Reviews – ExpertPhotography

Best Free HDR Software in 2024 (HDR Photography)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:19:12 +0000

Using the best free HDR software allows you to create stunning composite images without having to buy expensive software suites.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is a brilliant technique for capturing landscapes with uneven lighting. Creating a HDR image is fairly simple, but you need the software to be able to do it properly. That’s why we’ve listed all the best free HDR software in this article.

We start the article by looking at the best free HDR software options. These are perfect is you’re just getting started with HDR photography. But free software if often limited, which is why we have some paid software recommendations in the second part of the article.

Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, you’ll be able to find the best HDR software in this post.

What is the Best Free HDR Software?

The best free HDR software allows you to create fantastic high dynamic range images without spending money on software.

To create a HDR image, you need to combine several exposures of the same image. By taking two, three, or more images of the same scene with different exposure values, you can blend them together using software to create an image with a super-high dynamic range.

The HDR technique gives you incredible detail, bringing out every line and feature from areas that would otherwise be blown out or overexposed.

This might sound complicated, but it’s actually fairly simple once you have the right software. All the free HDR software we look at in this article are simple and easy to use.

However, the free software options are limited and the results can be mixed. That’s why we’ve included some of the best HDR software you can purchase.

5 Best Free HDR Software

1. Fotor HDR Photo Editor

Brand	Brand Fotor
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Completely Free	Completely Free Yes
Key Features	Key Features brightness, contrast and saturation adjustment tools, simple interface

The Fotor HDR Photo Editor is the best free software for creating high dynamic range images. You don’t even need to download or install the software. You can use it through your web browser, simply uploading images from your hard drive.

Uploading and merging your images couldn’t be easier. Once the HDR tool is open in your browser, upload three or more images into the image boxes in the interface. Then click “start” to merge the images together.

When you have your merged image, you can make minor edits to improve the final picture. You have structure, soft, and intense pre-set effects. These filters have been specifically designed for HDR images, giving you more intensity and detail.

The free program also has several adjustment tools, allowing you to change brightness, saturation, and sharpness.

Fotor has a free plan for its basic software package. It includes basic editing and design features, but other than that, it is fairly limited. If you need more from your editing software, you can upgrade to one of their fairly priced paid plans.

But if you only want to use the HDR feature, the Fotor HDR Editing Tool is your best option.

2. Luminance HDR

Brand	Brand Luminance HDR
Operating System	Operating System macOS, Windows, and Linux
Completely Free	Completely Free Yes
Key Features	Key Features RAW file support, Batch HDR merging, color management workflow

For a long time, Luminance HDR was the go-to program if you wanted a free HDR editor. It’s still a fantastic piece of single-purpose software. But the fact that they only update it every few years keeps it off the top spot.

Luminance HDR is an intuitive program with an easy-to-use interface. The most recent 2021 edition features many useful tools to bring out the best in your HDR photography.

Developers upgraded the HDR solution with new features like automatic anti-ghosting, FITS support integration with Windows taskbar, improved 1/10 with TIPF 32 bit and redesigned merge algorithms.

Some new sliders have been implemented too, such as ‘Gamma’ and ‘Saturation’. You also have a command line interface and a color management workflow for even more creative control.

Luminance HDR reads both JPEG and RAW files. A key benefit to Luminance HDR is the ease at which you can export photographs to additional photo editing software, such as GIMP (a free alternative to Photoshop).

3. Picturenaut

Brand	Brand HDRLabs
Operating System	Operating System Windows
Completely Free	Completely Free Yes
Key Features	Key Features RAW file support, fast processing, real-time previews

Picturenaut is another free HDR software tool. Picturenaut is by HDRLabs, a project established to create free software for various processes.

Picturenaut is a very light software program. It’s easy to install and even easier to use. Touted as one of the best free HDR software solutions out there, Picturenaut is just as intuitive as Luminance but functions a little bit differently.

The program has a drag-and-drop feature and supports both PNG and RAW files. The tool also includes Alpha channel view, auto-cropping, and is one of the fastest at tone mapping.

Picturenaut has been known to crash if you work too fast with large RAW files. It can only handle so much at one time, so take your time and allow the program to do its thing.

The open-source API is also publicly available for programmers interested in tweaking the program for even better results. This German program is ever-changing with new intelligence added every day.

4. HDRTools

Brand	Brand HDRTools
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Completely Free	Completely Free Yes
Key Features	Key Features Simple interface, RAW file support, basic adjustment tool set

FDRTools is a free HDR software tool for those looking to create a more realistic look to a high dynamic range image. There is a free basic version and a more advanced shareware version.

The program is not as advanced as the other software on this list. But it’s an excellent choice for a beginner who doesn’t want a complicated interface or too many editing tools that might be confusing.

A big difference between FDRTools and other HDR software is its goal to bridge the gap between merging and tone mapping. The FDRTools tone mapping algorithm is very advanced in comparison to other programs.

The user has full control over the merging process by looking at the tone mapped image. They can then edit the merging of source images in real-time. Users can choose to include or not include a particular source image or adjust the opacity of individual images.

FDRTools has noteworthy customer service and is constantly updating its features.

5. EasyHDR

Brand	Brand EasyHDR
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Completely Free	Completely Free Yes
Key Features	Key Features RAW file support, batch merging, brush tools, color management

EasyHDR is just as its name suggests – easy. It is available both as a standalone program and as a plugin for Lightroom. The free version does not expire, but it does watermark your images.

The software may be easy to use, but it is powerful.

Drag and drop RAW or JPEG images into the program and use the presets to get started. Then adjust the tone mapping tools to get a realistic effect. Much of the interface looks similar to Lightroom and Photoshop, making tools easy to find and use.

There’s even a clone brush to take out errant dust spots. The software also includes basic layers for masking and color correction.

EasyHDR allows for batch editing, which automatically identifies the HDR sequences. This is great for photographers who do a lot of HDR conversions.

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Best Paid HDR Software

These are our top recommendations for HDR software if you have the budget to pay for a more complete editing program.

The free software are great if you’re just getting started with HDR editing. But if you already have experience, or you want a more complete editing package, it’s worth investing in a paid editing software.

You’ll be able to do more advanced HDR editing, and you can do other types of image processing.

1. Lightroom

Brand	Brand Adobe
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Payment Type	Payment Type Subscription
Key Features	Key Features Wide ranging tool set, RAW file support, HDR presets

Adobe Lightroom tops most lists relating to photo editing software. Whether adjusting exposure or creating HDR images, it’s the best software in town. The problem is, software of this standard doesn’t come for free.

Despite the incredibly wide range of tools in Lightroom, creating HDR images is surprisingly simple. Upload your images into the program, highlight all of them, then right click. From the menu, select Merge, then HDR. That’s it.

Lightroom is one of the most complete software suites for photo editing. You can make minor adjustments to contrast, exposure, brightness, or pretty much any aspect of you image. But you can also make sweeping changes, adding presets or batch editing images.

Adobe has now introduced a number of AI tools to streamline the editing process. AI tools can add a bokeh effect or remove unwanted items within an image. Adobe is not alone in using AI to help photographers edit their photos, but these tools are state-of-the-art.

There is a 7-day free trial with a Lightroom, Photography, or Creative Cloud subscription. But once the seven days are up, you’ll have to pay monthly to keep the subscription.

2. Luminar Neo

Brand	Brand Luminar
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Payment Type	Payment Type Subscription or one-time purchase
Key Features	Key Features AI features, presets and custom presets, sky replacement and background removal tools

Skylum’s Luminar Neo is one of the leading photo editing software when it comes to AI editing. It was one of the first to integrate AI into its tool set. Now, Neo has become one of the most popular programs for photographers.

Luminar Neo is also one of the best HDR merging and editing programs. The initial merge could not be easier, as you simply drag the images you want to merge into the HDR Merge command box on the right-hand side of the interface.

Once merged, you can edit and tweak your final HDR image to get it the way you want. The toolset isn’t quite as wide-ranging as that of Lightroom. But you still have plenty of creative control.

Neo also has a HDR effect. This helps you achieve the intense HDR look without having to merge several images with different exposures. The results are not quite as good as a true HDR merge, but it’s a great shortcut if you want the HDR look.

Other useful tools include the AI sky replacement and AI background removal features. Replacing a sky or removing a background used to be a painstaking process. But Luminar Neo has turned them into two-click operations.

Skylum offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but there’s no free trial. You also have the option of a 12-month subscription or a one-off lifetime perpetual license. Both are reasonably priced.

Read our full Luminar Neo review in this link.

3. DxO Nik HDR Efex

Brand	Brand DxO
Operating System	Operating System macOS and Windows
Payment Type	Payment Type one-time purchase
Key Features	Key Features Specialist HDR software, local adjustments, single-image HDR effect

The Nik HDR Efex software is a plugin for the full DxO PhotoLab program. Like Luminar Neo, it’s not as popular as Lightroom. But this is the perfect program if you’re dedicated to HDR photography.

This software makes it easy to merge multiple images for the best HDR effect. You can combine as many exposures as you need, and the software does most of the heavy lifting for you.

Once merged, you have an excellent array of adjustment tools to help you achieve the perfect final image. You can adjust exposure, saturation, contrast, and even feathering.

This software also allows you to add the HDR effect to single images. That means you don’t need three or five images merged into one to create an image with a high dynamic range. Getting a true HDR effect with one image is quick and simple.

As a plugin, you already need to have a software suite for Nik HDR Efex to plug into. It’s compatible with DxO PhotoLab, as well as Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. It’s a great additional software if you’re serious about HDR photography.

Conclusion: Best Free HDR Software

Creating powerful HDR images isn’t difficult if you have the right software. And thanks to these free HDR software options, you can have fun with HDR photography without spending a penny.

Programs like Fotor HDR Photo Editor and Luminance HDR help you create stunning images for free. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or real estate, you have the software to help you get started with HDR.

But Free software is often limited. And if you want to take your photo editing and HDR merging to the next level, you will have to upgrade to paid software. That’s when you need to look to Lightroom or Luminar Neo.

13 Best Body Editing Apps to Try in 2024 (Free and Paid)

Nick Constant — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:38:31 +0000

Today we are looking for the best body editing app. We are lucky to have smartphone applications that are specially tailored for our many imaging needs. These range from simple color adjustments apps to complete body editing apps.

Many of these great apps have auto functions. These functions allow you to make body transformations with the single click of a button. Some applications give you more control over body shape. By the end of this list, you will find at least one body shape editor to satisfy your needs.

What Is A Body Editing App?

A body editing app is an application that allows you to distort body shapes to produce convincing manipulations. These apps provide a wide range of editing tools that control different parts of the body or face of our subject.

A body editing app can be a fun way to play around with photo editing. But you should be careful, as these editing apps can promote unrealistic body standards set by mainstream media. Also, dramatic body distortions will be easy for most people to decipher.

These apps are a great stepping stone for people to get into serious photographic editing with Adobe Photoshop. If you enjoy making convincing photo edits, Photoshop will allow you much more control and possibilities.

Best Body Editing App

1. RetouchMe

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing Yes
Additional Editing	Additional Editing No
Best For	Best For Convincing results with easy editing process and tools

RetouchMe is a well-known body shape editor. It has an excellent reputation compared to other body editing software for being accurate. It is also well known for having a load of different functions. RetouchMe has an auto body shape function. But you can do manual body retouches as well.

Its features include hip corrections, leg shape, biceps adjustments and more. You can change your whole body shape. You can add highlights or bronzer to your skin to alter your tan. Maybe you want to remove your tattoos and see how that looks? They advertise giving you a flat stomach, changing your legs width, and removing fat folds. And they have well over 100 retouch options.

RetouchMe claims they provide a fast, cheap, and easy service. They even offer a service where you can get your image retouched by an editor. A fun feature is that they let you lengthen any body part, even your hair!

2. Peachy

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Brilliant adjustment options with a simple process and interface

Peachy claims they aim at perfection in everything. They specialise in selfies and body shape editing. Some of the features they include are removing wrinkles and acne, smoothing and brightening your skin, reducing dark circles around your eyes, whitening your teeth, and adding volume and darkening your eyebrows.

These features seem to be user friendly as they have great reviews for their product. It is a free product, but there are many more features that come with a yearly subscription. You also get the option to reshape specific aspects of your image. This includes arms, facial features, muscles, or body parts.

3. Fotogenic

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Body editing app with a wide range of additional features

Fotogenic is another top body editing app. It is available on pretty much every app store you can find. Fotogenic give you a body modification tool that is quick to understand and easy to use. If you are struggling with the tools, they also provide great tutorials to guide you through that process.

They claim that everyone is photogenic, hence their name. Some of their features include making you taller and a separate component to lengthen your legs in one touch. Fotogenic is not just a body editor app. It is also a photo editor. This means you can play with frames, brushes, and different effects that make your image come to life.

4. Airbrush

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing Yes
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For A complete photo editing app with a wide range of features

Airbrush has a simple aim—to retouch images without anyone noticing. Its title, Airbrush, tells us of its primary feature. Airbrushing is when you smooth over surfaces, commonly skin, to achieve the desired effect. Apart from this, they boast more than 50 features, 105 filters, and 7 different tools as well as being a body editing app.

The software identifies faces in your images and then gives you a manual or auto adjustment. You can use different versions of the airbrush tool by simply swiping your finger over the image. There are also many body editor options. Airbrush allows you to pull selected body parts, expanding or slimming any feature you like.

5. FixThePhoto

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Having dedicated body editors to edit your images

Fix The Photo app is a user-friendly tool for getting professional photo editing results. A team of retouchers is behind this application. They will do all the work for you and provide flawless pictures in the shortest possible time.

When placing the order, you should provide the pictures along with your requirements. They will use the body editing app to perform your edits for you. There is a wide range of services available: from face retouching to body editing.

The retouchers work quickly and provide their services at a reasonable price. You can check if the app suits your needs using its free trial. Since this Fix The Photo Face app isn’t based on AI technologies, you get more accurate results. The photo retouchers do all the manipulations manually.

6. Body Tune

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing No
Best For	Best For Simple slider-based photo editing

Body Tune advertises itself as the number one photo retouching app. As a body shape editing app, they may not be the number one for photo editing. But, for what they specialise in, they do it great. Bodytune has easy to use retouching tools based on image processing technology. You can increase or slim body parts in just a few swipes. The same process allows you to adjust your height and remove skin marks.

Body Tune makes the body editing process quick and simple. It even includes a feature that detects body parts, then allows you to change these specific parts. Its auto features cover editing your subject to be thinner, taller, and curvier.

7. BodyApp

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Subscription-based
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing No
Best For	Best For Body editing app with tattoo abilities

BodyApp is a body editing app with a subscription service that gives you access to a selection of body shaping tools. They specialise in a photo editor that allows you to refine your waistline and accentuate your curves. This also includes making you taller or slimmer and gives you a tool to elongate your legs.

A fun feature is their extensive tattoo database. This feature allows you to place various tattoos around your body. It could be a helpful feature if you plan to get a tattoo in the future. Or you want to see what different body placements would look like on you. BodyApp also features a dedicated muscle editor. This claims to be able to give you realistic-looking chest muscles and biceps.

8. Perfect Me

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing No
Best For	Best For Expansive range of body editing features

Perfect Me is another body editing app you will come across when searching through your app stores. You can almost get a plastic surgery effect from all the features that they provide. Especially in facial features. You can nudge your smile, plump your lips, grow a taller nose bridge, reshape your eyebrows, as well as animate your face. They are particularly keen on their nose editing feature.

It looks as if this interface is a bit more tricky to use than other apps. But, this can mean they pay more attention to the tools they provide. Perfect Me also provide great output settings for your images. This makes it easy to export your edits to various platforms. You are also able to apply filters and add stickers to fluff up any dull pictures.

9. Body Editor

Supports Devices	Supports Devices Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Editing facial expressions and adding makeup in post-production

The Body Editor app is a photo editor explicitly made for body transformations. So you won’t find many beauty filters on this application. Body Editor says that their app can make you look healthier, give you the perfect body proportions, give you a thin waist, and give you stunning ‘decoration’. The decoration feature gives you tattoos, abs and chest stickers.

Apart from these features, this body shape editor lets you change your hair or even your beard! This could be an excellent way to try out different hair colors before dying your hair. The app allows you to try different haircuts and even adjust your hair volume.

10. Everlook

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Adding facial hair or changing hair color

Everlook is a good body editing app. It claims it is the only editor you will need for the perfect selfie. The all-in-one photo editor gives you countless ways to edit your body. Their options include body reshaping and adding height, abs, muscles, moustache, hairstyles and much more.

