
Matthew Richards
Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners!
His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related.
In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.
Latest articles by Matthew Richards

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports review: Sigma's supersize "dream lens" is now a reality
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports aims to be a modern-day classic super-telephoto zoom for Sony and L-Mount cameras

Manfrotto 804 3-way head review: tripping the plastic fantastic
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 804 3-way head is unusual in having a plastic build, but it still has a hefty payload rating

Manfrotto X-PRO 3-way head review: tilt, pan and swivel in fine style
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto X-PRO 3-way head brings finesse and fine-tuning to camera positioning, with three independent locking levers and two adjustable friction dampers

Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air review: wide-angle prime time for Fujifilm, Nikon and Sony crop-sensor cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air extends the range of fast, APS-C format Viltrox Air prime lenses into wide-angle territory

The best loupes for photographers in 2025: powerful magnification to reveal the smallest details
By Matthew Richards last updated
buying guide Typically more powerful than magnifying glasses, these specialist optical tools enable you to see incredibly fine levels of detail

The best lenses for the Nikon Zf in 2025: high-performance yet stylish glass
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated I think that the best lenses for the Nikon Zf need to fit with its retro-styling but match its full-frame performance

Everything in moderation: why I’m a happy "Matthew in the Middle" photographer
By Matthew Richards published
opinion A single camera is enough for me, but I do need a decent set of lenses. Even so, they don’t have to cost a fortune and I’m happy with middle-of-the-road performance

The best lenses for the Nikon Z8 and Z9 in 2025: top-flight lenses for these top-of-the-range cameras
By Adam Waring last updated
Updated It's a tough job, but I pick out the best lenses for the Nikon Z8 and Z9, Nikon's sensational high-res mirrorless flagships

The best disposable cameras in 2025
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
buying guide Cheap, easy to use, and perfect for parties, these are the best disposable cameras and single-use cameras you can buy today

LK Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE review: a portrait prime for Sony cameras that focuses on your budget as well as your subject
By Matthew Richards published
Review The LK Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE ‘Prima’ prime has a classic focal length for portraiture and still life photography, shoehorned into an easily manageable and affordable build

LK Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE review: this new ‘Prima’ prime packs an expansive perspective into a small build
By Matthew Richards published
Review The LK Samyang AF 16mm f/2.8 P FE ultra-wide-angle prime for Sony full-frame cameras is conveniently compact and lightweight

Best Leica M lenses in 2025: every current Leica M rangefinder lens
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
buying guide Looking for the best Leica M lens? These are all the Leica-made rangefinder lenses for Leica cameras

I've fallen in love with lots of cameras & lenses, but when did light stands become sexy?
By Matthew Richards published
opinion It’s easy to get excited about some of the hottest new cameras, lenses and photo gadgets, but studio light stands? Really?

The best ring flash for macro photography in 2025: use a ring light for better closeups
By Chris George last updated
Updated Make sure your macro shots of insects and flowers are beautifully lit using a dedicated ringflash

Best Nikon flashguns in 2025: Nikon-fit Speedlights you can buy today
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying Guide A flashgun can be used for everything from filling in shadows on a bright day to lighting subjects in the dark, and here are the best Nikon-compatible options

The best gimbal heads for tripods in 2025: effortlessly track the action with big lenses
By Adam Waring last updated
UPDATED For wildlife, sports and action photography, there’s no beating a gimbal head for smoothly tracking moving subjects, especially if you’re using a big telephoto lens

Canon PIXMA PRO-200S review: for large-format glossy photo prints, this is as good as it gets
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is a subtle refresh of my favorite A3+ / 13-inch dye-based printer, ideal for a glossy or luster photo finish

The best lenses for the Nikon D800 in 2025: the top lenses for Nikon's much-loved DSLR
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These best lenses for the Nikon D800 help you to get the most from an older DSLR camera that's still popular today

The best lenses for the Nikon Z fc in 2025: my top picks for Nikon's mini modern classic
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These are my favorite lenses for the Z fc, Nikon's compact retro-style mirrorless camera, and a cult classic in the making

The best lenses for the Nikon Z50 & Z50 II in 2025: explore your camera's full potential
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated What are the best lenses for the Nikon Z50, Nikon’s first and still perhaps its most practical APS-C mirrorless camera?

The best lenses for the Nikon Z30 in 2025: sensibly small lenses for a very compact camera
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated It's Nikon's cheapest mirrorless camera and a great way to get into vlogging, but what are the best lenses for the Nikon Z30?

The best lenses for the Nikon D3500 in 2025: a perfect fit for this entry-level camera
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These are the best lenses for your Nikon D3500, combining usefulness and value when you're ready to start expanding your system

LK Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S review: an ultra-wide-angle prime that’s now available in Canon RF-S mount
By Matthew Richards published
Review The LK Samyang / Rokinon AF 12mm f/2 RF-S is a small lens that goes large on viewing angle, for APS-C format Canon, Fujifilm and Sony mirrorless cameras
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