the center column and legs, bucking the arguably dull visual trend of tripod design that sees most color schemes dominated by black or grey.
This carbon fiber tripod is an impressive transformer when it comes to growth, going from a folded length of 16.5-inches / 42cm to a maximum height of 73.2 inches / 1.86m with the center column extended. This is taller than many full-size tripods, and even more impressively it's achieved with a weight of just 3.70lbs / 1.68kg.
So, unless you need a heavier tripod for specific shooting situations, the Punks Brian could realistically function as your main tripod, despite falling within the travel tripod category.
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All three five-section legs are detachable, and together with the Vanz ‘footwear’, which are 4.4-inch / 11.2cm stainless steel legs with rubber ends that can be removed to reveal spikes (these are available separately), they enable the Punks Brian to be transformed into a tabletop or ultra low-level tripod. Another feature of the removable legs is that they can be used as a monopod with the included AirHed Neo 2.0 ball head attached at the top of the leg, or with the center column attached to the top of the leg for additional height up to 75.1 inches / 191cm.
This level of versatility is welcome in a travel tripod, as when traveling it’s not uncommon for photographers to have to reduce their kit to the bare minimum. So, having a tripod that can be used in three different ways – standard, tabletop and monopod – and which offers a generous maximum height ensures that you can cover all the bases with one lightweight and compact package. As mentioned, you have to purchase the Vanz footwear for tabletop use separately, and they’re not cheap for what they are but, the overall cost of the Punks Brian and Vanz remains lower than many competing travel tripods.
The tripod legs are made of carbon fiber, and while they flex a little more than the legs of more expensive tripods, stability isn’t an issue. In use, I found the leg twist-locks to be quick and comfortable to use thanks to the rubber grip strips that are also found on the two-section center column. Build quality overall is excellent, and the orange accents of the Punks Brian I reviewed are eye-catching.
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While its competitive price makes it accessible to enthusiasts and even beginners, the Punks Brian is a travel tripod that could easily cater to the needs of working professionals, thanks to its overall build quality, features and sturdy legs with 30lb / 14kg maximum payload. The latter means you can confidently attach even large telephoto lenses because the included AirHed Neo 2.0 has an even greater maximum payload of 40lbs / 18kg, which is impressive given the compact size of the ball head. There's no real camera and lens combination that exceeds the tripod kit's maximum payload.
The AirHed Neo 2.0 is a simple ball head that’s colored to match the tripod legs depending on which color option you choose. It may be compact, but it’s made of aircraft-grade magnesium alloy and stainless steel, so it’s as tough as it is eye-catching.
Operation is smooth and reliable, with one knob for adjusting the ball mechanism and another for the pan mechanism, and while the knobs don’t feature rubber grips, the machined metal grips work perfectly and look pretty smart, too. There’s also an accessory mounting point and a metal loop at the bottom of the center column for attaching the included carabiner tool, from which you can hang a camera bag to improve stability when needed.
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The plate used is also the Arca Swiss design, so it’s compatible with 3 Legged Thing and third-party L brackets. There's also a notch within the ball head to allow for portrait-format shooting, so an L bracket isn’t essential for this, although they are much better for portrait-format shooting than a ball head on its own.
Finding a tripod of this quality for such a competitive price is a rarity in the tripod world. The Punks Brian can comfortably compete against tripods that are twice the price and still come out as an incredibly enticing option. So, if you’re looking for a travel tripod that looks good and performs well, with some impressive features on offer, the Punks Brian is certainly an option to consider.
Should I buy the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 ?
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Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0
I tested the 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0 using several different camera and lens combinations, to see how the tripod stood up to standard use in travel-oriented scenarios. Cameras used included a premium compact, an APS-C mirrorless camera, and a full-frame mirrorless model. I carried the tripod around with other photographic kit in my f-stop backpack to evaluate performance over longer landscape shoots.
I have almost 30 years of photographic experience, with 15 years working as a photography journalist, and I’ve been testing and writing about tripods and other accessories for many years. As a professional photographer I regularly use a range of accessories, and bring my working experience to reviews, enabling me to gauge how effective particular accessories are from both a professional and an enthusiast point of view.
Leica might be best-known for its legendary M-series rangefinders, but for the past decade it's also been building a modern full-frame mirrorless system called the SL series – and the new SL3 is its most fully-evolved model so far.
Unlike the Leica M11 and Leica Q3, which are built around a compact, tactile shooting experience, the SL3 is a modern brute that wants to be your professional workhorse. It still has classic Leica hallmarks, like minimalist menus and a design that harks back to the Leica R3 SLR, but it combines all of that with modern all-rounder specs.
The main upgrades from 2019's Leica SL2 include a 60MP full-frame CMOS BSI sensor, a Maestro IV processor, phase-detect autofocus, a tilting touchscreen, 8K video, a CFexpress Type B card slot (alongside an SD UHS II one) and a slightly smaller, lighter body.
Leica says that its 60MP sensor is the same as the one in the Leica M11 and Q3, but is engineered slightly differently – which means it has a base ISO of 50 (going up to 100,000), rather than 64. In other words, the SL3 is like the Q3's bigger brother, with its studio-friendly body giving you access to the dozens of lenses available for its L-mount.
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But since the original Leica SL arrived in 2015, the full-frame mirrorless camera space has become fiercely competitive. So with incredible cameras like the Nikon Z8, Sony A7R V and Canon EOS R3 all vying for your attention, is the gravitational pull of that red dot still as strong for pro shooters in 2024?
I spent a couple of days with a Leica SL3 in Wetzlar, Germany to find out – as always, the answer depends very much on your priorities (and your bank balance)...
Leica SL3 release date and price
The Leica SL3's body-only price is $6,995 / £5,920 (around AU$11,435)
The SL2's launch price was $5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,900
It's available to buy right now at Leica stores and its online store
As always with Leica, the SL3's cost-of-entry is high. And like most cameras, it's quite a bit higher than in 2019, when the SL2 first landed.
The SL3's body-only price is $6,995 / £5,920 (around AU$11,435), which is somewhere between 12%-16% pricier than the SL2's original price, depending on where you live.
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The SL3 is by no means the most expensive Leica camera around – the Leica M11 Monochrom, for example, costs $9,195 / £8,300 / AU$14,990 (body only) and only shoots in black and white. But this does mean that the SL3 is now much pricier than the Leica Q3 ($5,995 / £5,300 / AU$9,790).
That's a completely different kind of camera, but the SL3 is also battling for your attention alongside full-frame Nikon Z8 ($3,999 / £3,999 / AU$6,999 body-only), which looks like a comparative bargain.
Leica SL3: design and handling
New 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, but no fully-articulating display
Leica SL3 design tweaks make it 69g lighter than SL2
Still has magnesium alloy body with IP54-rated weather sealing
Leica's SL series have always felt reassuringly expensive in the hand and the SL3 is no different – it feels like could survive a run-in with a Cybertruck.
It's a bit of a functional brute compared to stablemates like the Leica Q3, but if you need a hybrid workhorse for stills and video, the SL3 is now one of the best camera bodies around.
Leica SL3 key specs
Sensor: 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor Image processor: Maestro IV AF system: Hybrid with phase-detect EVF: 5.76-million dot OLED ISO range: 50 to 100,000 Video: 8K at 30p, C4K & UHD at 60/50/30/25/24p LCD: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.3m dots Max burst: Up to 15fps Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Weight: 769g (body only)
Leica has made a few tweaks to the SL series' design in this third-generation, mostly for the better. For a start, it's shaved off some weight – the SL3 is 69g lighter than its predecessor. At 769g, it's still a pretty weighty mirrorless camera, but that puts it somewhere in between a Sony A7 IV and Nikon Z8.
The biggest departure from the SL2 is the arrival of a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen. Leica hasn't gone as far as adding a fully-articulating display, which it said could have compromised the SL3's bomb-proof build quality.