Their smart retouching features allow you to have immense control over particular features. They even include a real-time camera to let you see its effect live! You will also be able to accessorise yourself with fancy makeup and beard simulators, as well as add piercings or jewellery. If that’s too much for you, try their lighting effects. These effects can be set on your muscles to add that extra bit of definition.

11. Spring

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Smart ways to give the user more control over body editing

Spring is a stylish body editing app. They claim to have ‘the first slimming function that naturally slims your body’. The simplicity in their interface makes for a pleasant editing experience. Sometimes, other apps have such a busy editing platform that it makes the process seem hectic.

Their unique feature comes is a tool that allows you to resize your head. I could understand why this would seem strange, but many photographers will know this can be helpful. Sometimes an angle of a photo is unflattering, even if it is a great photo. Resizing your head could allow you to get an excellent image back that looks more like you.

13. Photoshop Express

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Free (Paid Extra Features)
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing Yes
Best For	Best For Extensive edits and complete control over your photo editing

I couldn’t leave this list without including the ‘original’ body shape editor, Photoshop. Everything you will do on any editing app can happen in Photoshop with the right skills and knowledge. You can have complete control over your photo editing. Adobe provides a whole load of tools that offer multiple approaches to the same solution.

The good thing about Adobe’s Photoshop being around so long is that thousands of videos will show you how to do exactly what you want. This means that if you put the time and effort in, you would become an expert in body modification.

Photoshop Express is Adobe’s mobile version of Photoshop. This app won’t allow you the same control as the computer application. But, you will be able to smooth out skin and reduce blemishes with their spot healing tool.

12. Plastic Surgery Simulator

Supports Devices	Supports Devices iOS, Android
Price	Price Paid
Auto Editing	Auto Editing No
Additional Editing	Additional Editing No
Best For	Best For Wide range of tools for a good level control

Plastic Surgery Simulator does what it says. It allows you to simulate different manipulations to your body. From reading reviews, it doesn’t seem like this body editor app is worth the money. But, it does provide a super simple way of editing your photos. You can do this through its tap and distort feature. You can click and drag the elements you want to edit.

It seems the photo editor is only effective when you have a completely neutral background behind the features you are editing. This could mean a lot of refinement work on standard images with a scenic backdrop.

The fact that it has one simple tool allows for lots of experimentation. Maybe you don’t want a realistic body editor but a way to distort body parts and goof around with your friends. Either way, I would not recommend this body editing app as many people have made reviews on its unreliability.

Conclusion: Benefits of Using a Body Editing App

After looking at this list, you can see many apps are working toward the same goal. This tells you there is a great demand for body editing apps. It may be hard to differentiate the apps but make sure you think about the tools you will specifically need.

Most importantly, these apps can be good fun but try not to push it. Unrealistic body standards can be harmful to yourself or the subjects you are editing. The more you distort an image, the easier it will be to decipher the manipulations you have done.

I would recommend using these apps for minor manipulations like skin editing or to correct lens distortions. Small edits like this can enhance your subjects and images without ruining otherwise good photographs.

Nikon vs Canon vs Sony: Which Is Best in 2024?

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:53:21 +0000

The Nikon vs Canon vs Sony debate is one of the biggest in photography. They are the three biggest names in the industry when it comes to cameras and lenses, and their gear is the most popular with photographers at all levels. But which of the three is best?

Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to the question of which of Nikon, Canon, or Sony are best. But we will use this article to look at all three brands, covering their history, outlook, and gear, helping you decide which one is your favorite brand.

You don’t have to commit to one brand, but swapping further down the line can be expensive. It’s best to look at each brand when you’re starting out to see which of the three suits your needs as a photographer.

Come with us as we explore the three biggest names in photography. By the end, you’ll have your own answer to the age-old Nikon vs Canon vs Sony debate.

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Introduction to Canon, Nikon, and Sony

In this section, we’ll give you a brief introduction to Nikon, Canon, and Sony. We’ll provide some of each company’s backstory to show how they became the three big names in photography.

Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all Japanese companies with nearly a hundred years of experience in the imaging industry. While Sony is relatively new to the world of cameras and photography, Canon and Nikon go way back.

Nikon and Canon have been two of the biggest camera brands since the early days of 35mm analog photography. Cameras like the Canon AE-1 and Nikon FM2 are still considered some of the best film cameras ever produced.

When the world went digital in the new millennium, Canon and Nikon were leaders of the pack. The two brands dominated the DSLR market for over a decade. They had DSLRs for beginner, intermediate, and professional photographers.

Now both manufacturers have dedicated themselves to mirrorless cameras, having stopped all development of new DSLR models.

Sony had been making compact cameras since the early 2000s. They dipped their toes in the DSLR market with their A-mount cameras, but it wasn’t until the mirrorless camera era that Sony became a big player.

Released in 2013, the Sony a7 was the first full frame mirrorless camera. From there, Sony has become a true trailblazer in the mirrorless camera industry, breaking records and setting standards.

Canon and Nikon still compete with Sony, however. And thanks to their wider range of cameras, Nikon and Canon still outsell Sony.

We’ll look at cameras from all three manufacturers in more detail in the following section.

Cameras: Canon vs Nikon vs Sony

Now we’ll look at the cameras from each brand in more detail.

Canon Cameras

Canon sells the most cameras out of all the major photography brands. This has been the case since the days of the DSLR camera. But the popularity of Canon has carried over to the mirrorless era as well.

One reason for their popularity is that Canon has always catered to photographers at all levels. They make incredible machines for professionals, but their entry-level models are also excellent. That was true with DSLRs and it’s still true with mirrorless cameras.

DSLR Cameras

Canon and Nikon both announced they would stop developing DSLRs in 2022. That does not mean that DSLRs are completely dead, and you can still buy some new DSLR cameras. But the writing is on the wall for the DSLR.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is one of the great DSLR cameras. Situated in the intermediate/pro section of the spectrum, it has proved to be one of their most popular cameras. A 26.2 MP resolution and 45-point CMOS Dual-Pixel AF system make it a great choice for photography purists.

Professionals still rave about the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Its powerful 30.4 MP full frame sensor produces stunning pro-grade images. The AF system is the best of any DSLR camera. And uncharacteristically for a DSLR, it’s a fantastic camera for video thanks to the 4K 30fps recording.

Canon’s EOS 90D was record-breaking at the time of release in 2019. The 32.5 MP count remains one of the highest resolutions of any APS-C camera. The images are truly impressive, and it’s another 4K DSLR from Canon.

You can still buy several excellent Canon DSLRs for beginners. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 and EOS Rebel T7 are two affordable cameras with great specs.

But the Canon EOS Rebel T8i was the last statement on the entry-level DSLR scene. It’s still worth investing in one if you’re a beginner looking for a creative entry-level camera.

Mirrorless Cameras

Canon was quick to move into mirrorless cameras, continuing their EOS line of interchangeable lens cameras with their R series. And with Canon closing the door on DSLRs, the R range is now the company’s main focus.

There was the short-lived M series APS-C mirrorless cameras. But this never generated enough interest and Canon abandoned the project fairly quickly.

Like the D series DSLR cameras, Canon produces R cameras for all skill levels. The main difference is that the R cameras have all the added features of mirrorless cameras.

For instance, many Canon EOS R cameras have two types of burst mode. One uses the mechanical shutter and the other uses an electronic shutter. As the electronic option has no moving parts, it gives you a faster continuous shooting speed.

Another improved feature is the video recording. All their R-range cameras have at least 4K video resolution. The footage is cropped on some entry-level models, but the overall quality is excellent.

But Canon has taken the idea of hybrid cameras to its logical conclusion, The Canon EOS R5 has incredible 8K video recording, giving you cinema-quality footage from an interchangeable lens camera.

Canon leads all other brands when it comes to autofocus. The Dual-Pixel CMOS AF is the best in the business. While they used a similar system in DSLR cameras, they’ve taken it to new heights in their mirrorless machines. The subject detection and tracking features are incredible.

Even entry-level cameras like the Canon EOS R100 or R10 have sophisticated subject ID and tracking.

Nikon Cameras

In terms of camera sales, Nikon is in second place, but still some way off Canon. That’s not to say Nikon is the inferior brand, and they still sell a huge amount of cameras. But they offer a similar range of cameras to Canon without breaking much new ground.

Nikon cameras are well worth buying, however. They cover everything including entry-level models, vlogging cameras, intermediate cameras, and high-performance machines for the pros.

DSLR Cameras

Nikon and Canon were the two big names in the DSLR business. No other companies were competing with these two giants. But like Canon, Nikon has now halted all DSLR development and focuses solely on mirrorless cameras.

For many years, the Nikon D3500 was the camera for beginners. A compact APS-C DSLR, the D3500 had built-in guide modes, good functionality, and a 24 MP resolution. In many ways, it was the perfect entry-level camera. It was a shame when Nikon discontinued it in July 2022.

You can still buy the Nikon D7500 brand new. It’s more of an intermediate camera, with more advanced features and functions. It’s an affordable option for photography purists.

The Nikon D850 is perhaps their flagship DSLR. It’s a pro-grade full frame camera with a 45 MP resolution, 4K video and time-lapse, and other advanced features. This was perhaps the last of the great DSLRs before mirrorless cameras stole the lime light.

The D850 is still available new if you want a powerful workhorse of a camera.

Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon’s Z mirrorless camera range is now their sole focus for interchangeable lens cameras. But as with their D range DSLRs, they have cameras for all skill levels.

The Nikon Z50 is the closest replacement to the Nikon D3500, only with all the trappings of a mirrorless camera. It has a faster burst speed, in-camera effects, and 4K video recording.

Nikon has the influencer and content creator market covered with their Z30. It’s a compact APS-C mirrorless designed specifically for vlogging and other types of social media content.

The Z series cameras have more advanced features than their DSLR predecessors. Built-in 5-axis image stabilization is common throughout the range. Burst rates are much quicker. 4K video has also become universal in their mirrorless camera range.

Nikon’s AF doesn’t have the reputation of Canon’s Dual-Pixel system. But it still delivers advanced focusing features in all their cameras. You’ll even find face/eye detection and subject tracking in their entry-level models.

The Nikon Z6 II is Nikon’s best all-round mirrorless camera, delivering gorgeous images and excellent video footage. It also houses a decent selection of creative multi-media features.

If you’re looking for a high-resolution camera, Nikon has you covered with the Z7 II. Its 46 MP resolution is truly impressive.

But the Nikon Z9 is their true professional masterpiece. It has a similar resolution to the Z7 II, but has an improved processor and a built-in power pack and vertical grip. It has everything a professional photographer wants and needs from a camera.

Sony Cameras

Sony sells fewer cameras than Nikon and Canon, and they offer fewer camera models. But most of their cameras are sit at the professional end of the camera market.

Sony is the master of the full frame mirrorless camera, and Sony cameras have been setting new standards for the last decade or more.

Sony did release a couple of DSLR A-mount cameras in the mid-2000s. But these were never a great success, and Sony was one of the first to dedicate themselves entirely to mirrorless cameras. We’ll skip the DSLR section for Sony and look at their mirrorless cameras.

Mirrorless Cameras

In 2013, Sony released the first full frame mirrorless cameras; the A7 (ILCE-7) and A7R (ILCE-7). And with these groundbreaking cameras, Sony really set out their stall in the digital camera market.

These cameras also had new features like hybrid phase and contrast-detect AF. They also had some of the best AF tracking of any cameras at that time.

Sony has continued to produce new models within the A7 and A7R lines, each one building on its predecessor.

The latest A7 camera is the Sony A7 IV, an impressive 33 MP camera with 4K 60 fps video recording and a super-quick autofocus.

The Sony A7R V is even more impressive, with its full frame sensor having a whopping 61 MP resolution. This is the most powerful full frame camera on the market, and the image quality is simply staggering.

It’s another 8K video camera, matching the Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z9 for cinematic video resolution. Although the R5 and Z9 don’t match the A7R III’s stills resolution.

Sony’s A series cameras are considered some of the best hybrid cameras among professionals. Even pro videographers are using cameras like the Sony A7 IV or A7R V as their main video camera.

Sony has recently broken more new ground with the Sony A9 III. The two previous incarnations of the A9 were top cameras, but the A9 III’s global shutter is a real game changer.

A standard CMOS sensor takes a picture by activating the pixels in sequence. This means images can look distorted when shot in burst with an electronic shutter. The global shutter, however, activates all the pixels at once, so you don’t get any distortion. That’s what makes the A9 III’s 120 fps burst rate so impressive.

Sony only really has one APS-C camera to speak of, which is the Sony a6000 and subsequent models. We’re now up to the Sony a6700, but older versions are still available new.

It’s a super-compact mirrorless with excellent features for photography and sharp 4K video. It’s as small as a compact camera, but you can change lenses to shoot a wider range of photography styles and genres.

They also have a compact camera. the Sony ZV-1 Mark II, that’s a massive hit with vloggers and content creators. It’s a pocket-sized multimedia production machine.

Lenses

As well as being the top camera manufacturers, Canon, Nikon, and Sony all make super lenses. Sony doesn’t have the staggering lens selection of Canon or Nikon, but they can definitely complete in terms of lens quality.

Canon Lenses

Canon’s EF lens line for their DSLR cameras has one of the biggest selections of lenses in the photography world. They have prime and zoom lenses of all types, and you can find lenses for any type of photography.

The standard EF lenses are compatible with full frame DSLRs. But Canon also has excellent EF-S lenses for their APS-C DSLR lenses. There are far fewer APS-C-compatible lenses in the catalog, and they are more basic. But the overall quality is still high.

As with cameras, Canon has now turned their attention to the RF lenses for their mirrorless cameras. It’s a newer line of lenses, so the number of lenses available doesn’t match the EF line. But Canon are consistently producing new RF lenses, giving Canon mirrorless users more options.

Like the EF lenses, the standard RF lenses are compatible with full frame mirrorless cameras. The RF-S lenses are compatible with APS-C cameras.

You can use standard RF lenses with APS-C cameras, but you’ll experience a 1.6x crop factor. It is not possible to use RF-S lenses on full frame cameras.

Canon also has a superior class of lenses which runs through both EF and RF lines. These lenses have the letter “L” in the title, and these L lenses are of the highest professional standard.

The Canon L-grade lenses are equipped with the finest glass elements, optical image stabilization, and other features like custom control rings.

Nikon Lenses

We can’t be sure of the exact number of lenses in Nikon’s F-mount collection, but it’s a very big number. Nikon’s F-mount collection is even bigger than Canon’s EF collection. They have every possible photography situation covered.

Lenses marked as AF are compatible with Nikon’s DSLR cameras. However, only the AF-S lenses are compatible with camera autofocus systems. You have to focus manually with the older AF lenses.

Nikon AF-S DX lenses are compatible with APS-C cameras, and AF-S FX lenses are compatible with full frame cameras.

Moving away from the F-mount DSLR cameras, Nikon now produces Z-mount lenses for their mirrorless cameras. All the Z lenses are compatible with camera AF systems. You also have DX and FX Z-mount lenses.

The Z collection isn’t even close to the F in terms of size, but there are plenty of excellent Z-mount lenses. It’s also constantly growing, with Nikon releasing new lenses every couple of months or so.

Nikon has also introduced a premium line to their Z lenses. There was no such premium category in the F lenses, but now Nikon has its superior S-category lenses. You’ll find the S in the lens title, which denotes professional quality.

These lenses have advanced features like custom rings, focus limiters, and weather-sealing. Only a few Z lenses have optical stabilization, or Vibration Reduction (VR), as Nikon call it. But many Z cameras have 5-axis stabilization to compensate.

Sony Lenses

Sony can’t match Nikon or Canon for numbers, but they certainly can compete when it comes to quality. They also have all bases covered, so there’s a Sony lens for any genre or style of photography.

It’s also not worth mentioning Sony’s A-mount lenses for their DSLR cameras, so we’ll stick to their E and FE mirrorless lenses.

All Sony mirrorless cameras, both APS-C and full frame, have the E mount. However, Sony E lenses are compatible with APS-C cameras and FE lenses with full frame cameras.

Seeing as Sony only has one APS-C camera in production, the Sony E lens selection is fairly limited. The lens quality is very strong, and all the lenses work well for photography and video recording.

You have much more choice when it comes to Sony FE lenses. They have everything from wide-angle primes to telephoto zoom lenses.

Sony also has two premium categories for its FE lenses. There are lenses marked G, identifying them as professional quality. But you also have G Master or GM lenses that are a step above that.

The Sony GM lenses are some of the best lenses in photography and videography. They are even a cut above Canon L and Nikon S premium lenses, making them the best of the best for interchangeable lenses.

You’ll find Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization in all the G and GM lenses, sometimes with different modes. And they have unique features like the power zoom, which improve the user experience even more.

