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
The best Fujifilm lenses in 2024: the best zoom & prime lenses for X Series cameras
By Gareth Bevan last updated
BUYING GUIDE We list the best Fujifilm lenses for all kinds of photography, whether you're into travel, close-ups, wildlife or portraits
The best photography lighting kits in 2024: for studio, location and video
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Buying guide We select the best photography lighting kits with mains power, battery power, and continuous LED lighting for video
The best ringflash for macro photography in 2024
By Chris George last updated
Updated Make sure your macro shots of insects and flowers are beautifully lit using a dedicated ringflash
Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS review: Stick or twist? This travel tripod gives you both options
By Matthew Richards published
Review The new Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS tripod kit comes in twist or lever lock options, as well as in aluminum and carbon fiber versions. Plenty to choose from.
The best light stands in 2024: solid support for studio flash heads, LED light panels and more
By Matthew Richards last updated
buying guide Support studio lights, reflectors, backgrounds and more, with the best light stands on sale today
Manfrotto Nano Light Stand review: a small but reasonably tall light stand
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 5001B-1 Nano Light Stand achieves a decent operating height but folds down surprisingly small for compact stowage.
Elinchrom Lighting Stand review: a stand that keeps things simple
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Elinchrom Lighting Stand is quick and easy to use but gives lofty, sturdy support, all at a keen price.
Manfrotto 420B Combi-Boom Stand review: a two-in-one light stand and boom
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 420B Combi-Boom Stand gives the versatility of a towering light stand plus a boom, in one convenient package.
Manfrotto 003 Backlite Stand review: elegant simplicity and sturdy support for backdrop lighting
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 003 Backlite Stand is ideal when you want to go low, and illuminate backdrops while keeping your flash head out of the frame.
Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Stand twin pack review: so cheap it’s like a BOGOF deal
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Stand twin pack is so inexpensive it seems like you’re buying one and getting the other one for free.
The best Nikon portrait lenses in 2024 for Nikon Z cameras and Nikon DSLRs
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying Guide How to choose the best Nikon portrait lenses to fit your camera and your budget! Includes Nikon Z and DSLR cameras
Best Leica M lenses in 2024: 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
Best Canon flashgun in 2024: which Speedlite will be best for you?
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the best Canon flashgun that suits your needs and budget
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II review: the portrait-friendly G Master lens gets a revamp and comes up trumps
By Matthew Richards published
Review Eight years on, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II seeks to build on the success of the original G Master ‘portrait prime’ with some desirable updates.
Manfrotto Befree GT 3-Way review: a compact travel tripod for hybrid content creators
By Matthew Richards published
Review The compact and lightweight Manfrotto Befree GT 3-Way is built for the road and aims to cater to all the needs of hybrid content creators shooting stills and video.
NiSi NM-200s Macro Focusing Rail review: get on track for extreme close-ups
By Matthew Richards published
Review The NiSi NM-200s Macro Focusing Rail helps you to nail focusing for tricky macro shots and makes light work of focus stacking
The best L-mount lenses in 2024: check out these best buys for your Panasonic, Sigma or Leica mirrorless camera
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide These are the best L-mount lenses for Panasonic Lumix S cameras, the Leica SL range and the amazing Sigma fp series
The best photo paper for inkjet printers in 2024
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Bring your images to life with the best photo paper for your inkjet printer, from Canon, Epson, Hahnemühle and more
The best camera under $200 in 2024: cheap cameras with a bit more power
By Matthew Richards, Jon Stapley last updated
UPDATED The best camera under $200 includes digital compacts, hybrids and tough waterproof cameras
The best disposable cameras in 2024
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
I’ve started a love affair with lens wraps, and my camera bags are now left on the shelf
By Matthew Richards published
opinion I’ve started a new love affair with lens wraps, and my camera bags are being left on the shelf. Here’s why...
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 review: a nifty, nippy little lens with street smarts for Nikon Z-system cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review Billed as an ideal lens for street photography, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is, remarkably, the company’s first ever f/1.4 Z-mount prime lens
Novoflex KOPF2 geared head review: ultra-fine precision but comes at a price
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Novoflex KOPF2 Geared Head Starter Kit is from a range of modular kit options, catering to the most exacting requirements
Novoflex Qube Goniometer Head Pro-Kit review: ultra-high-precision adjustments are the aim of this modular tripod head
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Novoflex Qube Goniometer Head Pro-Kit sits at the top of the tree of various modular geared tripod head kit options, offering the greatest versatility.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!