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While videographers might be disappointed about that, the tilting screen is a welcome addition for photographers, giving you the option of shooting from the hip and low angles. It's just a shame it only tilts in landscape orientation, and not when you flip the camera round for portraits.
In the hand, the SL3 is still a satisfyingly solid hunk of metal. Mirrorless cameras don't come built any better than this – the magnesium and aluminum chassis balances nicely with some of Leica's weighty glass (like the Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 I tried it with), and the tweaked grip and its rubberized indent still feel great in the hand.
The SL3 still has IP54-rated weather sealing too, which means it can handle being sprayed or splashed with water. I haven't yet taken one to Antarctica, but there really aren't any weather conditions where you'll have to worry about the SL3.
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Beyond its new screen and lighter weight, the only other design changes are more minor future-proofing tweaks. There's now a new CFexpress Type B slot (alongside a standard UHS-II SD slot) to support 8K video, plus an HDMI 2.1 Type A port for video shooters.
Inside, there's also now a larger capacity battery (2,200mAh, compared to 1,860mAh one inside the SL2), but this doesn't translate to more shooting time. In fact, with a CIPA standard rating of 260 shots (compared to 370 shots on the SL2), battery life is one of the SL3's main weaknesses.
In more positive news, the SL3 retains the 5.76-million dot OLED EVF (with 0.78x magnification) from its predecessor, and that certainly hasn't dated. It's still an impressive part of the shooting experience, helping you stay connected to the scene with its clarity, color reproduction and 120fps refresh rate.
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On the top of the SL3, there's a new dial on the left and a very handy 1.28-inch monochrome display for quickly previewing your shooting settings. Round the front of the camera there's arguably the most important design feature of all – the L-mount bayonet. This gives you access to a huge range of lenses from Leica, but also the likes of Panasonic, Sigma and Samyang – in total, there are now 84 lenses to choose from.
One other nice design touch is the new illuminated power button on the back, which replaces the traditional switch. This doesn't serve any great functional purpose other than making the SL3 feel more modern, but it's the kind of attention to detail you don't often get from other manufacturers.
Similarly, the SL3's refined menu system (complete with new icons) is an example for others to follow. It's clean and simple, with nice touches like the separate photo and video modes, and is a stark contrast to Sony's 'kitchen sink' approach to software menus.
Leica SL3: features and performance
60MP CMOS BSI full-frame sensor, like the Leica Q3 and M11
New phase-detect AF system, alongside contrast/object detect AF
Can now shoot 8K video and ProRes (in 1080p)
Given the Leica SL2 was launched back in 2019, you'd hope that its successor would get a sizable imaging upgrade – and that's certainly the case.
The SL3 has a 60MP CMOS BSI full-frame sensor, which is a tweaked version of the one inside the Leica Q3 and M11. While that resolution is handy for cropping later, you also get 36MP and 18MP modes to help boost the buffer during continuous shooting and save on memory space.
Leica says this sensor gives you an extra stop of dynamic range compared to the SL2 (15 stops, compared to 14), but a more obvious upgrade is the Maestro IV processor and its improved autofocus system.
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The SL series has never had class-leading autofocus, partly due to Leica's close relationship with Panasonic (which, until last year's Panasonic Lumix S5 II, had refused to embrace phase-detect autofocus). But the SL3 finally offers a hybrid AF system, combining phase-detect AF (good for video and moving subjects) with contrast-detection and object detection.
In my brief time with the SL3, its subject-detection worked well and reliably locked onto human eyes, producing a good hit-rate. But animal detection was still marked as being in 'beta' on my sample, so this will need more testing – and overall, it's fair to say that Leica is still playing catchup with the likes of Sony for autofocus, rather than surpassing it.
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The other benefit of that Maestro IV processor is that it supports the camera's CFexpress Type B card and, consequently, some video upgrades. The SL2 was already Leica's best ever video camera and the SL3 steps things up with 8K video capture.
This will be a pretty niche mode, though, as it tops out at 30fps with 4:2:0 10-bit color sampling. More useful will be the SL3's 4K/60p and 4K/120p video modes, which you can shoot with 4:2:2 10-bit color sampling for editing flexibility. Combine that with the camera's full-size HDMI port for external monitors and timecode interface, and you have a powerful, professional video camera – which hasn't been very common in Leica world, until now.
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Another bonus for shooting handheld video (and stills) is the Leica SL3's five-axis image stabilization system, which gives you five stops of compensation. That's far from the best we've seen – the Sony A7R V's system is good for a claimed eight stops – but it is still an important difference from the original SL, which had no stabilization. It's also ideal if you want to use an SL3 with Leica M glass using the M-L adapter.
In my tests, I was able to shoot handheld down to 1/4s and get usable results, so it's definitely a useful feature, particularly for shooting in low light. Another quality-of-life upgrade are the SL3's speedier wireless transfer speeds, which use a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi MIMO tech to fire full-size DNGs to your phone in only two or three seconds.
That's quite a big jump up from the SL2, which took around 20 seconds to transfer a DNG file, and it worked well in my tests (as you can see above). The Leica Fotos app itself is a suitably premium experience that's a cut above the efforts from most camera manufacturers, and these transfer speeds make it a breeze to get a raw file onto your phone for a quick edit.
The SL3 isn't a sports camera – and despite having a larger buffer capacity than the SL2, its top speeds for continuous shooting have taken a slight dip compared to its predecessor.
Its top speed is 15fps, which can manage for a few seconds before the buffer fills up, but it can naturally go for longer if you drop down to 9fps or 7fps. You can also get better results by choosing the 36MP or 18MP resolution modes, so there are options – just don't expect it to match a Canon EOS R3.
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My biggest disappointment with the SL3 was its battery life. I'll need to do some more controlled tests, but during my brief time with the camera I was barely getting above 200 shots (plus some video) per charge. Its official CIPA rating is 260 shots per charge and Leica is rolling out new firmware (version 1.1) soon, so hopefully that might improve things. But prepare to carry around a USB-C charger or spare batteries.
One other strange anomaly is that the SL3 doesn't support Content Credentials, a new industry standard for protecting the authenticity of digital images. That's a little odd considering the older Leica M11-P debuted the feature last year, but Leica told us that "the reason is that the development of the SL3 was already advanced when this technology became mature".
Because Content Credentials requires a dedicated chipset, this also can't be added to the Leica SL3 via a firmware update. But Leica did add that for "future cameras it's our aim to integrate" the AI-combatting tech.
Leica SL3: image and video quality
I took the Leica SL3 for a spin with the Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 lens, which is a sharp, fun partner for the camera. The option of using Leica glass is clearly one of the main draws of the SL3, but whatever you pair it with, you'll get some hallmark Leica character in your images.
Like the Leica Q3, the SL3 captures tons of detail in its 60MP DNGs. I'll need to spend some more time with them to see how far they can be pushed in editing, but the early signs suggest you can recover an impressive amount of shadow detail from the SL3's raw files.
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Those files also have bold, vibrant colors, more so than the JPEGs, although they're also a touch noisier than some full-frame rivals. In my early test shots, noise starts to appear from ISO 1600 and is particularly noticeable at ISO 6400. Still, this isn't necessarily a problem – in fact, the grain is frequently attractive (depending on your tastes) and gives the SL3's photos a filmic look.
Video quality looks similarly pin-sharp at lower ISOs, although the SL3's autofocus seemed to struggle a little more with moving subjects in this mode. I'll need to test this more on final firmware, alongside the 8K mode, before making any conclusions. But my early impressions are that the SL3's image and video quality will be comparable to the Leica Q3's, which is certainly no bad thing.
Leica SL3 early verdict
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The full-frame mirrorless camera world has changed a lot since the original Leica SL landed in 2015 – and while the competition is now red-hot between Sony, Canon and Nikon, the Leica SL3 still manages to carve out a unique spot for itself.