Canon vs Nikon vs Sony: Our Recommendations

We’ve mentioned a few landmark cameras from all three brands throughout the article. But we’ve been flying through them without stopping for breath.

In this section, we look at some of our favorite models from Canon, Nikon, and Sony, showing you why they are cameras for your consideration. You can also find links to full length articles that look at the best cameras from each manufacturer.

Canon Camera Recommendations

Here’s a selection of our favorite Canon cameras. It’s a small list, but it covers all the topics we’ve covered in this article. We’ve handpicked these Canon models to make sure there’s a camera for everyone.

If you want more, you can see all the Best Canon Cameras in this link. We also have a full article on the Best Canon Cameras for Beginners if you’re new to photography.

Best for Beginners

Canon EOS R100

Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
Canon's reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
AF also has auto subject, face, and eye detection
4K video recording and Full HD at 60 fps
High-precision 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder

Best Content Camera

Canon EOS R10

Powerful APS-C sensor
Professional-standard Dual-Pixel AF
23 fps burst speed (electronic shutter)
Compact and lightweight camera body
Excellent video quality with 4K options

Best All-Round Camera

Canon EOS R8

Canon's lightest full-frame camera body
Pre-shooting buffer of 0.5 seconds
Fully articulating touchscreen
10-bit HDR video and 40 fps burst rate
Oversampled 4K/60p video

Best DSLR Camera

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Quality sensor produces detailed and vibrant images even at high ISOs
Dual Pixel AF with eye detection
User-friendly touch-to-focus screen
900-shot battery life
Cinema-quality (DCI) 4K video

Best Professional Camera

Canon EOS R5

Large 45 MP sensor
High frame rate of 20 fps
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
Body, face, eye, and animal tracking
8K/30p Ultra HD video

Nikon Camera Recommendations

If you like the sound of Nikon’s cameras, here are our top picks. Again, we’ve gone for a wide range of cameras to make sure everyone leaves with a camera that suits them.

See our full Best Nikon Cameras article for a more in-depth look at the top cameras. We also have an article looking at the Best Nikon Cameras for Beginners.

Best Camera for Beginners

Nikon Z50

A more affordable mirrorless option
Nice to handle and use
Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
Solid 4K video performance

Best Vlogging Camera

Nikon Z30

Compact and lightweight body
Responsive and accurate AF with eye detection and tracking
Wide ISO range with excellent low-noise performance at the top end
Vari-angle screen is perfect for videos and vlogging
Environmental sealing for outdoor shoots

Best All-Round Camera

Nikon Z6 II

Excellent low-light focusing
Lightweight and portable
Superb low-light dynamic range
Dual memory card slots

Best DSLR Camera

Nikon D7500

Great value for money
Smaller, compact DSLR body
Easy to handle and hold
Long battery life

Best Professional Camera

Nikon Z9

Ultra-fast image processor
High, 120 fps compressed frame rate
No visible rolling shutter
Excellent battery life
8K/60p Ultra HD video
Unlimited low-resolution recording

Sony Camera Recommendations

Sony don’t have the same wide range of cameras as Canon and Nikon. Despite them having a more pro-grade focus, there are still some excellent Sony cameras we can recommend.

Check out our full Best Sony Cameras article if you want more options and information.

Best Camera for Beginners

Sony a6700

Improved CMOS sensor
Wide expandable ISO range (50 to 102,400)
Built-in image stabilization
Weather-sealed body
4K video recording with 10-bit 4:2:2 color
120 fps slow-mo frame rate

Best Vlogging Camera

Sony ZV-1 Mark II

Compact size for easy transportation
Fixed 18-50mm lens with f/1.8-4.0 max aperture
Eye-detection and tracking autofocus
Webcam functionality
Built-in 3-capsule microphone with sound muffler
4K video at 30 fps and 120 fps in Full HD

Best All-Round Camera

Sony a7 IV

Excellent image quality
Super responsive autofocus
5.5 stops of image stabilization
Fully articulating rear screen
Powerful video capabilities (4K / 60p, 10-bit video) and live streaming

Most Advanced Camera

Sony a9 III

Global shutter system
120 fps burst with no distortion
Super-fast 1/80,000 shutter speed
Gyroscopic stabilization
4K video at 120 fps
Dual storage slots

Best High-Resolution Camera

Sony a7R V

High-resolution sensor
Automatic bird or animal eye detection
Autofocus can track cars, trains, airplanes, and insects
Big, bright, clear, and sharp electronic viewfinder
3.2-inch tilt, flip LCD screen

Conclusion: Nikon vs Canon vs Sony

The Nikon vs Canon vs Sony debate is a hot one. There’s no denying they are the three biggest names in photography right now. But there’s very little to separate them when compared against each other.

Nikon and Canon have similar histories and now fill very similar spaces in the photography market. They were giants of the DSLR scene, but now both focus solely on mirrorless cameras.

They are in close competition, with both offering cameras for every skill level. It’s the same story for lenses, too.

Sony hold a slightly different position, appealing more exclusively to the professional market, at least with their interchangeable lens cameras. Although they do have a few offerings for less experienced photographers and content creators.

They also edge Nikon and Canon in terms of professional-grade lenses, making them a top competitor for professional photographers.

Finding a winner between Nikon, Canon, and Sony depends on personal preference. They are the top three brands for a reason, and none of them are slipping up or falling behind. It’s a matter of using the information we’ve provided to make an informed decision.

10 Best Photo Stitching Software in 2024 (Updated)

Nick Constant — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:06:25 +0000

Photo stitching software is essential for landscape and panorama photographers. Instead of stitching photos together yourself, there is a wide range of digital editing software to help us. With the continued advancements of digital editing software, photo stitching could not be easier.

This article will cover all the best photo stitching software on the market today. We will look at different approaches and extra features that may come with some software. By the end, you will know which photo stitching software is perfect for you.

What is Photo Stitching?

Photo Stitching is a method for extending an image beyond the constraint of a single image. This means we can use photo stitching software to create an image that a camera cannot capture.

To create a photo stitch, we must take various photos while out on location. It helps if these photos are taken on a tripod, but most photo stitching software is good enough that we don’t have to.

The most common use for photo stitching software is to create a panorama. Panoramas are a brilliant way to show off a dramatic landscape without using a super wide-angle lens. You will take multiple images as you rotate around a landscape. You can even make a 360-degree panorama.

Once you have your images, you will want to upload them to the computer and use one of the photo stitching software we mention below. Read through each option to see what best suits your workflow. There are options for high levels of control and options for a quick and easy approach.

Best Photo Stitching Software

1. Lightroom

Brand	Brand Adobe
Price	Price Subscription Based
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Spherical, Cylindrical, Perspective
Best For	Best For Quick and easy photo stitching with great results

Adobe Lightroom is the best photo stitching software. This is not just because of its great results but also because of its speed, customization, and exporting abilities.

Adobe Lightroom comes in two versions: Lightroom and Lightroom Classic. Both versions give you the same amount of control over your customization. The main advantage of using Lightroom is that you will likely upload your images to this platform for the organization. So, performing your photo stitching here is convenient.

Adobe Lightroom’s photo stitching is found in its Photo Merge section. To use it, select your photos to be stitched together and right-click to select Photo Merge. This section has Panorama, HDR, and HDR Panorama abilities.

Lightroom allows you to select the type of stitching you want to use in a panorama. You can select between Spherical, Cylindrical, and Perspective. The Boundary Warp feature is great. It lets you choose how much blank space you want around your image. The blank space allows you to see every detail of the photograph. To keep every detail, click Fill Edges to fill the blank space with Generative Fill. This option isn’t great for big white spaces.

Adobe Lightroom offers plenty of customization. You can even export the panorama by stacking all the photos you used. This is helpful for clearing up your workspace and ensuring you don’t use the same images for another panorama.

2. PTGui

Brand	Brand New House Internet Services BV
Price	Price One-time Purchase
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? Yes
Projection Options	Projection Options 16+ Different Options
Best For	Best For Professional photo stitching

PTGui is the best photo stitching software for professionals. It is a photo editing software dedicated to creating panoramas. Therefore, there is a huge range of professional options through which to edit your panoramas.

I can’t even list all the projection options as it would take up so much space. You have 16 different projections to choose from. These projections dramatically change how you view your panorama. Some of these options drop you directly into the landscape, whereas others project the panorama onto a flat surface.

There is a learning curve to overcome in this software. As you are performing expert controls, it will take some time to work out how to get the best results. Luckily, PTGui provides videos that go over every step, from taking the best photos to editing your panoramas.

PTGui allows you to customize every part of your panorama. You can edit the panorama as a whole and the individual images. This is perfect for those who need expert-level control over their scenes.

Overall, PTGui is the software you should use if you want to take panoramas seriously. If you are happy with normal results and don’t need to fine-tune everything, then other photo stitching software will be fine.

3. Luminar Neo

Brand	Brand Skylum
Price	Price Subscriptions Based/ One-time Purchase
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Cylindrical, Spherical, Mercator, Plane, Fisheye
Best For	Best For Easy photo stitching with great customization options

Luminar Neo is an excellent photo stitching software because it offers some excellent customization options. It does this in an approachable way and lets you fine-tune your panorama’s appearance to a good degree.

Luminar Neo is Skylum software that provides a wide range of cutting-edge controls. It has embraced the use of AI adjustments in photography and continues to experiment with technological advancements.

Luminar Neo provides both panorama and HDR photo stitching tools. All you have to do is drag your images into the relevant section. Within a few seconds, you will see a new interface that shows your panorama inside a space divided into four sections.

The panorama editing process is very hands-on. It allows you to edit your panorama to a fine degree, moving it around the projection it has stitched in. You can swap between Cylindrical, Spherical, Mercator, Plane, and Fisheye projections.

Each of these projections will give you vastly different panorama results. That means you can stitch panoramas for a number of different outputs, not just a flat surface. This makes Luminar Neo a great option for photo stitching software.

4. Hugin

Brand	Brand Hugin
Price	Price Free
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? Yes
Projection Options	Projection Options 15 Different Options
Best For	Best For Free professional photo stitching

Hugin is a free, dedicated photo stitching software for panoramas. Thanks to its attention to detail and fine-tuning abilities, experienced panorama photographers highly recommend it.

Hugin does take a while to get familiar with. It is not easy software for photographers who are not computer literate to pick up. So, if you want to avoid learning a new process, I suggest other options.

For photographers who are looking for extra control, this may be the program for you. If you have previous experience with photo editing software, it may take you only a little while to pick up these new skills. It is ideal for photographers frustrated with the lack of control in other photo stitching software.

The program does take some time to generate results. It may be the slowest photo stitching software on this list. But this is the price we have to pay for extra care and control. Again, if you want easy and quick photo stitching software, look at the options that aren’t dedicated photo stitching programs.

5. PanoramaStudio

Brand	Brand Tshsoft
Price	Price Free
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? Yes
Projection Options	Projection Options Cylindrical
Best For	Best For Easier professional photo stitching

PanoramaStudio is another dedicated photo stitching software for panoramas. It provides a professional workspace to fine-tune your panoramas. It is available for both Windows and Mac and comes in a Standard or Pro version.

PanoramaStudio automatically stitches images together in its positioning and regarding exposure mismatches, brightness, and vignetting. It also offers expert levels of control, allowing you to choose and edit the control points for each panorama. This means that you can choose how the images overlap.

PanoramaStudio can automatically correct lens distortion before stitching, thanks to its Exif data recognition. This allows for a smoother panorama that will give natural results. You will also find normal adjustment tools like exposure adjustment and the ability to insert graphics such as watermarks.

If you are looking for dedicated photo stitching software that isn’t overly complicated, PanoramaStudio is worth a try. Both the Standard and Pro versions feature a free trial, so you can test whether this is the one for you before buying.

6. Photoshop

Brand	Brand Adobe
Price	Price Subscription Based
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? Yes
Projection Options	Projection Options Auto, Perspective, Cylindrical, Spherical, Collage
Best For	Best For Customization in detail with added photo editing

Adobe Photoshop is another photo stitching software you can use to automatically create panoramas. This process does feel dated nowadays, especially when there are so many great options like the software above.

After finding Photomerge under File in Photoshop, you must select your images through this interface. This interface doesn’t give you a preview of what your output could be. So it is hard to grasp the output of the Auto, Perspective, Cylindrical, Spherical, Collage, and Reposition options.

In addition, Photoshop takes a bit longer than other programs to perform the stitching. This isn’t a huge issue, but if you want to try out all the projection options, then this may take some time.

The biggest advantage of using Photoshop is that it creates a layer for each section of the panorama. Each layer also comes with a layer mask. That means that editing the image in different sections or collectively is extremely easy.

Adobe Photoshop is for those who want to do extensive editing on their panoramas. If you want an easy and quick construction, I suggest trying different programs.

7. Capture One

Brand	Brand Axcel
Price	Price Subscription Based
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Spherical, Cylindrical, Perspective, Panini
Best For	Best For Simple photo stitching options

Capture One is digital editing software used by professionals. It organizes photos and has incredible tethering and color editing abilities. You can also perform photo stitching inside this program, but it is fairly basic.

Select your photos and right-click to find Panorama Stitch. You will then see a new interface that allows you to customize your panorama. You can choose between the Spherical, Cylindrical, Perspective, and Panini projections.

There aren’t any other ways to edit your panorama besides these customizations. You do get an option to adjust the output size, but this doesn’t affect your aesthetic.

The photo stitching results are good and don’t take too long. This option is best for those who use Capture One to edit their photos normally. It will save you from downloading another program. But if you want more control, you should look at other options.

8. PhotoDirector 365

Brand	Brand Cyberlink
Price	Price Subscriptions Based/ One-time Purchase
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Spherical
Best For	Best For Photo stitching software with plenty of other actions

PhotoDirector 365 is a digital editing software packed with features. These range from basic edits to AI generation and shaping tools. So, of course, this software can create a panorama for us.

There are so many features, so finding the photo stitch section can be tricky. Upon finding the panorama section, the process is very straightforward. You upload your images, it stitches them in a single, customizable way, and then you can choose crop options.

The results were good for such a simple process. More customization is best for those who want to take panoramas seriously. But if you want to experiment with everything related to photo editing, then PhotoDirector 365 is worth a look.

9. Affinity Photo

Brand	Brand Serif
Price	Price One-time Purchase
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Spherical
Best For	Best For Cheaper Photoshop option

Affinity Photo is a cheaper option than Adobe Photoshop for those who don’t want to pay for a subscription-based service. It is a great alternative to Photoshop and provides many similar controls and adjustments to your images.

If we look at its photo stitching abilities, we can see they are fairly basic. There is no option to choose between different perspective projections. It uses a Spherical projection, and that is it. But this is the option you will likely use for photographic panoramas anyway, so it’s not a huge issue.

After creating the panorama, you can see it stitched together in front of you. It does a good job of stitching the image together and produces a good result. However, the lack of customisation means that it places low down on this list.

10. ON1 Photo RAW

Brand	Brand ON1
Price	Price Subscriptions Based/ One-time Purchase
Edit Control Points?	Edit Control Points? No
Projection Options	Projection Options Auto, Spherical, Collage
Best For	Best For Photographers who want AI editing software

ON1 Photo RAW is another photo organization software that also includes photo stitching abilities. It doesn’t try to do basic adjustments better than the top software. Rather, it aims to usher in new processes that allow you to easily perform complex edits.

There are a few options to customize your panorama. For the photo stitching, you can select Auto, Spherical, or Collage. You can also edit how the image is cropped between None, Crop, and Warp To Fill.

The result could have been better. It didn’t stitch the panorama as accurately as other photo stitching software, and it also took a while to process. So, with these elements put together, I would suggest looking at other photo stitching software. However, this could be a good option if you like ON1 Photo RAW’s other features.

Conclusion: Best Photo Stitching Software

After looking at this wide range of photo stitching software, we can see there are a number of different approaches to producing panoramas. So, to find the best software for you, decide if you want more control or just to stitch your panorama together quickly.

Sacrificing control doesn’t mean you will get bad results. Many hands-off photo stitching software approaches produce incredible results, and these approaches even have multiple options to choose from. This is why Adobe Lightroom takes our top spot as the best photo stitching software.

The Best Lens for Sports Photography in 2024 (Top 9 Picks)

Christopher Bryan-Smith — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:36:03 +0000

The best lens for sports photography lets you catch the action. Sports photography is a tough discipline. Athletes move quickly, the action is intense, and you can’t always get close to the players. The best sports photography lens helps you get the shots you need from the pitch, court, or track.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is our top sports photography lens. It has the all-around qualities you need to succeed: It’s fast, has image stabilization, and has a zoom range to get you close to the action. We also have fantastic Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm sports photography lenses.

