Gear Reviews
Hands-on camera, lens, iPhone accessory, lighting, and editing software reviews by Ely Roberts. Browse the latest reviews below, or use the Reviews menu to explore a category.
Jupio Tri-Charge vs Tilta 4-Channel Battery Charger
Charging multiple Canon batteries between two weddings pushed me to try the Jupio Tri-Charge and Tilta four-channel charger.
Charging multiple Canon batteries between two weddings pushed me to try the Jupio Tri-Charge and Tilta four-channel charger. Both reduce the number of individual chargers I need, but their designs suit different jobs.
Originally published on YouTube Sep 13, 2026.
Why I prefer Jupio for travel
The Jupio holds three batteries in a compact body with more protection around their sides. Its charge indicators show progress in steps, and its USB output powered a small cooling fan in my demonstration. I did not measure the output capacity, so the video is not a power-bank performance test.
Why Tilta makes sense in the studio
The Tilta accommodates four batteries and uses red, yellow, and green indicators that I found easy to read at a glance. My main complaint was the removable lid: I would have preferred a hinge, and I could see myself misplacing it while traveling. For a stationary charging setup, that bothered me less.
Check the battery version before buying
I encountered listings that mixed up Sony and Canon versions, including product photographs that did not match the listed model. Verify the exact battery compatibility and whether card-storage slots are included before ordering. My review compares the Canon-compatible units I eventually received.
My choice
I leaned toward the Jupio for travel and the Tilta for the studio. Both held the batteries reasonably firmly during light shaking, but neither demonstration should be treated as a drop test. The decision is mainly about portability, capacity, and how you prefer to read charge status.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Angelbird Recovered My Lost Footage: A Customer Service Review
After an R5 II recording session ended unexpectedly, I got home and could not find an important clip.
After an R5 II recording session ended unexpectedly, I got home and could not find an important clip. This is my personal experience with Angelbird’s recovery service and why it changed how I think about memory-card support.
Originally published on YouTube May 29, 2026.
What happened to the footage
The camera had stopped during a long interview after my cooling setup ran out of battery. I could not establish whether the missing recording was caused by the camera, card, or another part of the setup. Canon suggested contacting the card manufacturer.
What Angelbird recovered
After checking my purchase information, Angelbird arranged shipping to Austria. The team rebuilt the missing recording and recovered the beginning of the interview that I needed. Some sections still had playback and audio problems, so this was a valuable partial recovery rather than a perfect restoration.
Why I was impressed
In my case, shipping was covered and the card was replaced with an upgraded model. I do not know whether those terms apply to every customer or situation. The review reflects the support I personally received, which left me much more confident in choosing Angelbird again.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Ulanzi vs SmallRig Camera Cooling Fans: My Test Results
I compared two camera cooling fans for long video recordings and preferred the Ulanzi unit in this April 2026 test.
I compared two camera cooling fans for long video recordings and preferred the Ulanzi unit in this April 2026 test. Attachment security and consistent operation mattered as much to me as the temperature readings.
Originally published on YouTube Apr 16, 2026.
What the recording tests showed
With external power and cooling, my test setup recorded until the 512GB card filled, roughly two hours and twenty minutes in the example discussed. Without cooling, the recording stopped sooner. These results describe my cameras, settings, and room conditions, not a guarantee for every shoot.
Why Ulanzi won this comparison
I found the spring-loaded attachment easier to install and more secure. Its selectable operating modes suited my unattended recordings. The SmallRig unit I tested shut off during the demonstration and had an attachment I trusted less, particularly when changing the camera’s orientation.
Noise, power, and a later update
The video includes fan-noise samples and surface-temperature checks. The Ulanzi sounded more like airflow to me, while the SmallRig had more of a whine. In my later run-and-gun kit review, I describe problems with the Ulanzi battery and better results from a newer SmallRig model. Read that follow-up before treating this earlier comparison as my final recommendation for mobile use.
Related reviews
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Telesin Street Photography Kit for DJI Action 6: First Look
Telesin’s purple-and-gold Street Photography Kit turns the DJI Action 6 into a small camera with a grip and a more familiar shutter button.
Telesin’s purple-and-gold Street Photography Kit turns the DJI Action 6 into a small camera with a grip and a more familiar shutter button. This is an initial hands-on overview before a family trip, not a completed travel review.
Originally published on YouTube Mar 13, 2026.
A solid cage with thoughtful details
The cage felt well built and kept the main mounting points and ports accessible. The grip includes storage for a microSD card and the small assembly tool. Locating pins help keep the grip aligned, and the lanyard opening was easy to use.
Easy enough for my daughter to assemble
My daughter was drawn to the colors and figured out the assembly herself. I liked the simple shutter mechanism and the ability to use the setup for either photographs or handheld video. Changing the battery still requires opening the cage.
What this overview establishes
I walk through installation, controls, and basic photo settings in the video. I was looking forward to testing it on our trip, so I do not present long-term protection or travel results here. Telesin supplied the kit and filters for me to try.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Ulanzi R101 MagSafe Mount and Neewer Magic Arm Review
Pairing the Ulanzi R101 magnetic phone mount with a Neewer magic arm gives me a quick way to position an iPhone on a camera or above a desk.
Pairing the Ulanzi R101 magnetic phone mount with a Neewer magic arm gives me a quick way to position an iPhone on a camera or above a desk.
Originally published on YouTube Apr 29, 2025.
A flexible mounting combination
I show the R101’s quarter-inch connection, the magic arm, clamps, shoe adapter, and small threaded connectors that hold the setup together. The appeal is being able to reposition the phone without rebuilding the rig.
How I use it
One setup puts the phone on my camera for a second video angle. Another supports overhead product videos at my desk. The magnetic connection lets me remove the phone to answer a message and return it to the same position.
Fit the setup to your gear
The video demonstrates the particular arms and adapters I use. Check the mount, phone case, and load before trusting any custom assembly with your equipment.
Watch on YouTube and view the original product links. Some shopping links in the original description may be affiliate links.
Fujifilm GFX 100 II Autofocus Test: GF and Adapted EF Lenses
Watch my Fujifilm GFX 100 II autofocus test with GF 45mm and 80mm lenses, plus Canon 35mm and Sigma 105mm lenses on the Fringer EF-GFX adapter.
GFX 100 II Autofocus Test
I Tested the GFX 100 II with the GF 45mm and 80mm lenses. I also tested it with the Canon EF 35mm F1.4 II and Sigma EF 105mm F1.4 lenses. The Canon Lenses were tested with the Fringer EF-GFX adapter. Watch the video to see the results.
My 2023 Canon Wedding Photography Gear
The Canon cameras, RF lenses, lighting, memory cards, bags, and straps I used for wedding photography in early 2023.
This is my early-2023 kit, preserved as a historical gear list. Availability and product lineups have changed.
Best Canon Wedding Photography gear from lenses to camera bodies. I also include some other tools that have helped me over the years.
Here is the gear that I have been using since the fall of 2020 until now in early 2023. I am currently using Canon Cameras and Lens. There is also some other gear in here that I find to be helpful.
Canon Bodies that I recommend.
Canon Lenses that I recommend.
Samyang RF 14mm 2.8 (now hard to find)
Samyang 85mm F1.4 (now hard to find)
Lights
Flashpoint Zom LI-ON X R2 C
IViSii G2 RGB Light
Softbox AD-S60S Sony
SD Cards
Camera Bags
Tenba DNA Bag I use
Tenba Slim is also a great option