While it can't match a Nikon Z8 for outright performance or value, the SL3 is a refined, professional workhorse with incredible build quality. Its simple, clean user interface puts most other cameras to shame and it's now a very competitive – if not class-leading – modern hybrid camera for shooting photos and video.
The special sauce of Leica's distinctive image rendering and lenses are added bonuses, although I hope its disappointing battery life is improved in later firmware updates. Right now, you'll need at least two batteries to last you a full day of intense shooting.
If that isn't a deal-breaker for you, then the SL3 could be the combination of modern mirrorless power and classic Leica minimalism you've been waiting for (even if your bank manager feels very differently). We'll bring you our full review very soon.
Leica SL3: how I tested
A day-and-a-half of shooting at Leica Park in Wetzlar, Germany
A mix of studio, low light and environmental shooting
I used the Leica SL3 for just over a day continuously during a visit to Leica's HQ in Wetzlar, Germany. I've taken sample photos in raw and DNG formats, although I'll need to spend a bit more time with the latter (on the SL3's final firmware) for our full review.
I took a variety of handheld shots are different shutter speeds to test the effectiveness of its in-body image stabilization, and also took its new phase-detect autofocus and buffer for a spin during a fashion photo shoot.
My only lens during testing was the Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 lens, which was a great companion if not ideal for all shooting scenarios. I also ran the battery down to empty to test its stamina shooting a mix of photos and videos.
The Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is the only "official" macro lens in the Canon RF lens lineup. The brand does make some other macro-enabled primes, including the RF 24mm, RF 35mm and RF 85mm f/2 lenses, but these achieve a maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x, or half life size; so while this might be plenty close enough for many users, they're not true 1:1 macro lenses.
The RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM doesn’t stop at life size reproduction, however; it goes to a full 1.4x magnification. That means you can fill the frame with an object just 26mm wide. And that isn't its only interesting feature.
Half way along the barrel is an intriguing "SA", or Spherical Aberration, control ring. This shifts optical elements within the lens to adjust the appearance of bokeh, both in front of and behind your main subject, and can also introduce a soft-focus effect.
It isn't immediately obvious how you're supposed to use this control, since it’s locked at its center position. In fact, there’s a switch on the underside of the lens to unlock it, which is easily missed. This is one lens where it's actually a good idea to read the manual!
This bokeh control is aimed more at portraiture and longer shooting distances; indeed, Canon does seem keen to push this as a "portrait" lens as well as a macro lens. It’s an interesting idea, but then it leaves you wondering whether the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM might be better, being a stop faster and far cheaper, too. You might say the 100mm is a macro lens first and portrait lens second, while the 85mm is the other way around.
I only had the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM for a short time, so I concentrated on its macro capabilities.
These are pretty formidable. It’s hard to make any sensible comments about edge sharpness wide-open with close-ups because it’s near-impossible to find a subject flat enough to test it on – and to get it perfectly perpendicular to the camera. Photographing a framed vintage "butterfly wing" picture reveals another macro photography issue: objects with layers of paint and textures, especially those under glass that may have dust or fibers on its surface, are actually three-dimensional.
Only the most ambitious, bokeh-loving macro fan would want to shoot wide open at these distances. You’re more likely to want to shoot at f/11-f/22, and the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM produced crystal-clear detail that was difficult to fault.
However, while you might think that a 100mm lens should offer plenty of working distance between yourself and your subject, that isn't the case here. At its closest shooting distances, the front of this lens is close enough to your subject to cast a shadow or give unwanted reflection on shiny surfaces. A skilled macro shooter could fix this easily enough with good lighting and choice of angles, but it was still a bit unexpected.
You can also use this lens outdoors on a range of subjects, where its weatherproofed design and fluorine-coated front element should shrug off rain and dew. The lens also has image stabilization built in – although, as Canon admits, the effectiveness diminishes the closer you focus.
This isn't necessarily a fault with the stabilization, but an issue with handheld macro photography. If you can’t keep the camera perfectly steady, even the tiniest fore-and-aft "drift" will throw your subject out of focus between half-pressing and fully pressing the shutter release (switching to Servo AF mode can be an effective solution!).
The RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM’s Dual Nano USM autofocus seemed pretty quick at normal shooting distances, doing a reasonable job of tracking the eyes of our pet Dachshund. However, on occasion it got a bit lost switching to ultra-close subjects. It has a focus limiter to help with this, and you can also use manual focus to get it in the right ballpark first. In fact, manual focus works especially well here. The focus ring is smooth and precise, and there’s a real focus "snap" in the viewfinder to show you when the focus is correct.
Canon says this lens has suppressed focus breathing, which should be especially useful for filming where you want to use focus pulls.
This is a nice lens to use, if rather long. The SA control seems a slightly odd choice for macro work; I guess it's designed more for portraits and larger product shots. It’s good to have a single lens that can do a few jobs, so it’s easy to see how the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM could create a kind of "product" lens category of its own.
Best of all, it isn't hugely expensive for an own-brand macro lens, especially one that can focus closer than rivals and has IS built in.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Price and release date
The RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM was announced in April 2021 and is now widely available. It typically costs around $1,099 in the US and £1,369 in the UK. However, if you don’t mind manual focus – and you’re not interested in the SA bokeh control – then you can get the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens for around half that, and with even higher 2x magnification.
Should I buy the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM?
How I tested the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
I tried out the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM in a variety of situations to test its performance, handling and image quality. One session was spent shooting a family pet to see how well the Nano USM autofocus could keep up with my EOS R8’s excellent AI subject tracking, while another was spent out on the coast, shooting a variety of subjects from driftwood to sea spurge.
I also spent some time testing this lens with typical close-up subjects including a challenging "butterfly wing" picture, some just-open narcissi, and the engravings on a vintage WW1 cigarette case. These were taken using a tripod, the 12-second timer on the camera, and electronic shutter mode.
For some photographers, the most lightweight travel tripods are the only option when it comes to traveling, and the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is one of the lighter and more compact options available. At just 2.75lbs / 1.25kg and with a folded length of 16.1in / 41cm, it’s an extremely portable travel tripod that you can comfortably carry over long periods, barely noticing it's there.
The Befree Advanced costs $319 / £279 / AU$555 which is an attractive price for such a compact and lightweight tripod when compared to some alternatives, but you can get a much more fully featured tripod, if slightly heavier, for a similar price or less, such as the 3LT Brian 2.0 Travel Tripod.
Going heavier is arguably worthwhile for the additional functionality. For example, the 3LT offering has a built-in monopod and a taller maximum height. However, if weight is your main concern, you’ll struggle to find a better Befree Advanced alternative at this price, and you can find deals on it for less than the list price mentioned above (see below).
Weight versus features is a typical quandary when buying a travel tripod; you often have to make concessions in one area to be able to take advantage of the benefits in another. In this case, I can’t get away from the cost versus features aspect of the tripod – you can get so much more for your money with competitor models.
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The Befree Advanced is advertised as a tripod for advanced hobbyists and has a maximum height of 59in / 150cm alongside a maximum payload of 19.8lbs / 9kg, and packs down to 16.1in / 41cm. However, the Befree Advanced provides adequate support for professionals because the fairly narrow four section legs are surprisingly rigid.
In terms of design and build quality, you can’t fault the Befree Advanced because it looks, feels and performs much more smoothly than Manfrotto’s budget travel tripods, so there’s an immediately obvious advancement here. The leg twist locks are better made and operate more positively, while the compact ball head locks much more firmly with no slippage which is exactly what you’d hope for at this price point.
The 494 aluminium center ball headis robust, with great control knobs despite its compact size and light weight. However, it's something of an oddity. While it uses the Manfrotto 200PL-PRO plate which is RC2 and Arca-swiss compatible, the ball head isn’t compatible with L brackets for quickly and easily allowing photographers to switch between portrait and landscape format shooting while enjoying full movement of the ball head.