Our Top 3 Sports Photography Lenses

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Nikon Z 70-200mm F/2.8 VR S

What is the Best Lens For Sports Photography?

The best lens for sports photography helps you capture sporting action from the sidelines. To do that, you need magnification to get close-up shots of distant athletes. You need a fast aperture or stabilization to help with tricky lighting conditions. And you need a fast autofocus (AF) motor so you never miss a shot.

All the lenses in this list have been chosen because they have those qualities. And we’ve included options from all the best camera lens brands, so you can find the perfect sports lens no matter what camera system you have.

Here’s a quick overview of all the best lenses for sports photography. We examine each lens in more detail in the following section. We also have a buyer’s guide at the end of the article to help you find the best sports photography lens.

Our Top Choice

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM

Fast lens for action
Wide aperture for stunning low-light performance
Incredible build quality that gives you edge-to-edge clarity
A versatile zoom range for for everything from environmental shots to portraits

Best Canon RF Lens

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Large zoom range for a variety of sports shots
Reliable vibration reduction system keeps your images sharp
The 18mm wide angle is perfect for environmental sports photos

Best Nikon Z Lens

Nikon Z 70-200mm F/2.8 VR S

Fast and constant f/2.8 max aperture
Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system
Custom control ring

Best Nikon F Lens

Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Incredible reach with a 500mm max focal length
Edge-to-edge clarity throughout the zoom range
Built-in Vibration Reduction system

Best Sony Full Frame Lens

Sony FE 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Dual DDSSM AF motors
Superb optical quality thanks to specialist elements
Custom torque ring and focus hold button

Best Sony APS-C Lens

Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Zoom Lens

The long telephoto focal length gives you incredible reach
The XD AF motor is rapid and accurate with moving subjects
A convenient button to easily switch between auto and manual focus

Best Sigma Sports Lens

Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S for Canon EF

Optical stabilization built-in
The focus range limiter increases focusing efficiency
Fast and quiet HSM AF system

Best Fujifilm Lens

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

The powerful image stabilizer gives you sharp images and more exposure options
The weather-sealed construction makes it ideal for sports photography
Compatible with all Fujifilm X-series cameras

Best Olympus Lens

Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3

Compatible with all Olympus MFT cameras
Super-wide and long zoom for varied sports shots
The durable construction means you can shoot sports in all conditions

Best Lenses for Sports Photography

Now we’ll look at each lens in more detail so you can see exactly why we’ve picked them.

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L III USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 70-200 mm
Best for	Best for Canon DSLR cameras

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is a versatile sports photography lens for Canon DSLR cameras.

The 70-200mm focal length range is exactly what a versatile sports photographer needs.

The 70mm end is great for wider environmental shots and snapping portraits of athletes. And the 200mm end provides the magnification you need to get close to the action from the sidelines.

The optical quality is excellent. The lens has 23 glass elements arranged in 19 groups. It uses Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce ghosting and flare. This provides edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range.

Some sports photographers need a longer focal length. But the f/2.8 aperture gives you more freedom with your exposure settings to capture action shots. It’s also constant, so you don’t lose any stop when you zoom in.

Optical image stabilization also gives you more support in low light. Offering 3.5 stops of shake correction, allowing for slower shutter speeds with a reduce risk of motion blue. That means sharp shots in low light.

The Canon lens uses an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for the autofocus. It’s quick, reliable, and quiet. You can get the shot you want when the sport requires silence, like golf, tennis, or ballet.

The build quality is excellent with thorough weather sealing. That means you can cover outdoor sporting events even in bad conditions.

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III. is a rugged telephoto zoom with a fast aperture and sharp optics. There’s no wonder it remains one of the most popular Canon EF lenses among sports photographers.

You can see all the best Canon lenses for sports photography in this article.

2. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Brand	Brand Canon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Best for	Best for Canon mirrorless cameras

The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is the best sports lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. It has a wide zoom range with excellent magnification. And it’s one of the most affordable telephoto zoom lenses on the market.

It doesn’t have the fastest maximum aperture, especially when zoomed in at 400mm. But it does have optical stabilization that offers 5.5 stops of shake correction. This promises better results in low light, allowing you to cover indoor or flood-lit events.

Despite the affordable price tag, the lens still delivers sharp optical quality throughout the zoom range. And a Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element that reduces chromatic aberration, giving you sharp, clean shots.

It also has Canon’s superior Nano Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) to drive the autofocus. The response times are super quick and it’s practically silent in operation.

A focus ring lock and custom control ring add to the lens’s usability, improving the user experience. It’s also far more lightweight and compact that many competitor telephoto zooms. It’s an easy fit for any decent camera backpack.

See all the best Canon RF lenses in our full blog post.

3. Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 70-200 mm
Best for	Best for Nikon mirrorless cameras

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S is a superb lens for Nikon’s mirrorless camera range. It has all the attributes a sports photography lens needs. And it’s part of Nikon’s superior S line, so you know you’re dealing with premium quality.

It doesn’t give you the longest telephoto reach, but 200mm is enough to get close-up shots from the sidelines. It does give you sharp optical quality throughout the zoom range, with practically no distortion or aberrations.

The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture is ideal for sports photography. It gives you incredible control over your exposure settings, allowing you to work in low light. And it’s a constant max aperture, so you don’t lose any stops when you zoom in.

Built-in optical Vibration Reduction (VR) is another bonus for sports shooters. Ensuring sharper shots at slow shutter speeds, it gives you even better low-light performance. This is helpful when dealing with fast-moving athletes.

A custom control ring and function button allow you to adjust your settings manually, so you don’t have to take your eye away from the viewfinder.

The build quality is excellent, with sealing against dust and moisture. That means you can cover dry and wet events.

Check out more of the best Nikon lenses for sports photography in this link. Or you can see all our Nikon Z lens recommendations.

4. Nikon AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

Brand	Brand Nikon
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 200-500 mm
Best for	Best for Nikon DSLR camerars

If you’re still using a Nikon DSLR camera, the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is the perfect lens for sports photography.

The wide zoom range and strong magnification are perfect for capturing sports. You get plenty of flexibility and the reach you need to snap distant sportsmen and women.

A f/5.6 max aperture isn’t the fastest, but it is constant throughout the zoom range. And it’s also backed by Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system. This offers 4.5 stops of shake compensation, giving you sharper shots in dim conditions.

Specialist glass, like the Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, reduces imperfections like chromatic aberration. There’s very little distortion, even at the edges at the widest angle.

A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) gives you fast and quiet AF support. The response times are excellent, so you rarely miss a shot.

We have more of the best Nikon F lenses in this article.

5. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Brand	Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Best for	Best for Sony full frame cameras

The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is the best sports photography lens for Sony users. It’s the perfect match for their high-performance mirrorless cameras.

Using double linear Direct Drive Super-Sonic Motors (DDSSM), the lens delivers super-fast autofocus support. The response times are just a fraction of a second at any point in the zoom range.

The f/4.5-5.6 max aperture isn’t the fastest, but it is decent for a lens with such a large focal range. You also have support from Sony’s Optical SteadyShot (OSS) stabilization, which provides several stops of compensation.

As part of Sony’s top GM range, you can expect excellent image quality from this lens. The barrel contains two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and one Super ED element, and they work together to reduce aberrations and distortion.

A Nano AR coating also eliminates flare and ghosting, which is helpful when shooting sporting events with powerful artificial lighting.

A zoom torque ring gives you more personalized control. The focus hold button is another handy feature, especially because it can be used for other functions as well.

If you’re a Sony user, you should also check out our list of the best Sony lenses for sports and the best Sony FE lenses.

6. Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS

Brand	Brand Sony
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5-6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 70-350 mm
Best for	Best for Sony APS-C Cameras

Sports photographers with a Sony crop sensor camera need this lens. The Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS has the beautiful build quality you’d expect from the Sony G Series. It gives fantastic magnification and has one of the best AF systems on any telephoto lens.

It has a max focal length of 350mm, so you can capture goal-line action from row Z. The large zoom range means you can shoot everything from stadium shots to portraits. Plus, the seven-blade diaphragm helps give you a beautiful background bokeh.

Sony cameras have excellent autofocus systems, and this lens improves AF performance even further. The XD linear motor is fast and accurate, even with moving subjects. It’s exactly what you need with fast sporting action. The focus mode switch makes it easy to change to manual focus.

A max aperture of f/6.3 when zoomed in isn’t ideal. But you have the OSS stabilizer to help you out in low light. You can still capture sports shots indoors or outside in the evening.

This lens rarely exhibits chromatic aberration. Image quality is unquestioned, and its dust—and moisture-resistant design makes it ideal for outdoor sports. As a Sony E lens, it’s compatible with cameras like the Sony a6600, or a6700.

7. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS

Brand	Brand Sigma
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-600 mm
Best for	Best for Canon or Nikon users on a budget

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS is a brilliant lens for sports photography. Its incredible 600mm max focal length gets you right next to the athletes. And it’s one of the most affordable super-telephoto zoom lenses there is.

A built-in optical stabilization system makes the slow f/6.3 aperture less of a problem. It provides several stops of compensation when you’re using slower shutter speeds. It also helps you capture sharper images of moving subjects, like athletes for sports cars.

The Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) offers fast and reliable focusing. And it’s whisper-quiet, so you won’t disturb the participants at quiet sporting events.

A zoom lock switch fixes the zoom at any focal length. And the barrel has a manual focus override switch, allowing you to take control at a moment’s notice.

This lens is available for Canon EF-mount and Nikon F-mount cameras. You can also see our full article on the best Sigma lenses for more options.

8. Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR

Brand	Brand Fujifilm
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 5.6
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 70-300 mm
Best for	Best for Fujifilm X cameras

Fujifilm has an excellent range of APS-C mirrorless cameras. And if you’re a Fujifilm user, the XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM is the best lens for sports photography.

It’s a versatile lens. The wider angles are perfect for stadium shots and portraits of individual athletes. And the 300mm focal length helps you get close-up shots from far away. You can capture the action in detail without disturbing the players.

An aperture of f/4 isn’t the fastest. But the quality of the glass helps make up for it. You also have optical image stabilization (OIS) built-in. That gives you more freedom with exposure settings. And it ensures you have sharp sports shots every time.

The durability of the construction makes it ideal for sports photography. It’s weather-resistant, so you can keep shooting when the heavens open. It also works in sub-zero temperatures, which is ideal for the next Winter Olympics or snowboarding championship.

The XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LM is compatible with Fujifilm’s X Series cameras. And you can see more of the best Fujifilm XF lenses by clicking his link.

9. Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3

Brand	Brand Olympus
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 3.5-6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 12-200 mm
Best for	Best for Olympus/OM System and other MFT cameras

The Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 is the ideal lens for sports photographers with an Olympus or OM System camera. And the great thing about the lens mount is that it’s compatible with all Micro Four Thirds (MFT cameras.

The large focal length range gives you versatility. MFT cameras use a smaller sensor, so the 200mm focal length is equivalent to 400mm on a full-frame camera!

That’s the type of magnification you need from a sports photography lens. Plus, the 12mm focal length gives you a beautiful wide angle. That allows you to capture epic wide stadium shots.

The best lenses for sports photography are durable and tough. This Olympus lens fits that description. It’s dustproof for summer events and frostproof for winter sports. It’s also weather-resistant for shooting in all conditions, so there will be no rain delays at your next photoshoot.

The Olympus ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 doesn’t have image stabilization. But cameras like the OM System OM-5 have built-in stabilization, so you do get extra support in low light. It’s a high-quality lens that offers excellent value for money.

See all the best Micro Four Thirds lenses in this detailed article.

Main Features of the Best Lens for Sports Photography

Finding the best lens is a good step in your sports photography career. If you still need more information on choosing a lens, we provide it below.

1. A Telephoto Zoom

A telephoto zoom lens is the best lens for photography. A telephoto or super-telephoto lens has a large focal length range, which means it has the power of magnification. It gets you closer to far-off subjects, which is ideal for sports photography.

You can get prime telephoto lenses. But they have a fixed focal length. A prime lens with a 200mm focal length gives you good magnification. But you have to move to change the distance.

A 70-200mm zoom lens lets you adjust the focal length anywhere in that range. So, changing the focal length zooms in or out.

2. A Large Focal Length

A large focal length and zoom range give more shooting options. Versatile sports photographers often use something like 70-200mm lenses.

Pro sports photographers may opt for prime lenses with longer focal lengths and fixed apertures. These provide higher-quality images. But they are a lot more expensive.

But 200mm gives you an excellent level of magnification. You can capture sporting action from the stands. The 70mm focal length is wide enough for environmental shots and good for sports portraits.

You don’t need 70-200mm exactly. But something in that range gives the magnification and variety of shots sports photographers need.

Shot with a Nikon D500. 185mm, f/2.8, 1/1,250, ISO 2,000. © Lars Bo Nielsen

3. Image Stabilization

An image stabilization system is handy for sports photographers. Telephoto lenses are very sensitive to movement when you use them at the higher end of the focal length. An image stabilizer helps to reduce the effects of camera shake.

Image stabilization also lets you use slower shutter speeds with less risk of blur. It’s ideal for night matches and indoor sporting events. It also helps because telephoto lenses often have slow max apertures.

Image stabilizers are handy but not essential for all sports photographers. Many cameras have built-in image stabilization. So you can use a lens without stabilization and still achieve sharp results.

4. A Low Max Aperture

The max aperture is important in any lens. The lower the f-stop number, the more light it allows. A lower max aperture, like f/2.8, gives you more options in low-light situations. You can also use faster shutter speeds for action shots.

While an f/4 max aperture isn’t bad, an f/2.8 gives you more light to work with. A lens with a lower max f-stop is better in low-light conditions. Consider it if you want this to shoot night sports or indoor events.

Conclusion: The Best Lens for Sports Photography

Do you want your sports photos on the cover of Sports Illustrated or FourFourTwo? Then, the first thing you need is the best lens for sports photography. It’ll help you get the shots you need to succeed as a sports photographer.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is our best sports photography lens choice. It’s a fast lens with a versatile focal length range that’s perfect for sports photographers. The large f/2.8 aperture helps you cover night and indoor sporting events.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Lens For Sports Photography

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR

Sony E 70-350mm F/4.5-6.3 G OSS SEL70350G

Conclusion: The Best Lens For Sports Photography

Conclusion Text

Our Top 3 Sports Photography Lenses

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Nikon Z 70-200mm F/2.8 VR S

WANDRD Transit Travel Backpack Review

Szilard Kovacs — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:01:25 +0000

Wandrd’s new Transit Travel Backpack was designed specifically to appeal to travel enthusiasts. It’s part of the Transit Line, which includes a carry-on suitcase, a tote bag, a travel wallet, and a backpack. In this article, I review the Transit Travel Backpack after a couple of months of use.

This backpack can be an excellent solution for travel photographers and filmmakers. The modular design not only fits our clothes and travel equipment but also leaves plenty of room for our photographic equipment thanks to the camera cube.

Wandrd products have always been favorites of our editorial team, and this bag is no exception. I tested it for months in different scenarios and photoshoot settings. Over the years, I have used many bags, but this was the first one that my colleagues repeatedly complimented on several different occasions.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Wandrd Transit Travel Daypack

Wandrd Transit Travel Backpack 35L (with the Essential Camera Cube Plus)

Weight	Weight 1900 g
Capacity	Capacity 35 L
Access Points	Access Points Front, Two sides
Airflow Back Support	Airflow Back Support Yes
Laptop Sleeve Capacity	Laptop Sleeve Capacity 16 inch
Tripod Holder	Tripod Holder
Warranty	Warranty Lifetime
Waterproof Rating	Waterproof Rating Water-resistant

The bag has an incredible number of pockets. A particular delight is that it resembles a suitcase, not a bag with the usual opening flap. Instead of packing from the top, you can open the bag like a book to gain access to the other storage space.

It is available in two different sizes: 35L and 45L. The standard sizes are 30L and 40L, but you can expand it by five liters thanks to a zipper.

Travel was the primary consideration when making this bag. But Wandrd hasn’t let photographers and videographers down with the Essential Camera Cube, which can be purchased separately. Perhaps the only drawback here is that while the bag is large, the size of the camera cube is limited. So it’s not ideal for a big shoot.

However, with a bit of creativity, the size of the camera cube didn’t limit me, thanks to the well-placed and roomy pockets.

Design and Color Options

As I mentioned, the crews I worked with immediately noticed this bag on set. I felt like a celebrity as everyone was asking what it was.

It’s available in two colors: black and wasatch green. I had the wasatch green during the test, and despite the fact that I like to buy almost everything I use on set in black, I’ve grown fond of the green version.

On the website, it looks more vibrant than the real thing. In certain lights, I find that it looks more greyish. But I find it to be a particularly fashionable color in real life.

