
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

Manfrotto finally launches the ONE tripod to suit all photographers!
By Matthew Richards published
Even more singular than the Manfrotto One Hybrid tripod, the new Manfrotto One Photo edition is aimed more exclusively at stills photographers rather than hybrid content creators

Ricoh SnapScan iX2500 review: a conveniently compact desktop scanner for digitizing your paperwork
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Ricoh SnapScan iX2500 automatically scans batches of single-sided and double-sided paperwork in double-quick time, and it’s well connected too

The best extension tube sets in 2026: turn your standard lens into a magnifying glass and get a whole lot closer
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying Guide The best extension tubes are a cheap and effective way to convert a regular lens into a macro lens for close-ups

Best pistol grip tripod heads in 2026: give your tripod a joystick control
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide Make a good tripod or monopod great by adding a pistol grip head designed for quick and easy camera maneuvering

Looking for a Canon camera bag? I've reviewed lots and these are the four I strongly recommend
By Matthew Richards published
BAGS The best Canon camera bag will keep your kit safe, be comfortable to wear and have lots of handy compartments

Best Nikon flashguns in 2026: 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

Best Sony flashguns in 2026: dedicated flashguns for Sony mirrorless cameras
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Now's the time to light up your life (and your photography) with one of the best Sony flashguns. Here are my top picks...

The best lenses for concert photography in 2026: class glass for live performance
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide The best lenses for concert photography will support you at low-light music gigs and when shooting from the soundboard

Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC | Contemporary lens review: a downsized delight for APS-C format Fujifilm, Sony and (yes!) Canon mirrorless cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DC | C proves that shrinkflation can be a good thing, cutting 50% off the weight and 30% off the length of its predecessor

The best rechargeable AA batteries in 2026 to power your cameras and portable devices
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated Find the best AA rechargeable batteries to power your flashes and other gadgets.

The best Fujifilm lenses in 2026: 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

Compact cameras are the last word in convenience… or are they? My mirrorless camera is smaller, more pocketable and a lot more versatile
By Matthew Richards published
Opinion Sometimes I want to fill a backpack with camera gear, other times I only want to fill a pocket. Here’s how I shrank the size and saved a stash of cash

I’ve ditched my posh ultra-wide-angle zoom for a tiny prime on my camera. It’s much smaller, lighter and costs a fraction of the price
By Matthew Richards published
Opinion I need an ultra-wide lens for when my standard zoom can't fit it all in the frame – and I’ve found one that I can pretty much fit in a spare pocket

Best flashgun in 2026: camera strobes and Speedlites for every budget
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These are the best flashguns that attach to the hotshoe of your camera, from basic bare-bones devices to fully featured models

Best lenses for the Nikon Z7 II in 2026: class glass to make the most of those megapixels
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated I think these are the best lenses for the Nikon Z7 II (and original Z7) right now, blending versatility, performance, and value

Best macro lenses in 2026: find delight in the detail
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Here are the best macro lenses for extreme close-ups to fit your DSLR or mirrorless camera

Best tilt-shift lenses in 2026: get a whole new perspective on your photography
By Matthew Richards last updated
BUYING GUIDE Take control of perspective and depth of field with the best tilt-shift lenses for architecture, landscapes, and more

Best lenses for safari photography in 2026: get close to wildlife and keep your distance
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Strong telephoto reach is the common theme of the best lenses for safari photography. Here are my top picks

The best scanner for documents & photos in 2026: digitize your docs and precious images
By Tom May last updated
Buying Guide Digitize receipts, reports, photos, ID cards, negatives, and more, with the best scanner for documents and photos

Best budget telephoto lenses in 2026: get powerful reach at a bargain price
By Matthew Richards last updated
BUYING GUIDE I pick the best budget telephoto zooms for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and more, so you can really cover the distance for a small outlay!

The best disposable cameras
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

Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro review: pro by name, pro by nature
By Matthew Richards last updated
Review The Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro is a not-so-standard, standard prime for full-frame Nikon and Sony mirrorless cameras

Viltrox brings its more affordable pro prime to Nikon shooters with the AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro Z
By Matthew Richards published
NEWS I loved everything about this lens when I tested it and reviewed it last year, apart from one thing. That’s now been fixed…
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