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This begs the question, why even bother with a plate like this because it’s full of promise yet fails to deliver? Not to mention, it could be confusing when looking at the specs because if you use an L bracket, the natural assumption would be that it’s compatible with the tripod head. Of course, this won’t be of concern to many photographers who don’t use L brackets, but it’s something you need to know before considering the Befree Advanced.
In use, the Befree Advanced is quick and easy to set up, and with the exception of the of the leg lock buttons that unlock the leg angles and feel a little cheap for the price of the tripod, nothing else can be criticized in terms of quality. There’s also an accessory mount for screwing in accessory arms to hold lighting, tablets and anything else you need to support close to the camera, and if you need to shoot closer to the ground than 16.1in / 41cm minimum, the center column can be inserted into the legs upside down.
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Beyond this, the Befree Advanced is a standard travel tripod with no other bells or whistles; it does what it says on the tin and it does it well; it’s undoubtedly a tripod for those who only require simple features. The accessory mount is nice to have and useful if you need it, while the average maximum height of 59in / 150cm is ideal for travel, landscape and city shooting despite not being the greatest maximum height available.
The Befree Advanced is an attractive travel tripod despite its overall simplicity and the Arca Swiss tripod plate quirk it suffers from. It’s certainly not a perfect package, but where it excels is in its compact size and light weight. Plus, in some cases, equally lightweight options are shorter and not quite as sturdy. In a nutshell, if you need a decent lightweight travel tripod, this remains an option worth considering despite one or two shortcomings.
Should I buy the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod?
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Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod was tested over a period of time using several different camera and lens combinations to test how the tripod stood up to standard use in travel-oriented scenarios. Cameras used included a premium compact, an APS-C mirrorless camera and a full-frame mirrorless camera. The tripod was also carried around with other photographic kit in my f-stop backpack to evaluate performance over longer shoots such as landscapes.
With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 15 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve been covering photographic accessories such as tripods for many years. As a professional photographer I frequently use a range of accessories to enhance my photography and bring my working experience of using these to reviews where I can consider how effective photographic accessories are from both a professional and enthusiast point of view.
• Original review date: June 2019
• Still available new, and still unique
• Launch price: $599 / £559 / AU$1,170
• Official price now: $599 / £559 / AU$1,170 (carbon fiber)
Update: February 2024. We first looked at the Peak Design Travel tripod during a hands-on review in 2019, and many years later there's still no design quite like it, which is a little surprising given how considered and successful the design concept has been delivered to create a super-compact tripod for your travels and one of the best travel tripods period. It remains available from retailers with a largely similar list price that goes all the way back to launch.
Two-minute review
A tripod’s a tripod – three legs and a head to secure a camera – pretty simple really. So how do you improve on a tried and tested design? The Peak Design Travel Tripod undoubtedly follows this fundamental construction, but four years of research and development has delivered a unique travel tripod as well as being incredibly compact and lightweight; its folded footprint when compared to similar-sized travel tripods, is about half in terms of diameter.
The Peak Design’s legs fold in neatly thanks to their shape, which drastically reduces the profile of the tripod when folded making the diameter similar to that of a can of soda; it may not sound exciting, but it’s impressive and makes the Peak Design a highly portable travel tripod if you’re willing to pay the premium price the tripod commands.
The Peak Design Travel Tripod is available in two flavors with the carbon fibre leg option costing $600 / £560 / AU$1170, and the aluminum alternative coming in at a slightly more modest $380 / £350 / AU$670. But that’s still a high price for an aluminum travel tripod. To be fair, it certainly isn’t cheap, but the overall design is what you’re paying for and as well as looking pretty smart and, indeed unique, the Peak Design provides impressive stability despite the legs being made up of five sections.
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Cost aside, the main difference between the carbon fibre and aluminum options is weight. The former comes in at just 2.81lbs / 1.27kg, while the latter is slightly heavier at 3.44lbs / 1.56kg. The aluminum model is still lightweight despite the legs being made of heavier material, so this remains an option worth considering if you can’t afford the carbon fiber version. All other aspects of the tripods are the same, including the folded length of 15.4in / 39.1cm with a 3.1in / 7.9cm diameter.
With such a lightweight and compact folded size, you may be thinking that this tripod is short and flimsy, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. These were my initial expectations, but I was hugely impressed with the overall sturdiness and the ability to shoot low to the ground with the center column inserted upside down into the legs or as high as 60in / 152.4cm with the center column fully extended. The center column also offers a hook for adding weight and there’s an integrated phone mount that stows away in the bottom of the center column above the bag hook for adding weight to the tripod to increase stability when required.
This is a tripod that’s intended for professional use and offers a maximum payload of 20lbs / 9.1kg, so it can handle a wide variety of camera and lens combinations. With this, you could get away with using some long telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, and the head can support the weight, but the design of the head wouldn’t provide the most efficient and comfortable shooting experience for this type of photography. Plus, the head isn’t interchangeable so you couldn’t swap it out for a gimbal head instead.
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Ultimately, this is no big deal because it’s clearly not a tripod that’s designed for this type of photography, but something to bear in mind if this would be an intended use. The head itself is low profile, which helps to reduce the overall bulkiness of the tripod and employs a novel design that takes getting used to if you’ve only experienced what you might call standard tripod heads in the past.
The head itself fulfils the clear desire to create something that’s compact and in keeping with the overall design of the tripod, but being a fixed head means that you have to be 100% sure that it’s something that you can get on with. What makes it different is that despite being a ball head, is that it provides two locking/adjustment rings; one for the ball mechanism and another for the tripod plate. Once you get used to which is which and you’ve used them a few times they do become intuitive, but they are undoubtedly a break from the norm.
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The tripod plate uses the Arca Swiss design so it’s compatible with L brackets, which is great. And even if you don’t use an L bracket, the head and plate can be set vertically to the side for portrait format shooting with the notches of the socket providing additional stability. This is a clever design that mirrors that of the tripod as a whole.
When it comes to operation, the Peak Design is quick and easy to set up. And when I say quick, I really do mean quick because it simply needs to be extended rather than unfolded and then extended like many travel tripods. The leg locks are the older style clip locks rather than twist locks, but with the unique leg shape that facilitates the compact folding of the tripod, this is clearly the only option. It certainly doesn’t impact usability and these can be easily dismantled for cleaning and maintenance which is always useful.
Should I buy the Peak Design Travel Tripod?
(Image credit: James Abbott)
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Peak Design Travel Tripod
The Peak Design Travel Tripod was tested over a period of time using several different camera and lens combinations to test how the tripod stood up to standard use in travel-oriented scenarios. Cameras used included a premium compact, an APS-C mirrorless camera and a full-frame mirrorless camera. The tripod was also carried around with other photographic kit in my 'f-stop' brand backpack to evaluate performance over longer shoots such as landscapes.
With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 15 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve been covering photographic accessories such as tripods for many years. As a professional photographer I frequently use a range of accessories to enhance my photography and bring my working experience of using these to reviews where I can consider how effective photographic accessories are from both a professional and enthusiast point of view.
From the outside, there isn't much to suggest that this is one of the world’s most extraordinary wide-angle lenses. It has the characteristically elegant, smooth, matte finish of Canon’s RF lenses – and, apart from the bulbous front element (which is standard for lenses this wide), this is a slim, neat optic that’s easy to handle and won't consume too much space in your camera bag.
It’s surprisingly light: at 570g, it’s less than half the weight of Canon’s EF 11-24mm f4L USM DSLR lens. Nevertheless, it has IS optical stabilization built in – alongside Canon’s Peripheral Coordinated Control IS to control the wobbling of objects at the edges of the frame when you’re moving and filming. This is a particular issue for ultra-wide lenses and could be a big help to filmmakers using creative camera movements in interiors.
The RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM also has a selection of exotic optical elements, glass moulded aspherical elements, UD and Super-UD glass, and advanced optical coatings. The STM AF actuators deliver fast and near-silent autofocus, too.
On the outside you get the usual Canon RF lens features including a zoom ring, focus ring, customizable control ring (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance or exposure compensation) and a programmable function button.