Build Quality and Durability

You may already be familiar with the quality of the material from previous WANDRD bags, but if you haven’t used one before, I can only tell you this: it’s impressive.

Exterior Material

It is made of the same tarpaulin that the WANDRD Prvke is made from. And the Prvke was the overall winner of our hands-on best camera bags test. This material gives the bag a more special look, a bit like faux leather.

It’s an interesting look because, at first, you would think it is a fragile material. But trust me, it is not. The tarpaulin and ballistic nylon combine to form a strong housing. I didn’t give it any special care on my shoots, but there are no scratches on it. I’m sure micro scratches will occur in the long run, but it’s a work tool after all.

Weather Protection

WANDRD refers to this bag as not submerge-proof, but damn close to it. I can confirm that, as I did get caught in a downpour on one occasion. And my camera gear inside stayed perfectly dry thanks to this material and the robust zippers.

Interior Material

The inside of the bag is a shinier nylon material. The pockets are made of transparent nylon mesh, which makes it easy to find things.

The material on the inside doesn’t seem as durable as the outside. But upon further inspection, they are definitely durable. For months, I’ve packed and unpacked a lot from the bag, from camera equipment to clothes, but so far I haven’t found a single stake.

The pockets in the main compartment are elasticated, and the ones on the left are zipped. If you open the left compartment, there is also a larger packable compartment with the same inner lining as the main compartment.

Straps and Back Support

The shoulder straps are not the softest I’ve ever seen on a bag, but they are surprisingly comfortable. I didn’t have any issues or discomfort wearing the bag for long periods.

Both the back and the shoulder straps are made of well-ventilated material. Adjusting the shoulder strap is not the easiest or quickest, but that is a positive in my experience. Because once you adjust it to how you want it, it stays that way. It doesn’t slip, even under the heaviest loads.

You also get a chest strap, which can come in handy when you’re really loading up the bag with clothes and gear. With that said, it’s a bit fiddly to use. Putting the strap back into its little “rail” is not so easy. I took it off after the first couple of times.

Chest strap

There is a section of the back that is held together with Velcro. You can tuck the shoulder straps in here so that they don’t hang all over the overhead bin when you travel by plane. Or if you put them on top of your suitcase using the suitcase handle sleeve, they won’t get stuck there.

Thinking of little things like this is a testament to the WANDRD ethos. It’s clear they really wanted to create the best bag they could.

Seams and Stitching

Thanks to the quality stitching, the bag looks like it was carved from a block. There are no weak points at all. During the test I had the opportunity to travel with the bag to several places, often very packed. The stitching did its job when I lifted the bag by the strap. I never felt for a moment that it couldn’t handle the load.

The mesh nylon pockets sometimes made me worry that those little holes would tear easily, but it hasn’t happened so far. And that’s true even though I’ve had multitools, screwdrivers, and drone propellers in there.

Internal Padding

There are really no padded linings inside. The whole interior is held in place by a shiny nylon material. You can feel a bit of softness in the main compartment, but that’s just the padding on the back.

The bottom of the laptop/tablet holder pocket is raised and somewhat padded. This is good because when you put it on the ground, your device doesn’t touch the ground, but an extra layer helps to keep it safe.

When you insert the camera cube, you get a fleece Velcro-friendly material. It’s very soft to the touch. With that said, I’m happy putting my camera gear in it because the dividers are well-padded and hold the gear firmly in place.

Zippers and Fastenings

The first thing you notice about this bag is that it has lots of zippers. The main exterior zipper pulls are quite large and prominent but still fit this rugged design.

When it comes to pulling the outer zippers, be prepared to exert quite a bit of force to do so, as they don’t slide very easily. However, if you look at why, you’ll see the quality of the giant zipper rail and that it won’t fall apart. The rubber along the zipper also adds a bit of friction when you pull, but this is what gives it its weather-resistant seal. So, it’s a bit of a tradeoff.

An awkward thing about the amount of zippers is that it’s not always clear which one belongs to which pocket. I often found myself pulling on the wrong zipper, even though I’d been using the bag daily for months.

The inner zippers have a different set of rails. They are much easier to pull but still feel high quality and durable.

Functionality and Ease of Use

Looking at the travel aspect only, this bag was my obvious choice. It’s a perfect size for an extended weekend trip. But as a photographer’s bag, you need to get a little creative.

Size and Weight

Although not the most compact bag in the world, the Transit backpack is surprisingly slim when not full. When empty, it weighs 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg). That might not be considered super light, but that’s due to the materials’ quality.

The dimensions are as follows: It’s 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) tall, 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) wide, and 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) deep, which can be expanded to 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) deep.

When fully loaded, and even with the extra five-liter zipper open, be careful when turning in tight spots to avoid knocking something over or bumping into someone.

Capacity

I chose the 35L version, and I can still manage to pack all my important (and even extra) clothes. The bag is 30 liters, but the zippers on the front allow you to increase this by another five liters.

If you look at the bag from the top, the right side is the main compartment. You can insert the camera cube in this section, which can be the essential camera cube or the essential plus camera cube. I chose the latter. I would probably recommend the 35L version for shorter people because the 45L might feel oversized.

Organization and Customization

People who like to keep their gear well organized will love this bag. Because of the size of the camera cube, you’ll need to be a little creative if you want to carry a lot of tech with you, as it offers limited space for the size of the bag. Even though you can fully customize all the little separators inside the cube, you might still be cramped for space if you have a lot of gear.

A small job can always be taken on with this bag. It can very easily hold a full-frame camera and two or three lenses. There’s also room for extra batteries and some filters. If you use an APS-C sensor camera, you might even be able to squeeze more stuff in since those lenses tend to be smaller.

However, if you’re using a DSLR, think carefully about what you want to take. Longer focal-length lenses may need to be left at home. But considering how many pockets the bag has, the camera cube’s limited size is not a problem.

The bag’s top pocket is notably large. It easily fits extra batteries, powerbanks, and chargers. Next to it, you’ll find a small pocket from which you can pull out a carabiner, the perfect place for your keys.

There are also two pockets on the front. From the front, the left zipper opens up to a spacious pocket. You can fit anything from books to filter holders and rocket blowers.

On the opposite side, there is also a similar spacious pocket that goes deep, but it is separated by a small organizer, so you get four decent-sized pockets. Inside the main compartment, two elastic pockets on either side of the bag will easily hold accessories like batteries and grey cards.

On the right side, there are two zippered pockets, which are also very roomy. If you open the lid, you also get another main compartment, which you can expand by another five liters. Don’t forget the hidden passport pocket and the cleverly hidden Airtag holder.

If you buy the Packing Cube Set separately, you can pack your clothes more easily. Thanks to the compress zipper, you can also make better use of space by compressing your clothes even smaller.

It’s also a very good idea to invest in WANDRD’s Tech Bag, which, when inserted over the camera cube, gives you even more pockets. The same quality materials were used for this bag. Or if you buy an additional strap, you can leave the big bag at home and take the essentials with you. My personal recommendation would be the dallol yellow color.

The camera cube can be attached by unzipping the top and folding it under itself, which seems strange at first but works. The two sides are held by two Velcro straps, and the bottom is also held by two Velcro straps that attach to the inside of the cube.

Access Points

There are two access points to choose from because both sides of the cube can be zip-locked. The zippered flap can be folded into a special pocket on either side of the bag. This way, you can access the camera if either side of the bag is unzipped.

No matter how tightly you secure the camera cube, it will always move a little but stay securely in place. That’s the price you pay when you want a bag to have more than one use at once.

Security

In my opinion, a camera bag should always be accessible by opening the back of the bag. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues have had their bags pickpocketed without noticing it on time.

At first, I was worried that this was not how the bag opened, but WANDRD’s zippers are a clever solution. If you connect the zipper handles, you can’t open the pockets because one zipper pulls the other one along. You can combine them in many ways so that the important pockets are always safe.

Additional Features

The back of the bag also has a laptop sleeve that fits my 16-inch MacBook Pro. This pocket has a small divider for your iPad or Kindle.

It would have been nice to see a different material instead of nylon. Something plush like the camera cube would have been nice, but this material still provides adequate protection for your devices.

I like the design solution that when you put the bag on top of your suitcase, these pockets face upwards so they are always easily accessible.

There are also pockets on both sides of the bag. Opening the large pocket on the left side reveals the main compartment, which can be an excellent access point to the camera cube. In this pocket, you will also find a zipper with an elongated pocket. There is also a water bottle holder on the other side, but thanks to the strap on the top, you can also place your tripod here.

Compatibility and Versatility

It may be perfect for mirrorless and ASP-C cameras. But as I mentioned above, the size of the pockets means some DSLR owners might want a bit more space.

Compatibility for Cameras and Lenses

During my test, I stored a Sony FX30, a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, and a Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8. I also took my ND filter and spare batteries with me.

I had to be creative with the DJI Mic 2, but two front pockets were large enough to hold the kit. On top of the camera cube, I placed the Audio Technika MTH-50X headphones in their case and the tech bag with all the accessories next to them.

The inner zipped pockets also held my lens-cleaning kit and a roll of duct tape. And the expandable internal pocket looks like it was designed for a gimbal. Even with all that gear, free pockets remain in the bag.

The real difficulty is carrying multiple cameras or drones because they don’t fit in the camera cube at the same time. Although you can put them in the other pockets, I wouldn’t recommend it because they can slip in there, and the padding is thinner than the main compartment.

Carrying Versatility

This bag has handles on each side in addition to regular backpack straps. This is great if you’re traveling by plane. You can put it in the overhead compartment and always have a handle to grab. You don’t have to twist it or carry it in any other awkward way.

The same is true for the trunk of a car. It’s always very easy to grab the bag from whatever position you put it in. If you hide the shoulder straps, it is also very comfortable to carry it on your suitcase thanks to its suitcase handle sleeve.

Price and Value

The price of the bag is not among the lowest ones on the market. But when you look at the quality, capacity, and customizability, it’s a different story. If you’re just looking for a simple camera bag, this might not be the best choice, as the camera cube has to be bought separately, and prices can easily add up.

Mounting the cube is cleverly designed but a bit fiddly for me, which is a bit disappointing at this price point. However, if you travel a lot and want to take your camera with you, you only need one bag, and this is it.

Complemented with the Tech Bag and the packing cubes, the price enters the expensive category. But this is a high-quality bag that will last you a very long time. Once you’ve bought your expensive camera gear, you don’t want to risk damaging it by keeping it in a cheap bag.

Warranty

Encouragingly, WANDRD is offering a lifetime guarantee with the bag. This shows that they have not skimped on quality and instills a feeling of confidence. And if you don’t like the bag, you have 30 days to change your mind and return it.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of WANDRD’s mission, evident in its commitment to reducing environmental impact at every stage of production. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing responsible manufacturing practices, WANDRD strives to create products that minimize harm to the planet.

They aim to leave a positive legacy for future generations through initiatives like carbon offsetting and waste reduction. This ensures that their bags not only meet customers’ needs but also support a healthier, more sustainable world. The bags’ high quality ensures a longer lifespan, minimizing textile waste.

Alternatives to the Wandrd Transit Travel Backpack

Traveling with photography gear is always a challenge, but the WANDRD Transit Travel Backpack is a great solution for the adventurous photographer. If this bag isn’t right for you, here are some alternatives.

Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ Camera Backpack

The Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ camera backpack is a product of photographers’ insights. And it’s an ideal travel companion.

It’s lightweight, made from high-tech weatherproof materials, and offers superior protection for camera gear. It’s designed to accommodate mirrorless cameras but can also fit a full-frame DSLR.

This backpack is not just about protection; it’s also about convenience and organization. Its various dividers allow you to customize the space according to your needs.

It also features a laptop and tablet section. And both are padded for extra protection.

But the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter isn’t just about functionality. It’s about responsibility too. The main component, the external fabric, is produced in a carbon-neutral factory. This makes it a great choice for the eco-conscious photographer.

But, like any product, it’s not perfect. Some may find its design a bit mundane.

Also, accessing the main flap requires removing the bag, which can be inconvenient for some. But these are minor issues and don’t overshadow its overall performance.

Thule Covert 32L Camera Backpack

The Thule Covert 32L camera backpack is a top-notch travel choice for photographers. Its robust build quality and durable materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.

The Swedish brand Thule has a longstanding reputation for quality outdoor equipment. And the Covert backpack is no exception.

Despite being on the heavier side, its weight is justified by its superior construction and functionality. It offers ample storage and customizable padded dividers, making it versatile for different gear setups.

Its weather protection is excellent, safeguarding your equipment from the elements. But the main drawback is its weight. At 4.7 lb (2.14 kg) empty, it’s noticeably heavier than many other camera backpacks.

But traveling photographers who want durability and protection over lightweight convenience will find this a good investment. It’s designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor travel, And it’s a reliable companion for your photo adventures.

Final Verdict of the WANDRD Transit Travel Backpack 35L

It’s not a regular photographer’s bag but a travel bag that can be upgraded to a photographer’s bag. With this in mind, I didn’t calculate the point for the empty bag, but for the Camera Cube Essential Plus that can be bought separately.

Measurement	Measurement Score
Design and Aesthetics	Design and Aesthetics
Build Quality and Durability	Build Quality and Durability
Functionality and Ease of Use	Functionality and Ease of Use
Weather Resistance	Weather Resistance
Compatibility and Versatility	Compatibility and Versatility
Value for Money	Value for Money
Total Score	Total Score

10 Services to Order the Best Canvas Prints Online in 2024

Nick Constant — Wed, 15 May 2024 09:01:52 +0000

We have compiled a list of the best websites for ordering the best canvas prints online. So whether you are looking for a high-quality service or one with a huge range of customization options, we have you covered.

When it comes to home decor, there’s nothing quite like a beautiful canvas print. Not only are they stylish, but they can also be a great way to showcase your personality and unique style.

Thanks to the ever-growing number of online printing services, getting your hands on canvas prints online has never been easier. But with so many different services, how do you know which is the best for you? Our top pick is CanvasPop, but read on to find out more.

High-Quality Prints

Canvaspop Canvas Printing

Looking for convenience and high-quality canvas prints online? Look no further than this top canvas printing store, offering a variety of sizes and materials to turn your photos into stunning works of art.

Where Can I Get the Best Canvas Prints Online?

Many print services online turn any picture into a canvas print (or other product). You can upload photos from your phone, computer, or social media. Canvas print service providers then turn it into a beautiful piece of art.

The best thing about these services is that you can get them in any size to fit your needs:

Small for everyday decoration
Medium-sized for a home interior design project
Large for an entire wall display

Some canvas print online services let you design your artwork. Other services let you upload an image they resize for you.

Canvas print services offer different types of canvases from which to choose. Options include framed, wrapped, mounted, and unmounted. And all these canvases have special laminates that help preserve your images.

“July by the River” by Jené Stephaniuk (Unsplash)

10 Best Services to Order Canvas Prints Online

Here are our top 10 recommended canvas print services.

1. CanvasPop

Pricing	Pricing Medium to high end
Ships To	Ships To US, Canada, EU
Delivery	Delivery 7 - 10 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Framed, Collages, Tryptic, Tabletop, Cards, and Art prints
Best For	Best For Dedicated canvas printing but also has a wide range of print options

CanvasPop is a website that offers the best-quality canvas prints. It uses HD printing technology and high-quality materials to create durable yet affordable wall art for your home or office.

They have a wide selection of canvases, wooden frames, and other accessories. And they make it simple to customize your order with just a few clicks.

I am a fan of their simple interface. These websites can be overloaded with visual material that can be distracting. But CanvasPop does a great job of keeping random graphics to a minimum.

CanvasPop‘s site offers customizable features and high-quality products. This makes it one of the best online canvas print services.

2. CanvasChamp

Pricing	Pricing Low Cost
Ships To	Ships To US, Canada, India, United Kingdom, New Zealand
Delivery	Delivery 3 - 7 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Acrylic, Metal, Framed, Wood, Cloth, Photo, and Gift printing
Best For	Best For Print quality to cost ratio, get great prints for a great price

CanvasChamp offers a vast selection of sizes, styles, shapes, and custom canvas prints. Options range from traditional prints to hexagon-shaped canvases and wedding canvases with lyrics.

At CanvasChamp, you’ll find many other customizable home decor items. There are wood prints, photo pillows and blankets, photo moon lamps, and mugs, to name a few.

It regularly offers seasonal discounts on its products, like Black Friday deals. It also has a lowest-price guarantee. If you find any other company offering a lower price, it will match it and provide an extra 10% discount.

The CanvasChamp interface a bit busy. The saving grace is that they make a special effort to present streamlined prices. This helps reduce your time on their website before you get the final quote.