But when you put the camera to your eye, your world changes. The 20mm maximum focal length isn't out of the ordinary, but when you turn the zoom ring to the 10mm settings, your eyes will widen along with the scene in the viewfinder.
Your first test is likely to be to check sharpness at corners. This is usually the first casualty in ultra-wide lens designs, but the Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM is pretty exceptional in this respect, even at 20mm. The corner sharpness does start to fall away a little, but you have to zoom in a long way to check. At regular print and display sizes, this lens is sharp from edge to edge.
Like many modern mirrorless lenses, especially those with extreme specifications, there’s a lot of digital correction going on here. However, chances are, you won’t ever see it. If you shoot JPEGs then it will be corrected in-camera, and if you shoot raw then Lightroom will automatically apply a correction profile of its own. So will Capture One, although the Capture One profile will leave behind some light fall-off towards the edges that you'll need to correct manually – or just keep as a creative "look".
Unlike other makers, though, Canon doesn't embed a fall-back "manufacturer" correction profile in its raw files, so if you’re using software that doesn’t have a matching profile of its own, then you could be in trouble.
This lens also does take some skill to use – not because of any defect or quirk of the lens, but its sheer angle of view. Shooting handheld, it’s extremely difficult to avoid any convergence in vertical or horizontal lines. That’s fine if a dizzying perspective effect is what you’re looking for, but if you want dead-straight architectural or interior shots, they'll be a lot easier to achieve with a tripod and a geared head. Otherwise, the slightest shift in your position or the camera’s angle can radically alter the perspective.
That doesn’t take anything away from the Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM, as it simply goes with the territory. The fact is that it's a triumph in specifications, performance and handling. It’s amazing that anyone can make a zoom this wide for a full-frame camera – and given that, its optical performance is also fantastic, whether or not it uses digital corrections to achieve that. To have all of this packed into such a compact, light and great-handling lens is just the icing on the cake.
All that’s left is to start saving the cash to buy one.
Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM: Price and release date
The Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM was officially announced back in October 2023 and is now widely available. It’s on sale for around $2,299 in the US and £2,579 in the UK. The price reflects its angle of view, specifications and performance – so while it certainly isn't a cheap option, neither is it especially expensive by Canon L-series standards.
I used the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM on a Canon EOS R8, testing it across its focal range, but mostly at the widest (most interesting) end. I checked out performance both wide open and stopped down. In addition, I evaluated corrected in-camera JPEGs against Lightroom-corrected raw files and uncorrected originals (in Lightroom with the correction profile disabled).
For subject matter, I shot a series of landscapes, mixing close-ups with wider shots, and also some city architecture, including interiors. My aim was to replicate as far as possible the kind of uses this lens would be put to.
I ran some quick handheld tests to check the IS effectiveness and found it reliable down to about 1/8sec, but not really beyond that. Real-world tests seldom match official CIPA figures, which are typically a "best case" measurement.
Sony has added yet another 'FE' lens primarily designed for its full-frame mirrorless cameras – the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G. It's a slight twist on the classic standard zoom, compromising the telephoto reach of 24-70mm zooms in order to wear the crown of Sony’s lightest and smallest ever full-frame zoom lens with f/2.8 aperture.
Kudos where it's due, Sony is more active in the lens department than most of its rivals. It's committed to its mirrorless camera system and users are spoilt for choice for what glass to whack on their Sony camera – but is there actually a need for this lens when there are already similar alternatives available? I think it's a sensible addition that will serve creatives well, especially those that shoot a lot of video in addition to photography.
At only 15.5oz / 440g and measuring 3.63 inches /92.3mm in length, it's virtually the same size and weight as the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS lens, while giving that extra stop of light with its constant f/2.8 aperture, albeit at a much higher price.
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Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 G OSS II, meanwhile, it's much smaller, around 50% lighter and significantly cheaper. At a little over $1,000 / £1,150 it's priced somewhere down the middle of those two 24-70mm zooms, but lacks the 70mm reach.
Let's not forget the FE 20-70mm F4 G, which is the most versatile off all Sony's standard zooms, but with an f/4 aperture. So there is some distinction between models, and for many people the new lens will be the most compelling of the four.
Sure, you sacrifice the telephoto 70mm of other standard zooms, but the 24-50mm range still covers four popular lens focal lengths; 24mm, 28mm, 35mm and 50mm. (Sony has a couple of cheap fixed lens alternatives including the FE 35mm F2.8.) I think it's a sensible focal length compromise instead of, say, making a 28-70mm f/2.8, especially because it caters for Sony's typical customer in 2024; a photo and video creator.
Most video users will appreciate being able to go wider rather than zooming in more; it might not sound like it, but 24mm is much wider than 28mm and versatile for run-and-gun and selfie videos.
You can do a little test if you already own another lens that covers this zoom range; check the metadata of your images to see which focal lengths you use the most often. We photographers often shoot the two extremes of what a lens offers, but if you rarely use 70mm then this 24-50mm is an obvious choice.
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Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G: price and release date
The Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G costs $1,100 / £1,150 / AU$1,999, which means it sits between the 24-70mm F2.8 G II ($2,299 / £1,999 / AU$2,899) and the 24-70mm F4 ($899 / £749 / AU$1,209).
It's a similar price to the FE 20-70mm F4 G ($1,099 / £1,299 / AU$1,449) depending on your region, as price cuts have been handed out. Shipping is from April 2024.
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G: design
I had the new 24-50mm F2.8 G with a Sony A9 III for this review and it proved a perfect size match. It's the right fit for Sony's more compact mirrorless cameras – they feel made for each other. Even with a smaller travel camera such as the A7C II there would be good balance, and it makes for a great everyday lens.
That physical synergy is extended to the design and features of the lens. An aperture ring which can be clicked or de-clicked is in easy reach, while twin linear motors give fast and quiet internal autofocus, plus focus breathing compensation. Truly, it's made for 2024's hybrid cameras.
Other features include a dust and moisture-resistant build – again complementing the ruggedness of Sony's enthusiast and pro-level cameras – and a minimum 0.3m focus distance with maximum 0.3x magnification at 50mm; that’s decent close-focusing capabilities.
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One design quirk that I discovered quickly regards the extension of the lens barrel as you move through the zoom range. When retracted, the lens is actually in its zoomed-in 50mm setting, and as you zoom out to the wide end, the barrel extends. That's the opposite of almost every other lens that I have used – when you fire up the camera the lens is usually wide and you twist the barrel to zoom in. The reverse feels counterintuitive in the 24-50mm and it takes a little getting used to.
There's little else to say about the lens build, besides that it takes 67mm threaded lens filters, a common a low-cost size, and that it comes supplied with a petal-shaped lens hood.
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G: performance
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Bokeh is pronounced when shooting at 24mm and f/2.8 (Image credit: Future)
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Bokeh is mostly gone by f/8 at any focal length (Image credit: Future)
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Shooting into the light at f/2.8 (Image credit: Future)
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Shooting into the light at f/16 makes a lovely sunstar effect (Image credit: Future)
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Detail at f/5.6 is super sharp (Image credit: Future)
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I probably would have like the option to zoom in further to explore this vista more intimately (Image credit: Future)
During the few weeks I had the 24-50mm with the Sony A9 III, I've taken portrait photos, landscapes, video clips and more. I've found the lens able to support the high performance of the A9 III camera, providing fast and quiet autofocus, plus reliable and accurate subject detection autofocus. It's still worth mentioning these things in a lens review – I've been relaxed in knowing that the camera and lens combination is able to focus sharply, so I have one less thing to worry about.
On the whole, the 24-50mm is optically excellent. It's super sharp even at f/2.8, though it's at its sharpest between f/4 and f/11. Once you've stopped aperture down to f/16, details get a fraction softer – that's typical of most camera lenses, and I expect most users won't be interested in performance at f/16 in any case. But overall detail is as sharp as I'd hope a Sony 'G' lens would be.
This GIF cycles through (pun intended) the aperture settings to illustrate vignetting at 50mm, from f/11, f/8, f/5.6, f/4 and finishing with f/2.8. (Image credit: Future)
With all in-camera lens corrections turned off, I have taken sequences of identical images cycling through the different lens apertures, at both 24mm and 50mm, and then compared those image to check for vignetting. It's sharply present in the corners at 24mm and f/2.8, plus it's present at 50mm and f/2.8 in a more graduated way. Stop down to f/4 and I would describe vignetting as minor, and it's basically gone by f/8. For video you won't really notice vignetting because the very corners of the image sensor aren't in the frame.
Chromatic aberration at any focal length is virtually absent – that's super impressive, as is the lens' control of flare. I shot towards the sun at various angles with it in the shot and just outside the frame and didn't experience much lens flare at all.
While doing those shooting-towards-the-light tests I moved to dappled tree light, framed the sun in the picture and shot at f/16 and f/22 to pronounce the sunstar effect, where a crisp and tidy 22-point sunstar appeared – lovely stuff.
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Bokeh is good at f/2.8 (Image credit: Future)
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You can count on the lens and a Sony camera from 2024 to get sharp focus on your subject. (Image credit: Future)
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Close focusing is 0.3m so you can do selfies at 50mm, where you'll also get shallow depth of field. (Image credit: Future)
The 11-blade aperture is able to make fairly circular bokeh at f/2.8, although there's pronounced cat's eye bokeh towards the corners of the frame that changes in shape a little depending on if you are shooting at 24mm or 50mm. I've noticed this bokeh characteristic before in other Sony lenses like the 70-200mm F4 G OSS II.
Whether or not cat's eye bokeh is an issue is frankly down to personal taste; I don't mind it, particularly. Fortunately, there's no obvious vignetting going on in the bokeh and it's smooth enough – but I've seen much silkier bokeh in a specialist lens such as the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. Overall, bokeh is decent without being spectacular – dare I say it for a f/2.8 lens, it's plain.
Overall, from design to handling and optical quality, the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is highly competent and is a decent everyday lens for video and photography. It's hard to get massively excited about the lens and it does have that length compromise compared to a 24-70mm, but it could be the most sensible Sony lens for users looking for a high-quality standard zoom lens. It's a surefire addition to our best Sony lenses buying guide.
Should I buy the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens?
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Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
How I tested the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens
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Sony sent me the 24-50mm F2.8 G lens with a Sony A9 III for several weeks, during which time I was able to shoot a lot of photo and video, including portraits and landscapes.
I turned off all in-camera lens corrections, shot photos in both raw and JPEG to then compare corrected and uncorrected files to see what, if any, lens distortions were present. Please note there is little reason to do this in the real world, but these tests are designed to see how hard the camera is pushing files to correct them.
I've made sets of identical images taken at all aperture settings, at each extreme focal length of 24mm and 50mm, for further optical quality comparisons. I've shot action sequences and utilized the A9 III's superb subject detection and tracking autofocus to gain quick and sharp focus with the 24-50mm lens' dual linear motors, plus played with manual focus in both photo and video.
The Fujfilm X100V currently ranks as our best premium compact camera, but that model has just been well and truly superseded by its successor, the Fujifilm X100VI. The sixth-gen model has better features, and offers better performance and image quality, while retaining all that we love about the X100 series: classic styling, old-school exposure dials, a super-sharp fixed 23mm f/2 lens, and that lovely hybrid viewfinder.
You could look at the X100VI as a Fujifilm X-T5 in a X100-series body. That means a higher-resolution than ever 40MP sensor, 6.2K video, and, for the first time in the series, in-body image stabilization. We also get Fujifilm's best-ever autofocus, with tracking and subject detection that includes humans, animals, birds and vehicles.
So we effectively have two fantastic cameras combined into one, and the result is the best entry in this fixed-lens compact series yet. I love it, and in many ways it's a more compelling Leica Q3 alternative.
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There's also that's plenty familiar here. The retro design has changed, but only a little; this is a slightly heavier camera because it accommodates in-body image stabilization, and if you ask me the extra 10% weight is totally worth it for the additional versatility the IBIS brings. This is still very much a compact camera.
A few features carried over from the X100V now feel like quirks: a single UHS-I SD card slot limits the video and burst-shooting capability, weather-sealing is still only achieved with a lens adaptor attached, and perhaps even the lens focal length (a full-frame equivalent 35mm) is limiting for those that like to shoot wider, especially given that we could easily crop to 35mm thanks to the extra pixels. But the Fujifilm X100VI is a superb compact camera that's unlike any other.
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It's so capable in fact that it's hard to see where Fujifilm can go next, besides trying something altogether new, like a new lens with a different focal length, or even creating a similar camera in its GFX series of medium-format cameras.
The pricier Leica Q3 feels more luxurious, and boasts a 60MP full-frame sensor, while the cheaper Ricoh GR III series are simpler and smaller. But right now the Fujifilm X100VI feels like the best premium compact for most people.
Fujifilm X100VI: release date and price
$1,599 / £1,599 / AU$
20% pricier than X100V at launch
Special edition available for $1,934 / £1,934
The Fujifilm X100VI will be available to buy from February 28, with a list price of $1,599 / £1,599 (that around AU$2,500 – pricing for Australia is TBC). To mark 90 years of Fujifilm there's a special-edition model of the X100VI that's limited to 1,934 units – 1934 being the year Fujifilm was founded – with each model having its unique number etched onto its top plate. This special edition comes with a strap and different etchings, but is functionally identical to the standard X100VI and costs $1,934 / £1,934. Sales of this camera begin on March 28, while in the UK sales are exclusively in-person at the London House of Photography from April 6 – expect queues.
Fujifilm X100VI: design and handling
Retains the same style, lens and superb hybrid viewfinder
First X100-series camera with in-body image stabilization
Tilt-touchscreen flush in the body when stowed
Slightly improved battery life
If you love the X100V, you'll appreciate the Fujifilm X100VI even more. And if you've never shot with an X100-series camera the X100VI embodies everything that has defined and popularized the Fujifilm brand.
Retro styling abounds, in the brushed aluminum top and bottom plates, the old-school exposure control dials (the dual-purpose shutter speed / ISO dial is stunning), the faux-leather body, and a hybrid viewfinder that gives you both an optical and electronic display, which you can switch between with the push of a button – the X100VI successfully straddles the analog era and the 21st century camera experience.
We also get a tilt-touchscreen that sits flush in the body when folded away, although you can't flip it around and out of sight altogether like you can a vari-angle screen, which I'd prefer. Still, this is a camera that suits low-level shooting – which I did a lot of to capture reflections in a wet Chinatown in London, and in Tokyo during the Fujifilm X-Summit – and even more so for those who prefer a viewfinder. Prefer optical? You've got it. Want to make sure your exposure settings are okay? You simply have to briefly activate the 3.69m-dot electronic display.
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The controls are all logically placed and within easy reach, and once you've taken the time to dig through the menus and set up the camera how you wish you can keep the viewfinder up to your eye and make adjustments without having to look for the required button or dial.
The lens is the same fixed 23mm f/2 lens as on the Fujifilm X100V, with an aperture control dial and a control ring that allows you to adjust your choice of any one of several settings, including the digital teleconverter with 50mm and 70mm lens-effect settings. This is a proper street photography camera.
Battery life has been improved from the X100V despite the new camera using the same battery – camera brands are finding ways to conserve power more effectively. That said, in-body image stabilization is power hungry, and the use of it mostly negates the battery life improvement – you get around 450 shots from a full charge.