3. CanvasHQ

Pricing	Pricing Medium Range
Ships To	Ships To US
Delivery	Delivery 7 days
Key Services	Key Services Dedicated Canvas printing service
Best For	Best For People who want great results or their money back

CanvasHQ puts a huge emphasis on the quality of its products. You can choose matte, semi-gloss, glossy, iridescent, and vintage canvases when ordering from them.

They also offer a “100% satisfaction guarantee.” If you’re not 100% happy with your order, they will remake it for you or refund your money.

CanvasHQ makes a great effort to be transparent about its processes. This is wonderful, as knowing the details about each part of their printing process makes a difference. All these details are in their website’s “Why We’re Better” section.

4. Shutterfly

Pricing	Pricing Low to Mid Range
Ships To	Ships To Worldwide (except Russia and select others)
Delivery	Delivery 6 - 10 business days, Super-rush orders available within 1 - 2 days
Key Services	Key Services Widest range of products available, including photobooks, gifts, and multiple wall art options
Best For	Best For Those looking to get more than a single canvas print

Shutterfly is the leading company in personalized gifts. Its canvas print section is under “Wall Art.” And you can also find Shutterfly’s numerous gift and print options here.

Besides high-quality canvas prints in every shape and size, they also offer photo books and water bottles. They even have personalized face masks. You can get everything that you need for a unique gift pack in one place.

Just ensure you don’t leave the Shutterfly site buying a new house decor.

5. Photobox

Pricing	Pricing Low to Mid Range
Ships To	Ships To Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
Delivery	Delivery 2 - 6 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Tiles, Acrylic, Framed, Photobooks, and many more
Best For	Best For Great 110% guarantee on quality of their prints

Photobox provides some of the best canvas prints. They use professional-grade canvas material and state-of-the-art printing technology. This produces a flawless finish that lasts for years to come.

They also offer a unique “110% satisfaction guarantee.” If you don’t like your order, they will credit your account with 110% of your order value.

The website’s design and simplicity are also winning factors. Some printing sites can be hectic because there are so many options. An interface’s design can make it hard to get around their website. But Photobox uses big thumbnails for effortless site navigation.

6. Photo Canvas Land

Pricing	Pricing Low Cost
Ships To	Ships To US, Canada
Delivery	Delivery 15 - 21 days
Key Services	Key Services Gallery Canvas, Rolled Canvas, Mini Canvas, and Fine Art printing
Best For	Best For High-end canvas printing for a low cost

Photo Canvas Land promises museum-quality canvas prints for the lowest price. These high-quality services are always a great thing to look out for. It usually means their cheaper, entry-level services will still provide great prints.

The company has been active since 2000 and has provided quality prints since. The website does seem a tiny bit dated. But this could be a good sign that they favor product quality over flashy design.

This isn’t to say the interface is bad. I still enjoyed navigating the site. And it’s very straightforward, which is a plus.

Photo Canvas Land offers various canvas or regular printing options. Both come with extra mounting options. I enjoy their selections, as they enhance the photo while keeping it the main focus.

7. Mixbook

Pricing	Pricing Mid Range
Ships To	Ships To International
Delivery	Delivery 8 - 12 days
Key Services	Key Services Home Decor, Calendars, Cards, Photobooks
Best For	Best For Great production and offers good custom options for canvas printing

Mixbook is a service that doesn’t specialize in canvas printing. Instead, it specializes in putting your photographs on everything you can imagine.

They produce work with fantastic quality, especially the level of detail they put into their canvas printing section. You have a lot of choices to refine your print. You can even make adjustments in a program Mixbook provides.

8. PhotoBarn

Pricing	Pricing Mid Range
Ships To	Ships To US and Canada
Delivery	Delivery 5 - 7 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Wood, Burlap, and other rustic printing options
Best For	Best For People looking for a particular rustic style to match their decor

PhotoBarn is your option if you want to have a little more fun with your photo printing. As the name suggests, most of their products conform to a barn aesthetic. And this aesthetic is increasingly popular in people’s homes nowadays.

This aesthetic is evident when they offer a service that prints on burlap. This option gives your image a more textured surface. It reduces the quality of the print, but it fits the aesthetic well.

Photo pallets, ornaments, and hexagonal photo tiles are among some of the various printing options they offer. These are great for fun family images or images celebrating a special occasion.

If you want quality photographs you can appreciate, I don’t think this option is for you. But these can be excellent niche presents for friends and family.

As well as a personal printing service, you can pick up other items that match the PhotoBarn aesthetic. This includes various signs that you can hang around your house.

9. Elephant Stock

Pricing	Pricing Mid Range
Ships To	Ships To US and Canada
Delivery	Delivery 3 - 4 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Multi-Panel Canvas, Framed, Poster, and Art prints
Best For	Best For High levels of print quality and a wide range of art options

Elephant Stock focuses on providing a print service for selling stock images. It is named after the size of its image database and boasts an incredible number of images. This can be helpful if you plan to decorate your home, especially as you can browse by color.

They produce many of their stock image prints. So you can trust they will produce high-quality prints of your work. It means they have refined how an image will look based on the size and quality of the file.

All of their canvases are layered with a special protective laminate. This laminate has UV, scratch-resistant, and waterproof capabilities. This means your prints will last longer without significantly losing image quality.

Don’t let their price turn you off. They often have huge sales that dramatically reduce their prices. So it’s always worth checking before you buy.

10. iCanvas

Pricing	Pricing High End
Ships To	Ships To International
Delivery	Delivery 8 - 12 days
Key Services	Key Services Canvas, Acrylic, and wide range of Art print options
Best For	Best For Previewing prints before ordering them

iCanvas is your average canvas print online service. They provide another big database of stock images.

I enjoy the way you can browse. They have a great system to search through their database. You can look through sections organized by different house rooms, subjects, and colors.

The personal printing service is excellent. After you upload your images, you are presented with a page to edit every aspect of your print. This is convenient, as you can see all your options.

iCanvas also provides a proofing service to see what your image will look like directly on the print. But if iCanvas has one weakness, they are not the best at blowing up low-resolution imagery.

How to Order a Canvas Print (Step By Step)

Ordering canvas prints online is easy. After following a few steps, your canvas can be delivered straight to your door in a few days.

Choose a photo you want to turn into wall art. Make sure the file has the minimum required resolution and size for printing.
Examine the photo carefully. Zoom in on it so you can spot imperfections and blurriness that would be noticeable when printed.
Choose the canvas style on the print service’s website.
Upload your photo.
Pick a size for your canvas, select a material, and add any extra accessories, like a frame, that may suit it.
Submit your order.

The most important point to remember is to check your file sizes. These companies cannot make good prints of bad images. It is worth checking the size of your image files and how big they can be before losing quality.

I suggest asking a friend to check the image size or learn to check the image size yourself in Photoshop.

What to Look for in the Best Canvas Print Service

There are three important things to consider before ordering a canvas print online:

Quality of canvas
Quality of ink
Price

To suit your needs best, order your print from a company that offers a wide range of canvases and finishes (such as framed, wrapped, or mounted). And ensure the ink they use is up to your standard.

Also, if you order custom canvas prints online as a last-minute present, ensure the company offers speedy or same-day shipping.

Conclusion: Ordering the Best Canvas Prints Online

We live in a time when putting your favorite images on a wall couldn’t be easier. If you wanted to do this in the recent past, it would have taken you months and cost you dearly. Taking an image from your computer onto a canvas is fast and easy.

One of the sites on our list will provide you with great canvases to hang in your home. The selection should be based on preference and ease. Don’t settle for anything less than a print you will be happy with. These canvases can last for years.

If you want to create colorful, unique wall art, check out our Urban Smartphone Minimalism eBook. It includes projects to create beautiful compositions.

High-Quality Prints

Canvaspop Canvas Printing

11 Best Canon RF Lenses in 2024 (Prime and Zoom)

Nick Constant — Tue, 14 May 2024 08:50:03 +0000

Today we are looking at the best Canon RF lenses. The RF and RF-S series are for the popular Canon mirrorless cameras. They make serious claims as alternatives to the long-established stable of Canon EOS DSLRs. They are pitched at professionals and prosumers.

There are now over 30 Canon lenses for their RF-mount camera bodies. Over half of those are L series lenses. Canon doesn’t paint a prestigious red line around any old piece of glass. And L series lenses come with a hefty price tag. So we can see that Canon takes their EOS R cameras and RF-mount lenses seriously.

Our top pick is a compact, fast, and very popular focal length lens.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Canon RF Lenses

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

What Canon RF Lenses Are Available?

Before we look at the best Canon RF lenses in detail, here’s a quick round-up of why we like them.

If you want to see the best Canon EF lenses for DSLR cameras, click this link.

Best Standard Zoom

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Weather-sealed
Up to 5 stops IS
Smooth, buttery bokeh

Best Value

Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Great value prime lens
Very compact and discreet
Close focusing
Distortion-free

Best Allrounder

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

Versatile focal length range
Constant f/4
Programmable lens ring
Great bokeh

Best Fast Lens

Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

A great "Nifty Fifty"
Sharp at all apertures
Perfect for astrophotography
Faultless AF

Best Portrait Lens

Canon RF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM

Macro focus to 1.4x
Variable spherical aberration control
5 stops IS (8 with IBIS)
Fast and accurate IS

Best Wide-Angle

Canon RF 16mm F/2.8 STM

Amazing value
Tiny size
Fast aperture
Distortion-free ultra-wide

Best Long Telephoto

Canon RF 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM

Super-fast AF
Close focussing
Stops down to f/32-45
IS recognizes panning and adapts

Best Rugged Telephoto

Canon RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM

Super-fast AF
Constant f/2.8
Very sharp optics
Weather sealed

Best for Sports

Canon RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Very close focus ability
Super sharp optics
Almost distortion-free
Adjustable zoom ring

Best Macro Lens

Canon RF 85mm F/2 Macro IS STM

Great value macro lens
Fast f/2 aperture
Super-quiet STM AF motor
Maximum 1:2 magnification

Most Versatile Lens

Canon RF 24-240mm f/4.0-6.3 IS USM Zoom Lens

Versatile focal lengths
Very sharp images
Compact size
5 stops IS

1. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

I find this Canon RF 24-70mm /2.8L lens an interesting proposition. It covers the lovely 24mm wide-angle, and goes beyond the nifty fifty standard lens focal length. But then I wonder, does it go far enough? Well, I think 70mm is just about OK for portraits. So in the end, you have a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for a number of really useful focal lengths.

And what makes this lens even more appealing is that it delivers super-creamy bokeh at all focal lengths. But especially at 70mm. And this is where you’d want it for portrait work. So what you get is a standard lens with a pretty fast f/2.8. But also one that you can zoom out for that more inclusive 24mm view. Or just get a bit closer with the 70mm. And with 5 stops of IS, that f/2.8 looks even more inviting.

Nine rounded iris blades help with this bokeh. They also produce appealing stars when capturing bright light sources like the sun.

The programmable control ring on this lens has clicks on it. This makes it feel like an aperture ring of old. It would also be helpful if you assign exposure compensation or ISO to it. As an L series lens, all the controls feel sturdy and of good quality.

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens produces sharp images across the focal lengths, and even when it’s wide open. For videographers, there’s only slight focus breathing at 24mm. It’s a high-quality standard zoom lens for everyday use.

2. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

Put this little RF 50mm f/1.8 lens on your EOS R camera, and you’ll be amazed at how discreet it is. The “nifty fifty” is a long-time favorite of photographers. It used to be called the “standard lens” because it was the lens that came with your SLR camera. This was before the days of cheap zoom lenses. A 50mm lens gives roughly the angle of view of the human eye. So everything looks familiar.

You can pay a lot of money for a faster 50mm (see the listing below). But if you’re looking to expand your lens collection with a prime lens, this is a great place to start. The compact body means there isn’t room for a focus ring and a control ring. So instead, Canon makes the Auto/Manual focus switch instead a way of switching between control ring and focus. This is a (literally) neat solution.

Images are crisp and sharp across the aperture range. Bokeh is good, but not excellent. And it is better at close ranges. Although this isn’t a macro lens, it will get nice and close for some impressive close-up work.

It’s great value for a neat little lens.

3. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-105 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

It might seem odd at first to pay so much money for this RF 24-105mm lens with a maximum f/4 aperture. But it has built-in lens image stabilization. And many EOS R cameras have in-body IS. Combine this with very good maximum ISO ratings and you have much less of a problem with the relatively slow maximum aperture.

The 24-105mm range of this lens is excellent. In the days of prime lenses, a 24mm was the widest you’d get without being ultra-specialist. And 105mm is a handy level of telephoto. It’s a super portrait lens, offering creamy bokeh and pin-sharp accuracy for detail.

The lens has three rings. In addition to the focus and zoom, there is a third control ring. This changes exposure composition by default. But it can be programmed in-camera to a whole range of functions. It’s handy for a quick change of ISO, for instance.

The EOS R5 often comes with this lens as a kit lens. But it is as far removed as you could wish from what we normally think of with a kit lens. You could go weeks using this every day without feeling the need to take it off.

Image quality is bright and crisp across the zoom range and apertures. If video is your thing, there is no sign of focus breathing. It’s a great lens, and as a kit lens, it offers exceptional value.

4. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.2
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 50 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a fine example of why a lens like this is popular. Super-fast at f/1.2, it allows handheld shooting in low light. It impresses with its sharpness. The narrow depth of field at f/1.2 produces creamy bokeh, with pin-sharp focus on the subject. These qualities help to make it a great choice for astrophotography.

There are two rings on the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. The second is the control ring, which can be programmed to control a range of functions of exposure parameters. This is a big lens for a 50mm. It’s certainly no pancake lens. But it delivers exceptional quality with your EOS R series camera.

It’s a lot more expensive than the top choice 50mm in this review. It is clearly a more substantial lens. It will stand up to more hard use. So it’s a good choice for you if you are going to use it professionally—all day, every day.

5. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro

Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L lens is notable for its super fast ability to focus from infinity to macro, quickly and accurately. It will focus down close enough to give 1.4x magnification. But it’s not just for bees and flowers. 100mm is a favorite length for portrait work. And this 100mm is well-suited for portraits.

Not only does it have super-smooth bokeh, helped by its nine rounded iris blades, it also has adjustable spherical aberration (SA). This is controlled by a clearly marked ring on the lens. SA creates a soft focus effect. Not out of focus, but soft. Unlike a filter you have to add or remove, this can immediately be applied or not.

The lens is sharp and accurate, with no discernible distortion. It has built-in IS. When used with in-body stabilization on a camera like the Canon EOS R5, it gives up to eight stops IS. Macro shots are incredibly sharp, and can be very stylish when used wide open, to really make the subject pop.

Like all RF lenses, you also have the programmable control ring. If you want a portrait or macro lens, you won’t be disappointed with the RF 100mm f/2.8L lens on your EOS R camera.

6. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

Lens Type	Lens Type Prime Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 16 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

If you’ve never used a 16mm lens, then you’ve missed out on a treat. When my photographer daughter first used my EF 16-35mm f/4L lens, she hated it. Then she saw the possibilities of a 16mm and now she loves it.

This little Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 lens gives beautifully sharp results, and manages to pack it all into a tiny lens. The 7 rounded iris blades produce nice stars around the sun or bright lights. But there’s almost no flare. And you’ll be shooting lots of pictures of the sun, because the sky is so expansive and beautiful through a 16mm lens.

I use my 16-35mm lens for real estate photography. But truly, the 17-35mm focal lengths are wasted. And even with a tripod, I’d love the extra stop that this f/2.8 lens would give me. And my back would appreciate its lightness.

This is a lot of lens for the money. And the results are excellent.

7. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 8.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-400 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The focal length range of this RF 100-400mm lens takes you from portrait length to sports photography. But, with some limitations. It is relatively slow, so you will appreciate the six stops of IS that can be achieved with in-body IS in some EOS R cameras. Especially as the lens recognizes panning action and adapts the IS in light of that.

The sports photographer will appreciate the lightning fast AF. And if 400mm isn’t enough for you, then you can use it with a 2x extender, without losing any IS or AF functionality.

It’s not a macro lens, but the RF 100-400mm can focus as close as 2.9 ft (200mm). This will give you 0.41x magnification at 400mm. And the quality of the optics is such that you won’t have to worry about sharpness.

The bokeh you get from this lens is consistently smooth and buttery. Of course, it’s at its best at 400mm. But given that means f/8, the bokeh is very pleasing. Nine curved blades in the iris provide great starbursts around the sun and other bright light sources.

This is a surprisingly compact lens given its capabilities. It provides great image quality and great performance at a modest price.

8. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 70-200 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

It’s a revelation using one of Canon’s L-series f/2.8 70-200mm lenses. The RF version is additionally remarkable because it is so compact. Although it comes with a tripod collar, as you’d expect, it hardly needs it.