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I found in-body image stablization effective down to a shutter speed as slow as 1/4sec. Pushed to 1/2sec and most of my photos were blurry. (Image credit: Future)
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Another example of using slow shutter speed for creative effects, blurring light trails at night even when shooting handheld. (Image credit: Future)
The new sensor-based image stabilization has been custom designed for the X100VI, and this was probably number one on my upgrade wish list for an X100V successor. These are cameras that are designed to be used handheld, and in-body stabilization allows you to get sharper shots at slower shutter speeds. Fujifilm says image stabilization is effective up to 6-stops, but in my tests, I found IBIS 100% effective up to 3EV – that's a shutter speed of 1/4sec – and a big drop in my hit ratio of sharp shots using slower shutter speeds.
You can make use of the new in-body stabilization and the existing built-in 4-stop ND filter for creative slow shutter speed effects that weren't possible before, while a built-in ND is useful for video work. You can shoot using the X100VI's f/2 aperture in reasonably bright light with the kind of shutter speeds needed for video, around 1/60 sec.
The new image stabilization feature necessitates a slight increase in size and weight, and while the size difference is negligible, the X100VI is around 10% heavier than the X100V at 521g (incl battery and card). I still class it as a compact camera though, and the extra weight is completely worth it in return for the practical gain.
Given that the lens is exactly the same one as on previous models, the same lens accessories will work with the X100VI, including the lens hood and the wide and tele conversion lenses.
Fujifilm X100VI: features and performance
Same X-Processor 5 engine and autofocus system as the X-T5
Up to 11fps continuous burst shooting in full quality
Direct Frame.io cloud uploads
The Fujifilm X100VI utilizes the same X-Processor 5 engine as the X-T5, making this the most powerful X100-series camera to date.
It's also packing Fujifilm’s most effective autofocus system yet, with tracking autofocus for both photo and video recording, as well as subject-detection autofocus with options for birds, animals, vehicles and planes.
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The X100VI is a superb street photographer's camera. (Image credit: Future)
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Those who prefer to take control of focus can switch to manual using the switch on the left-hand side of the body, and set up the camera with a generous selection of manual focus aids that include magnification, peaking (setting red to the highlight edges works well), and even a split image or ‘digital microprism’ that works very much like the old rangefinder focusing system – you align the two image within your display to achieve sharp focus.
Other modern conveniences include comprehensive wireless connectivity for image capture and uploads, and also includes direct Frame.io upload to cloud for photos and videos, although you'll need a separate subscription for that service.
Fujifilm X100VI: image and video quality
40MP APS-C sensor with usable crop modes
6.2K video
20 film simulations including the latest Reala Ace
With the Fujifilm X100VI being so new it's not yet possible to process the camera's raw files, but image quality is a known entity, because the 40MP APS-C sensor is the same as the one in the X-T5, and the lens is the same as the one on the X100V, which I'm assured is sharp enough to compliment the higher-resolution sensor. In short, images are bigger than those from the X100V, and detail is super sharp across the entire image area.
There's also a digital teleconverter that replicates a 50mm lens (a 'medium' image size of 20MP) and a 70mm lens (a 'small' image size of 10MP). With the increased 40MP full size image, those two digital crops are entirely usable.
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The Fujifilm X100VI's full image area (Image credit: Future)
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The Fujifilm X100VI's 1.4x digital teleconverter with 50mm lens effect (Image credit: Future)
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The Fujifilm X100VI's 2x digital teleconverter with 70mm lens effect (Image credit: Future)
Design-wise this is very much a stills photographer's camera, but in terms of features and image quality the X100VI is a decent video camera too, thanks to 6.2K resolution up to 10-bit and 200Mbps bit rate, in-body image stabilization with additional digital stabilization, and Fujifilm's capable autofocus with active subject tracking.
You also get Fujifilm log color profiles for video to maximize the sensor's dynamic range, plus the full suite of Fujifilm film simulation modes, which now number 20, six of which are black-and-white looks with different lens-filter effects to accentuate particular tones – red and orange make for punchy skies, while green brings out skin detail in portraits.
I liked to shoot using film simulation bracketing mode to get three looks at the same time, with some of my favorites including Provia (standard color), Reala Ace and Acros black and white. If you shoot in raw you can choose another film simulation afterwards using the in-camera raw conversion editor.
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If like me you like to shoot in aperture priority and maintain some control of shutter speed suitable for the scene, you can define the minimum shutter speed in the auto ISO menu – that's another custom setting I create before shooting.
Let's not forget the impact in-body image stablization and better subject detection autofocus has on image quality too – countering motion blur at slower shutter speeds and reliably acquiring sharp focus.
Fujifilm X100VI: early verdict
(Image credit: Future)
The wait was worth it. Finally the Fujifilm X100 series, which has for so long been popular for capturing every day street and reportage photography, has a model with in-body image stabilization, paired with a versatile 40MP APS-C sensor. There's a feeling that the X100VI could be the high-water mark for the retro-styled line with its unique hybrid viewfinder – how else can Fujifilm improve on its tried and tested fixed 23mm f/2 lens besides broadening the range with different fixed-focal-length lenses? Or perhaps by rolling out this fixed-lens concept to its medium-format GFX range? No, this sixth-gen model could be as good as the series gets and around for many years – we have a new premium compact camera champion on our hands.
Fujifilm X100VI: how I tested
(Image credit: Future)
Several days by my side
Plenty of street photography experience
I used the Fujifilm X100VI for an afternoon in London, prior to spending a week with it at and around the Fujifilm X-Summit in Tokyo, during which time it was by my side continuously with plenty of opportunities to test its everyday camera and street photography credentials.
I’ve taken sample photos in raw and JPEG, although I've not been able to process the raw files as they're not yet compatible with photo editors yet; I will, however, be able to do that for my upcoming full review of the camera.
Naturally I’ve pushed the new features to their limits, shooting 40MP stills and testing the 11fps continuous burst shooting, in-body image stabilization and 6.2K video modes, as well as the new autofocus system.
With some bold claims under its belt, the SJCAM SJ20 Dual Lens Action is the world’s first action camera to provide two cameras and lenses: one for daylight shooting and a second for night capture. It may or may not fall into the best cheap action cameras category, but it’s undoubtedly an interesting concept, and there's compelling video footage comparing the night video capabilities against the GoPro Hero 12 on the SJCAM website that suggest it has GoPro-beating night vision. Are the claims true, or just marketing hype?
SJCAM SJ20 specification
Sensor: N/A FOV: 154 degrees Max photo resolution: 5888 x 3312 Video: Up to 4K 30fps (16:9) Stabilization: 6-axis gyroscope Front screen: 1.3-inch Rear screen: 2.29-inch Battery: Built-in 800mAh / External 1050mAh
The SJ20 provides the usual shooting modes found on action cameras, with a handful of extras thrown in for good measure. Video capture is possible up to 4K at 30fps, with lower resolutions offering higher frame rates, while stills can be captured at 20MP, which is impressive for an action camera. So, again, pretty much standard except for photo resolution, but higher-end action cameras typically offer a greater number of video capture options at 4K, alongside higher frame rates.
Shooting modes aside, the SJ20 is unmistakably a budget action camera, somewhat in the mold of the pricier Insta360 One R, albeit with two cameras and lenses, each with its own sensor, rather than one interchangeable lens module. Like that camera, the SJ20 uses a clip-on external battery alongside an internal battery, with the main difference being the SJ20's handy 1.3-inch front screen, which complements the rear 2.29-inch touchscreen.
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SJCAM SJ20: release date and price
Two kit options are available
Kits include multiple accessories
Available January 2024
The SJ20 was announced in November 2023, and has been available to purchase from the SJCAM website since January 2024. There are two kits available – we tested the Standard option, which includes the SJ20, a 1050mAh external battery, a dive housing, multiple attachments, a small frame to use the camera without the external battery, and a larger frame for use with the external battery. The Pro Kit also includes a 5650mAh battery grip to further extend shooting times.