The quality of the optics is superb. It’s sharp and accurate with little barrel or pin-cushion distortion. Your EOS R series camera will correct for this anyway. And the autofocus is fast and very accurate.

The lens has more switches than a non-L series zoom. As well as AF/MF and IS, there is a 3-way IS switch. This selects between normal, panning, and battery-saving normal.

As you’d expect from an L series, the lens is weather sealed. You won’t need to panic about dust and water, but of course, it’s not submersible. The programmable control ring is nearest the mount. Not the other end, as is the case for some of the shorter-barreled lenses.

This lens is not cheap, but if you intend to use it day after day, it’s a great choice. The classic gray color might make you think of sports or journalism. But this makes a super portrait lens because the f/2.8 can isolate your subject against foreground and background.

9. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 100-500 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The RF 100-500mm L series lens covers two favorite focal lengths. 100mm is a common portrait lens length. And 500mm is a popular choice for sports photography. With a wide zoom range, there are always compromises. The maximum aperture at 100mm, for instance, is not perfect for portraits. And at 200mm, it’s f/5.

But for that compromise, you get a lens that performs well at all focal lengths. I occasionally take pictures at soccer games, and if you only have, say, a 200mm lens, you will be frustrated when the action moves to the other end of the field.

The lens has three IS modes. There’s normal mode and the second mode is for when the camera is panning. The third mode only engages when the shutter is pressed in order to save battery. Other switches allow AF on/off, IS on/off, and AF limiting. This can prevent the lens focusing closer than 10 ft (3 m) if it’s struggling to lock on. That being said, the AF is very fast and accurate, even from the extremes.

There are four rings—zoom, manual focus, zoom stiffness, and the RF programmable ring. If you find the zoom creeping, you can tighten the ring. Some people find the control ring a little close to the lens mount to fall easily to hand.

Otherwise, this lens produces pin-sharp results across a wide range of focal lengths. As a bonus, you can get some excellent close-up shots, even at full zoom and wide open.

10. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS USM

Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.0
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 85 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

If you want a genuine specialist portrait lens, then this Canon RF 85mm f/2 is a great place to start looking. If my memory serves me correctly, 85mm used to be the go-to length for portraits. This is back in the day before zoom lenses were common or affordable. At 85mm, you hit the sweet spot between flattering facial rendition and adequate distance from your subject.

Another weapon in this lens’s armory is its macro capabilities. A maximum magnification of 1:2 means that an image is half of the actual size. So a picture of a 35mm negative fills half the frame. And as this lens has pin-sharp optics at all apertures. This means, in practice, you can get sharp close-ups with ease. Bear in mind that, at f/2, there’s not much depth of field.

One of the three buttons on the lens barrel allows you to limit the AF. You choose full, from 19.6″ (0.5 m) to infinity, or only between the minimum 13.7″ (35 cm) and 19.6″ (50 cm). This means that if you’re just doing macro work, the lens knows to restrict itself to those distances. In any case, AF is very fast and extremely quiet thanks to the STM motor.

Although this isn’t a cheap lens by consumer-level standards, it is when compared to an L series lens. You could easily find that this does all you want and more for a fraction of the cost of the pro-level equivalent.

11. Canon RF 24-240mm f/2 Macro IS USM

Lens Type	Lens Type Zoom Lens
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 4-6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-240 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

This Canon RF 24-240mm f/2 lens is another one without the L badge, but it’s still a lens that will give you excellent results. The zoom range will keep you happy from the street to casual sports photography. Along the way, you can take portraiture and landscape photographs.

As well as the IS on/off switch, you have a selector switch for the second ring. This switches it between a programmable control ring and manual focus. This is a sensible setup because manual focus will be an occasional need. Especially since the AF on the lens is fast and accurate.

Image quality is great across the very wide focal length range. A 10x zoom is a remarkable thing to use. Although the compromise here is in aperture, at 24mm it is the same as the L series 24-105. And with five stops of IS available, it becomes less of an issue.

This could be a lens you rarely take off your camera. It delivers great results at a very attractive price.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the RF-mount is gaining in strength. Canon are clearly committed to it. Most of their iconic and popular EF-mount lenses now have RF versions. And in many cases, they perform better than the original. They also all take advantage of the programmable control ring to add flexibility not possible with a DSLR.

Hopefully this roundup of Canon RF lenses will help you steer your way through the offerings and choose the perfect lens for you. Here’s our top pick:

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Canon RF Lenses

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

22 Best Photo Editing Services in 2024 (Updated)

Trevor Marshall — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:43:53 +0000

If you’re looking for good photo editing services, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the 26 best services, so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Whether you need basic editing or advanced retouching, these services have got you covered. They offer a wide range of features and services, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Plus, they’re all backed by a team of experienced professionals who know how to get the most out of your photos. So what are you waiting for? Check out our list and choose the perfect photo editor today!

1. WeEdit.Photos

WeEdit.Photos is a team of professional retouchers who offer online portrait and wedding photo editing services. These guys offer 24×7 client support and moderate prices, e.g. $0.2 per color correction and $5 per portrait retouching.
Generally, portrait, wedding and studio photographers are their main clients but they work with all possible types of photo editing. To place an order, you need to sign in, attach some unedited photos and write instructions.

2. OMS Photo

OMS Photo

OMS Photo is a photo studio and retouching service. The team consists of professional photographers and retouchers. The team has worked with companies like Gillette, Hershey’s, and Olay.
OMS Photo has a lot of experience, so its rate shouldn’t come as a surprise. Each image can cost anywhere from $50 to $450 to edit. The results look so professional that you could show them off on a billboard!
Overall, it’s a great service for those who want to take their photography to the next level.

3. Image Work India

Image Work India

Image Work India is a high-end photo retouching service made for portrait photographers. It focuses on enhancing body curves and perfecting skin textures. All of this is done very naturally.
A service like this is ideal for fashion photographers who need to make their models look a specific way. The price starts from $0.99 per image.

4. Vector People

Vector People

Vector People is for photographers who want perfect photo restorations. This service can repair, color, and enhance old photos. It can even fix digital photographs with dust or scratches.
This is a great photo editing service for photographers who want to enhance their analog photos. The rate starts from $10 per photo.

5. RetouchGem

RetouchGem

RetouchGem is a pro photo editing service based in Finland. The team works in one location and retouches images within 48 hours. The customer service is outstanding and the team is very flexible when it comes to instructions.
RetouchGem focuses on portrait and product photo retouching. Instead of using credits or starting prices, the company has a fixed hourly rate of €60. It can be the perfect photo retouching services for professional portrait and product photographers.

6. Wedding Retouching

Wedding Retouching

Wedding Retouching is a wedding photo editing service. Wedding photographers usually have to deal with thousands of images from one shoot. This can take hours of their time. This service promises to do all the work for them.
Wedding Retouching can cull, color correction, and retouch images in three different levels. Photo retouching ranges from $2 to $10 per image.
The examples on the website are very clean and minimalistic. If you’re a busy wedding photographer who doesn’t want intense photo retouching, this service might be for you.

7. Global Photo Edit

Global Photo Edit

Global Photo Edit has 100% positive reviews. This is pretty impressive for such a popular photo retouching company. It offers a variety of editing services, from photo restoration to high-end fashion photo retouching services.
You can start with a free trial. After that, every image will cost $1.25 to edit.
Global Photo Edit makes very complicated but realistic edits. If you have detailed photos that need to be retouched, you’re likely to enjoy using this company’s services.

8. Allô Victor

Allo Victor

Allô Victor is a French photo retouching company with a unique style. All the images it produces are clean and stylistic. The services include background removal, photo restoration, portrait photo retouching, and basic photo adjustments.
Allô Victor isn’t as heavy on advertisements as other photo retouching companies. It’s a smaller company that works with very professional photographers. If you like the way the website looks, you’re likely to enjoy Allô Victor’s services.
The pricing is unclear. You have to contact the owners directly to figure out how much you need to pay per image.

9. The Photo Retouching

The Photo Retouching

The Photo Retouching offers retouching services for fashion, product, and car photographers. The price per photo starts from $0.30. This makes The Photo Retouching one of the cheapest options on this list.
The company produces high-quality work. It’s before & after examples don’t look fake or unnatural.

10. Deepetch

Deepetch

Deepetch stands out when it comes to free trials. You can edit 5 photos for free using the trial system.
Deepetch also offers a wide variety of photo retouching services for different photographers. You pay according to the amount of time you’d like a retoucher to edit your work. The cheapest option costs $14. A retoucher will edit your image for an hour.
This service is on the pricier side, but it’s a good solution for photographers who want to edit just a few pictures.

11. Jewellery Retouch

Jewellery Retouch

As its name suggests, Jewellery Retouch focuses on photo retouching of jewellery only. Its website has impressive examples of high-quality pictures. The price per image depends on the kind of jewellery you photographed. The more intricate the design, the more you’ll have to pay.
Because Jewellery Retouch focuses on one kind of photography only, you can expect to get very professional results.

12. PixelPhant

PixelPhant

PixelPhant is a product photo editing service that edits over 500,000 images every year. The starting price for every image is $0.80.
PixelPhant has great customer service and quick turnaround time. Based on many positive reviews, it seems to be one of the best and most affordable product photo retouching services online.

13. Paper Boat Creative

Paper Boat Creative

Paper Boat Creative offers a wide range of editing services. All of the company’s example photos look clean, professional, and sharp.
Paper Boat Creative has worked with brands like Fit PRO and Shoes of Prey, so it has a lot of experience with high-end photo retouching. This service seems to be one of the best for photographers of all kinds.
Portrait photographers can benefit from its high-end skin retouching techniques. Nothing looks unnatural or overdone.

14. Retouching Zone

Retouching Zone

Retouching Zone has a simple website that might look unappealing at first. If you look at the before & afters, you’re likely to get impressed. The service beautifully edits product, real estate, and furniture pictures.
Like Pixel By Hand, Retouching Zone is made for product photographers mainly. The price per image ranges from $0.24 to $10.

15. Pixel By Hand

Pixel By Hand

Pixel By Hand is a photo retouching service for product photographers only. Because it specialises in one type of photography, you can expect very professional and sharp results.
Each image costs around $1.85 to edit.
If you’re unsure about the service, you can send the company a sample image that they’ll edit for free. This service is ideal for product or e-commerce photographers who want to keep their photos consistent.

16. Color Experts International

Color Experts International

Color Experts International promises to fix bad lighting, composition, and more. It offers retouching services to product and portrait photographers. It can also manipulate images to make them look surreal or conceptual.
The starting price per image is $1.99. You can also get a discount of up to 50% if you submit lots of photos. If you’re unsure about the quality of the images, you can ask the company to edit two photos for you for free.
Most of the company’s services have impressive before & afters. The Glamour Retouching

17. FixiPixi

FixiPixi

FixiPixi may doesn’t have a very appealing website design, but its photo retouching services are great. The starting price for most of the website’s services is $0.29 per image.
FixiPixi’s best services seem to be jewellery, real estate, and product photography retouching. Its portrait photo editing service doesn’t look appealing.
If you’re a product or real estate photographer, you might find this website’s pricing system quite decent.

18. Photo Retouching Up

Photo Retouching Up

Photo Retouching Up offers all kinds of photo editing services. The company’s retouchers can manipulate, color correct, restore, and beautify images.
The website has a unique categorizing system. Each service comes with a starting price and a discount.
For example, newborn photography retouching has a starting price of $2 per image. You can get a discount of 35% on bulk orders. This specific service can deliver up to 2,000 photos a day.
This is perfect for photographers on a budget who want to retouch hundreds of images.

19. Perfect Retouching

Perfect Retouching

Perfect Retouching promises to live up to its name. It offers four different retouching services, including jewellery, beauty, product, and headshot. The service focuses on sharpness and high-quality.
Given the quality of the results, the pricing is average. For example, jewellery photo retouching costs at least $3.99 per image.
This service is ideal for photographers who want to achieve a very specific and high-end look in their images.

20. Clipping Path India

Clipping Path India

Clipping Path India has an excellent reputation in the product photography industry. As its name suggests, the company focuses on creating photo cut-outs. These are usually PNG files used in online shopping businesses.
The service has over 300 retouchers from all over the world. This means that their turnaround time is pretty fast. You’re guaranteed to get a quote for your photo within 45 minutes.
Clipping Path India also offers portrait retouching services. However, their results aren’t the best compared to other websites. It’s worth checking out if you want to enhance your product photos for a low price.

21. Ephotovn

Ephotovn

Ephotovn has impressive before & after examples. It offers high-end photo retouching and background removal. The starting price for background removal is $0.39 per image. In high-end photo retouching, you can choose from a variety of looks to suit your creative needs.
The company is known for its rapid turnaround time. It can remove backgrounds from 1,000 images within 24 hours.
Ephotovn seems to focus exclusively on portrait retouching and product photography. If you’re looking for real estate photo editing, you should try another service.

22. Photo Editing Services: FixThePhoto

FixThePhoto

FixThePhoto Photo Editing Service is one of the most popular services for professionals on this list. The price starts from $0.20 for photo editing and $2 for retouching. Fixthephoto provides portrait, wedding, product, real estate photo editing and manipulations.
Many clients have said that FixThePhoto’s prices are reasonable. They have a quick turnaround time, too.
The best way to approach this service is to look through the company’s before/after example photos. They always follow your photography style and ask for detailed instructions with examples. You can send them an image to get a free quote.

What Is Retouching in Photography?

Photo retouching is removing flaws from an image. In portrait photography, this means removing blemishes and pimples from the skin. In product photography, this means getting rid of textures, dust, or unwanted wrinkles.

What Is Editing in Photography?

Photo editing means enhancing a picture in some way. This could mean removing a background, getting rid of flaws, color correction, or manipulating. If you change something in an image, it means you’re editing it.

What Do Professionals Use to Edit Photos?

Professional photo retouchers use programs like Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance their pictures.

Is Photoshop the Best Photo Editor?

Yes. Photoshop is considered one of the best photo editors in the world. A few other good options are GIMP, Lightroom, Skylum Luminar, and ON1 Photo RAW.

Conclusion

Photo retouching is an integral part of many photographers’ lives. Enhancing an image takes time, which is why many people choose to hire professionals. The right photo retouching services will improve your photos and attract more people to your work.
There are thousands of photo editing services. But don’t feel overwhelmed. The key is to look through the best ones and figure out which style suits your preferences the most.

inPixio Photo Studio Review and Scores in 2024 (Pro Version)

Nick Constant — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:04:56 +0000

inPixio Photo Studio Pro is a RAW processing and editing software for Mac or PC. inPixio Photo Studio describes itself as an easy-to-use, all-in-one photo editing software. It is perfect for photographers who get overwhelmed by standard editing software.

It doesn’t claim to be comprehensive, professional image editing software. Instead, it targets itself as a powerful one-click editor. But inPixio falls to the bottom of our list as we compare it with the other one-click editing software. This is due to the need for more features and actions.

Still, inPixio finds its winning quality in its simplicity and usability. There are many photographers I find it difficult to recommend software to due to their computer literacy. Photo Studio fills this void thanks to its stripped-back interface and easy-to-use adjustments.

Our inPixio Photo Studio review will look at this software in detail. We will specifically look at the Mac version (inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac). It’s important to note that it does miss out on some features compared to the Windows version (inPixio Photo Studio 12).

We will examine every crevasse of this editing software to give you an accurate portrayal of its strengths and weaknesses. Read on to learn more, or skip to relevant sections using our table of contents.

Recommend

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro

inPixio gives its users a super-simple workspace to perform a select range of functions. It is entry-level photo software ideal for those easily confused by other image editors.

I have used Adobe Lightroom since its first iteration and have experience with various editing software. I have tested the top options available on the market. This testing has included everything from high-end software to entry-level programs.

You can check out all our other Lightroom alternative software reviews to find the one that suits you best!

inPixio Photo Studio Review: Key Features and Benefits

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro is a non-destructive RAW processing and editing software. Its non-destructive actions mean any adjustment we make to our images inside the app will not affect our original RAW file.

The software can read RAW photo files directly from our cameras. And it translates them into more accepted file types such as JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files.

A noticeably key feature of Photo Studio Pro is its homepage. It quickly transports you to its main functions, which include Photo Editor, Photo Eraser, and Photo Cutter.

These three functions use different workspaces to simplify each process and reduce clutter. This key point adds to the application’s usability for those not confident using computers or new programs.

Splitting up these key functions into separate workspaces lets the user quickly get where they need to be. It is ideal to use the app for one of these functions consistently. These workspaces have a similar layout and editing approach. So, it won’t feel like an entirely new program.

One of its best qualities is the clarity and usability of the application. Each action is clearly labeled and has large enough text and adjustment icons for easy use.

Simple features like this make a big difference. It is especially beneficial for those easily overwhelmed by information. You can also make minor adjustments easier with its bigger adjustment sliders.

You can see this clarity and usability all across inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro. It is also very effective when applying presets or textures to your images. inPixio shows you medium-sized thumbnails for each action and what your image looks like when the preset or texture is applied.

Overview of Specs

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro

Minimum Computer Requirements	Minimum Computer Requirements 2 GB RAM
Minimum Software Requirements	Minimum Software Requirements macOS 10.11 (El Capitan)
Tethered Shooting	Tethered Shooting No
Mobile / Tablet Option	Mobile / Tablet Option Yes
Keyword Tagging	Keyword Tagging No
Camera and Lens Corrections	Camera and Lens Corrections No
Brush Tools	Brush Tools Photo Cutter, Photo Eraser
Layered Editing	Layered Editing No
AI Editing	AI Editing Yes
Noise Reduction	Noise Reduction Yes
Export Options	Export Options JPEG, TIFF, PNG
Best For	Best For Photographers who want simple software to perform basic edits or background removal

inPixio Photo Studio 10 claims it is the “#1 One-Click Photo Editor.” Their claim is false, given AI’s current development and use in other software like Luminar Neo and ON1 Photo RAW.

Even if we were to look at inPixio Photo Studio 12 Pro for PC, which has some extra features, the same still applies. Despite this, inPixio is still among the top photo editing software thanks to its unique approach.

And what is the main difference between the Mac and PC versions? The PC version features Sky Replacement technology. This is a good feature, but it is executed better in other image editing software.

If we look at Photo Studio Pro as an all-in-one image editor, we can see it lacks many features. Most notable is no storage and organization feature.

This is a big oversight, as their approach to usability is superb. It would be fantastic if inPixio included an organizational feature for the same demographic. It would be a different program and a big plus for users.

Both Photo Eraser and Photo Cutter are useful features to have. We will look into these features in more detail later on. But a noticeable drawback is that these features are quite slow.

Speed is an issue across the whole Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro program. It is even noticeable when making basic adjustments in the Photo Editor. And I am testing this software on an up-to-date M1 Mac.

Main Strengths

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro‘s main strength comes from its simplicity. Even though this may not sound like a sought-after quality, it goes a long way in photo editing software.

Of course, its simplicity sacrifices features. But you may be a photographer who doesn’t need an extended list of features, just the key ones.

Its simplicity is everywhere, from the navigation around the interface to the exporting process. It is also evident in the one-click switch for auto-adjustments and the large sliders you get for each adjustment.

A big strength for me is its large Tone Curve. I am a big fan of this adjustment, especially when these graphs are done well. The size of the Tone Curve is quite good. It helps you make small tweaks on an adjustment that can make dramatic changes.

It would have been nice to have a histogram behind this graph. But Photo Studio‘s Tone Curve is great for helping beginners understand more complex digital photography editing.

Workspace and File Management

Importing and Organizing Photos

Photo Studio Pro‘s importing process requires searching for relevant folders on your computer. This is less of an importing process and more an “opening of files” in the program.

This process means it is quicker to view your images. But it also means there is a lack of organizational controls inside the app.

inPixio does remember recent files that are opened in the application. Thus, you don’t have to keep locating the same folders from specific shoots. When you click on a recent image on the Photo Editor homepage, the whole folder opens in the filmstrip below your selected image.

This software’s Photo Eraser and Photo Cutter sections don’t let you open RAW files. So, you must open RAW files in Photo Editor before taking them into these adjustment workspaces.

There are no organizational features in inPixio Photo Studio. This is a huge oversight. A rating system is a simple feature that would go a long way. They let you “star” folders. But it isn’t enough even for basic organization.

inPixio Photo Studio for Mac import window

Viewing Photos

There are no unique viewing modes to help edit your photographs. This is another oversight, as it is harder to perform more accurate edits. This means editing a series of images in a similar style also takes a lot of work.

But this photo editing software isn’t designed for those who want a continuous editing style across multiple images. To do this, you should look at more advanced software, like Adobe Lightroom.

inPixio Photo Studio provides easy-to-use icons to help zoom in and out of the details in your image. This section can be found below the image.

I am a fan of its one-click for the 1:1 view. This brings your image to 100%, showing you the true detail of your photograph in its actual size. There is also an icon that takes your image straight back to fullscreen.

InPixio Photo Studio zoom features, including a helpful 1:1 view

Search and Sorting Tools

inPixio Photo Studio for Mac has no search and sorting tools. This makes it hard to locate images if you don’t have them organized on your desktop. And this will grow more evident as you shoot and open more images.

The icons above the filmstrip let you cycle through your folder system on your computer. This is helpful, but it is the only search feature that inPixio provides in its application.

inPixio’s only sorting options between folders

Image Development

RAW File Processing

Let’s now dive into how inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro handles our RAW files. This section compares its RAW processing results to Adobe Lightroom, our top-rated photo editing software.

The RAW processing results are surprisingly similar between the two applications. The most noticeable difference is the vibrancy and contrast of the highlights. Lightroom produces a punchy contrast here, whereas inPixio’s results are slightly more subdued.

If we look at the shadows, there isn’t much difference. But Lightroom provides slightly more contrast and differentiation between the shades.

The image quality is pretty close, too. inPixio does provide slightly softer results. But it is not a dramatic amount where it looks like there is a loss of quality.

The results of Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro are impressive. They keep up to the standard we expect from any paid RAW processing software.

Basic Editing Tools

We will now look at inPixio‘s basic editing tools and see how they function. inPixio’s Exposure Compensation tool lets you adjust your image to 5 stops of light in either direction.

If we compare its results of -4 stops to Lightroom’s results, we can see the vast difference between the two programs. inPixio applies a blanket darkness rather than affecting the highlights and shadows differently.

In Lightroom’s results, we can see that the tool functions similarly to how a camera would. inPixio’s tool does not do this. Instead, they turn your image extremely flat. Of course, you will not push this tool to these depths, but it is still evident at -2 stops.

Let’s look at how well inPixio handles specific editing functions, such as adjusting the shadows. Here, we will push each program’s shadow adjustment to -100. Again, we can see a big difference in Inpixio’s performance compared to Lightroom.

inPixio results do a good job of identifying the shadow areas. But they only affect the darkest shadows rather than the extended shadow spectrum.

The most noticeable quality is that inPixio does nothing to compensate for the colors in the shadows. This results in the colors looking much more contrasty and vibrant than before.

This improper handling of color is also evident when moving the shadow adjustment in smaller increments. You can combat this by reducing the image saturation using the Shadow tool. But this is slightly annoying and removes saturation in other areas of the photograph.

After looking at these results, we can see that inPixio suffers when it comes to the basic editing tools. We have pushed these adjustments to the max to stress-test the program.

Using the basic adjustments in small increments is still fine. And you can still produce good edits with these tools, especially if you just want to tweak your image slightly.

The Tone Curve in inPixio Photo Studio is brilliant. It still has the same issues evident in inPixio’s basic adjustment. But the use and functionality of this graph is brilliant. This is fantastic for people to understand digital photo editing better.

Preset Support

inPixio Photo Studio Pro gives you 30 different presets to help set the style of your digital edit. These presets are more like filters than presets. Presets normally give you a starting point to edit from, whereas these presets set a very specific style.

inPixio also provides a range of textures you can apply to your photography. These textures range from light leaks to film simulation and even double exposures. These textures help give your photograph an extra touch of style.

It is fantastic to have these options, particularly for beginners who want to experiment with different styles. This is the demographic that inPixio Photo Studio Pro is geared towards.

Photo Manipulation Tools

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro does not provide photo manipulation tools apart from Photo Eraser and Photo Cutter, which we will touch on later.

A lack of manipulation tools means you cannot easily clone certain elements or remove dust. Instead, you have to use the Photo Eraser workspace to do this.

Variety of Image Editing Views

As stated, inPixio Photo Studio provides no specialist viewing modes. This also applies to viewing modes to use while editing images.

Different viewing modes are extremely helpful as they provide a reference for your images. The most common viewing mode is before-and-after, which shows how far your image has strayed from the original. inPixio doesn’t even provide this, which is a shame.

Advanced Editing Features

Photo Eraser

As part of inPixio Photo Studio Pro, you get access to the Photo Eraser workspace. The Photo Eraser is a separate workspace for a Spot Heal tool. The same is found in Photoshop and other image editing software. Also included in this workspace are a Crop tool and a Clone tool.

The select and erase tool works well and has great usability. You can make selections using a marquee tool with a box cutter icon or the standard brush technique. The marquee tool is helpful as you can draw around the subject you want to erase.

inPixio also lets you brush out bits of your selection. This lets you fine-tune your selection so no parts get left out. There is also a zoom function that lets you get close to these bits. The more care you spend on this part, the more likely your results will be convincing.

I tried to take the camels out of this photograph in the example below. Removing the small ones is slightly convincing. But the program does not do a great job reading around the photograph.

It stutters the split between light and shadow. I removed one of the main camels in the last frame, and the program struggles with this.

The Clone tool is an approachable introduction to using the Clone tool found in Photoshop. But I could barely use this tool as the program was slow and froze my up-to-date Mac.

Speed was a big takeaway from working with this workspace. Photo Studio Pro took a long time to perform any action, and the results were not worth the wait.

It is good that you can select multiple objects and then perform the erase simultaneously. But overall, cheaper software has better erase tools, like Cyberlink’s PhotoDirector 365.

Photo Cutter

The Photo Cutter workspace is another feature that can be helpful for photographers. It is aimed at those who want to get creative with editing. inPixio tries a new approach to the background removal tools we are accustomed to.

In theory, this tool should work well. In execution, it is very fiddly and elongates the whole process. You are supposed to paint the areas you want to remove in red and the sections you want to keep in green.

My first results with a thin brush needed a couple of adjustments to define the area better. As I made small adjustments here and there, more areas would change to what they were before. I reached the point where most of the pictures had to be painted, which took a long time.

The results were fine in the end. But again, the program’s speed made this a longer process than it should be. The advantage of this process is that you can fine-tune your selection as much as possible to get the exact desired results.

After you have cut out your image, you can make a photo montage. inPixio provides a range of photos to apply your selection to. You can even add your own photos. This is a fun and easy way to play with digital photo editing techniques.

Overall, it is another slow tool that takes time to achieve your desired result. It does work better than the Photo Eraser tool. And it is also a good way to introduce Photoshop techniques to a beginner.

Notice how the tool doesn’t even get an accurate removal around the edge of the photograph.

Noise Reduction

The noise reduction in inPixio Photo Studio Pro is done through a simple slider. You also get a sharpness slider below, which you can use after you have set the noise reduction amount.

Again, this tool doesn’t work well. It softens up the image rather than actively doing something to the noise.

Of course, softening the image reduces the noise. But this affects the whole image’s sharpness. The sharpness slider barely does anything to the softness produced by the noise reduction.

The comparison below shows the same image through Lightroom’s Denoise software. This is slightly unfair as Lightroom uses AI. It is also the leading tech for denoise, a heavily contested feature among photography software. But as you can see from the results, there is no comparison.

Sharpness

inPixio‘s Sharpness tool works slightly better, but it produces strange results. Sharpness tools should always be used carefully as they can easily destroy an image. But here, the sharpness slider can affect the tones and colors of the photograph.

This is not evident in all images, just those shot in low light. This effect is strange and can mess with your whole edit, especially as you should always apply sharpness at the end. The result of this adjustment means you have to go back to counteract this edit.

Apart from this strange side-effect, the tool works well. It handles the sharpness in well-lit images without making it look too fake. But it is only convincing if you don’t push the sharpness slider to the max.

Exporting and Sharing Images

inPixio Photo Studio Pro has an extremely simple method for exporting and sharing photographs. Click the floppy disk icon up top or go to File > Save. (Do younger editors know what a floppy disk is?)

From here, you get an extremely simple interface that most computer users should be familiar with. You can export images in JPEG, PNG, and TIFF file formats. The JPEG option also has a quality slider, which is useful for producing smaller files without resizing your image manually.

inPixio does not let you export in a DNG (digital negative) or the original file type. There are also no options to resize or add a watermark when you export. There are no” extras” we are familiar with in other photography software. At the very least, they let you edit the file’s name here!

Example of the export process in inPixio Photo Studio for Mac

Smartphone and Tablet Compatibility (and Web App)

inPixio provides dedicated apps for both Apple and Android smartphones. “inPixio AI” is the Apple version, and “Erase BG (Remove Background)” is the Android title.

You can find these on the application stores for free, but there are in-app purchases for extra features. Both inPixio apps seem to function in similar ways.

The app works as a photo editor while also being able to perform background removal. On top of this, you can resize your images for various social media.

The photo editing tools follow the same issues highlighted in this article. The main problem with the smartphone app is that tonal adjustment heavily affects the color.

The main feature of the app is its background removal. This process works okay, especially as you don’t need much intervention. You won’t get the same control as the Photo Cutter adjustment in Inpixio’s full desktop app. But it still read the main subject automatically.

As you can see in our results below, the app struggled to decipher if the cat’s tail and the shadow were part of the main subject. After this selection, you can place your cut-out onto various backgrounds. The free version only gives you limited options to choose from.

Overall, it is a useful app if you need to quickly remove the background on your smartphone. There are much better picture editing apps that deal with basic adjustments. Including the ones that you can find already on your smartphone.

inPixio also features a web app that functions similarly to smartphone applications.

I did an edit in under a minute on the inPixio app.

inPixio Photo Studio Pro Pricing Plans

inPixio Photo Studio Pro is only available with yearly price plans. The price isn’t anything special, similar to its direct competitors like ACDSee. And it isn’t much lower than more advanced applications like Luminar Neo. But you get all software updates with the subscription.

The price isn’t enough to dent your bank account. But it’s enough to consider its competitors. And when we look at its competitors’ features and performance, it is worth paying that bit extra to get more bang for your buck.

PC users can download a free version with basic editing tools and photo effects. You can then decide if upgrading to other versions is worth it. You can also try a trial version of Photo Studio Pro for Windows.

Alternatives to inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro

Adobe Lightroom

There is a vast difference between inPixio Photo Studio Pro and Adobe Lightroom. This is relevant for almost every feature, from basic adjustment to on-click controls, which inPixio claims are among the best.

Of course, there is a big price difference as well. You pay much less for inPixio Photo Studio Pro. But, as I mentioned, other editing programs can do much more for a similar price.

The advantage of inPixio Pro over Adobe Lightroom is its stripped-back simplicity. I wouldn’t recommend Lightroom to photographers who get into digital photography later in life.

InPixio is particularly relevant for those who aren’t proficient with computer applications. inPixio Photo Studio Pro‘s approach is close to the top of my list for those users as there isn’t a need to learn a wide range of functions.

Final Verdict for inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro

Measurement	Measurement Score
Main Features	Main Features
Workspace	Workspace
File Management & Organization	File Management & Organization
RAW Processing	RAW Processing
Importing & Exporting	Importing & Exporting
Basic Editing Tools	Basic Editing Tools
Manipulation Tools	Manipulation Tools
Advanced Editing	Advanced Editing
Ease of Use	Ease of Use
Design	Design
Compatibility	Compatibility
Annoying Little Things	Annoying Little Things
Personal Verdict	Personal Verdict
One-Click Editing	One-Click Editing
Range of Tools	Range of Tools
Value for Money	Value for Money
Total Score	Total Score

After spending time with inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro, I can say its simplicity is this software’s championing feature. This isn’t much of a trait to shout about, though. This comes out at the top because the other functions aren’t up to modern standards.

This is a shame as there is a gap in the market for a stripped-back photo editing software that performs edits to a high standard. It is also disappointing because I enjoyed the simplicity and usability of inPixio.

Another evident drawback was the speed of the application. The program has excellent usability, but its slow speed takes a couple of points off this factor.

inPixio’s claim of being the “#1 one-click photo editor” falls short. It comes close to the bottom of photo software that offers one-click editing options. On top of this, there aren’t even many options to perform different one-click edits.

Despite this, I still recommend inPixio to older users who perform extremely basic edits on their computers.

I also recommend it to people who need to remove the background from their images with added control and who don’t have time to work it out in Photoshop. I only say with added control because there are many free options to do this function online.

Overall, I am disappointed with inPixio’s Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro software. There needs to be more extra features to redeem its basic editing actions. And if you are creating an app with stripped-back features and accessible edits, at least ensure these adjustments work well.

Recommend

inPixio Photo Studio 10 Mac Pro

inPixio gives its users a super-simple workspace to perform a select range of functions. It is entry-level photo software ideal for those easily confused by other image editors.