Despite the SJCAM website suggesting that the SJ20 can be purchased in multiple currencies, it’s only available in US dollars with the Standard kit coming in at $229 and the Pro Kit at $249. At the time of writing, this converts to around £180 / AU$350 for the Standard Kit, and £200 / AU$380 for the Pro Kit. For what you get in the kits this is competitive pricing, and opens the camera up to a wider audience, including individuals with a smaller budget.
Price score: 3/5
SJCAM SJ20: design
External battery increases shooting time
Heavily inspired by the Insta360 One RS
Frames and dive housing provide water resistance
In terms of design, the SJ20 looks extremely similar to the Insta360 One R and One RS action cameras, to the point that it’s almost a clone. The main difference, aside from build quality, is that the SJ20 features a 1.3-inch front screen for use when filming yourself, as well as a 2.29-inch touchscreen on the rear via which you can access settings. There are just two buttons on the top: one to change between the day and night cameras, and a record/shutter button that doubles up as the power button.
There’s a built-in speaker plus a door panel that covers the microSD card slot and the USB-C charging port. Annoyingly, the external battery has to be removed to open this door and then reattached for charging, and the process followed in reverse once charging has completed. It’s not the end of the world by any stretch, but it’s one of those design elements that could have been better thought through.
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The SJ20 features a built-in 800mAh battery, and also an external 1050mAh battery that clips onto the bottom, just like the Insta360 One R. Battery life is reasonable, but never gets close to the maximum of three hours that’s suggested when capturing 4K video. Whether you're using the camera with its internal battery or with the external clip-on battery, the kit includes two frame configurations that wrap around the camera to provide water resistance to 5m / 16ft while the dive housing extends this to 40m / 130ft.
Build quality is average, and certainly not outstanding – the camera does feel a little cheap, and doesn’t offer the premium feel and smooth operation of the Insta360 cameras it’s so clearly inspired by. But this is unsurprising considering the much lower cost of the SJ20, and the fact that Insta360 is a premium action camera manufacturer alongside DJI and GoPro, with all three brands occupying the upper end of the market.
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Design score: 2.5/5
SJCAM SJ20: features and performance
Multiple shooting modes
6-axis gyroscope stabilization
Easy to use
Most action cameras these days are incredibly easy to use, and the SJ20 is no exception. But where the higher-quality action cameras typically rely on swipes from the edges of the LCD screen to access settings, the SJ20 uses on-screen buttons to access settings and menus, with just one edge swipe from the top of the screen to access a handful of settings. This gives the user interface a slightly dated look and feel, but it doesn’t impact negatively on the user experience.
The 2.29-inch rear touchscreen provides a clear image for navigating menus and composing photos and videos. It’s nice and responsive, but it can sometimes take a press or two to access settings or menus if you use the edge of your fingertip – something you often find yourself doing when holding the camera with both hands. The 1.3-inch front screen is great when you're capturing yourself, but this has no touch functionality, so you have to set everything up on the rear screen before switching between the two, because only one screen works at a time.
There’s no shortage of shooting modes alongside standard photo and video capture. You get everything you’d expect from an action camera, such as slow motion, pre-recording, timelapse and motion detection, among others. There are also livestream and webcam modes, alongside interval and continuous shooting for photos.
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Day camera mode (Image credit: James Abbott)
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Night camera mode (Image credit: James Abbott)
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day camera mode (Image credit: James Abbott)
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Night camera mode (Image credit: James Abbott)
The camera can be controlled manually by hand or using the SJCAM Zone smartphone app.The main advantage of the app, as with any action camera, is simply that it gives you a remote Live View alongside wireless control of the camera. Connection using the camera’s QR code, which is scanned with the app, failed during testing, but manual connection did succeed, and worked perfectly well once the connection was established.
The 6-axis gyroscope stabilization works reasonably well for minor movements and facilitates smooth video capture. However, is doesn't compensate for larger movements as effectively as higher-end action cameras. When I shot some footage while riding a skateboard, the more vigorous movements of the camera as I pushed along with my foot were visible in footage, but when I was cruising the stabilization was effective.
WhenI wasrunning, however, or even walking, a lot of shake can be seen,which is possibly jello, due to a slow shutter speed or a combination of the two. This is amplified during night capture with the night camera and produces video footage that is at best usable, but hardly smooth. The night video example on the SJCAM website looks much better, but it also looks like it was captured with the camera attached to a slow-moving bicycle, which would naturally result in smoother video footage.
Before shooting with the SJ20, I made a point of switching off the timestamp feature, which is switched on by default and adds the time and date to photos. It may have been that I didn’t commit to the change or that the camera reverted to its default, but the first batches of photos taken with the camera show the time and date. It would be much better if this was switched off by default, with the ability to switch it on if and when required, because most people don’t want their photos branded with a bright red time and date in the corner.
Features and performance score: 2.5/5
SJCAM SJ20: image and video quality
Video quality is mediocre
Photos offer the best image quality
Manual control not available
Alongside image adjustment controls such as contrast, saturation and sharpness, the only manual controls available for shooting are White Balance, ISO and EV (for exposure compensation), so camera control is essentially automatic rather than manual.
This is a shame, as manual control is preferable for video capture for many people, since it maintains consistency and allows you to select the exposure settings that work for you. The ISO and EV controls do allow this to a degree, but with no control over shutter speed or even the ability to see what it is, you never know if it’s too fast or too slow for the frame rate you’re shooting at, or to control motion blur, depending on the activity you’re capturing.
Photos offer the best image quality – images come in at 20MP and are captured in JPEG format. Noise reduction applied to JPEGs is obvious at higher ISO settings. The main camera, like most action cameras, produces the best results in bright light.
The night camera produces a brighter image in low light than the daylight camera, but the colors captured look much less natural, and certainly not as the naked eye sees them. Chromatic aberration can also be seen along high-contrast subject edges. Image quality from the daylight camera is fine, though and the 20MP resolution is decent for an action camera.
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4K video
Video quality is below par from both the f/2.0 day camera and the f/1.3 night camera. Even in daylight, artifacts are visible in footage, and at night the captured image is far from clear, and certainly doesn’t live up to the claim that the SJ20 outperforms the GoPro Hero 12 for night shooting.
What the night camera does is create a bright image, but overall quality is poor. Plus, the lack of camera control and the shakiness of the image stabilization don’t help here. It’s a little odd really, because where an action camera should excel at moving video capture, this is exactly where the SJ20’s performance is at its weakest.
Timelapse video
The available specifications for the SJ20 are a little vague. We can see that the field of view of the two cameras is 154 degrees, but it's guesswork what the 35mm equivalent focal length of the lens is. SJCAM is also holding the sensor specs for the two cameras close to its chest, so we can only assume that alongside providing different apertures, the two cameras use different sensors.
They could be the same sensor with different processing algorithms, but with no access to this information it’s impossible to say for sure. But since the results from each camera are different in terms of color and exposure, it suggests that there are sensor and/or processing differences between the two.
Slow-motion video
Image and video quality: 2/5
Should I buy the SJCAM SJ20?
Buy it if...
Don'y buy it if...
Also consider
GoPro Hero 12 Black
Whether you’re considering buying your first action camera or upgrading from an older model, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is an option you should consider if your budget stretches that far. With great image quality, excellent stabilization and a streamlined user interface it’s one of the best action cams available. Low-light video performance isn’t fantastic, but neither is the SJ20's, despite its night camera. Read our in-depthGoPro Hero Black review
Testing scorecard
How I tested the SJCAM SJ20
I carried the SJCAM SJ20 in my jacket pocket for over a week, so the camera was to hand whenever I needed it or wanted to try one of the many shooting modes on offer. I tested the photo and video quality of the day and night cameras at those respective times while walking, running, and skateboarding, to test both image quality and stabilization in a range of typical action camera scenarios.
The camera was used both independently and connected to my smartphone via the SJCAM Zone app to assess ease of use and the overall user experience. Action cameras are generally easy to use with intuitive interfaces, and I was able to find my way around the camera without the need to delve into the clear and easy-to-follow instruction manual.
